Whether its with your baby, tot or teenagers, nothing quite beats family beach vacations! Make unforgettable memories together as you enjoy the sand between your toes. Build sand castles and soak up endless moments swimming and trying water sports. Our top family beach vacations promise sun, sea and scenery to write home about. So pack your bag and beach ball. Your next vacation is calling!
Dive into these top family beach vacations
These world-famous family beach destinations promise a world-class vacation with your loved ones. What’s more, after an action-packed day by the ocean, you’ll be able to check-in to one of our luxury family rentals.
Offering everything from scenic ocean-view condos to beachfront homes with pools and waterway villas with moorings, Top Villas lets you soak up the ultimate stay. Coupled with our exclusive Concierge, you have everything you need for full peace-of-mind during your stay.
San Diego, California
Known for its welcoming climate, easy-going lifestyle and scenic harbor, the cultural hotspot of San Diego offers a city break with a difference. The call of the ocean! Dip into some of the city’s best-loved family beaches and discover a super vacation base for ocean and city-based amusement.
One of San Diego’s most popular beaches is Mission Beach at Belmont Park. Head here to enjoy gentle swimmer-friendly waves in the shimmering Pacific, and discover the buzzing restaurant-lined boardwalk and family-approved rollercoaster! For a perfect all-rounder, the gently sloping sand and warm waters of Cardiff State beach will tempt swimmers, surfers, beachcombers and dog walkers alike to soak up the Californian sun.
The wide 1.5-mile stretch of Coronado Central Beach is a popular choice for carefree family beach days. With family-friendly facilities and attentive lifeguards on hand, you’ll enjoy a timeless day swimming, surfing, sunbathing and beachcombing.
For families who enjoy exploring tide pools, the sandy spot of La Jolla at South Casa beach is perfect in the mornings during low tide. Just north of this spot, La Colla Cove offers the ideal location for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Try and spot the basking seals and sea lions whilst you’re there! Mature family groups in search of a more sedate beach day will relish the boating, fishing and picnic possibilities at San Diego Bay.
Where to stay in San Diego
From 1-bedroom beachfront condos to 7-bedroom beach homes for larger family groups, our San Diego vacation homes will hit the spot, as well as let you hit the surf! With unique interiors and ocean-view scenery to inspire you, enjoy a memorable home-away-from-home. Equipped with all the must-have amenities including A/C and WiFi, you’ll also find a great selection of family options that are pet-friendly.
The Gulf Coast, Florida
Home to many of America’s best-loved beaches, Florida’s Gulf Coast offers stunning vistas and an endless choice of award-winning family beaches. With an incredible climate (thanks to its position on the Gulf Coast of Mexico), the Gulf Coast offers the perfect vacation base for soaking up pearly white beaches and endless amounts of water-based amusement.
Those seeking classic beach moments should head to Clearwater. With silky soft sand to dip into and calm waters perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing and parasailing, this beach is an all round crowd-pleaser. Along the laidback beachfront promenade, you’ll find cafes and casual seafood restaurants to relax at, once you’ve worked up an appetite! Enjoy cycling or rollerblading along this scenic stretch, or catch the nightly sunsets with the kids from Pier 60.
Nearby, Siesta Key promises an equally beguiling beach vacation. Made up of 99% quartz, this stunning stretch of soft pearly sand offers a beautiful place to swim and recharge by the ocean. Ranked the #1 Beach in the U.S. (TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards, 2020), this stunning beach offers something for all ages. Siesta Key Beach in particular is really well-equipped for family beach days. You’ll find all the must-have facilities here, including a lifeguard, playground, picnic area, equipmenent rental and volleyball. Families traveling with pets will also be able to make the most of the pet-friendly parks and surrounding hiking trails.
Multigenerational families can also start the day on the beach with free yoga, before a day of watersports or bird watching, and then topping it off with a serving of fresh Gulf Coast ‘fruits de mer’ — from one of the many local seafood restaurants.
Where to stay on the Gulf Coast
Whether you’re looking to stay in Siesta Key, Clearwater or along the tranquil waterways of nearby Fort Myers, our vacation homes invite you to soak up an awesome stay along the Gulf Coast. All offering prime locations close to the beaches, waterways and attractions, our vacation rentals are the perfect choice for family beach vacations.
Barbados
Tempted by somewhere more tropical? The Caribbean Island of Barbados boasts more than 80 pristine sandy beaches, making it ideal for luxury beach vacations. One of the most family-friendly Islands in the Caribbean, you’ll find a great selection of child and teenager-friendly beaches to dive into.
Accra Beach offers a great choice for beachgoing tots and older siblings. The protected shallow area at one end is ideal for paddling, whilst the other end of the beach is perfect for body surfing and boogie boarding. To the northern side of the beach, enjoy a carefree stroll along the boardwalk — where families will find a helpful range of dining options.
A similar set-up can be enjoyed at Enterprise Beach, which is also geared up for families of different ages. Young ones will enjoy the calmer waters at one end, whilst older kids can enjoy the boogie boarding and body surfing opportunities in the livelier waves of the other end. Having eyes at the back of your head won’t be an issue too, thanks to the on-site lifeguard. Bring a picnic to enjoy on one of the shady benches, or tuck into lunch from the food truck. This beach also offers washroom facilities.
Older kids will love to get out on the surf, at the aptly named Surfer’s Point. Not to let older siblings have all the fun, the beach offers an inviting spot for wading in protected ocean pools and building sand castles. Families into kayaking will also love it here. For those without a picnic hamper, the local beach cafe serves fresh lunches and drinks. A clear all-rounder is Worthing Beach. Enjoy snorkeling around the shallow reef and kayaking and swimming in its clear turquoise waters. The soft powder sand, family facilities and cafes make this a great option for those seeking the best of all worlds.
Families dreaming of an unspoilt beach day should head to Reeds Bay. Kick back along the crescent bay and enjoy its calm, child-friendly waters. Come with a picnic and savor it under the shade of the tree-lined beaches.
Where to stay in Barbados
From stunning 1-bedroom Condos with pool access to fully staffed luxury villas with beach access, our Barbados vacation homes set the scene for an exclusive beach vacation. Choose from home theaters, private gyms and pools, to pet-friendly rentals and accessible homes with an elevator. Whatever your requirements for a blissful Barbados stay may be, you’ll find it here.
Phuket, Thailand
As far-flung family beach vacations go, Thailand will hit the spot! In particular, Phuket promises an exotic family-friendly getaway for all ages. A hassle-free destination to get to (thanks to direct flights), Phuket invites families to kick back and have fun. Soak up the paradise beaches or enjoy family sightseeing trips — there’s plenty to captivate you here.
Known for its sun, clean sea and surf, Kata Beach is a great option for families looking to enjoy a spot of swimming or surf lessons. The calmer waters in the high season are also ideal for snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving. The scenic golden stretch of sand is just under a mile long and is accompanied by a host of family-friendly amenities (particularly along the southern end).
Just under 6 miles north from the busy buzz of Patong Beach, you’ll find the quieter spot of Kamala Beach. Offering an excellent choice for families, enjoy swimming, sunbathing and a range of beach activities. Beachfront restaurants also provide a scenic spot for enjoying a long, unhurried lunch. When you’re all beached out, the nearby cultural theme park of Phuket Fantasea offers the perfect distraction.
One of the longest beaches on the west coast, Bang Tao Beach is a great spot for swimming and carefree beach time. The vast, clean stretch of sand is accompanied by a great choice of restaurants and bars too — enticing older families to stay on for the sunsets!
The ideal choice for swimmers, snorkelers and parents hoping to unwind, Surin Beach promises a carefree day in paradise. Relax by the palm trees or enjoy a massage. Savor a fruit smoothie from one of the stalls or head out with the kids on a boogie board. It’s the perfect all-rounder! With crystal clear waters and all the charms of a tranquil bay, Nai Ham beach is perfect for families looking to unwind. You can also swim, surf and enjoy a game of volleyball. Accompanied by a freshwater lagoon and host of authentic eateries serving delicious Thai food, this beach offers a great family-friendly spot, away from the busy resorts.
Where to stay in Phuket
Family beach vacations in Phuket are made even more memorable with a stay in a Top Villas home. Our staffed rentals are fully equipped with luxury amenities and private pools. Many enjoy direct beach access, so your family can soak up the ultimate beach vacation. Amongst our collection, we also have beautiful options nearby the family-friendly beaches of Surin and Kamala, so there’s every excuse to dive right in!
Destin area, Florida
For those in Sunshine State, the Destin area along the Emerald Coast is hard to beat. This popular beach destination promises to keep all ages happy. With kid-friendly beaches and attractions to enjoy off the sand, including the Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, Destin promises a laid-back beach break. The neighboring resort of Miramar also promises picture-perfect beach days and fun land-based family activities — ranging from laser tag to ziplining.
In Destin pick from 13 public beaches, and find an endless number that will inspire your family to return.
Along Destin beach, the Henderson Beach State Park sets the scene for a fun-filled family beach day. With sugar white sand and clear emerald water, the beach here let’s you easily switch to full vacation mode. With sand dunes and plenty of peaceful spots to pick along this mile-long beach, set up for the day and unwind. You’ll also find boardwalks for easy beach access, scenic picnic areas and restrooms. Kids will love looking out for dolphins and sea turtles.
As Destin beaches go, many families (including those with dogs) are also attracted here for the nature trail and mile-long bike path — as well as for the beautiful sunsets. Miramar beach meanwhile, offers an enticing place to relax with the kids for the day, with sporting events and golf courses perfect for older families. Destin and Miramar also offer plenty of opportunities for watersport rentals, boat tours, fishing trips and sea safaris.
Where to stay in Destin and Miramar
Looking to stay in Destin and Miramar? Our luxury condos with pools and private beach homes set the scene for a classic Florida beach break. With proximity to the ocean, beach vacations here will be a breeze. You’ll find scenic condos, well-equipped townhomes and villas with pools. We also have plenty of pet-friendly options. Soak up the nearby sand or enjoy the luxury space and amenities of your own home-away-from-home.
Turks & Caicos
As the Caribbean’s leading beach destination (World Travel Awards, 2020), these Islands promise a tropical paradise for family beach vacations. Of all the Turks and Caicos beaches, the most jaw-droppingly beautiful is Grace Bay. Located on Providenciales, Grace Bay is ranked as the 2nd World’s Best Beach (Trip Advisor) and has enjoyed position #1 on consecutive occasions. It’s easy to see why, as you take in the pristine shoreline gleaming against the clean, turquoise water. You won’t find any rocks, seaweed or pollution here and the extensive offshore barrier reef offers added protection from the Atlantic Ocean swells — for calm, safe waters. You’ll notice that much of the water sports and boat traffic occurs between the beach and reef too, so do stay alert!
Other superb choices for family fun are Leeward Beach to the east of Grace Bay, which is more private and perfect for swimming, and Bight Beach to the west. On Bight Beach, you’ll find a sweeping wide beach made from pristine shell sand. There is also a unique environment of sea grass growing 23 meters offshore. Ideal for snorkeling trips, you’ll be able to spot stingray and turtles here, in amongst the small reefs. Again, you’ll want to watch out for the power boats!
Known for its sunsets, Taylor Bay Beach offers a sheltered bay and shallow waters. This makes its perfect for families looking to enjoy some paddling. Those dreaming of palm trees and shallow waters should head to Long Bay Beach. This 3-mile long beach on the southeast of Providenciales is exposed to the east-southeastern trade winds. This makes it perfect for kiteboarding!
Older families and those looking to avoid the speedboats will adore Chalky Sound. Located on the southwest of Providenciales, this picturesque natural lagoon is a popular national park. With clean, shallow turquoise water and lots of small rocky islands to explore, enjoy getting out on the water by kayak or paddle board.
Where to stay in Turks & Caicos
When looking where to stay, our luxury Turks and Caicos villas promise a breathtaking base for family beach vacations. Ideal for all group sizes, pick from a 2-bedroom retreat to a 23-bedroom villa! What’s more, our sleek, modern villas provide exclusive amenities and hotel-quality service. Some are even pet-friendly. Take a dip in your own private pool or the world-class beaches, for a vacation to remember.
