Which are the best family beaches in the South of the USA?
Photo by Bayu jefri
Summer is such a great time to take a family vacation! With the school year wrapping up, the weather is usually warm, and the kids are always looking for new adventures. So it’s the perfect chance to leave the house and enjoy outdoor fun. And what could be better than a trip to the beach?
If planning a family vacation in the sunny South, look at these top recommendations for the best family beach vacations. The beaches in the South offer something for everyone, whether you enjoy sunbathing on the sand, swimming in the salty seas, or fishing for a fresh catch. These options cover the area from Florida to the Gulf Coast. Some are perfect for relaxation, with the calming sound of the water, while others offer plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama’s Gulf Coast are the top choices for a fun family vacation. These destinations offer miles of sugar-white sand beaches, clean waves, and refreshing coastal breezes. In addition to the beach, visitors can enjoy amusement parks, Gulf State Park, bicycle trails, historic sites, and shopping. Families with children of all ages will indeed have a great time here.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is a picturesque location with 12 miles of stunning shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean. The island is renowned for its golf courses at Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes Resorts. Additionally, it offers many family-friendly activities, including swimming, boating, hiking, shopping, dolphin watching, birding, and wildlife viewing. With its relaxing island atmosphere and expansive beaches and waterways, this beautiful destination has plenty of exciting things to do.
Rosemary Beach, Florida
Discover the charming Rosemary Beach community in the northwestern corner of the Florida Panhandle. Here, you and your family can enjoy the calm waters and white sand beaches perfect for splashing and playing. Next, take your beach experience to the next level by learning how to create an expertly crafted sandcastle from one of the several companies in the area. Then, spend a day at Eden Gardens State Park for a change of scenery and an exciting and educational cultural experience. The park has beautifully maintained ornamental gardens that are breathtaking to behold. In addition, visitors can explore a heritage rose garden, a butterfly garden, and a hidden garden with meandering paths that traverse the premises.
South Padre Island, Texas
There’s no shortage of breathtaking white sandy beaches on South Padre Island. The coast is shallow for miles, providing a safe and fun environment for kids to enjoy the big waves. You can visit an island shop to pick up a boogie board and join the fun. If you and the kids are feeling adventurous, there are plenty of options for water sports, such as kayaking, jet skiing, kite surfing, and paragliding.
For families with kids, Sea Turtle Inc. is a must-visit attraction. You can learn about the endangered sea turtles that inhabit the island and their marine environments. Spending an hour or two at Sea Turtle Inc. is a great way to get up close and personal with these fantastic creatures.
St. George Island, Florida
St. George Island is a 28-mile barrier island in Florida’s Panhandle, famous for its pristine beaches. It’s part of the long stretch of beaches known Gulf Islands National Seashore. It offers an idyllic beach vacation where families can rent a bike, indulge in ice cream, and observe birds and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks, a 200-mile stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, are steeped in history and natural beauty. This popular family destination, the OBX, boasts a temperate climate and a vast open beachfront. It is consistently ranked as one of the best family beach vacations, offering something for everyone regardless of age. The family-friendly beaches feature rolling dunes that are enjoyable to run down. If you have a dog in the family, you’ll be right at home on the shores of The Outer Banks, as there are endless pet-friendly activities to do with kids.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Are you searching for an ideal and affordable family vacation spot in the Southeast? Then, it would be best if you considered Myrtle Beach. It is a family-oriented beach destination that offers excellent value for your money. In addition, Myrtle Beach has many kid-friendly hotels, and some even have indoor waterparks with pools, lazy rivers, and waterslides that can entertain families all year round.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Families looking for a relaxing getaway can find it on Sanibel Island in Florida, where they can enjoy shell-filled beaches, a calm atmosphere, great dining and shopping options, and a variety of wildlife. Exploring the beach or riding a bike around the island can create memorable experiences. Although no theme parks or children’s museums exist, children can still have fun spotting dolphins, holding little sea creatures, and kayaking through the mangroves.
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
A waterfront town established in 1899, perfect for beach lovers seeking a tranquil getaway. With sand, surf, outdoor adventures, bike-friendly routes, fresh seafood, and breathtaking sunset views, it’s the ideal place to unwind. Only 20 minutes from Wilmington, NC, and halfway between New York and Florida.
Wrightsville Beach is a family vacation that offers endless fun and opportunities to create lasting memories. With something to see and do for every family member, you can bond by learning how to catch waves, hunting for buried treasure, and viewing sea life up close. This exciting and successful vacation is perfect for kids and adults of all ages.
Galveston, Texas
Texas’ most renowned beach is one of the main attractions in Galveston and is also great for families. Stewart Beach in Galveston has on-duty and highly trained lifeguards, so you can relax knowing there’s an additional pair of eyes on your children. And to keep everyone entertained, there are volleyball nets, cornhole, a giant Jenga, and a playground. Inland attractions include aquariums, waterparks, museums, and even an old-fashioned candy store where visitors can watch taffy being pulled and then try the salty delight.
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Isle of Palms is a beautiful barrier island only half an hour from Charleston. This island is more residential than touristy, has a great beachy vibe, and has a nice mix of family vacation rental properties. It is home to Wild Dunes Resort, which golfers highly favor. The island offers a variety of fun activities for families, including stunning beaches and beautiful parks. Enjoy the mild climate and walk to all the hotspots during your summer trip. Additionally, you can go on a dolphin-watching trip and catch your fish on a fishing charter. Finally, add to your itinerary a visit to the Mount Pleasant area of Charleston and spend a day at Charleston Fun Park, a family-friendly amusement park featuring bumper cars, mini-golf, and an arcade.
Plan your dream family vacation at the beach
When planning a beach vacation in the South of the USA, this list of beautiful beaches will provide great options for an unforgettable adventure with your family. They’re worth a visit! Make sure to plan and book everything in advance for a stress-free family vacation; it may be helpful to check out some useful apps like TripIt, Booking.com, Flighty, and PackPoint. These apps can simplify the process and eliminate any uncertainties associated with travel planning.