Last updated on July 6th, 2024 at 02:18 pm
A beach vacation is the perfect way for families to relax, spend quality time together, and enjoy sunny weather. When choosing a beach destination, it’s important to find somewhere that offers activities for kids of all ages, as well as amenities and comforts to keep parents happy too. Here are fiveawesome beach destinations that are ideal for a fun-filled family holiday.
Barbados
With turquoise waters and soft white sand, the beaches of Barbados are legendary. The west and south coasts offer calm, clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. On the east coast, the Atlantic Ocean waves are bigger for body surfing and boogie boarding. Barbados has activities to entertain kids of all ages. Teens will love swimming with sea turtles, while little ones can build sandcastles and search for seashells. The island also has world-class golf courses, nature hikes, botanical gardens, and boat trips to explore shipwrecks and go snorkeling. Barbados offers an array of family-friendly resorts from all-inclusive to luxury boutique hotels.
Crete
The Greek island of Crete has amazing beaches surrounded by dramatic mountains and cliffs. Some of the best family beaches include Elafonisi with its pink sand, Palma Beach with its shallow, calm water, and the palm-tree lined Vai Beach. There are beach towns along the coast with boardwalks, restaurants, shops, and water activities. Away from the beach, families can explore Crete’s ancient ruins, hike through Samaria Gorge, or visit Knossos Palace. The island has apartments to rent as well as family-oriented resorts with pools, kids’ clubs, and restaurants. A Crete beach holiday has something for the whole family to enjoy.
Cancun
A Cancun vacation is perfect for a family beach getaway. The Hotel Zone in Cancun has over 20 miles of white sand beaches on the Caribbean Sea with gentle waves, ideal for swimming and water sports. Families can go snorkeling to see colorful fish and coral reefs or swim with dolphins at an interactive program. Cancun has waterparks like Xplor Park and Xel-Ha Park with exciting slides and activities. Downtown Cancun and Isla Mujeres offer shopping, restaurants, and ferry rides to the island. Cancun’s all-inclusive resorts provide everything families need including kids’ clubs, pools, nightly entertainment, and family-friendly dining options.
Florida
Florida is a top beach destination for families in the U.S. On the Atlantic Coast, destinations like Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami Beach have wide stretches of sand for relaxing and building sandcastles. The Gulf Coast cities like Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Pete Beach offer calmer waters. Many Florida beach towns have boardwalks, restaurants, mini-golf, amusement parks, and zoos. Families can swim with dolphins, go paddleboarding, play beach volleyball, or take a fishing charter. Florida’s beaches have family-friendly resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. There are also state parks with beaches to enjoy natural beauty.
Costa Rica
From its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines to inland lake beaches, Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches offer families plenty of options. Popular beach spots like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Manuel Antonio have surfing lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking in the rainforest, and waterfall adventures. Families can spot monkeys from the beach, go horseback riding along the coast, and walk through butterfly enclosures. National parks like Marino Ballena and Manuel Antonio allow beach time combined with wildlife viewing. Lodging ranges from eco-lodges and surf camps to all-inclusive resorts with kids’ clubs. For a unique beach experience, families can book a vacation rental home at a secluded beach.
With warm weather year-round, soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of amenities, these destinations all make for an amazing beach trip for families. A beach vacation allows parents and kids to relax while also enjoying activities together as a family. Any of these beautiful beaches would be an unforgettable choice for a family’s next holiday.
