Best Family Beach Vacations in the US: A Complete Guide

Dreaming of a family beach vacation? Not sure where to go? Then you’ve come to the right place. The U.S. is home to some of the world’s best beaches, from Hilton Head Island to Sanibel Island to Virginia Beach, Haleakala National Park, Treasure Island, and beyond. But just because a beach is one of the best, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s best for families. That’s where we come in. In this blog, we’ll reveal America’s best family beach vacations, as picked by the vacation experts at Timeshares Only. We’ll tell you what makes these beaches fun for the whole family. Moreover, we’ll tell you where to stay to get the most beach for your buck. So, grab your trunks, your towels, and plenty of sunscreen, and join us as we reveal the best family beach vacations in the US!

Myrtle Beach, SC: Best All-Around Family Beach Vacation

Myrtle Beach has something for everyone. Whatever your family is into, a vacation in Myrtle Beach is sure to be a hit for the whole gang! Of course, we wouldn’t be talking about it if it didn’t have great beaches. Myrtle Beach’s famous Grand Strand is more than 60 miles long. Its soft white sands are ideal for laying out or building sandcastles. Meanwhile, with a sandy bottom and relatively calm waters, it’s a great place for beginners to learn how to surf. However, Myrtle Beach offers much more than just sand and surf. Here are some of the top attractions that make Myrtle Beach the best all-around family beach vacation:

• Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade: This 1.2-mile-long boardwalk boasts shops, restaurants, and the 187-foot-tall SkyWheel Ferris wheel.
• Family Kingdom Amusement Park: Located just steps from the Boardwalk, the Family Kingdom Amusement Park features 37 rides for all ages, including go-karts, kiddie rides, family rides, and thrill rides.
• Myrtle Waves Water Park: Open from mid-May through mid-September, Myrtle Waves is the largest water park in South Carolina. It boasts 22 slides and attractions, including the ten-story tall Turbo Twisters, which appeared on the Travel Channel series Xtreme Waterparks.
• Broadway at the Beach: Receiving upwards of 14 million visitors a year, Broadway at the Beach is the most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in South Carolina. Highlights include Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hollywood Wax Museum, WonderWorks, Legends in Concert, Hard Rock Cafe, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, Melt, and the Grumpy Monk Brewery.

Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach

As one of the top beach vacation destinations in the US, it’s no surprise that Myrtle Beach is also one of America’s top timeshare destinations. You’ll find timeshares from top brands like Club Wyndham, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Hilton Grand Vacations. Here are some of the best timeshare resorts in Myrtle Beach:

Club Wyndham Ocean Boulevard

Choose from a range of spacious accommodations and enjoy luxury amenities such as private balconies with ocean views, full kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and more. The resort also boasts many on-site amenities, including a pool area, hot tubs, a fitness center, and direct beach access. As well as the beach, Club Wyndham Ocean Boulevard is convenient to Broadway at the Beach, the Boardwalk, and more.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations South Beach Resort

With its own private beach club across the street, as well as convenience to seafood restaurants, music venues, and other attractions, Holiday Inn Club Vacations South Beach Resort is the perfect home base for your Myrtle Beach family vacation. Moreover, with everything from a par-three golf course to miniature golf to indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, a game room, a fitness center, an art gallery, and a sauna right onsite, you don’t have to leave the resort to have a good time. Every spacious unit comes generously appointed with a fireplace, a state-of-the-art entertainment center, and a screened balcony.

Hilton Grand Vacations at Anderson Ocean Club

Located directly on the Grand Strand, this Moroccan- and Spanish-inspired resort gives you direct access to the beach. Other amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a lazy river, a full-service spa, and a Tiki bar. Moreover, Anderson Ocean Club boasts quick and easy access to championship golf courses, dining options, shops, and entertainment venues. Choose from a one-, two-, or three-bedroom suite and enjoy home-like amenities such as an in-unit kitchen, free WiFi, and flat-screen TVs.

Cocoa Beach, FL: Best Family Beach for Theme Park Junkies

If you’re looking for a family beach vacation with access to theme parks, look no further than Cocoa Beach, Florida. Located just one hour from Orlando, Cocoa Beach gives you the best of both worlds, with a world-class beach and convenience to Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. But don’t think Cocoa Beach is just for the kiddos. Unlike most beaches, Cocoa Beach is alcohol-friendly! While the beach is relatively wide and spacious, it tends to get crowded in the summer. So, try to get there early if you want a good spot. Here are some other activities to add to your Cocoa Beach vacation itinerary:

• Cocoa Beach Pier: Located at the beach, the Cocoa Beach Pier is the perfect place to get fresh seafood, shop, drink, and watch the surfers.
• Lori Wilson Park: If you’re looking for a less crowded beachgoing option in Cocoa, then head to Lori Wilson Park. This clean, serene beach features picnic areas, nature trails, beach equipment rentals, playgrounds, and more.
• The Dinosaur Store: This small but mighty museum boasts a rich array of dinosaur and prehistoric cultural exhibits. There’s also an adventure zone your kids are sure to love.
• Kennedy Space Center: The Kennedy Space Center is a celebration of human ingenuity and the spirit of discovery. See a rocket launch, tour the space shuttle, blast off on a launch simulator, enjoy interactive exhibits, and train like an astronaut at this NASA facility located on Merrit Island, less than an hour from Cocoa.

Where to Stay in Cocoa Beach

Cocoa hosts many luxurious timeshare resorts sure to make you feel at home on your Cocoa Beach family vacation. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Resort on Cocoa Beach

Situated right on Cocoa’s eponymous beach, the aptly named Resort on Cocoa Beach boasts two-bedroom suites with private balconies offering partial ocean or oceanfront views. Other unit amenities include full kitchens, elegant dining areas, and in-unit laundry machines. Enjoy a myriad of on-site amenities such as direct beach access, a heated pool, sports courts, a restaurant, and more. Or, take advantage of the resort’s prime location to access premier attractions like the Kennedy Space Center,

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort

This Polynesian-style resort boasts walkable beach access, a heated outdoor pool, a children’s pool, a lazy river, and beach rentals. With a central location, it’s the perfect launch pad for attractions like Kennedy Space Center and the Dinosaur Store. Suites sleep up to five guests and feature tropical décor, spacious living areas, fully-equipped kitchens, and breakfast nooks.

Discovery Beach Resort

Nestled on the white sands of Cocoa Beach, Discovery Beach Resort puts the fun and sun at your fingertips. When you aren’t at the beach, enjoy on-site amenities like a pool, sports courts, a fitness center, and a sauna. Or, venture out to experience popular attractions such as deep-sea fishing, eco-tours, golf, and more.

St. Augustine, FL: Best Family Beach Vacation for History Buffs

Love history? Then you’re sure to love St. Augustine! Established in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in America, predating Jamestown by 42 years. Of course, beach bums will find plenty to love about this historic town, too. St. Augustine boasts multiple world-class beaches, including Ponte Vedra Beach, Anastasia State Park, Vilano Beach, and Butler Beach. St. Augustine’s beaches are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, soft sands, and ideal surfing conditions. Here are some other fun things to do on your next family vacation in St. Augustine:

• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: Completed in 1695, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the US. The fort remained in continuous military possession for 251 years, changing hands several times through the Spanish, British, Second Spanish, and American periods.
• St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum: Built in the 1870’s, this historic lighthouse features a shipbuilding museum, live carpentry demonstrations, a gift shop with maritime souvenirs, and the best views in St. Augustine.
• Golf: St. Augustine is a golfer’s paradise, with nine public golf courses, including Elkton Golf Club, St. Johns Golf and Country Club, and Palm Valley Golf Club. It also hosts major tournaments like the St. Augustine Amateur and The Players Championship.
• St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park: This family-friendly attraction features alligator feedings, a bird sanctuary, zip-lining, and more!
• Trolley Rides: From history tours to ghost tours, trollies are a fun and educational way to see the city.

Where to Stay in St. Augustine

Whether you want to stay on the beach or the fairway, these resorts offer modern luxury in historic St. Augustine!

Grande Villas at World Golf Village

Grande Villas at World Golf Village is a year-round golf haven with two championship courses located right onsite. Other amenities include basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, a sprawling pool, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. While it doesn’t offer direct beach access, Grande Villas at World Golf Village is just 20 minutes from St. Augustine Beach, 27 minutes from Vilano Beach, and 30 minutes from Anastasia State Park. It’s also close to shopping and dining, as well as necessities like drug and grocery stores. Accommodations include one- and two-bedroom suites in a variety of layouts. Enjoy luxurious amenities such as full kitchens, posh master suites, and furnished balconies overlooking the fairways.

Ocean Gate Resort

True to its name, Ocean Gate Resort is your gateway to seaside fun in the Florida sun. Enjoy private access to St. Augustine Beach, as well as a wealth of on-site amenities like indoor and outdoor pools, grill stations, a workout room, and more. If you want to get out and explore St. Augustine, then you’re in luck. Ocean Gate Resort is just minutes from Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, and championship golf courses. Accommodations include two- and three-bedroom suites sleeping six and eight, respectively. Every suite features home-like amenities such as in-unit washers and dryers and fully equipped kitchens, as well as luxury extras like furnished balconies and jacuzzi tubs.

The Hibiscus Resort

Set amidst the rolling dunes of St. Augustine Beach, The Hibiscus Resort is the small, secluded Florida hideaway you’ve been dreaming of. Enjoy walkable access to St. Augustine Beach, or take advantage of the three on-site pools for freshwater family fun. Other on-site amenities include hot tubs, tennis courts, as well as a fitness center. The Hibiscus Resort is ideally located for accessing St. Augustine’s most popular attractions, including the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, and golf courses. After a long day exploring the city, you can retire to your spacious two-bedroom suite, where you’ll find everything from a full kitchen to a furnished balcony to a four-person jacuzzi.

Outer Banks, NC: Best Family Beach Vacation for Animal Lovers

The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands separating the Atlantic Ocean from the North Carolina mainland. Much of the Outer Banks’ 200+ miles is characterized by wide-open beachfront, offering plenty of space to sunbathe while your kids run free in the sand. Around 70 miles of the Outer Banks is managed by the National Park Service. Known as the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this stretch of the Outer Banks is known for treacherous currents, historic shipwrecks, and the best surfing on the East Coast. It also hosts a diverse array of wildlife and is considered an important wintering spot for migrating waterfowl.

Perhaps the most remarkable wild resident of the Outer Banks, however, is the Corolla Wild Horse. Also known as Banker Ponies, the Corolla Wild Horses are descended from domestic Spanish horses thought to have survived shipwrecks or been abandoned by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. But of course, wildlife and beaches aren’t all the region has to offer. Here are some other must-see attractions for your family getaway to the Outer Banks:

• Wright Brothers National Memorial: In 1903, the Outer Banks became famous as the site of the Wright Brothers’ historic first manned flight. Today, the Wright Brothers National Memorial pays homage to this milestone with interactive exhibits, ranger-led lectures, and life-size replicas.
• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island: This interactive aquarium features indoor and outdoor exhibits, making it the perfect activity for any weather. Get up close and personal with sea creatures at the touch tanks, learn about the aquarium’s sea turtle rehabilitation program, and hear educational lectures on marine rescue.
• Elizabethan Gardens: Built for the personal enjoyment of Queen Elizabeth, this seasonal attraction features elaborate, ornate gardens, a Butterfly Center, Italian Renaissance sculptures, a Children’s Discovery Cottage, and more!

Where to Stay in the Outer Banks

Looking for vacation rentals for your family beach vacation in the Outer Banks? Here are a few of our favorite resorts on the barrier islands!

Beachwoods Resort

Nestled in a maritime forest in Kitty Hawk, Beachwoods Resort lets you get away from it all while having the best of the Outer Banks at your fingertips. Enjoy convenient access to beaches, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and the Roanoke Island Aquarium. Or, hang back and enjoy on-site amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, a game room, and a fitness center. Accommodations range from one to four bedrooms and feature full kitchens, private porches/balconies, and in-unit washers and dryers.

A Place at the Beach III

This family-friendly resort offers direct access to the beach, an outdoor pool with a 150-foot water slide, a whirlpool spa, sports courts, and more. Meanwhile, nearby attractions like water sports, horseback riding, and no fewer than 12 championship golf courses ensure off-property fun is never in short order. Choose from a one-, two-, or three-bedroom suite and enjoy in-unit kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, private bedrooms with plush beds, and a range of available views.

Sea Scape Beach and Golf Villas

Surrounding a golf course two blocks from the beach, Sea Scape offers the best of both worlds. In addition to the golf course, the resort features miniature golf, sports courts, and two outdoor pools. When you aren’t enjoying the resort amenities, you can partake in area attractions like water sports, shopping, dining, and live entertainment. And at the end of the day, you’ll find your two-bedroom suite – complete with a full kitchen, queen master, and two full bathrooms – waiting to cradle you in home-like comfort.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Family Beach Vacation

To ensure everyone in the family has the best beach vacation ever, you’ll want to do some planning beforehand. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Tailor Your Vacation to Your Family: Every family is different. So is every beach. To pick the best destination for your family, consider every member’s age, interests, and any special accommodations they may need.
• Relaxation Vs. Adventure: How do you like to enjoy the beach? If you like to relax, then be sure to pick a beach with plenty of space to lay out. You might even consider visiting in the off-season when the beaches are less crowded. If it’s adventure you seek, look for beaches with activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, or boat tours.
• Research the Area: You won’t want to spend every second of your vacation at the beach. Therefore, be sure to research your location to see what other kinds of attractions are located in the area.
• Pack Accordingly: There’s nothing worse than realizing you need beach supplies the morning of your beach day. Remember to pack essentials like beach towels, sunglasses, suits, and lots of water and sunscreen.

Rent a Family Beach Vacation Timeshare With Timeshares Only

Ready to book your family beach vacation? Timeshares Only can help! Our resale marketplace has timeshare rentals in the world’s top beach destinations. Enjoy the convenience of a pre-booked vacation, the savings of for-rent-by-owner timeshares, and the top-notch accommodations and amenities of a luxury resort – all just steps from the beach! So, browse our resale marketplace to find beach timeshares for rent in your favorite locations. Or, call 1-800-40-8326 or email us at [email protected] and let one of our rental experts help you set up your search!

Buy a Family Beach Vacation Timeshare

Want to make your favorite beach an annual vacation tradition? With our selection of timeshares for sale on the resale market, you can buy a lifetime of family beach vacations for less! Click the link below to browse our resale marketplace, and use the search filters to find the perfect beach location for you!