With summer around the corner, it’s time to plan your summer vacations and seaside escapes with your loved ones. The best family beaches have more than a sandy spot to sunbathe or build sandcastles and a clean, safe area to swim. Our top picks offer a well-rounded experience for families — accommodations, dining and entertainment in close proximity to the beach, with more than enough to keep everyone entertained.
La Jolla Cove, California
A short distance from L.A., La Jolla Cove is a favorite spot for kayaking, snorkeling and diving. Probably the most photographed beach in San Diego, the cove is walkable to La Jolla Shores shops, Kellogg Park and playground and a kid friendly boardwalk. With free parking and La Jolla Concerts By the Sea, the area is sure to please all ages.
South Padre Island, Texas
As Texas’ only island, South Padre Island has 34 miles of pristine white sands and clear waters, making it home to some of the best beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. The water here is shallow, safe and usually calm. Kiteboarding is a favorite pastime along with deep-sea fishing trips and dolphin-watching excursions. Kids can have some hands-on fun aboard the Black Dragon Pirate Ship or visit the local sea turtle rescue to glimpse the tiny sea turtles making their way to the ocean for the first time.
Million Dollar Beach, New York
The largest beach on Lake George, Million Dollar Beach has clear waters for swimming, volleyball courts and picnic areas. The state-run beach, offers a clean and family-friendly environment with trained lifeguards on duty, changing rooms and showers. Whether you are boating or swimming, enjoy the bountiful sandy stretches or take your canine friend for a stroll along what the locals call “Lake George dog beach”. The nearby Lake George Village offers mini-golf, ice cream, great restaurants and a thrilling firework display over the lake in July and August.
Golden Gardens Park, Washington
One of the few parks located on the shoreline, Golden Gardens Park has sandy beaches and a fishing pier and is one of the area’s most popular parks. Enjoy the extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains on one of the trails around the park. During the summer months, the park is packed with beachgoers enjoying the sun and sand. Let your kids play in the stream on the beach, set up a beach volleyball game or check out the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks beautiful botanical garden.
Amelia Island, Florida
Enjoy the island’s 13 miles of pristine, historic and uncrowded coastline. With a combination of spacious white-sand beaches and natural green marshes, the kids can stroll the sand in search of seashells, scallops, moon snails or shark’s teeth. Want more adventure? Take a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district, learn about the pirates and catch dinner at a local seafood spot, where you can eat outside while the kids play pretend on the pirate ship playground.
Looking to grab your passport? Head to Espiritu, Los Cabos’ most exclusive private residential, resort and beach club community. Kids can enjoy the many amenities the community has to offer, including Club Ninety Six, Mexico’s finest private beach club with the best swimming in Los Cabos. Swim laps or enjoy your favorite water sports, there are activities for all ages and a daily Kid’s Club at the Club Ninety Six beach club. Learn about their discovery weekends by contacting Christopher Miller at 310.351.5743.
