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USA Today
21-06-2025
- USA Today
From coast to coast, these are the top family beach vacations in the US
Frolicking in waves, building sandcastles, flying kites on the beach – the best family beach vacations offer plenty of opportunities for enjoying healthy outdoor fun and creating lifelong memories with your whole crew. What makes someplace a great family beach destination? Kid-friendly lodging close to all the action and land-based attractions for when you need a break from the sand and sun are musts. And, like all good family vacation ideas, the best family beach vacations are safe and affordable, too. From coast to coast, the U.S. is home to some gorgeous beach destinations (and beach resorts) that offer loads of activities to keep all ages happy in and out of the water. Here are the top spots to consider for your next family beach vacation. 1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts For a quintessential family beach vacation in the northeast, head to Cape Cod, the hook-shaped peninsula on Massachusetts's coast. Yes, this popular New England weekend getaway spot bustles with tourists in the summer months, for good reason. Families flock to the Cape for mini-golfing, traipsing around sand dunes, comparing ice cream stands, gobbling up lobster rolls, spotting whales, and simply admiring the gray cedar shake houses adorned with colorful buoys. Cape Cod is composed of 15 different towns and many more picturesque coastal villages. Just one option for your home base is Barnstable, the area's largest town that's also home to the villages of Hyannis (a travel hub with an airport and ferry terminal) and Hyannis Port (the summer home of former President John F. Kennedy and his family). Barnstable's Sandy Neck Beach is eight miles long and a great spot for riding fat tire bikes. When considering a Massachusetts beach vacation, consider the Bay State's family-friendly islands, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. ▶ Where to stay on Cape Cod Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod in Hyannis (formerly Cape Codder Resort) has family-friendly special deals and packages and an indoor water park—ideal for rainy-day fun in case the weather doesn't cooperate with your family beach vacation. OVERSEAS ADVENTURES: Crowded but worth it, these popular European tourist attractions actually live up to the hype 2. Outer Banks, North Carolina The barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina known as the Outer Banks (OBX to those in the know) are heavenly for families who want to get away from it all. There are no big cities here in this East Coast vacation spot, but rather a series of small towns and long stretches of unspoiled beaches. Things to do on family beach vacations in the Outer Banks include running and rolling down the East Coast's largest sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park. (People also launch themselves off the top in hang gliders!) Visitors can also walk to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. For water sports, the shallower water on each barrier island's east side is calmer than the Atlantic surf, so head there for mellow activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. While OBX gets all the attention, other family beach vacation destinations in North Carolina include Carolina Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. ▶ Where to stay in the Outer Banks From small cottages to sprawling, multi-bedroom beachfront houses, vacation rental properties abound in the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks Beach Club is a timeshare resort that rents one-, two-, or three-bedroom condos just steps from the ocean. It features two outdoor pools and one indoor pool, hot tubs, shuffleboard, and tennis courts. 3. Maui, Hawaii It's hard to go wrong with just about any beach vacation in Hawaii, but Maui is a top choice for families because it offers several different resort areas to choose from. Upscale Wailea is home to high-end resorts that front crescent-shaped beaches with calm waters ideal for little kids. There's even a paved oceanfront walking path that makes it easy to check out the different beach areas. Just south of Wailea is Makena State Park, home to one of the largest undeveloped beaches on Maui. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas at this state park. To the north, Kaanapali Beach is where you'll find not only white sand and crystal clear water, but also plenty of shopping and dining options at open-air Whalers Village. This family beach vacation spot is popular for whale watching in the winter months, and there's a nightly cliff diving ceremony that all ages will enjoy. Of course, the state of Hawaii is home to many other great family beach vacation spots. It can be intimidating trying to decide which is the best Hawaiian island to visit, but a few can't-miss recommendations include the sunny shores of Poipu, Kauai, as well as a stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa on the island of Oahu. RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Here are this year's top family beach resorts in the U.S. ▶ Where to stay on Maui If you're splurging, consider staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani, which is Hawaii's only all-suite and all-villa property on Wailea's Polo Beach. Here, younger children might like to feed the koi or make new friends at the pool, while teens can go sea kayaking, learn to hula, or make leis. 4. Sanibel Island, Florida No need for a ferry or plane ride to get to Sanibel Island, one of the most popular Florida family vacation spots, not named Orlando. You can motor over the scenic Sanibel Causeway bridge from Fort Myers to arrive at this small, laid-back island community where nature takes center stage. Even if you've never been interested in shelling before you arrive at Sanibel, you'll likely become a fan of the activity by the time you leave, as shells are constantly washed up on the island's many beaches. Other popular family beach vacation activities here include spotting wildlife at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, biking along 25 miles of mostly flat recreation trail, kayaking in Tarpon Bay, and fishing – from the shore, in the bay, or on a chartered boat. Of course, there are many other great Florida family beaches to consider as well. Other top picks include Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Space Coast, Destin in the Florida Panhandle, and Clearwater on the Gulf Coast. And many of the best Florida state parks have beaches as well. ▶ Where to stay on Sanibel Island Sanibel Island has taken a beating in recent hurricane seasons, but accommodations, restaurants, and other sites are on the path to reopening if they haven't already. A good hotel option for a family beach vacation is the beachfront Sundial Resort & Spa, which offers multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a schedule of daily activities. 5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Known for its bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, old-fashioned arcade games, live entertainment, and other attractions, Myrtle Beach is a classic family beach vacation spot that's affordable and can keep everyone in your group occupied for days. (Maybe even weeks!) But there's also plenty to experience outside of the action-packed center, where it can get crowded in the summer months. Myrtle Beach's resort area stretches along a full 60 miles of coastline and includes quieter spots like Surfside Beach, which is popular among families for its multiple beach access points and plenty of space to spread out. At Surfside, the different beach areas are cleaned daily and supervised by lifeguards. For still more great beach vacations in South Carolina, consider Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, and destinations across the gorgeous South Carolina Lowcountry. ▶ Where to stay in Myrtle Beach If you'd like a little privacy on your Myrtle Beach family vacation, as well as a way to prep and store easy breakfasts, picnic lunches, and midnight snacks, check out Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, where each villa has two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. VACATION TO REMEMBER: The 25 best U.S. family resorts and hotels for a vacation to remember 6. Grand Haven, Michigan You don't need an ocean to have one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. The Great Lakes boast some of America's niftiest beach areas – and yes, there are actually waves lapping the shore at this Midwest family vacation destination. Because the swimming here is in freshwater, you won't have to worry about salt in the eyes (or sharks!) either. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven offers multiple beach options for families, including a state park and a city beach. Then there's dog-friendly Kirk Park, which has a sandy lakefront and many trails to explore. For a quieter spot, check out West Olive. Other things to do in the area include strolling a historic boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants and making your way out to the pier to snap photos of a scenic lighthouse. There's also a musical fountain where you can watch a 20-minute water and light show nightly in the summer months. Additional family-friendly beach areas that ring Lake Michigan include Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Indiana Dunes State Park (in Indiana). ▶ Where to stay in Grand Haven With its pool and included breakfast, the moderately priced Best Western Beacon Inn is a solid choice for family accommodations in Grand Haven. 7. San Diego, California With its oodles of great beaches, San Diego is always one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. (and one of our best places to go with kids in 2025). Ranking high for family-friendliness is Coronado Beach, where little ones can wade in tide pools and older kids can go boogie boarding or surfing. The La Jolla coastline also includes La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines State Beach, staffed by lifeguards year-round. And with its options for kayaking, standup paddleboarding, sailing, and waterskiing – plus a boardwalk for strolling and sandy beaches for relaxing – Mission Bay Park is a great spot for active families. For non-beach days, family-friendly attractions include the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium, and Old Town. More great family-friendly beach destinations in California include nearby Carlsbad, as well as Newport Beach and Santa Barbara. And for an entirely different kind of coastal vacation, consider the beaches of Monterey. ▶ Where to stay in San Diego The grand dame of beachfront accommodations in San Diego is the historic Hotel del Coronado, which dates back to 1888. "The Del" is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, so you may enjoy special perks with a Hilton Honors loyalty program membership. WATERFRONT WONDERS: 17 best lake resorts and hotels in the U.S. for families 8. Ogunquit, Maine Maine may be known for its rocky coastline, but in Ogunquit you'll find long, wide expanses of sandy beach that are among the most popular family beaches in New England during the summer vacation months. Ogunquit Beach is a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. Adjacent Footbridge Beach, easily accessed by—you guessed it—a footbridge across the river, is typically less crowded. Both beaches are staffed by lifeguards. Marginal Way is a paved cliff walk offering fabulous views of the ocean, and there are several benches along the way if the kids' legs get tired. The local trolley can be a fun adventure—and useful, too. In the summer, parking for shopping and dining can be hard to come by, so it's often more convenient to take public transportation. Other popular family beach vacations in Maine include stays in Kennebunkport, York, and Old Orchard Beach. New England's largest outdoor water park, family-friendly Water Country in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is only a short drive away as well. ▶ Where to stay in Ogunquit For scenic accommodations, consider The Beachmere Inn with its sprawling green lawn along Marginal Way. From its cliffside location, you can walk right down to the beach. This area is rocky, but has some tide pools for kids to explore (safely, in low tide). 9. Gulfport, Mississippi You can't go wrong with Coastal Mississippi and centrally located Gulfport as your home base for a nice balance of relaxing white sand beaches and action-packed family-friendly activities. Spend your mornings kicking back on Biloxi Beach or Long Beach, perhaps flying a kite and enjoying a picnic lunch. Then the afternoon can be all about playing at Gulf Islands Waterpark, going on a shrimp boat tour, exploring the Mississippi Aquarium, or zip-lining at an adventure park. Of course, it wouldn't be one of the best family beach vacations without opportunities for playing on the water, too. The beaches here are great for everything from kayaking to jet skiing. However, you won't find crystal-clear water right off the mainland coast because six Mississippi barrier islands hold in silt and brackish water in the Mississippi Sound. You'll want to head to one of the unspoiled barrier islands for clear water. Popular Ship Island can be reached via commercial ferry service; check the Ship Island Excursions website for up-to-date schedules and visitor information. Another popular Gulf Coast destination, often described as one of the best cheap family vacations in the U.S., is Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. ▶ Where to stay in Gulfport Kids Suites at Gulfport's Oasis Resort come with a set of bunk beds and a king bed. Guests have access to a water playground with a zero-entry pool, lazy river, and two giant waterslides—and the beach is just steps away. WET AND WILD: Orlando's wildest hotel pools and water parks are so cool that your kids will never want to leave 10. Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach fronts both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, providing a variety of experiences for family beach vacations (even in the cooler fall months). Spend the day at the lifeguarded beach and stroll the three-mile boardwalk along the oceanfront for loads of action, from street entertainers and live music to bike rentals and ice cream shops. And don't forget to snap a family photo in front of the massive King Neptune statue. For quieter adventures, you can go kayaking along the Back Bay in the laid-back community of Sandbridge. Or spend the day enjoying the calm waters and the local vibe of Chesapeake Bay. Off the water, Virginia Beach is home to an aquarium, amusement park, laser tag, indoor skydiving, mini golf, and many more attractions for the entire family to enjoy. Other family-friendly beach destinations in Virginia include Cape Charles and Chincoteague Island. ▶ Where to stay in Virginia Beach There are plenty of budget-friendly Virginia Beach hotels near the oceanfront, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, get pampered at The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club. The elegant accommodations may not impress your toddler, but you'll likely appreciate access to the exclusive Cavalier Beach Club, Seahill Spa, and Tarnished Truth Distilling Company. 11. Cannon Beach, Oregon Eighty miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is all about nature. If you have a budding naturalist, bird-watcher, or marine biologist, this is one of the best family beach destinations in the entire country. This Oregon town's four-mile stretch of beach is known for its sea stack rock formations, the most famous of which is Haystack Rock, a nesting area for puffins. Many other birds make their home here, including bald eagles and cormorants. The tide pools around Haystack and elsewhere along Cannon Beach are extraordinary, with colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, coral, sponge, and sea slugs. A trip to Cannon Beach is more about viewing nature and wildlife, taking long walks on the beach, and playing in the sand than actually jumping in ocean waves. The cool maritime climate means that summer temperatures average in the upper 60s. Pack layers, a light raincoat, and a sense of adventure! For other Oregon beaches to discover with your kids, check out the communities of Seaside and Manzanita. ▶ Where to stay in Cannon Beach Families appreciate the spectacular views, included continental breakfast, fresh homemade cookies all day, and library of games, books, and DVDs at The Ocean Lodge. Plus, there's an evening wine reception nightly—score! From coast to coast, these are the top family beach vacations in the US for sun, safety, and affordability originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: Additional reporting by Beth Luberecki. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Atmore shootings: Fifth person arrested —and there may be more to come, officials say
ATMORE, Ala. (WKRG) — Another person has been arrested in a shooting that took place last week in Atmore. Ground broken, site blessed for Margaritaville Resort in Orange Beach On May 7, officers responded to a around 10:30 p.m. at North Main and Howard Street. Officers said bullets had hit a home and a business. LOCATION: Police said a group of people on the side of the road were shooting at a juvenile in a passing car. The juvenile's car was hit by gunfire, as was a nearby business, according to an Atmore Police Department Facebook post. A juvenile came to the Atmore Police Department early this morning and turned himself in, according to the post. The juvenile is charged with one count of attempted murder, one count of shooting into an occupied dwelling, and one count of shooting into an unoccupied building, the post said. This marks the fifth person arrested in the last seven days in connection with the May 7 shooting and another shooting that happened April 26, where into an occupied dwelling. So far, the following people have been arrested: 17-year-old juvenile, charges unknown, in connection with the May 7 incident Dexter Adams, 18, charged with attempted murder, weapons violation charges, attempted eluding, and receiving stolen property in connection with the May 7 incident A juvenile, charged with one count of attempted murder, one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle, and one count of shooting into an unoccupied building in connection with the May 7 incident, and one count of shooting into an occupied dwelling and six counts of attempted murder in connection with an earlier shooting Ryeheem Edward Banks, 21, of Atmore, charged with one count of attempted murder, one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle, and one count of shooting into an unoccupied building, all in connection with the May 7 incident A juvenile, charged with one count of attempted murder, one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle and one count of shooting into an unoccupied building in connection with the May 7 incident. The Atmore Police Department said in their post that the Narcotics/Vice division is looking for more people wanted in these cases and said they will be arrested if they are in Atmore. Fishermen raise concerns over dredging in Mobile Bay, claim it is destroying sea life If the people they are looking for are outside their jurisdiction, then the U.S. Marshals Service will be used to bring them in. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fairhope Pier temporarily closed for construction — what to know
FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) – It's an unusual sight at the Fairhope pier: no crowds, no fishing poles, just a construction crew and a sign that says it's closed for renovations. Theodore family shocked after lightning strike leads to surprise discovery Starting Monday, the Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park is closed for two days. It's part of a bigger plan for some much needed renovations of the bayfront. 'Because there's so much vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic down at the pier, it just made sense for us to just close it for these two days and make sure we can get all the work done really quickly, really efficiently,' Fairhope's Mayor Sherry Sullivan said. It's a part of the city's Working Waterfront Project that started last fall. It's a $6.2 million dollar effort to improve the pier and bayfront with new sidewalks, drainage, better shoreline protection and more. City officials confirmed that the bulk of the work is set to be complete just in time for the city's annual 4th of July celebration. 'This is one of the most iconic spots in town, if not the most iconic,' Sullivan said. 'It's Fairhope's gathering place. It's our town square. So, I really wanted to make sure that we maintained the charm that people see when they go down there again.' This is the first time they have had to close the pier during these renovations, but there were things that needed to be done. 'Specifically, the seawalls needed to be rehabbed and that's a multimillion dollar project,' Sullivan said. 'The handrails on the pier needed to be redone, we needed new lighting. And all that's been able to be done.' Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach groundbreaking set for May So yes, the pier might be closed, but at the end of the day, the breathtaking view will always remain the same. The pier and the restaurant down on the pier, The Blind Tiger, are expected to reopen to pedestrian and vehicle traffic by Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Coffee crooks steal — and wreck — Mobile business' trailer
UPDATE: Monday afternoon, Zachary Saux said the trailer was found in Irvington but trashed. He says all electronics were taken along with the generator. Theodore family shocked after lightning strike leads to surprise discovery MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Mobile Police officers are looking for a pair of coffee crooks. Two people stole a coffee trailer from a west Mobile coffee drive-through business before dawn Monday morning. Brew Y'all at the corner of Cottage Hill and Hillcrest Roads — stands out. It has a bright design outside, and even local touches like the Chrichton Leprechaun. They have the same vibrant art on their mobile coffee trailer. Monday morning, a pair of thieves attached it to their truck and took off. 'Watching the video gave me chills just knowing that they took something this easily, just came in and took something that wasn't theirs,' said Co-Owner Morgan Saux. Co-Owner Zachary Saux says it was taken minutes before he showed up to open for the day. He says the thieves appeared very methodical. 'For 30 minutes, it seemed very planned. Like I said, they knew what they were coming to do and they knew what they were looking for. So it wasn't just happenstance,' said Zachary Saux. Brew Y'all isn't even a year old. And as a locally owned business, they say this hits them really hard. 'Our trailer was like, our little way that always got us out in the community. And this week we had so much lined up with teachers and nurses at the hospital. So we're really bummed about that,' said Morgan Saux. The co-owners say they poured $40,000 into making the trailer and had to cancel several upcoming gigs, which means expected revenue down the drain. Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach groundbreaking set for May 'We put our heart and soul in this. And, you know, for somebody to take something like that that, you know, means so much to us, our family, you know, our partners, family, all of our employees. You know, we treat our business like a family,' said Zachary Saux. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
