The Cove—with its gentle slope and steady swell—is chief among the treasures and is beloved by families and surfers alike. Even if you arrive early and find a perfect spot, in an hour or two, you will be so close to families arriving later that social distancing is compromised. Delight to dishes like lavender glazed duck with confit shallot, celery root and porcini conserva. The boardwalk is great for biking or pedaling a surrey and it’s one of the few boardwalks that welcomes cyclists at all times, with separate lanes … Of the four, East and Arroyo Burro are best suited for families. 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. Beth Luberecki is a Florida-based freelance writer who writes about travel, business, and lifestyle topics for a variety of publications and websites. #13 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S. A few beaches sit within Santa Barbara, California's city limits: East, West, Arroyo Burro and Leadbetter. Check out these top picks for the best family beach vacations from Virginia to Florida and up the Gulf Coast. A something-for-everyone hotspot, Myrtle … Head to any of them for an idyllic family beach vacation. What’s to love about this spot on the shores of the U.S.’s smallest state? Rent a bike and pedal to the beach, or stroll the marina and check out the boats, then venture out to see if you can spy the wild ponies on Assateague Island. Here are my favorite family beach resorts on the East Coast and Caribbean. 1. At Ocean Bar & Grille, a kid’s menu with items like chicken tenders keeps the little ones happy. Catch a movie on the beach during the summer or visit the Watch Hill Lighthouse Museum to see how keepers lived and worked. One of our favorite east coast beaches. Book a spacious, airy yellow-and-white striped beach tent with loungers so you can kick back while the kids play on the beach and in the surf. Immerse yourself in the calm of Arum Spa’s treatments that use local sea salt and jasmine. Agawam Park has a fun playground for kids and is the site of summertime concerts put on by the Southampton Cultural Center. From millions of lights, warm cookies, cozy places to rest while sugar plums dance in your head, to appearances by good ole Saint Nick, these towns and establishment will bring out the child in us all. Despite its name, Gin Beach is a small, quiet Montauk beach on Block Island Sound, complete with clean sand, small waves and a roped-off swimming area that attracts families in the know. I’ve put together a list for all my fellow beach lovers of the best family friendly beach resorts in the southeast. While the water will be chilly, daytime temperatures often merit showing a little skin and soaking up the sun. The Best East Coast Beaches for Families The Outer Banks. Or take in the ocean views from the warm waters of the seawater indoor pool. Families can stroll or pedal the three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk or watch street performers on Atlantic Avenue during the summer months. View All Start Slideshow. This throwback destination will draw in the kids with spots like the historic Hampton Beach Casino complex, home to perennial kid faves like an arcade and indoor mini-golf course, plus the largest waterslide in Hampton Beach. You’ll find all the family beach vacation must-haves in Bethany, from mini-golf and bike rentals to restaurants serving up local seafood. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. It was all worth it the many miles of our Florida road trip when we did find the best Florida beaches on the East Coast – just right for families. Offering a combination of blue skies and slow crashing waves, the picturesque beaches along Florida’s 360-mile east coast shoreline give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy a day of fun in the sun. 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. Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa is a luxury hotel on Florida’s Palm Coast with a private white sand beach that stretches for two miles. Make the tropical landscape of the beachfront Sonesta Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island your base for Hilton Head family fun. 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. Things you buy may earn us a commission. Unlike other beaches, quartz contributes to 99 percent of the sand here – and to beautiful effect. One of the most famous city beaches in Europe, La Concha Beach, is also one of the best beaches for familes. For an easy family Caribbean beach experience, nothing beats Puerto Rico, a commonwealth of the United States where you don’t need a passport, have to worry about international mobile plans or have to exchange money. Fernandina Beach on Florida’s Amelia Island, a barrier island with 13 miles of beaches, is tailor made for families. Book a two-bedroom king suite with views of the bay. 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. 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. The resort also boasts 91,000 square feet of family fun at its Fantasy Pool Complex. I love the beach, and there’s nothing more convenient for a beach lover than a beach resort located right on the waterfront. On Chincoteague, your gang can rent boogie boards and hit the surf, take a boat tour, and check out the model boats at the Museum of Chincoteague Island. Families can also enjoy horseback riding and biking, or simply take maximum advantage of the lovely beaches! Email. From coastal islands like Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard to the sprawling swaths of sand in the South, here are the best beaches on the East Coast for … Head to the three-mile boardwalk—which has been named one of the best beach boardwalks for families—for good eats like Maryland crab cakes and saltwater taffy and classic beach amusements at spots like Trimper’s Rides and Jolly Roger at the Pier. In order to calculate the best coastal towns for families, Stacker checked the locations on Wallethub’s list of the best beach towns against Niche’s list of the best places to raise a family. 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. Best east coast beaches for families few vacation places are as perfect for bringing the kids as the beach. While my family is a huge fan of Florida for its beloved theme parks, we also love to visit some of the best Florida beaches. The east coast of the United States has many beaches that offer great family vacation spots, from the tropical climates of Clearwater Beach, Florida, to York Beach on the northeast coast in Maine. There are lots of golfing options on Hilton Head Island, whether you prefer a regulation course or one of the miniature variety. Our mouths drop open in awe as we watch the wild Chincoteague ponies of Assateague Island canter along the beach, leaving hoof prints in the sand. Secret Beaches of the East Coast. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm weather, beach options, history and culture. View All Start Slideshow. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! View All. From the rugged coast of Maine to the sandy shores of San Diego, here are some of the best family beach vacations in America! 6 Essential Tips for Taking Your Family to an All-Inclusive Resort. The kids can play arcade games and hop onto the painted animals of Trimper’s vintage carousel to take a spin back in time to 1912, when the carousel first opened. Ready for a dip? Bethany does have a boardwalk, but it’s just a half-mile long and on the low-key side, with no amusement rides. Hawks Cay in The Florida Keys. But don’t let the weatherman fool you; a trip to the Eastern border presents numerous warm-weather vacation destinations, from the Northeast down to the Carolinas. Having grown up in NSW and road tripped extensively across both the NSW North and South Coast regions, we’ve now set foot on most beaches in the state. Get the gang saddled up and go horseback riding on the beach at Amelia Island State Park, or stroll the streets of the town of Fernandina Beach, packed with cute cafes, shops and galleries housed in historic brick buildings. We love visiting the beach on vacation, and luckily, there are so many beautiful East Coast beach destinations for families. Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort & Condominiums. It’s gorgeous, and definitely one of the best Gulf Coast beaches for families. With a heated oceanfront pool, a private beach, mini golf and a Kids Club with activities like sand-castle contests, there’s plenty to do on the resort’s 7.5 acres. 17. Unwind with a massage and in the steam room and the Finnish rock sauna. “ Wicked bad staaaahms,” they’ll say. You can explore the 200 miles of pristine beaches or admire the wild horses in Corolla! If you'd rather a place of your own, try The Lookout by Beachside Management, a chic modern apartment with air-con and a private pool. But, there are still a few secluded beaches on the Atlantic Ocean where you can find privacy in a beautiful beach town. No matter their ages, there are endless activities on the sand and sea where the youngins can burn off some energy, whether it’s flying kites, a game of … In recent years, Eastern United States has become synonymous with “snowpocalypse” or “snowmageddon,” thanks to the harsh winters seen in New England. 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. With its cheery yellow traditional New England-style clapboard façade and bright modern interiors, the Admiral’s Inn is within easy walking distance to town and the beach. Beach options like Misquamicut State Beach and Napatree Point Beach, for starters. The kids can even swim with mermaids in the indoor pool Monday and Thursday evenings and hear their stories. The United States is known to have some beautiful beaches on the east coast for families, which are mainly frequented during the summer time. And if you need more action, it’s just a short drive to the more bustling boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. 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. From wild ponies and whale watching to boardwalk carousels and pirate museums, these East Coast beaches for families are what vacation dreams are made of. Pinterest. The three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk makes this one of the best beaches on the east coast for families. The Best Beaches on the East Coast The Best Beaches on the East Coast . Families can explore salt marshes that teem with birds and wildlife unique to Georgia’s coast. For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. The Most Affordable Places to Live on the East Coast 1. The 10 Best Beaches for Families The 10 Best Beaches for Families By Karen Cicero November 09, 2014 Skip gallery slides. From the bustling boardwalks and beaches of Ocean City, Maryland, to the quiet sandy stretches and gentle waters of Montauk’s Gin Beach, these East Coast beaches and hotels have something special for everyone. 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. Sip craft cocktails like Old Man Winter, made with spiced rum, orange juice, coconut, and pineapple juice nutmeg. Families looking for a quieter beach vacation might want to consider this spot along Delaware’s coast. 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. Although Congress Hall opened in 1816 as the first seaside resort in the U.S., its updated décor skillfully blends modern and traditional style with a rich color palette of greens, reds, browns and blues. West Dennis Beach on Nantucket Sound is a long expanse that’s great for kite flying, body surfing, and digging in the sand. When stomachs growl, dig into Lowcountry cuisine like fried green tomatoes, crab bake, and shrimp and grits at Heyward’s Restaurant. In Family, Travel, Uncategorized by Rebecca Spear March 27, 2019 Leave a Comment. Situated at the point where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is home to wide beaches ideal for sandcastle building, surfing, and everything in between. There’s paid parking available near the beach, and there are a number of beach resorts located along the coast. Nicknamed “Hollywood East,” Martha’s Vineyard is one of the more fashionable East Coast beaches. From Duck, NC, to Hyannis, MA, we picked some of the best beaches along the Eastern seaboard of the US. The white sand beaches of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina have morphed from being a best-kept secret among residents of the Southeast to a vacation destination that draws visitors from all over the world. April 8, 2019. The gold coast is known for being a city on a beach, which is a sight to see in itself. Save Pin. This peaceful town is located in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and is popular for having beautiful white sand beaches that are never crowded. If you’re looking for the best family beaches on the east coast, my family’s vote would easily go to carolina beach. Here are the best East Coast beaches for families young and old. Rich in history, the beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks are where pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd once roamed. When fine dining calls and you want the gang to wash off the sand and get gussied up, Gurney’s Scarpetta Beach restaurant serves Italian cuisine including fresh seafood. Kids can also play pirate during a voyage on the Black Dagger or pretend to fly a plane or grocery shop at the Sandbox interactive children’s museum. About eight miles from Gin Beach, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is a year-round resort on the Atlantic that’s been a popular getaway since it opened in 1926. Recommended Hotel: Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott. Recommended Hotel: Mainsail Motel & Cottages. Explore the many trails that are part of the Madison Land Conservation Trust or tour town historic sites run by the Madison Historical Society. 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. Fernandina’s Main Beach Park offers mini golf, volleyball courts, a playground and much more. Yes, send me expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for my family. Read about this bucolic island of country roads, quiet beaches, and roadside farm stands. Best Beaches on the East Coast: Dewey Beach, Delaware, Photo: Courtesy of gravescreative - Fotolia.com East Coast Beaches: Ogunquit, Maine , Photo: Courtesy of alwayspp - Fotolia.com Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts , Photo: Courtesy of jiawangkun - Fotolia.com And when the sun goes down, relax and enjoy the view from Seaside Amelia Inn’s rooftop sundeck. So many beaches. Recommended Hotel: Southampton Village Motel. Book one of the resort’s traditional Nantucket-style cottages or a suite with views of Nantucket Sound and feel like lucky locals. Nearby attractions include the Cape May Fireman’s Museum and the busier Wildwoods Boardwalk, with five piers with rides, including three rollercoasters, three waterparks, games, stores, restaurants and food stands. Secret Beaches of the East Coast. A quintessential Florida beach, Cocoa Beach (so named for its golden sand) has calm, consistent waves ideal for surfing, boogie boarding, swimming and more, making it one of the best beaches in Florida for active families. 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 destination. These resorts all have something for everybody to make for a memorable stay! Chincoteague Island, Virginia, is a barrier island known for the white sand beaches of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and for the wild ponies of Assateague Island, less than three miles away. Old-timey attractions like the Flying Horse Carousel and Atlantic Beach Park will recall beach vacations from simpler times, while Water Wizz water park offers more than 1,000 feet of wet and wild fun. More. This Lowcountry island offers 12 miles of beaches. The 7 Best Family-Friendly Beaches Along the USA East Coast Bass Hole, Massachusetts. To fan the flames of your beach fever, we’ve put together a list of the best east coast beaches for families. Our family recently purchased a travel trailer camper and we’re eagerly awaiting Spring to kick off our adventures. East Beach offers lifeguards, a playground, picnic areas and volleyball courts. The whole family can browse for beach reads at R.J. Julia Booksellers or catch a flick at the century-old Madison Art Cinemas. 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. The storied beaches of Cape Cod have been the subject of popular songs, movies, and books, and it’s easy to see why they’re a big favorite with families. Miles of bike trails lined with live oaks await exploration, or families can check out the area by boat, helicopter, kayak, or horseback. This public beach is open every day of the year and is always staffed with lifeguards. 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. 9 of 14. It’s no wonder they’re the getaways we remember most fondly. She enjoys exploring destinations close to home and farther afield with her husband and teenage daughter. Maine, Massachusetts and the Carolinas have some of the best East Coast beaches for families. 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. A collection of beaches in southeastern Florida, all the Palm Beaches are excellent ideas for an East Coast beach … Arguably one of the most iconic beach towns in the United States, Cape May, New Jersey is also one of the most popular family getaway spots on the East Coast. The Best East Coast Beaches for Families The Outer Banks. Plentiful lifeguards, changing rooms, picnic areas, free parking, showers, and restrooms are also ideal. In the early 1800s, Cape May was a Victorian town through and through, compete with quaint shops and inns, relaxing bicycle paths, and a picturesque boardwalk and beach. The East Coast is loaded with beaches and hotels primed to help families make the most of their getaways. 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. Selections were based off editorial research of locations that are well-regarded as being kid-friendly, have family-oriented activities and attractions, and an abundance of vacation homes for rent. Best East Coast Surfing . And this Mid-Cape location makes it easy to explore other nearby towns from Hyannis (the unofficial “capital of the Cape”) to charming Chatham. Recommended Hotel: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. The metro area grew by 6.39% between 2014 and 2018 due to net migration alone. For me, family beach vacations conjure sunny visions of sandcastles, boardwalks, and kids happily splashing in the surf, and yes, wild ponies. Georgia Beaches. Six restaurants mean there’s something to please even the pickiest palates. Recommended Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront. One of the best beaches in Yarmouth is Bass Hole, which starts from Homer’s Dock Road to the salt marshes. Save FB Tweet. In fact, the calm conditions make this one of the best east coast beaches for families, too. Assateague Island offers 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking or communing with nature. Travel south to Florida for a world class variety of family beach resorts, especially in Miami Beach. Beach resorts stretch North along long Island, a kid ’ s menu with items like tenders... And is the site of summertime concerts put on by the Madison Historical Society the hottest LGBTQ retirement destinations the... 2010 ) beaches, and definitely one of the Ocean at this kid-friendly destination along the USA Coast... Take in the indoor pool the 20+ best family beaches on the Atlantic where... 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