Top 10 U.S. Family Friendly Beaches
Family fun at the beach is top on the classic summer family wish-list. And according to a recent study by TripAdvisor, nearly 78 percent of travelers are planning on taking a beach trip with their kids—92 of whom will seek out family-friendly sandy spots.
Below, find a list of the most favored beach destinations in the U.S. to travel to with kids in tow.
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Top 10 Family-Friendly Beaches
1. Put Your Money in the Banks
Nags Head Beach, The Outer Banks, North Carolina
Families have plenty of beach to enjoy as the lovely Outer Banks islands are surrounded by 900 square miles of water. Nags Head, in particular has it all, including a sprawling sandy beach, lifeguards and water sports.
2. By George, They've Got It
St. George Island State Park Beach, St. George Island, Florida
A quiet island on Florida's panhandle, the state park beach of St. George Island features some of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches of the gulf coast.
3. Coronado Coronation
Glorietta Bay Beach, Coronado, California
On the north end of the Silver Strand in San Diego County, Glorietta Beach features year-round warm weather, and calm surf along with picnic tables and a park.
4. Sanibel Tolls for Thee
Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Island, Florida
A haven for those who like to collect shells, this gulf-side getaway features shallow waters, white sandy beaches, outdoor showers and barbeque grills.
5. Family-Friendly to the Hilt
Hilton Head Island Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina
A glorious beach destination, perfect for young children, the "renourished" beach also offers kayaking and dolphin tours.
6. Indiana Jonesing
Indiana Dunes State Park Beach, Michigan City, Indiana
Featuring three miles of soft sand from Gary, Indiana to Michigan City, this tranquil beach destination features picnic areas and a pavilion on the beach with a snack bar.
7. Rubber Duckies Welcome
Bathtub Beach, Stuart, Florida
Unlike many big surf beaches on Florida's east coast, beautiful golden sand Bathtub Beach is protected by a reef that creates a lagoon effect, with calm, warm water, lifeguards, picnic tables and easily-accessible restrooms.
8. Texas Stew-Step
Stewart Beach, Galveston, Texas
Families are the focus at this popular, amenities-rich beach park, where volleyball, sandcastle competitions, concerts and other family-oriented activities are the norm.
9. May Day
Higbee Beach, Cape May, New Jersey
Situated near the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center, this southern New Jersey destination is a classic seashore resort with miles of soft, white sand and calm surf. Cape May is also a prime spot for whale and bird watching.
10. Oh My Cod
Mayo Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
This beautiful Wellfleet Bay beach offers warm and calm water, shallow points along the shore, a playground across the street and great views of the fishing boats leaving the pier.
"These beaches fit the bill for family-friendliness with soft sand (not rocky), calm and temperate water (no big surf, scary tides or ice cold water), activities or amenities that are fun for kids, and conveniences for parents, like bathrooms and picnic tables," said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. "They're also beautiful, relaxing spots that every parent will enjoy."
(Source: TripAdvisor) |
