Family Beach Vacations
Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.
We've selected family-friendly beach resorts across the U.S. Each hotel on the list has something special which makes it stand out as a family beach vacation destination. Many have programs for kids and facilities for families, such as a separate swimming pool for small children and children's menus at the restaurants. Some places on the list are famous while others are relatively unknown or new.
Many beach resorts cater to families and the choice can be overwhelming. To narrow down your options, consider the following: Is the beach protected by a reef so that the waves do not get too large? What kind of vacation activities are there: snorkeling, surfing, golf courses and shopping? Would you rather be on a large beach such as Waikiki Beach on Oahu, or a smaller beach on Maui? Do you want the luxuries of a five-star resort or do you prefer to keep the costs down by staying in a condo and cooking some of your own meals?
Maui
On the West Cost of Maui, choices range from the new ultra-luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua to the beachfront condo-style Napili Kai Beach Resort.
If you are planning to play golf, then Kapalua Resort is a good choice because guests receive 30% lower golf rates than vacationers staying at hotels that are not part of the resort. Kapalua Resort includes the following properties: the Kapalua Villas and the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
Children get free access to the Kapalua Keiki Club (available in season), or can sign up for Adventure 7. Those staying at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, can sign up for the Ritz Kids program.
Room rates at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua start at $375 per night plus tax and resort fee. If you want the convenience of your own kitchen and laundry facilities, rates at Kapalua Villas start at $209 during the low season and at $249 during the high season.
One bay over from Kapalua Bay lies Napili Kai Beach Resort, a low-rise family resort with comfortable beach front condos. Napili Kai offers a complimentary children's program for kids ages 6-12 from mid-June to the end of August, during Easter and Christmas. Condos are just steps from the beach and offer kitchenettes as well as laundry facilities in each building. Napili Kai Beach Resort is a good choice for family reunions.
On the southern shore of Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani hotel has a sandy beach and spacious accommodations. The hotel is located near the new Shops at Wailea.
If you prefer to vacation on a more secluded spot, the Maui Prince hotel is located in a quiet area surrounded by two scenic golf courses and large sandy beach.
Family Adventure Vacation on Molokai
Molokai is filled with beautiful empty beaches, no traffic lights and very few tourists. Many vacationers visit Molokai only for a day on a tour, and some end up on the island because they thought they were going to Molokini (a scenic snorkeling site near Maui).
The island is accessible by ferry from Maui and by plane from Honolulu and Maui. The island is for those who like adventure and the outdoors. Don't expect shopping or nightlife.
Molokai Ranch owns a large part of the island. Accommodation options include the Lodge, about a 30-minute drive from the beach, and two-bedroom canvas tentalows on platform decks near the beach. Explore the island on your own by car, or sign up for vacation activities provided by Molokai Fish and Dive. Activities include sea kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, hiking, biking, archery, clay shooting, horseback riding and others.
Oahu
Restaurants, shopping and watersports attract visitors of all ages to Waikiki Beach. Keiki Aloha Program at the Sheraton Waikiki is open to children ages 5 to 12 staying at any Sheraton Hotel in Waikiki (there is a fee). Parents and family members can participate on certain days. This children's program is available to guests staying at the Royal Hawaiian, the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.
Ten minutes by car from Waikiki Beach, Kahala Mandarin Oriental offers families more seclusion, a children's program and six Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins.
Florida
The Breakers
Hotel in Palm Beach has a spa, golf course and a one-half mile sandy beach.
There is a separate children's pool, Family Entertainment Center and a kid's
program. Families can reserve up to five adjoining rooms and children under
16 stay free in the same room as their parents.
In Orlando, the Loews Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando has a 240-foot slide and a sandy beach.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, located on a barrier island in northeast Florida, has a long sandy beach, a golf course and the Ritz Kids program for children ages 5 to 12.
California
Among the family beach vacation resorts in California, Hotel Del Coronado is one of the most famous. The hotel offers a number of facilities for families, including the seasonal Coast Club Teen Lounge, tours and lessons in kayaking, surfing, tennis and biking.
Family Beach Vacation in Georgia
Georgia's barrier islands, once the playground for American aristocracy, offer historic ambiance, sandy beaches and a laid-back way of life. Jekyll Island has miles of paved bike paths and three 18-hole golf courses. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is a National Historic Landmark.
Sea Island is famous for its championship golf and sandy beaches. Children play afternoon tennis free of charge and can participate in complimentary golf and tennis clinics at The Cloister at Sea Island. During the summer, Spring Break and holidays, the resort provides a program for kids ages 3 to 11.
Visit out main family vacation page and browse more vacation ideas.
