Best Family & Kid Friendly Beaches in USA

By | Last Updated:
  • Waimea Bay // Hawaii

    Waimea Bay
    ©Anthony Quintano

    Beautiful Waimea Beach is set at the heart of the North Shore and catches all  the rolling swells that attract big wave riders and pro surfers from around the world. Divided by the outflow of the Waimea River which is ideal for tubing, the golden sands are punctuated by rocks at the south end of this pretty cove, including the huge Waimea Rock which is popular for scrambling up and jumping off.

    A part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, the bay includes an eroded coral reef with… read more »

  • Misquamicut State Beach // Rhode Island

    Misquamicut State Beach
    ©Juliancolton

    Misquamicut State Beach is located in the very west of Rhode Island, just over the state line from New Hampshire. Not only is this one of the longest beaches in the state, it is the most popular, and for good reason.

    Forming part of a sandy coastline that stretches off for miles in both directions, Misquamicut is a beach with something for everyone. Sitting on the edge of the little seaside town there are plenty of facilities close to hand. The beach itself also has a variety of amenities, including picnic tables,… read more »

  • Poipu Beach // Hawaii

    Poipu Beach
    ©Ellen Smile

    Poipu is the most popular beach on Kauai's South Shore and by all accounts one of the most highly rated in all Hawaii (or at least according to Dr Beach). The island of Kauai itself is the least developed and with its abundantly lush interior is often referred to as the Garden Isle. So, despite the fact Poipu borders a number of resorts it still has plenty of pristine, tropical appeal.

    The beach at Poipu is a series of three golden crescents of sand with the turquoise ocean to the front… read more »

  • Popham Beach // Maine

    Popham Beach
    ©Paul VanDerWerf

    Located at the mouth of the Kennebec River, Popham Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Maine coast. The sandy beach spans nearly two miles of sandy shoreline and is backed by dunes and marshland.

    There are plenty of activities to do at the beach including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the beach or take a stroll to the historic fort at the northern tip of the beach. Popham is  known for its historical significance as it was the site of… read more »

  • Goose Rocks Beach // Maine

    Goose Rocks Beach
    ©Peter Rintels

    Goose Rocks Beach is the kind of idyllic spot that conjures up images of perfect East Coast holidays. The beach runs between Cape Porpoise and Granite Point and is backed by an archetypal seaside village.

    The beach itself is a picturesque sweep of white sand stretching for almost three miles. What you won't find at Goose Rocks is waves; the beach is sheltered by a number of small islands and reefs which keeps the crystal clear water pretty calm. Whilst you may not be surfing there's plenty of other activities from… read more »

  • Venice Beach // California

    Venice Beach

    When thinking of Los Angeles it is hard not to picture the city's iconic Venice Beach. Whilst many beaches are exactly that, and nothing else, Venice Beach is much more than that; a beach, cultural institution, vibrant community and international tourist destination to name a few. What goes on along the beach front is as important to Venice beach's character as the sand,ocean and palms trees that physically define it.

    Most of what makes Venice Beach what it is goes on along Ocean Front Walk, or the Boardwalk as everybody… read more »

  • Fort De Soto Park // Florida

    Fort De Soto Park
    ©Pinellas County / CC BY

    Fort de Soto Park is more than just a beach. It is a collection of five interconnected keys (islands) just off the coast of St Petersburg in the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches of Fort de Soto constantly appear on lists of America's best beaches, even occupying the number one spot in one poll.

    This is little surprise given the beautiful natural surroundings and range of activities on offer. There are two fishing piers, a host of picnic areas, hiking trails, cycle tracks and a kayak trail around the islands. If… read more »

  • Good Harbor Beach // Massachusetts

    Good Harbor Beach
    ©pfly

    Good Harbour Beach is a public beach which sits at the mouth of a river, opposite Salt Island just east of the city of Gloucester. During low tide, visitors can even walk to Salt Island. Access to Good Harbor Beach is via its dedicated car park off Thatcher Road, or via the footbridge which crosses the river mouth at the beach's western end, close to its volleyball courts.

    Surrounded by dunes and marshes, Good Harbor Beach has excellent swimming conditions, while bodyboarding is another popular way of enjoying the waves.

    Formed of… read more »

  • Siesta Key Beach // Florida

    Siesta Key Beach
    ©fotomak / 123RF

    Frequently cited as the USA's best beach on account of its brilliant white sand, turquoise waters and laid back feel, Siesta Key is a worthy contender for the title.

    Located on the eight mile long Gulf Coast barrier island of Siesta Key the beach here is made from some of the finest sand on the planet; 99% quartz, the white sand is apparently unusually cool and soft - good enough in fact to have been named "the whitest and finest sand in the world" at one point.

    Like many of the… read more »

  • Kāʻanapali Beach // Hawaii

    Kāʻanapali Beach
    ©Rob Newton

    If you are a beach connoisseur, then Kāʻanapali Beach on Maui's west coast is definitely one for your bucket list. Dubbed "Black Rock" Beach locally, this stunning three mile stretch of golden-white sand and alluring, azure water is within walking distance of several large resorts, tempting restaurants and many other local attractions.

    No surprise then that this beautiful Hawaiian beach has received many international accolades, including America's Best Beach award. Among its many appealing characteristics, you can opt to snorkel in the clear water - try to spot the… read more »

  • La Jolla Cove // California

    La Jolla Cove
    ©John Uhrig

    Tucked away at the foot of the sandstone cliffs north of San Diego, La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in SoCal, so it's fair to say it's exceptionally beautiful. The Spanish phrase "La Jolla" means "jewel" and this cove is a gem.

    Facing north it has an exceptionally clear deep blue waters with visibility up to 30 feet in depth making it popular for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Marine life is prolific as the cove is part of the protected La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve.… read more »

  • Wailea Beach // Hawaii

    Wailea Beach
    ©dronepicr

    Stretching from Makena to the south and Kihei to the north, Wailea is an affluent area with first-class resorts and a sunny beach.

    With a wide stretch of golden sand and gorgeous scenery in every direction, Wailea Beach is a picture-perfect destination. The sandy beach offers a view to the islets of Kahoolawe and Molokini while the surrounding landscape is draped in verdant foliage. The classy resorts with access to the beach blend into the background, allowing you to imagine yourself away from civilization.

    Spend the day soaking up the sun as… read more »

  • Coast Guard Beach // Massachusetts

    Coast Guard Beach
    ©Margo Tabb

    When you arrive at Coast Guard Beach, you will be met with an stunning view over marshlands, sand dunes to the wide sandy beach and ocean beyond. The boardwalk runs right up to the beach, and provides disabled access.

    People love the soft sand, and they come from far and wide to enjoy this pristine stretch of coast. It does get crowded in the summer, but if you walk in either direction away from the center, you will find a spot. There is limited parking unless you are a resident,… read more »

  • Sand Beach // Maine

    Sand Beach
    ©Maddie.d.photography

    This imaginatively named beach can be found in the beautiful surrounds of Acadia National Park. A landscape of pine forests, lakes and glacially-carved granite peaks this is a true wilderness. The wildlife won't disappoint either with bears, moose and whales found in the area.

    With a backdrop like this it wouldn't take too much for any beach to make it onto a list of Maine's best beaches. But Sand beach manages to live up to its name and more. As well as a 300 yard stretch of sandy beach there is… read more »

  • Skaket Beach // Massachusetts

    Skaket Beach
    ©Liza

    Skaket Beach lies on the west coast of Cape Cod facing into the sheltered waters of Cape Cod Bay. This makes it a very different proposition to the Atlantic facing beaches on the east coast.

    Just a stone's throw cross-country from Nauset Beach on the opposite coast, Skaket Beach is different in nearly every way imaginable. Instead of being pounded by some of the biggest waves on the Cape, Skaket is always calm. Another positive if you are thinking of taking a dip is the water here is considerably warmer -… read more »