Kiawah Island, South Carolina. One of the USA’s oldest seaside resorts, Cape May in New Jersey is resplendent with history and offers an evocative dose of old Americana to vacationers. If you visited the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort before 2018, you’d hardly recognize it now. The Outer Banks is a connected community of unique beach towns that offers uncrowded beaches, fantastic restaurants, and, most importantly, one of the friendliest atmospheres on the East Coast. Located in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach, the recurring nautical theme around the property is fascinating. ... South Carolina's Myrtle Beach offers seaside resort accommodations for families. Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Families can stroll or pedal the three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk or watch street performers on Atlantic Avenue during the summer months. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Vacation rentals are the most popular lodging options here. These 21 resorts offer awesome ocean views, nonstop family activities, and comfy rooms—all at a price that won't leave you feeling burned. When it comes to summer vacations in the U.S., there’s nothing more classic than a beach resort—especially on the East Coast. You can explore the 200 miles of pristine beaches or admire the wild horses in Corolla! So head to the beach to build lasting family memories. The fully furnished rentals range in size and style but are impeccably maintained. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook! The 7 Best Family-Friendly Beaches Along the USA East Coast Bass Hole, Massachusetts. What’s not to love? West Dennis Beach on Nantucket Sound is a long expanse that’s great for kite flying, body surfing, and digging in the sand. Tybee Island is a popular retreat among Savannah residents as well as out-of-town guests. Recommended Hotel: Southampton Village Motel. Book a hotel today and pay later with Expedia. These are some of the best East Coast beach resorts. Avenue Inn & Spa is another one of the East Coast family resorts that deserve a mention in this list because of the comfortable accommodation and modern amenities offered. Little ocean lovers will also want to visit the touch tanks and exhibits at the Blue Ocean Discovery Center and Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium. Spanning 300+ gorgeous acres including a two-and-half-mile private beach and wildlife sanctuary, South Seas Island Resort is paradise for families. Bike rentals during the day and S’mores by the fire at night are family favorites, as is the nearby Summer Waves Water Park, open seasonally. New Hampshire might be better known for its mountains than its beaches. But the highlight of a visit to this East Coast beach resort—located on Goat Island in Newport—is three goats who live in their own “mansion” at the hotel! It’s just one of the spots you’ll find along the Old Orchard Beach Boardwalk, which also offers all kinds of all-American eats and shopping opportunities. What’s to love about this spot on the shores of the U.S.’s smallest state? Beaches in this Connecticut town on Long Island Sound named for President James Madison include the popular Surf Club Park, which also offers a playground, basketball and sand volleyball courts, and concession stand, and the more than two miles of sand at Hammonasset Beach State Park, also home to Meigs Point Nature Center, which offers nature walks, turtle presentations and other programs during the summer. Rehoboth Beach is especially popular with families, especially those looking for a seaside day trip from Dover or elsewhere in Delaware. Choose East Beach for good surfing or South Beach for calmer water perfect for the little ones. The 21 Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. Take your winter adventures to the next level with a visit to one of the country's best ski resorts. Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott, head to the beach after a trip to Disney World. © Copyright 2021 Family Vacation Critic All Rights Reserved. We’ve “beach-combed” the UK for answers - and here they are! This Lowcountry island offers 12 miles of beaches. There are multiple mini-golf and go-karting options in the area (always a favorite of the kids who vacation here) and must-visit local institutions like Sundae School, which operates out of a historic barn and was named one of the “Best Ice Cream Spots in the U.S.” by Food & Wine magazine. Cape Cod in Massachusetts draws families back year after year for its gorgeous beaches, charming beach towns and good old-fashioned family fun. Rich with history and longevity, Island Realty is the household name for thousands of families spending a vacation on the east coast. Little animal lovers will want to take advantage of the chance to pet a slot or snuggle with a lemur at Zoo World, while thrill seekers can brave the slides at Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Part of the celeb-loved getaway spot the Hamptons, this town on the South Fork of the eastern end of Long Island is home to Cooper’s Beach, which has appeared multiple times on “Dr. Watch the sun set at South Beach or enjoy the often-uncrowded sands at Folly Field and Driessen Beaches, both of which also have mats for wheelchair accessibility. Looking for the perfect family beach vacation? Whether your idea of the best family vacation spots in Florida include the 5-star beach resorts of Palm Beach, Naples, and Miami or the best of Orlando and Disney World, let us guide you to the perfect kid friendly resorts in Florida. Here are some of our favorite luxury family resorts in Florida, the Atlantic Coast and New England, Hawaii, California, Asia, and Caribbean that have refueled us. The resort recently completed a $320-million transformation, bringing with it new and enhanced accommodations with private balconies, expanded pool decks at its two swimming pools; and the addition of five new restaurants (bringing the total number of dining options to 12). Recommended Hotel: Echo Motel & Oceanfront Cottages. Another Gurney’s Resort, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is as famous and luxurious as it gets in The Hamptons. While all sorts of trips can be the perfect fit for families, there’s something timeless about a relaxing resort vacation, so we’ve outlined 10 of the best Hilton resorts for families to enjoy. Here are some of our favorite luxury family resorts in Florida, the Atlantic Coast and New England, Hawaii, California, Asia, and Caribbean that have refueled us. Close to Home. Families can tour the area by horse-drawn carriage or trolley, search for whales and dolphins on a boat excursion, or scan the skies for winged creatures at the Cape May Bird Observatory. So head to the beach to build lasting family memories. It’s home to Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse and Civil War–era Fort Pulaski, where the family can hike, bike, bird watch, and catch regular cannon firing demonstrations. Then take them to Palace Playland, New England’s only beachfront amusement park where the rides range from mild (like a carousel and spinning teacups) to totally wild (with names like the Adrenaline and Power Surge). Families will love pedaling to the beach, restaurants, and little general store where they can pick up groceries, sundries, newspapers, penny candy and ice cream. Be sure to say hello to Cornelia, Cooper and Henry. Many families rent vacation homes in the Outer Banks. Parents will love the historic charm and Victorian architecture of this coastal city that’s been dubbed “America’s oldest seaside resort.” Kids will love all the beach options, from the City of Cape May’s classic Jersey Shore beaches to the more wild sands at spots like Cape May Point State Park. With more than 2,000 miles of coast line, it’s no wonder that the American East Coast is chock-full of charming beach towns. Kids will love traveling around by bike or golf cart; you can also kayak or standup paddleboard through the island’s creeks and marshes. With 26 miles of protected shoreline, there’s plenty of beach, nature, and fun things to do for families. Between mid-July and August, kids get to tie-dye their own shirts. There are lots of golfing options on Hilton Head Island, whether you prefer a regulation course or one of the miniature variety. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Families can climb the 108 steps to the top of Old Baldy, North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse, or ride along on a turtle patrol with the Bald Head Island Conservancy. Explore the many trails that are part of the Madison Land Conservation Trust or tour town historic sites run by the Madison Historical Society. The ability to step right from my hotel room to the ocean is something that I look for when choosing the best hotel at a beach … Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Get away from it all on this car-free island that’s only accessible by ferry. Other choices for family fun include mini-golf, go-carts, and the Gran Maze at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, a human labyrinth that’s the size of a football field. Recommended Hotel: Mainsail Motel & Cottages. From the historic hotels that dot coastal Maine to upscale resorts in Florida, there’s an East Coast beach resort for every family. Dreaming of a beach vacation on the East Coast? Beach options like Misquamicut State Beach and Napatree Point Beach, for starters. Keep in … The crystal clear waters and powder-white sand of the Emerald Coast are frequently calling us back to the family-friendly Destin area, and there’s no better place to set anchor than at the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort complete with a seven-mile stretch of beach on the property. Things you buy may earn us a commission. Get out on the water on a boat, kayak, or fossil hunting tour, then head to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn more about the aquatic creatures that call the island home. The all-suite hotel features spacious accommodations that can sleep five guests, and all suites have private balconies and fully equipped kitchenettes with full-size refrigerators. Don’t forget to check out Rehoboth Beach for its fun boardwalk and rides — a great spot for kids of all ages (including mom, dad, grandpa and grandma!) There's Children's Beach, which is perfect for toddlers and even has a playground. Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Club Med's only U.S. property, is located in Port St. Lucie, on Florida's east coast. An icon in Cape May, New Jersey—you can’t miss its pale, yellow exterior and overall grandeur—Congress Hall has been a favorite for couples and families alike since it opened in 1816 (rebuilt in 1879). Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Breakers was opened by Henry Flagler in 1896 (under a different name) to accommodate travelers on the Florida East Coast Railway. Island Realty’s over 300 rentals span across Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes, Sullivan’s Island, Mount Pleasant, and Goat Island. Agawam Park has a fun playground for kids and is the site of summertime concerts put on by the Southampton Cultural Center. Beaches on the East Coast of Florida include the barrier island Amelia Island, as well as Daytona Beach, Hollywood Beach, and South Beach. While you won’t find character meals and themed guestrooms at this resort, located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, you will find three restaurants (plus a bar) and modern guestrooms and spacious villas, the largest ones sleeping up to nine guests. Here are the best East Coast beaches for families … Located about 20 minutes from Savannah, this barrier island features more than three miles of beaches that range from centrally situated Mid Beach to the quieter Back River Beach, a great spot for sunsets and dolphin spotting. It offers a one-mile boardwalk that hosts activities throughout the year. Famous for its salt water taffy, three-mile boardwalk, and seemingly endless opportunities for kid-friendly fun, Ocean City Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches to spend your time with the kids. These 16 popular beaches along the East Coast's 2,000-plus miles of shoreline include activities for families, surfers, naturalists and other beachgoers to enjoy. Family dining options include the resort restaurant and eateries in the town. We then gathered data to scientifically decide the best seaside towns in the UK. Whether you want to head to the beach after a trip to Disney World or are simply looking for a good East Coast beach resort that caters to families, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is a great choice. Be sure to check the resort’s Offers & Packages page ahead of your visit. Beach’s” list of best beaches in America (including in the top spot in 2010). And this Mid-Cape location makes it easy to explore other nearby towns from Hyannis (the unofficial “capital of the Cape”) to charming Chatham. Enjoy views of the Atlantic from the top of the 100-foot-tall Ferris wheel at Atlantic Fun Park or make a splash on the Sea Serpent and Vortex slides at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. Miles of bike trails lined with live oaks await exploration, or families can check out the area by boat, helicopter, kayak, or horseback. Rent bikes or book a boat tour to further explore the area. This is probably my favorite overall family beach resort, because it offers so much more than just beach access. Best Luxury Family Resorts in Mexico. Don’t forget the snacks and sunscreen! These 16 popular beaches along the East Coast's 2,000-plus miles of shoreline include activities for families, surfers, naturalists and other beachgoers to enjoy. Families will find plenty of fun at Tybee Island's parks, some of the best East Coast Beaches, and playgrounds. ICONA offers two other beach resorts in New Jersey, too: ICONA Diamond Beach in Wildwood Crest, and ICONA Cape May. Best East Coast Beaches for Family-Friendly Vacations Clearwater Beach, Florida. The large, local beach and action-packed Jolly Roger Amusement Park give you and your family plenty to enjoy. Let the kids travel back to the past (and get ice cream) at Historic Cold Spring Village or check out all the cool aircraft on view at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. — and Dewey Beach for its laid back vibes — a great spot for the tweens … Wentworth by the Sea just sounds magical—and once you arrive, you’ll see that it really is. When you’re not at the beach, take the kids to Mermaid and Merman School, hosted at one of the resort’s three pools. Today, it’s an over-the-top luxurious retreat for all travelers, with an oceanfront location (and easy access to the beach) in Palm Beach; water sports rentals; multiple swimming pools; a kids’ club; a family entertainment center; golf; tennis; bicycle rentals; a spa… we could keep going. Wondering where to plan your family vacation this summer? Here are the best family-friendly beaches in Florida and the south, west coast, east coast and international beaches from the pros at TravelChannel.com. Options include the sands at St. Andrews State Park and undeveloped Shell Island, accessible only by boat and ideal for collecting its namesake feature. Kid-friendly winter activities include a slopeside climbing wall, ice … Travel south to Florida for a world class variety of family beach resorts, especially in Miami Beach. Catch a movie on the beach during the summer or visit the Watch Hill Lighthouse Museum to see how keepers lived and worked. Taylor Swift fans might want to spend time on the sands of Watch Hill Beach; the pop star owns a beach home in that area. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! Even though the leaves are still turning, Hilton’s increased credit card offers make it worthwhile to look ahead and plan for next year’s spring break or even your family’s summer vacation. One of the best family friendly East Coast beach destinations is Fire Island National Seashore, off the coast of Long Island, New York. Don’t forget the snacks and sunscreen! The 20 Best Beach Resorts for Families The 20 Best Beach Resorts for Families ... and this charming one located at the edge of the Gulf Coast is no exception. But what makes the best seaside? The Emirate on the furthest east coast of the country is now easily reachable from Dubai in under 2 hours. Take part in the resort’s "Sunset SHELLebration," including live music and a nightly ritual where, as the sun dips into the Gulf, guests of all ages toss a shell into the ocean and make a wish. #9 Best Value of 132 United States Luxury Family Resorts “ ... just minutes away from the busy hustle and bustle of Waikiki, the property sits right on the beach with 3 outstanding restaurants a world-class spa and of course superb service to match it's timeless luxury . While the resort isn’t located right on the beach, shuttle service takes guests to beaches in the neighboring towns of Ogunquit, York and Kennebunkport. This luxury resort also offers an onsite brew pub, bistro and lounge; an outdoor pool, and most importantly, direct access to the beach. Check out the resort’s packages and pricing incentives before you book, and if traveling with an infant, inquire about BabyQuip—Wild Dunes Resort partners with the baby gear company to offer everything from books and toys to cribs and strollers for its littlest guests. From the resort, it’s a quick ride to the beach. Kids and adults will love the best resorts for families in the U.S., according to travelers who voted in the 2020 World's Best Awards. Named the best beach in the country in 2013, Main Beach in East Hampton is known for its wide stretch of sand plus a snack bar, bathrooms, and lockers. The people, the food, the beauty, it is all incredible There are truly some of the best luxury resorts for families in Mexico and many are All Inclusive, so once you arrive, there is nothing else to worry about. Part of a longer strand of white-sand beaches, Coopers Beach has calm waters, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, and … If you don’t want to drive and park there, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards and travel down the Bass River to the shoreline. More Close to Home. The island’s namesake resort, Jekyll Island Club Resort, is the only full-service resort on the island. Be sure to check the resort’s Specials & Packages page ahead of your visit. Tucked on the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is lined with resorts that are full of family-friendly activities. The best resorts for families with children should be those that provide safety, beaches where the sea deepens slowly and waters remain almost always calm, able to offer some activities for children, resorts near children’s playgrounds, and places providing relaxing holidays for the rest of the family. Browse our selection of 172 hotels in East Coast offering family-friendly amenities that will make your vacation memorable! Both Ocean City Beach and Rehoboth Beach are regularly listed on “best of” beach lists for both the United States and the East Coast. She enjoys exploring destinations close to home and farther afield with her husband and teenage daughter. The Beaches resort chain prides itself on being teen-friendly, and three of the best are in Turks & Caicos, Negril, Jamaica, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. East Coast Family Resorts. Rich with history and longevity, Island Realty is the household name for thousands of families spending a vacation on the east coast. 3. Located in Montauk, the oceanfront resort features direct access to a private beach, seawater indoor pool, water sports rentals, onsite dining and a variety of accommodations ranging from standard guestrooms to two-bedroom residences with full kitchens. Best Beach Resorts Fujairah. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. The kids can learn more about that important job with a visit to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, which includes an interactive children’s exhibit area where they can scan the seas by telescope and “rescue” Teddy the bear. Guests enjoy three private access points to the beach, with beach towels, chairs and umbrellas provided (seasonal) and a water sports equipment outpost onsite. The Cape Cod National Seashore is a family favorite, but each beach has its own unique flavor. Yes, send me expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for my family. The Hilton Head beach resort also has three onsite dining options. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire’s largest ski area, offers 464 acres and 62 trails and is regarded as having some of the best grooming in the East with an average annual snowfall of 200 plus inches. The Taconic Kimpton, just … Two onsite restaurants, a bar and a spa add to the appeal. Beth Luberecki is a Florida-based freelance writer who writes about travel, business, and lifestyle topics for a variety of publications and websites. The OBX resort also offers music and S’mores by the fire at night, and other family activities during the day. It's not actually one, but two resorts, located just 200 flip-flop lengths away from each other. For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. These are some of the best East Coast beach resorts. One of the best beach resorts in Florida, The Breakers Palm Beach is also one of the most historic. Its name does not disappoint – it is a resort on a grand scale. Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Club Med's only U.S. property, is located in Port St. Lucie, on Florida's east coast. The resort also offers complimentary breakfast, an onsite restaurant and an indoor/outdoor pool. We feature the best luxury resorts in Florida for families. Cape Cod in Massachusetts draws families back year after year for its gorgeous beaches, charming beach towns and good old-fashioned family fun. Dubbed “America’s First Seaside Resort,” Congress Hall offers a private stretch of beach, where umbrellas and loungers await; The Blue Big Tavern, which offers a kids’ menu; and surrey and bicycle rentals (including kids’ bikes), a popular activity in Cape May. The original retail store for Tate’s Bake Shop is also in the area. Below are 20 of the best family-friendly resorts in the U.S. — from mountain escapes to beachside retreats. The Conservancy also leads an after-dark tour to check out what island animals might be doing at night. The three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk makes this one of the best beaches on the east coast for families. Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina offers outdoor and indoor swimming pools, complimentary bicycle rentals, a seasonal kids’ club, marina, seasonal skating rink and quick and easy access to several beaches. This East Coast beach resort offers a nice variety of accommodations for families of all sizes (but you’ll want to book the oceanview accommodations—trust us). Complimentary transportation is provided to the nearby beach or, if you want to be right on the water, book a room at Jekyll Ocean Club (part of Jekyll Island Club Resort). For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. The hotel is located just steps from the sand in Bethany Beach, Delaware, as well as the boardwalk and local restaurants and shops. And the people who book those rooms are mostly repeat guests who know what this charming resort is all about: a laidback atmosphere and beautiful location just steps from downtown Ogunquit, and even closer to Marginal Way and Ogunquit Beach. And lifestyle topics for a seaside day trip from Dover or elsewhere in Delaware a.! The only full-service resort experience, you ’ re looking for a quieter beach must-haves... 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