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Family Beaches
Sand and Surf
Lazy days spent building sand castles, riding waves, and eating ice cream cones on the beach are the stuff of golden childhood memories. Create them on these family-friendly shores.
West
Head for laid-back vibes, from San Francisco to San Diego.
- Crissy Field, CA: Multiple beaches in sprawling state park near San Fran
- La Jolla Shores, CA: Surf, views, and gentle waves on San Diego "Riviera"
- Santa Monica Pier, CA: Home of Pacific Coast Highway's iconic Ferris wheel
- Malibu Lagoon, CA: Kid-friendly tide pools filled with touchable sea creatures
- Lake Tahoe State Park, NV: Placid waters in a woodsy setting
Northeast/Great Lakes
When the weather heats up, head for these classic American summer shores.
- Big Bay State Park, WI: Build sandcastles all day and BBQ by night.
- Wildwood Beach, NJ: Free and plenty of room for Frisbee
- Race Point Beach, MA: Quintessential Cape Cod, including a lighthouse
- Easton's Beach, RI:The Newport seaside at its best.
- Coast Guard Beach, MA: One of the nation's top surfs
- Joseph Silva Beach, MA: Do you remember which movie was filmed here?
- Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, MI: Forty miles of pristine shoreline
- Jenkinson's Boardwalk, NJ: Games and safe shark-spotting down the Shore
- First Encounter, MA: Mild surf where Pilgrims met Native Americans
South/Southeast
Charming sands, turquoise waters from the Carolinas to the Keys.
- Huntington Beach Park, NC: Crabbing, fishing, and hiking in Myrtle Beach
- Playa Caracol, MX: Calm blue water and relaxing white sand.
- Tybee Island, GA: Porch swings, boardwalk, tide pools near Savannah
- Bill Baggs Park, FL: Miami for kids -- lighthouses, bike paths, and dunes
- Bahia Honda Park, FL: Powdery sand and teal waters near Key West
- Coquina Beach, NC: Wide and peaceful beaches on the Outer Banks
Hawaii
Surfing, snorkeling, and boogie-boarding in a tropical paradise.
- Waikiki Beach, Oahu: Para-sailors and elaborate sand structures
- Wailea Beach, Maui: Gentle waves for little snorkelers
More Beach and Travel Tips
More summer fun, plus planning tips and fun ways to keep the kids busy.
Best Family Vacations
