When it comes to planning a family vacation, there’s nothing quite like the beach to provide the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. But with so many beach destinations to choose from, it can be tough to narrow down the options. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best family beach destinations around the world.
Whether you’re looking to build sandcastles, splash in the waves, or just soak up some sun, a beach destination has something for everyone in the family. But not all beaches are family-friendly.
These family-friendly beach destinations on our list are known for their soft sand, gentle waves, safe environment, clean surroundings, a variety of water sports and outdoor activities, access to kid-friendly resorts and restaurants, and close to other family-friendly spots such as zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries, and even theme parks.
From the sunny shores of Florida to the crystal-clear waters of Thailand, these destinations offer a range of activities and amenities that are sure to keep your whole family happy.
1. Turks and Caicos
Located just southeast of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands are one of the most popular family beach destinations in the world. The islands offer crystal clear waters and powdery white sand beaches, making them the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun.
One of the top beaches on the island of Providenciales is Grace Bay Beach, voted one of the best beaches in the world by numerous travel publications. TripAdvisor has named it the best beach in the world. And for good reason.
Why it’s family-friendly:
Grace Bay Beach boasts three miles of white sand and turquoise waters. The beach is lined up with family-friendly resorts, including all-inclusive ones, so that your food and activities are all covered.
You can snorkel at the Coral Gardens at Bight Reef, where you’ll find turtles. You can check out iguanas at Half Moon Bay. Or go horseback riding on the beach with the Provo Ponies. And, of course, you can kayak, parasail, paddleboard, jetski, sail, and island hop.
You can join the Kitty Katt Catamaran Cruise, where your kids can enjoy an 8-foot tube slide on the Kitty Katt, a 65 ft. luxury catamaran. There is also the 45,000-sq. ft. Pirates Island Waterpark, clubs for teens, and Sesame Street adventures inside the Beaches Turks & Caicos resort, one of the most popular all-inclusive resorts worldwide.
Watch this tour of the fantastic Beaches Turks & Caicos:
Other family-friendly beaches in Turks and Caicos include Taylor Bay Beach (where the waters are knee-high, perfect for small kids), Sapodilla Bay Beach (a smaller and quieter beach), and Long Bay Beach (another quiet beach with shallow waters).
2. Maui, Hawaii, USA
Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is known for its lush natural environment, including volcanic landscapes, emerald valleys, and stunning black-sand beaches.
One of the top beaches on the island is Kāʻanapali Beach, with three miles of powdery (not black) sand and crystal-clear waters. It was once named the best beach in America.
Why it’s family-friendly:
Your family can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, windsurf, parasail, surf, watch a luau, go on a whale-watching tour, and even zip line over Maui’s lush landscape.
One of Kāʻanapali Beach’s most famous attractions is the cliff diving ceremony on Puʻu Kekaʻa, or Black Rock. At sunset, a cliff diver lights the torches along the cliff and dives off Black Rock.
The self-contained Kāʻanapali Beach Resort includes several hotels and resorts as well as condominiums and villas. The most popular ones include Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, and Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel.
Watch this virtual walking tour of Kāʻanapali Beach:
Other popular family-friendly beaches on the island are Baby Beach, Kapalua Bay, Launiupoko Beach Park, Kamaole Beaches, and Kahekili Beach Park.
3. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals. What makes it unique are its hidden temples, local markets, and thriving nightlife. One of the top beaches on the island is Patong Beach, which is located on the west coast of the island and is known for its lively atmosphere for party-goers and water sports for everyone. But for a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere, there’s Kata Beach.
Why it’s family-friendly:
Second to Patong Beach in terms of popularity, Kata Beach is more suited to families. There are two beaches here: one loud and the other quiet. While you can do all sorts of water activities, Kata Beach stands out because it’s also a surfing destination. The 1.5-kilometer beach boasts soft sand and blue waters, safe for adults and kids. You can also visit nearby family attractions like Dino Park, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Phuket Aquarium, and Monkey Hill.
The beach is home to a number of resorts, including the Centara Grand Beach Resort, which offers a variety of activities for families, including a kids club, a massive water park and slides, and evening entertainment.
Check out this promotional video of Centara Grand Beach Resort in Phuket:
Other popular family-friendly beaches on the island are Kamala Beach, which is close to the Phuket Fanta Sea theme park; Bangtao Beach, with the massive luxury resort Laguna Phuket; and Karon Beach, for those who want to avoid the crowds.
4. Palawan, The Philippines
With more than 7,100 islands, the archipelago of the Philippines boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. This includes the world-famous and multi-awarded Boracay, known for its white sand and blue waters. It was named Asia’s top island at the 2022 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. However, like Patong Beach in Phuket, Boracay is popular among partygoers.
Palawan is a great alternative as a family-friendly beach destination. It has been named the best island in the world by Travel + Leisure, and, most recently, the most desirable island in the world in the Wanderlust Travel Awards. There’s El Nido, more unspoiled and considered among the best in the world with its pristine waters and majestic limestone cliffs. And then there’s Coron, which is more exciting for adventurous families.
Why it’s family-friendly:
Aside from enjoying the stunning beaches and lagoons, Coron is also known for diving World War II Japanese shipwrecks. Your family will love island hopping, jungle trekking, mountain hiking, and island camping. There’s also the nearby Kingfisher Park, a mangrove and bird haven. An hour’s drive away is Calauit Safari Park, a 3,700 wildlife sanctuary and game reserve that’s like a mini-African safari.
Watch this travel guide on Coron:
You can stay at The Funny Lion, Bacau Bay Resort Coron, or Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Bali was chosen to be the most popular destination in the world at the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2022. Undoubtedly, it’s a highly developed beach destination for tourists, with several beach towns: Seminyak, Denpasar, Kuta, and Nusa Dua.
Seminyak Beach is famous for its beach clubs. Sanur Beach in Denpasar is more laid-back. Kuta Beach boasts plenty of activities. And Nusa Dua Beach is the most family-friendly.
Why it’s family-friendly:
Nusa Dua Beach has calm and clean waters, manicured lawns, and lots of palm trees. Located in a semi-gated community, it’s a safe enclave from the more touristy areas. There are plenty of resorts with kids clubs. The stunning Apurva Kempinski Bali offers an aquatic dining experience at its Koral Restaurant. The Westin Resort Nusa Dua has its Westin Family Kids Club and a 12-meter waterslide in its freshwater pool.
Watch this virtual tour of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua:
There’s also the Pirates Bay cafe and restaurant with its tree swings, hammocks, see-saws, and play pirate ship. But if you want more non-beach adventures, drive to Kuta with its Waterbom Bali waterpark and shopping malls. Or go to Ubud, with the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Elephant Cave, and Tegenungan Waterfall.
6. New Providence Island, The Bahamas
The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Florida. The islands are known for their stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. You are actually spoiled for choice. The capital city of Nassau has Baha Mar, one of the top family-friendly resorts. Just offshore is New Providence Island, home to a number of luxury resorts, including the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, which is like a theme park in itself.
Why it’s family-friendly:
Baha Mar, located in the pristine white sands of Cable Beach, has an enormous water park called Baha Bay, offering exhilarating fun for the entire family. The luxe water park is set on 15 lush beachfront acres. And then there’s Atlantis. The resort has a 141-acre Mayan-themed water park called Aquaventure, with pools, water slides, and rapids river. It also has a marine habitat called Dolphin Cay & Marine Adventures, where your family can swim with dolphins, snorkel alongside exotic tropical fish, check out marine life exhibits, and explore lagoons. And yeah, it has 5 miles of white sand beaches. It’s pretty hard to beat.
Here’s a virtual walking tour of Atlantis Paradise Island Resort:
Other great family beach destinations are Pink Sand Beach (with its pink sand) in Harbour Island and Pig Beach (with its famous swimming pigs) in Exuma.
7. The Maldives
If you think The Maldives is just for honeymooners, think again. An archipelago of 26 atolls located in the Indian Ocean, just southwest of India, the islands are known for their stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and luxury resorts.
It’s the smallest country in Asia. You can walk to get around as all the resort islands are walkable. Most of the resorts have their private islands and uninhabited coral atolls, so it’s a matter of shortlisting the most family-friendly ones. Many are also all-inclusive resorts.
Why it’s family-friendly:
The Maldives is not just a romantic getaway. It has lots to offer families, such as diving, snorkeling, big game fishing, jet skiing, and dolphin watching. Your kids can also enjoy watching marine life from your villa deck or in the shallow waters. And it gives you a more exclusive atmosphere, in contrast to other beach destinations teeming with tourists.
Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi offer programs for kids and teens, including The Adventure of the Corbin, a 17th-century French galleon that was shipwrecked off the coast of the Goidhoo Atoll. They get to learn how to survive on an uninhabited island and snorkel in the wreck site. Soneva Jani also features The Den, the largest children’s zone in the Maldives. It’s a 1,500-sq.m. two-story structure with a massive swimming pool, waterslide, 32-meter zipline, pirate ship, skateboard ramp, bowling alley, cinema, and a DJ booth complete with a dance floor and pool bar.
Check out The Den at Soneva Jani:
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has an undersea restaurant, plus its MAJAA Explorers Hub, where kids can enjoy marine adventures, sports and games, arts and crafts, and culinary workshops. Amilla Maldives boasts bubble tents for glamping, teen programs, and the Sultan’s Village kids club with its snorkeling tours, beach games, and other activities. Niyama Private Island has an Explorers Kids’ Club that includes a playground, a trampoline, a splash park, and a dolphin-finding expedition. Other resorts also have fantastic kids clubs. So, yes, The Maldives is a great family beach destination.
8. Florida, USA
When it comes to family-friendly beach destinations in the United States, it’s hard to beat the sunshine state of Florida. With its abundance of theme parks, waterparks, and family-friendly attractions, Florida is a top choice for families looking for a fun-filled beach vacation.
Why it’s family-friendly:
Florida is a big state, and there are many great family-friendly beaches everywhere. There’s Siesta Key, considered one of the best beaches in the U.S., with white quartz sand, crystal-clear waters, a charming village, and plenty of dining and entertainment. Clearwater Beach has gentle waters, white sand, and a wide range of kid-friendly activities and amenities at the nearby Beach Walk promenade.
Panama City Beach is home to the Gulf World Marine Park, where kids can interact with dolphins and sea turtles. Amelia Island has sand dunes and family-friendly activities like horseback riding, sunset dolphin watching, and river cruises. Sanibel Beach has calm waters and abundant seashells, which will occupy your kids.
Other top beach destinations, among many others in Florida, include Daytona Beach, which is known for its wide, hard-packed sands that are perfect for bike riding, and Cocoa Beach, with its shallow waters and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. And even South Beach in Miami Beach, known for glamor and partying, is family-friendly with its wonderful parks that also cater to kids.
Here’s a video on the top 10 places to visit in Florida:
And after your beach vacation, you can head over Orlando’s many theme parks, including Universal Studios, Disney World, Sea World, and LEGOLAND.
9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Myrtle Beach is a city and vacation resort on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast. It’s a popular vacation destination known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and various attractions and activities. It’s the hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile string of beaches.
Why it’s family-friendly:
Myrtle Beach has a number of options for families to enjoy together, including water parks and miniature golf courses. Along its beachfront boardwalk are arcades, souvenir stands, and restaurants, as well as the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park, Ripley’s family attractions, the Hollywood Wax Museum. and the SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels.
There are also many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals that cater specifically to families and offer amenities such as kids’ clubs and pools. In addition, Myrtle Beach has a number of restaurants that offer a variety of cuisine options to appeal to everyone in the family. There are also comedy shows, magic shows, trolley tours, and more.
Watch this travel guide on Myrtle Beach:
Overall, Myrtle Beach is a great destination for families looking to have a fun and enjoyable vacation.
10. The Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast is a city located in the southeast corner of the state of Queensland, Australia. The city is known for its stunning beaches, surf breaks, and party scene. But there are also a lot of family-friendly attractions.
Why it’s family-friendly:
One of the top beaches on the Gold Coast is Surfer’s Paradise Beach, which is known for its wide sandy beach and excellent surf. There are many attractions, such as SkyPoint Climb, Infinity Attraction, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, iFly Skydiving, and Sling Shot.
The beach is home to a number of resorts, including the QT Gold Coast, which offers a variety of activities for families, including a kids club, a water park, escape rooms, and evening entertainment.
Another popular beach on the Gold Coast is Coolangatta Beach, which is located on the southern end of the city and is known for its white sand and calm waters, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is home to a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as the Coolangatta Beach Hotel, which offers a variety of amenities for families.
The Gold Coast has a lot of other attractions for families, such as Sea World theme park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast waterpark, and Dreamworld, Australia’s biggest theme park.
Check out this short travel guide video on The Gold Coast:
Our top 10 best family beach destinations in the world offer something for everyone, from crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beaches to luxury resorts and exciting water sports. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or stay active with a variety of activities, these destinations have something to offer every member of the family.
We hope this bucket list of the top family beach destinations worldwide has inspired you to go out with your kids and take them on an unforgettable beach vacation!
