Where to Go for White Sand, Easy Travel, and Kid-Friendly Vibes

The best family beach trips are the ones where everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—gets a moment to breathe. Maybe that’s on a calm, white-sand shoreline with a bucket in hand. Maybe it’s at a beach resort with a kids club that lets parents sneak in a round of golf. Or maybe it’s somewhere off the beaten path, where wild horses walk the coast and sea turtles nest.

From Gulf Coast gems to East Coast escapes and island getaways, this guide covers 12 family-friendly beach destinations worth planning around. We’ve included top travel tips, what to do with kids, and essential gear to bring.

1. Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island is one of the most underrated East Coast beach towns for families. Located in northern Florida, it has calm surf, white sand, walkable streets, and wild beauty you won’t find at flashier beaches. In summer, it becomes a nesting ground for sea turtles, with guided tours for families.

Kids love Fort Clinch State Park and its Civil War reenactments. Parents love that you can explore everything by bike.

2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head blends Southern charm with just the right amount of structure. You’ll find miles of bike paths, dolphin cruises, and even alligator tours. Resorts offer kids clubs that free up adults for a spa session or a round on the island’s famous golf courses.

Coligny Beach is perfect for younger kids, with its splash pad and easy-access boardwalk.

3. Sanibel Island, Florida

If your dream family beach trip includes wildlife and nature without sacrificing comfort, Sanibel Island is for you. Its white sand beaches are famous for seashells and soft surf. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers kayak trails, birdwatching, and gator spotting.

June through October, sea turtle hatchlings emerge from nests—watching this with your kids is unforgettable.

4. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is a rising star along the Gulf Coast. It’s packed with family-friendly features: amusement parks, mini golf, wildlife trails, and interactive science centers. There are also plenty of beach resorts that cater to families with kid zones and pools.

It's a top pick if you want a stress-free beach trip with everything within arm’s reach.

5. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

A high-end escape with a focus on nature, Kiawah Island offers 10 miles of quiet shoreline, a top-tier island resort, and one of the best golf courses on the coast. Families can explore bike paths, rent paddleboards, and spot deer at sunset.

If you're looking to unplug while still enjoying creature comforts, this is it.

6. Outer Banks, North Carolina (OBX)

The Outer Banks is a 100-mile stretch of coast beach where families can build sandcastles, take surf lessons, or even drive on certain beaches. In Corolla, wild horses roam free, and in Kill Devil Hills, you can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Each beach town has its own flavor, from the quiet charm of Duck to the bustle of Nags Head.

7. Coronado Beach, California

Right across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado offers a wide, flat beach with gentle surf and soft white sand—perfect for kids. The iconic Hotel del Coronado gives the area a beach resort feel, and families love the safe, walkable environment.

Rent bikes, chase seagulls, and end the day with tacos at the local cantina.

8. Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee is Savannah’s go-to beach town—low-key, easygoing, and ideal for families who like to keep things simple. Kids can explore the Tybee Marine Science Center, look for sea turtles, or take a dolphin-watching cruise.

It’s just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, so you can mix in some city sightseeing too.

9. Siesta Key, Florida

Often ranked #1 in the U.S. for white sand, Siesta Key is a family beach favorite. It’s laid-back and packed with amenities: clean restrooms, playgrounds, picnic tables, and lifeguards. Accommodations range from budget condos to full-scale beach resorts.

You won’t need a car once you arrive—free trolleys get you around.

10. Destin, Florida

With white sand and calm emerald waters, Destin is built for family friendly fun. Think pirate-themed boat cruises, crab hunting at night, and seafood that even picky eaters will enjoy. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is a hit when the kids need a break from the beach.

Great for fishing dads and sunset seekers—grab your Voyager, cast a line, and relax.

11. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is a classic East Coast boardwalk spot. With mini-golf, arcades, and funnel cakes, it’s nostalgic in the best way. Some local resorts even offer kids clubs with crafts and activities so parents can enjoy a cocktail or explore the shops.

A little kitschy? Sure. But that’s half the fun.

12. Nantucket, Massachusetts

For families seeking a bit more refinement, Nantucket blends beautiful beaches with upscale accommodations and historic charm. Ride bikes to the lighthouse, ferry-hop from Hyannis, and stroll the cobblestone streets between ice cream shops and surf stores.

Children’s Beach is designed for little ones, with calm water, playgrounds, and regular events.

Absolutely — here are three West Coast additions to round out your list, with SEO consistency and PARKIT integration:

13. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Known for its dramatic coastline and the towering Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast. It's ideal for a more adventurous family beach trip: think tidepool exploration, bonfires, and moody photo ops. Downtown Cannon has great coffee shops, galleries, and toy stores for a cozy break from the ocean breeze.

14. La Jolla Shores, California

Just north of San Diego, La Jolla Shores offers soft sand, gentle surf, and calm waters that are ideal for kids learning to swim or boogie board. Families can kayak the nearby sea caves or snorkel to spot leopard sharks and sea lions. The Birch Aquarium nearby adds a science touch to your beach vacation.

If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle while snorkeling—set up on shore with the Voyager Chair for the perfect staging base.

15. Avila Beach, California

Nestled on the Central Coast between LA and San Francisco, Avila Beach is a charming beach town with warm weather, calm surf, and a family-first feel. There's a pirate-themed playground right on the sand, plus hot springs, bike rentals, and a walkable pier.

It’s the kind of coast beach where you can post up for hours—don’t forget your Eclipse Chair to kick back in comfort and style.

Tips for Planning a Great Family Beach Vacation

• Plan for downtime. Don’t overpack the itinerary—kids thrive on rhythm and routine.
• Check the surf. Some beaches are better for young swimmers than others.
• Bring real gear. PARKIT chairs are designed to hold up through sun, sand, and spills.
• Book early. Popular beach towns and resorts sell out, especially during spring and summer breaks.

The best beach trips for families are all about ease. You don’t need everything—just the right setup, a good location, and a few quiet moments where time slows down and the waves roll in.

Recommended Beach Gear from PARKIT

A few favorites for your next trip:

• 🧊 Voyager Chair: Built-in cooler, cupholder, and durable enough for all-day use.
• ☀️ Eclipse Chair: Everything you love about the Voyager plus it reclines!

Whether you’re catching a sea turtle release or building sandcastles until sunset, make it more comfortable with gear that’s built to last.