A perfect summer vacation starts with choosing the right beach town for your family. Whether you’re looking for quiet, seashell-filled shores or a boardwalk buzzing with fun, the best beaches in the U.S. for families offer a wide variety of options. From charming coastal villages to vibrant beach towns, the best family-friendly beach towns have something for everyone.
To help families find the perfect spot, we turned to the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group, where thousands of parents share insider tips on the best travel destinations. We conducted a poll asking members to rank their favorite family-friendly beach towns based on:
✔ Calm, clear waters for kids
✔ Bike paths, walkability & small-town charm
✔ Boardwalks, ice cream shops & family-friendly activities
✔ Less crowds & a stress-free vibe
“I’m looking for a picturesque darling town, an ice cream shop, walkable streets, bike riding, that Hallmark movie feel, calm water (bonus if it’s clear), seashells, and not horrible traffic or crowds.”
– A group member shared.
After reviewing hundreds of responses, we compiled the 12 best family-friendly beach towns in the U.S. based on real traveler recommendations!
Northeast: New England Family-Friendly Beach Towns
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit, Maine is a quintessential New England beach town that perfectly blends natural beauty with small-town friendliness. As one of the most charming East Coast beach towns for families, Ogunquit is ideal for those who love walkable destinations. It’s home to soft sandy beaches, the scenic Marginal Way coastal walk, and a compact town center filled with ice cream parlors, local art shops, and casual cafés.
Families can take the trolley around town, making it easy to get from the beach to the center without loading up the car. The town’s main beach is wide and safe, with gentle waves and tide pools that kids love to explore. Ogunquit is truly a destination where you can park once and enjoy everything on foot or by bike.
“Ogunquit, Maine, is like stepping into a postcard! Beautiful beaches, adorable shops, and the most delicious lobster rolls!”
– A traveler’s review.
“Ogunquit Beach is spectacular. Stay at the Norseman on the beach and take the trolley everywhere.”
– Amanda M
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Marginal Way – a stroller-friendly cliffside walk with benches and views
- Soft, wide beaches with tide pools for little explorers
- Classic ice cream shops, candy stores, and seafood spots
- Easy transportation with the charming Ogunquit Trolley
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is a classic New England island destination perfect for families seeking a mix of coastal adventure, small-town charm, and scenic beauty. With no chain restaurants or high-rises, this island retreat offers an unplugged and peaceful environment, where kids can bike safely through town, build sandcastles on gentle beaches, and take in the island’s storybook appeal.
Each village on the island has its own personality—Edgartown feels elegant and historic, while Oak Bluffs is full of fun and color with its famous gingerbread cottages and the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest operating platform carousel in the country. Families can enjoy a full day of biking, beachcombing, and exploring lighthouses, all while soaking in the relaxed island rhythm.
“Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation! Biking, beachcombing, and seafood—it’s a win for all ages.”
– shared a member of the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group
“We rented bikes and explored the whole island—Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and the beaches. The kids LOVED it!”
– shared a member of the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Charming small towns with boutique shopping
- Kid-friendly beaches like State Beach and South Beach
- Family biking paths connecting beaches and villages
- Gingerbread cottages, Flying Horses Carousel, and scenic lighthouses
- Laid-back vibe with plenty of ice cream shops, book stores, and farm stands
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall.
Mid-Atlantic: Family-Friendly Beach Towns with Boardwalk Fun
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a timeless, family-friendly beach town on the southern tip of New Jersey, known for its charming Victorian architecture, tranquil atmosphere, and breathtaking beaches. It offers an idyllic mix of historic charm and modern-day fun, making it perfect for families looking to slow down and reconnect.
This classic Victorian-style town features a charming pedestrian shopping district filled with boutiques, candy stores, and ice cream shops, where kids can explore and parents can relax under shaded porches. While it doesn’t have a bustling boardwalk, Cape May more than makes up for it with family trolley rides, lighthouse climbs, dolphin cruises, and picnic-perfect beaches.
“So much fun! Very clean, lots to do, and plenty of family-friendly spots.”
– Onie G
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Wide, sandy beaches with gentle surf and lifeguards
- Nearby Cape May County Zoo—a free, family favorite
- Trolley rides, the Cape May Lighthouse, and whale/dolphin watching tours
- Classic Victorian-style town with Charming pedestrian shopping district with boutiques, candy stores, and ice cream
Best time to visit: Late summer to early fall.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is one of the most unique and charming family-friendly beach towns in the U.S., famous for its wild ponies, nature reserves, and peaceful beaches. Families who love the outdoors will find plenty to explore, from kayaking through marshlands to watching the annual Pony Swim, a beloved tradition where wild ponies swim across the Assateague Channel. With its small-town feel and lack of commercialization, Chincoteague makes an ideal destination for a summer vacation with kids, offering a refreshing break from crowded beaches and overbuilt resorts.
– Katie from the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group
- “Chincoteague is peaceful and full of nature. The kids loved spotting the ponies!.”
“A charming town with an incredible nature vibe.”
-Jamie Smith, from the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- See wild ponies at the Assateague Island National Seashore
- Visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching and hiking
- Enjoy kayaking, nature tours, and lighthouse visits
- Stroll through the walkable historic town with ice cream and pony-themed shops
Best time to visit: Spring and early fall
Southeast: Family-Friendly Beach Towns with Warm Waters
Surf City, North Carolina
Surf City, located on North Carolina’s Topsail Island, is a low-key, family-friendly beach town that offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Known for its walkable layout, calm beaches, and access to nearby Lea Island, it’s a favorite among families who want space to explore without the crowds. The town is sprinkled with local eateries, ice cream stands, and mom-and-pop shops, giving it that classic beach town feel.
“Surf City NC checks all those boxes!!! You can take a boat ride to the private Lea Island and collect the best shells you’ve ever seen! This house is right next to ice cream shop, taco shop, hot dog stand, coffee, restaurants and everything walkable.”
– Jamie N.N
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Uncrowded beaches
- Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere
- Boat tours to unspoiled Lea Island for shelling adventures
- Walkable town center with ice cream, tacos, and beach shops
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is a top-rated family-friendly beach town, loved for its wide, flat beaches, extensive bike trail network, and laid-back, upscale atmosphere. Regularly featured among the best beaches in the U.S. for families, Hilton Head offers a perfect mix of relaxation and recreation. Families return year after year for the abundance of kid-friendly activities, from dolphin cruises to kayaking in calm lagoons. The island’s well-planned layout makes it easy to explore without a car—especially if you’re biking with little ones.
“With our family, Hilton Head Island, SC is our fave!”
– Marie D
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Over 60 miles of bike trails perfect for all ages
- Family-friendly beaches with gentle waves and lifeguards
- Kid-friendly attractions like the Sandbox Museum, Harbour Town Lighthouse, dolphin tours, mini golf, nature preserves & pirate cruise
- Laid-back Southern hospitality with plenty of local dining options
Best time to visit: Spring and fall
Also, read: Best Family Hotels in Hilton Head (All Parent-Recommended)
Rosemary Beach, Florida (30A)
One of the most popular family-friendly beach towns, 30A and Rosemary Beach offer quaint cobblestone streets, bike-friendly roads, and charming local shops. It’s a walkable paradise, where families can easily explore everything from beachfront parks to quaint bookstores. However, some members caution that it can get very crowded during peak travel seasons.
“Such a great place, you don’t feel like you are in Florida.
“30A has all of that, but unless you really like crowds, avoid peak seasons.”
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Beautiful architecture and a European-inspired town center
- Wide boardwalks and bike paths perfect for strollers and scooters
- Calm, clear beaches with soft sand ideal for toddlers
- Plenty of family-friendly dining, ice cream shops & shaded parks
- Charming town center with fountains and open greens for kids to play
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (avoid peak summer crowds)
Pensacola, FL – A Gulf Coast Gem
Pensacola is a hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offering families quiet, sugar-white beaches, calm waters, and a strong sense of local charm. Unlike some of Florida’s more crowded tourist hubs, Pensacola Beach remains relaxed and spacious, making it ideal for families with young kids or those who simply want to unwind without the hustle and bustle. The area also features plenty of undeveloped shoreline, thanks to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, where kids can collect seashells or spot dolphins from shore.
“Pensacola Beach and Navarre are less crowded. We have miles of undeveloped beaches!”
Sheri Kelly Smith in the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group.
“We live in the Pensacola area and own a rental on Pensacola Beach. It’s quieter than Orange Beach or Destin and perfect for families.”
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Miles of undeveloped shoreline at Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Casual beachfront dining, playgrounds, and ice cream shops
- Low crowds even in peak season—great for toddlers and new swimmers
- Historic downtown Pensacola just a short drive away for day trips
📅 Best time to visit: Spring and fall.
Families visiting Pensacola can explore miles of untouched shoreline at the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a hidden gem filled with opportunities for shelling, wildlife spotting, and peaceful beach days.
Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Key is consistently ranked among the best family-friendly beach towns in the U.S., thanks to its powdery white quartz sand (cool to the touch even on hot days) and calm, shallow Gulf waters that are ideal for toddlers and young swimmers. As one of the most popular toddler-friendly beach towns, Siesta Key offers peace of mind for parents and plenty of fun for little ones. This barrier island off the coast of Sarasota features a relaxed, walkable village atmospherefilled with ice cream parlors, beach shops, and kid-friendly restaurants.
Families love that everything is within walking distance, and with limited beach parking, the area naturally stays less crowded—especially around access points 8, 9, and 10, which were specifically mentioned by members of the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group.
“Siesta Key’s sand is the softest I’ve ever felt, and the water is so warm and calm. Plus, you can walk everywhere!” – A member’s review.
“St. Armand’s Circle / Siesta Key 100 for families.” – Meghan Seever
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Warm, clear, and shallow water safe for young children
- Evening drum circles, casual dining, and a vibrant village center
- Free trolley service around the island
Best time to visit: Spring and fall.
Destin, FL
Destin, located along Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast, is one of the most popular family-friendly beach towns in the U.S.—and for good reason. Frequently listed among the best Gulf Coast family beaches, Destin offers crystal-clear turquoise waters, sugar-white sand, and a wide array of kid-focused attractions, making it a paradise for both kids and parents. From snorkeling in protected coves to exploring the lively boardwalk at HarborWalk Village, there’s never a dull moment. While summer can get crowded, many families recommend visiting during the off-season for a more peaceful and relaxing experience.
“We went in November—perfect weather, no crowds!”
“Destin, FL—we rented a condo just steps from a private beach. We went in November and had perfect weather with no crowds!” – shared one savvy traveler from the Families Who Love to Travel group.
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Gentle Gulf waters perfect for young swimmers
- Family-friendly resorts & water parks
- Great deep-sea fishing & dolphin tours
- Water parks, mini-golf, and dolphin cruises for non-beach fun
- Scenic harbor boardwalk with shops, ice cream, and restaurants
Best time to visit: Fall for fewer crowds.
St. George Island, Florida
St. George Island is a peaceful, unspoiled barrier island located along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, making it a top choice for families seeking relaxation without commercial distractions. This low-key destination has no high-rises, no chains, and no traffic lights—just wide beaches, calm surf, and a laid-back vibe. Families can spend their days biking along quiet roads, collecting seashells, or indulging in a scoop from the local ice cream shop.
“No hustle and bustle, no high-rises, just beautiful beaches, lots of shells, and a bike-friendly atmosphere!” – A traveler’s favorite.
We love St. George Island—there is no hustle and bustle, an ice cream shop, lots of shells, you can ride bikes and golf carts. A small town about 10 minutes away has local downtown shopping that isn’t commercialized at all.” – shared one enthusiastic member of the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group.
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Miles of quiet, uncrowded beaches perfect for sandcastle-building and shelling
- Ideal for wildlife lovers with opportunities to spot dolphins and birds
- Bike and golf cart rentals for exploring the island at a kid-friendly pace
- Local seafood shacks and ice cream spots the whole family will enjoy
Best time to visit: Spring and fall.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands, FL
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are legendary among families for being the ultimate shelling destination in the U.S. Known for their bountiful shores, wildlife refuges, and laid-back pace, these sister islands off Florida’s Gulf Coast are perfect for families who want to immerse themselves in nature and unplug from the busy world. While Sanibel was severely impacted by recent hurricanes, members of the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group shared that it’s rebuilding and slowly returning to its serene charm.
“Sanibel five years ago was a dream—still recovering but worth a visit.”
Captiva and Sanibel are perfect for families who love collecting shells, biking, and relaxing by the water.”
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Best seashell-collecting beaches in the U.S.
- Wildlife spotting at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Bike-friendly streets and nature trails for all ages
- Sunsets and starry skies with minimal commercial lighting
📅 Best time to visit: Winter and spring.
Also, read: Florida Beaches For Families: A Guide To The Sunshine State’s Best Coastal Spots By Region
Honorable Mentions
“Families Who Love To Travel” Facebook Group Members also highly recommended:
- St. George Island, FL – “No hustle and bustle, lots of shells, and perfect for biking.”
- Chincoteague, VA – “Ponies, quiet beaches, and a charming town!”
- Block Island, RI – “Great for a peaceful family retreat with stunning scenery.”
- Duck & Corolla, NC – “Part of the Outer Banks with beautiful beach houses and calm waters.”
- Amelia Island, FL – “A mix of history, nature, and pristine beaches without the crowds.”
Happy Travel
These East Coast beach destinations came highly recommended by real families in the Families Who Love to TravelFacebook group. Whether you’re planning to family travel with kids, this list highlights some of the best beaches in the U.S. for families. Perfect for a summer vacation with families, each destination offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and family-friendly charm.
For even more ideas on planning your next beach trip, check out this expert-curated list of the best family beach vacations in the USA from U.S. News & World Report.
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