Condé Nast TravelerJul 23, 2026
12 Best Family Beach Vacations in the US to Visit Before Summer Ends
Searching closer to home for a coastal family getaway this year? From Puerto Rico to Wisconsin, Americans can get creative in their quest for sun and sand.
14 things in this story
- Timber Cove ResortHotelModern-bohemian enclave on bluffs overlooking the Pacific.
- Timber Cove hiking trailsTrailOn-site hiking trails showcase this stretch of California coast.
- Elsewhere
- Beach Plum FarmPlaceCape May, United StatesTour the 62-acre grounds, feed chickens, and pick up provisions.
- Henderson Beach State ParkParkDestin, United StatesAdjacent park offering complimentary day passes for resort guests.
- Congress HallHotelCape May, United StatesAmerica's oldest seaside resort, welcoming guests for over 200 years.
- Sanderling ResortHotelOuter Banks, United StatesHas private beaches and pools, plus kayaking and surfing.
- Lodge at Gulf State ParkHotelGulf State Park, United StatesBeachfront hotel in a 6,200-acre eco-preserve on the Gulf of Mexico.
- Interpretive CenterMuseumGulf State Park, United StatesInteractive exhibits on the park’s nine ecosystems.
- Gulf State Park trailsTrailGulf State Park, United StatesBike or walk some of the 28 miles of trails.
- Aulani Resort & SpaHotelOahu, United StatesThis $800-million, family-friendly Disney beach resort opened in 2011 on the leeward side of Oahu.
- Mo'olelo Fire Pit StorytellingPlaceOahu, United StatesEvening storytelling that illustrates Disney's unparalleled entertainment.
- HuttopiaHotelSanford, United StatesGlamping resort on 40 wooded acres with a heated outdoor pool.
- HendersonParkDestin, United StatesBeachfront resort with ways to test the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village' moniker.
- Timpoochee TrailTrailSouth Walton, United StatesBike to beachfront towns on this 18-mile trail.