Best Beach Resorts for Families – Looking for the perfect family beach vacation? Beach vacations with the family are the best. Visiting a seaside destination means building sand castles, collecting shells, and swimming in the ocean. And staying at a resort with first-class service, ample amenities, and on-site restaurants makes everything a whole lot easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Parents and kids will find tons to do together, but guests can also peel off for some age-appropriate fun thanks to kids clubs and adults-only spots. Read our list of the best family beach resorts reveals where you can get awesome ocean views, nonstop family activities, and comfortable rooms, and at a price that won’t break the family budget.
Montage Kapalua Bay
While parents are lounging poolside or at Spa Montage, kids can spend the day at Paintbox children’s program, specifically designed for those ages 5 to 12. Half-day and full-day sessions are available, where your little one might explore tide pools, make instruments, observe sea turtles, and more. Kids can also compete for “Montage Merit” badges by completing Hawaii-focused activities.
The entire family will enjoy Hawaiian cultural offerings—such as lei-making, “Talk Story sessions, and ukulele lessons—led by the Montage Kapalua Bay’s onsite Cultural Ambassador. When it’s time to eat, families can dine at a variety of onsite restaurants, including the signature Cane & Canoe. They may also choose to cook in their full-sized kitchen or travel just 10 miles to the historic town of Lahaina. Visit the Montage Kapalua Bay Resort Here.
South Seas Island Resort, Capitiva Island Florida
Practically all beach resorts in the Sunshine State offer summertime specials, and this charming one located at the edge of the Gulf Coast is no exception. The South Seas Island Resort offers an impressive array of accommodations from the amazing tennis courts to nature activities, and family outings to luxury rentals a stone’s throw from the beach.
Speaking of the water, the waves at the beach are mild, the white sand is teeming with shells, and chances are good that you’ll see dolphins and manatees offshore at least once during your trip. In fact, this 330-acre resort, more than half of which is preserved, is a nature lover’s paradise.
Kids have their own pirate adventure when they use the Scout About Treasure Map to explore the island or sign up for the Sanibel Sea School where little ones can make fun ocean discoveries. Visit the South Seas Island Resort here.
Club Med, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Club Med Punta Canta offers a diverse and vast array of vacation packages that are flexible enough for families of every size. They offer plenty of perks like their babysitting service including the Pajama Club for little kids all the way up to teen-centered activities designed to give your oldest kids a vacay experience at their own pace.
While the kids are having the time of their lives, you can enjoy the coconut tree-lined beach, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and fitness classes. Club rooms (the least expensive type) are comfortable, and families with infants automatically receive a changing table, baby bathtub, and bottle warmer in their room as part of the resort’s “Baby Welcome” program. Reserve your Club Med Punta Cana Room here.
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Oranjestad, Aruba
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, situated 10 minutes from downtown Oranjestad, also fits this bill. On Eagle Beach with two restaurants serving American and Aruban-inspired foods, an adult pool, and a kiddie pool, the resort is one happy place.
Many of its newly-renovated one- and two-bedroom villas have views of the beach, just steps away, and a live stream of the resort ensures parents can let their teens loose for a late-night snack without worrying too much. Room keys are waterproof bracelets stamped with the hotel’s logo. Sensible, since you’ll likely be spending your time running around the island when you’re not napping on your balcony. Book your Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort room here.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Vero Beach Florida
Two hours from the hustle and bustle of the Orlando theme parks, Disney offers a family experience that’s easier on your feet and your wallet. Although Vero Beach is part of the Disney Vacation Club line, you don’t need to buy into a time-share to stay there; a one-bedroom with a full kitchen and washer-dryer runs a couple hundred per night for nonmembers.
Family activities—including catching a glimpse of loggerhead sea turtles in their nesting sites, miles of unspoiled beaches and nature preserves, golf, games, movies, and more for everyone in the family.
A Mickey Mouse-shaped swimming pool plus a splash area for preschoolers round out the fun—and, yes, life jackets and pool toys are free. Visit Disney’s Vero Beach Resort here.
Beaches Negril, Negril, Jamaica
Set on what’s arguably the best beach on the island, Beaches Negril is all about giving parents and kids an amazing vacation. While you take advantage of tennis, kayaking, windsurfing, the “Lazy River”—or simply collapse on the white sand—your kids can join a supervised program.
Babies hang out with trained counselors in a comfortable nursery setting while toddlers and preschoolers absolutely love Sesame Street-themed activities, as well as shell collecting, face-painting, and magic shows.
Since all your meals, most activities, and the kids’ club are included in the price, you really need to take advantage of everything to get your money’s worth. So this resort (and others like it) are best for parents who are looking to spend a couple of hours alone every day. Plan your vacation stay at Beaches Negril here.
Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, Hawaii
This family favorite spreads across 22 acres on Oahu, the easiest (and usually least expensive) Hawaiian island to get to from the mainland. Hilton Hawaiin Village’s six pools, including a specially designated one for children, are the hub of the action here.
There are free snorkeling lessons for kids who know how to swim, plus lei-making classes and hula lessons for the whole family on the deck. Other no-cost activities include Friday-night fireworks, lawn bowling, and ukulele lessons. The resort is home to about 60 wildlife species such as flamingos, turtles, and koi fish.
Camp Penguin for kids offers field trips to the nearby Honolulu Zoo, Bishop’s Museum, or Waikiki Aquarium as well as fun activities around the resort. Just be sure to bring along your child’s birth certificate or passport; Hawaiian law requires proof of age for admittance into the club. Visit the Hilton Hawaiian Village here.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Brewster, Massachusetts
At this affordable resort on Cape Cod, you’ll find scavenger hunts, beach fires with s’mores, and baseball and soccer games on the front lawn. On weekdays, kids can do cool craft projects, like making kites and tie-dyeing shirts, for a small additional price.
Two of this resort’s lifeguard-staffed outdoor pools are ideal for young children—as is the beach, with water that tends to be a little warmer and milder than on the other side of the Cape. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the resort is the only property on our list that has an indoor pool; in fact, it’s got two of them. Reserve your room for the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club here.
Loews Coronado Bay, San Diego, California
A short walk or shuttle ride from quiet Silver Strand Beach, Loews Coronado Bay offers so many family activities—from cooking your own pizza to animal presentations to family movies shown poolside—that it has a separate kids’ activity desk to help keep you informed.
The conveniences are as abundant as the activities. Every family who requests a crib also gets a baby swing and a lullaby CD. Rooms can be childproofed in advance; request it when making your reservation. If you have a toddler or preschooler, you’re welcome to borrow a step stool, potty seat, stroller, and toys.
Other thoughtful features include children’s menus that offer old favorites and adventurous options like mini eggs Benedict; free use of pool toys and sand buckets; and hourly-rate options for the children’s program (unlike most resorts, which require a half- or full-day session). Visit the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Here.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
Aloe-soaked towels and fresh fruit are the kind of greeting you’d expect at one of those resorts where one night costs more than your monthly mortgage payment. But in summer, rooms at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico start around $200 daily, including the resort fee. Another cost-saver: You don’t need a passport to get to Puerto Rico.
But it’s the range of activities that makes this place special. Your family can go horseback riding, tour the nearby rain forest, learn how to do the salsa and other island dances, feed an iguana, and play tug-of-war at the beach—all in one day.
Or you could hang out at the lifeguard-staffed pool, which has a water slide and fabulous kiddie area. The entire hotel is nonsmoking, and rooms come with a mini fridge and a marble bath. Plan your vacation to the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort Here.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Maui Hawaii
The Hyatt Regency Maui is set on 40 acres of beautiful Ka’anapali Beach where your family can spend hours exploring. The kids will love playing in their activity-packed children’s pool with a sand island.
For an extra fee (but a lifetime memory) you can book tickets to join in an epic traditional lu’au. The site is also one of the world’s best star gazing places on the planet, and your whole family can enjoy a guided star tour on the hotel’s rooftop astronomy. Visit the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa here.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Hilton Head, South Carolina
It’s not on the beach, but just a five-minute shuttle ride away Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is 3.5 miles of private oceanfront—featuring a beach house you can duck into for a break from the sun. Kids as young as 3 can learn about marshes and butterflies and can take part in nature scavenger hunts at this resort. Plan your vacation to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort here.
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
The Sawgrass Marriott offers a mini golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, three kid-friendly swimming pools, shark-tooth hunts, and a small private beach. If your family has any big golf fans, then you’ll love the special guest privileges of playing a round of golf (and even scoring a free lesson) at the famed TPC Sawgrass gold club. Reserve your room at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa here.
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, Riviera Beach Florida
Spacious, modern rooms, including a kitchen with a stainless-steel fridge, are what make the Marriott at Singer Island Beach near Palm Beach so cool. A pool with a waterfall and a supervised program for kids ages 4 to 12 doesn’t hurt either.
Plus, the hotel features a cute Ocean Club for kids that include the Kids Zone where kids will get supervised activities and games, giving the parents a chance to duck out for a quiet dinner. Visit the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa here.
Beaches Ocho Rios,Ocho Rios, Jamaica
At Beaches Ocho Rios, the kids will love the golf clinics and the large Pirates Island water park with a shallow pool, squirting sea horse, and misting crab. Plus, there’s 22 acres of tropical gardens, white sand beaches, and plenty of gourmet restaurants that cater to family dining so you can explore the local cuisine without worrying if your kids will find anything they’ll like. Plan your stay to Beaches Ocho Rios here.
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Sebasco Harbor Resort, Sebasco Estates, Maine
The closest beach is just a mile away from Sebasco Harbor Resort. But with a saltwater pool, ice cream stand, and supervised children’s program, you and the kids may not want to leave the resort. The whole family can enjoy vintage candlepin bowling, schedule a cruise on the Atlantic with Captain Phil, and don’t miss exploring the tide pools where kids can learn about all the magic of ocean life. Visit the Sebasco Harbor Resort here.
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort is DEFINITELY my favorite! The word “spa” is the spark that ignites my brain. I was wondering though: our kids are grown up. So we travel alone. Would you advise us to take a vacation in a family resort or choose something else? We love children but I am afraid a bunch of kids enjoying themselves all over the place might be annoying. Looking forward to your opinion. Thanks, Laeahrae!
I would definitely pick a resort that is not geared towards families. You will find that there will be lots of kids in the pool areas and such. Some resorts have adult only pools, but I’d stick with a resort not labeled as “family friendly” 🙂 Thanks for your visit Effie 🙂
I love traveling and exploring new places. Thank you for your article about Beach travel destination. These are really amazing places to visit. There is nothing like spending time near the sea beach on vacation. Thank for you for describing the location and amenities of these beach resorts. When I can save some money I will definitely explore these places.
Oh Great! Thanks for stopping by!
I want to go to visit all of them!! I would have to say that my favorite has to be The Reef of Atlantis! I mean, with each room having a private balcony and a kitchen this is a great deal. Also, a movie theater, a lazy river, a casino, and 21 restaurants? Vacationing here sounds like heaven! I noticed that there is a Dolphin Lagoon, is swimming with the dolphins included in the price or is it an additional fee?
The other resort I was considering is the South Seas Island Resort in Florida as the beaches look incredible! I could only imagine how serene it would be to have a villa next to the water. What is the best time of year to visit Florida? In the Spring or Fall?
I believe you would love the Reef of Atlantis! No, not swimming with the dolphins. Dolphin Cay was opened in 2007 in response to a need to provide a safe haven for 17 stranded dolphins whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. So more of a safe habitat for the dolphins 🙂 Boy Spring or fall is great here in Florida. I find the weather and water to be nice from about April thru October. The weather is nice year round, the water just gets a little chilly. Although there are some crazy ones that get in even outside of the months I listed 😀
Hello,
This is a wonderful and helpful article about Best Family Beach Resorts. In your article, you discuss everything about a resort. Next week I want to go to Jamaica. I am worried about which resort I select but when I read your article I get my right place. Now I and my friends went to Beaches Negril Resort & Spa.
Thanks for write such a wonderful and helpful article.
You are very welcome, thanks for visiting beach travel destinations!
My wife and I have been talking about taking a family beach vacation for several months now. We have 3 daughters age 14, 7, and 5. We are searching for a resort that offers something for all of us and haven’t been able to find it yet. I really love the looks of The Reef at Atlantis in Nassau and all of the activities it offers. My problem is that my wife has a medical condition that requires frequent treatment and is hesitant to travel abroad. Do you know of anything like The Reef at Atlantis that is here in the US or another resort that might offer activities attractive to all of us?
Thank you!
Hi Mark, yes how about the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki in Hawaii? This has a lot of activities for the kids, amazing beaches, medical facilities close by if necessary. Pretty much everything you could need or want and the kids will have an amazing time. You can go to my link for the best luxury beach resorts USA and find it listed there, among other great choices in the US. Thanks for stopping by and please let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi
Thanks for an informative array of family resorts to consider for vacation. Hawaii is on my list of places I’d like to visit in the future and I particularly like the wide variety of activities you list in the Waikiki Resort.
Is there a particular season you consider to be the best time to travel there, especially when it’s not too busy? I’m not particularly keen on too much crowd:)
Kind regards
Femi
If you want to avoid the crowds in Hawaii, than I would travel when the kids are in school. Going anytime besides summer, Christmas Break, Spring Break and Thanksgiving Break will be less crowded 🙂 Hope this helps and please let me know if you have any additional questions.
This looks so amazing! We’ve been thinking of going to Hawaii and I got so excited when I saw the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort. It seems like an amazing place and I’m sure my family will love it! They will be thrilled! I love that there’s free snorkeling, hula, lei-making and ukelele lessons. It’ll really feel like a Hawaiian vacation. The pools look so inviting too. Would you know how far it is from Honolulu? Thanks!
Oh my goodness Raquel, it is only about 3 miles to Honolulu from the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. And your family would love it! Great family beach vacation for sure! Please let me know if you need any other questions answered 🙂
I would TOTALLY love the Reef at Atlantis destination. I was looking for something a tad different than normal beach going activities and the Reef at Atlantis wins, just because of its name. You could say you went on vacation to Atlantis. How nifty! I wasn’t aware there was a beach resort by that name. Epic! Thanks for the list. But the Atlantis one gets my vote for the best one!
Ok Jade! And what a great choice as well! You will have a wonderful time. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for stopping by!
I have a wife and 4 children, all boys that need to go on a holiday asap so I have been looking online for the perfect family beach holiday and I have certainly found one here!
My children and I all love waterparks in a hotel when we go on holiday so do all the resorts you mention here have a waterpark or is it only a few of them?
Which hotel would you recommend for a family of 6 with 2 parents and 4 children?
Hi Matthew. Oh my gosh, I chose these because they are all great for families. But my favorite is going to be the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach. They have so much to do at the resort and in the surrounding area that would make all of your kids happy. And they can accommodate your family 🙂 Please let me know if I can help with your travel arrangements. I would be happy to help!
Well, I wasn’t in the mood for a Beach Vacation at a Resort, until now that is.
I was searching for best beach vacations. I’m more of the type to fly to Honduras Bay Islands, where there are the best beaches, SCUBA, sailing, water sports, clear water, around the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. Also, lots of opportunity for eco-tourism on the mainland.
These are awesome. Hmm, Hawaii to the Caribbean. These all look like a great time for the whole family. Puerto Rico seems like to be suited best for me. Resorts like these are better for families because you’re in a protected space.
And they offer so many more activities than cruise ships.
It’s always good to research alternative destinations. I appreciate all the detailed research you did for these. You made such thorough recommendations that it’s easy to choose one of these and do no further research any where else.
Thank you.
Enjoy your day.
Pirate Mike – Foodie Pirate
You are so welcome Mike, sounds like you have it all well thought out. When you decide on a destination, let me know where you went and how it was! Thanks for visiting the best family beach resorts.
Oh my, I have been in a beach-resort state of mind for a while now and your post is gonna push me right over the edge! 🙂 We have a timeshare on Maui that has been languishing without us for a couple of years now do to my husband’s business and my aging parent obligations but we’re going to need some salt and seawater therapy very, VERY soon!
We have been to the Atlantis in Nassau and the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Both are incredible. Of the two we enjoyed Atlantis the most because of all the included activities. We each got the photo op while swimming with some very friendly dolphins, and my husband and our son went into the tank with sharks while I looked on (in fervent prayer, I might add!). Nothing more relaxing than just stretching out in an inner tube and floating down the lazy river. And how can you beat the effervescent color of the water off the Bahamas?
Yep. No question. My husband is going to get the link to this article as a great big fat HINT. Vacation. The time is now!!!
Thank you for your support!
Hi Joyce and glad you enjoyed my best family beach resorts post! You have been to some great resorts for sure 🙂 My son and I are planning our trip to the Atlantis on his college vacation. We live in Florida, so just a hop skip and jump for us. Looking forward to it for sure! Thanks for stopping by!
I love the beach! And, so do my kids, so I’m always looking for resorts that are kid friendly. I love that these resorts include activities for kids that aren’t just beach related. it gives them some variety. And, anyone with kids knows that you have to keep the activities on a vacation varied. Otherwise, the kids get bored, and then you can expect drama.
And, your right. The prices might scale up per night, but you’re going to end up paying more for individual activities if you go that route. Trust me. I have four kids, and have paid out the nose for activities, especially as they got older. So, an all inclusive package with a higher daily rate isn’t bad. In the long run, you save.
I also appreciate that you included resorts in the U.S. Yes, we love to get away to exotic island locations. But, realistically, with kids that can’t always happen. So, a quick trip to Florida is a better option.
I agree that yes, the all-inclusive is most definitely worth it. For all the activities, food, just everything you get…so well worth it. To pay for it all separately is going to cost a lot more. And yes, Florida is a wonderful choice ( I am partial as I live here ), but there are many great resorts here at pretty good prices.
I have been looking for the best vacation packages for my family for a long time. I never seem to find the right package. The problem is I have a very large family. Most of the time, I either must get two rooms, or we may have to start renting out houses. You know with the Air BnB, I think they call it.
I just haven’t found the solution for a large family trip. It seems like most hotels or resorts are geared to the average family, which is understandable but, it would be nice to see packages for all families. You know what I mean.
Anyhow, I love going to the beach, usually, I visit the beach in Galveston Texas. Have you been there? It is nice and peaceful. I’ve also been to Virginia Beach and one in Washington state. I can’t remember the name of it right now.
I must admit that they didn’t look like the pictures that you have provided here in your Best Family Beach Resorts article. I wouldn’t mind going to Jamaica and the Florida beach resorts. Oh, and the Atlantis would be really nice to take the kids to.
I see the Atlantis one on TV all the time, it must be nice there. Do you know if these resorts accommodate large families? I will have 8 children with me. Either way, it’s okay finding a large family resort is tough even for myself.
Thanks for sharing this, I’ll look into a few of these beach resorts and see what they have to offer. Have an awesome day!
I lived in Texas for ten years, so yes I have been to Galveston many times 🙂 It is peaceful for sure. We live in Florida and nothing compares to Florida beaches for sure! You didn’t mention how big your family is, but I know the Atlantis has options with two room suites and fold out couches. So I believe they can probably accommodate you. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Wow, thanks for the great post here.
When I saw the title I was expecting you to focus on a general area with a lot of beaches. I was quite surprised to find you pretty much covered half the globe here.
Now I’m not sure exactly where to go. I guess I’ll have to pick my top 3 or so and then factor in travel time and expense (flights are never cheap it seems). That said, I’m living in California and really want to check out Atlantis in Nassau. Go figure…8 years ago I lived in Fort Lauderdale and could have gone then but it was “local” so it didn’t see all that important, LOL.
I appreciate the locations that offer day care in the form of activities for the kids while I relax.
Thanks again. This is definitely food for thought.
Scott
You are welcome Scott. And yes I live in Florida and just told my son we needed to update his passport as the Bahamas are just a hop skip and a jump and airfares, not too bad at all. Shoot weekend trips there are going to be great! Thanks for visiting the best Family beach resorts.
Hello,
What a beautiful travel destination, I would like to be there right now! I thought I might book for the The reef at Atlantis paradise island Nassau. The rates at $375 per night could look at the higher side but when you have a closer look at it and see what you get, it is definitely rather cheap. The waterpark seems huge! I can imagine swimming there the whole day with my family and taking a sun bath at the beach.
Moreover there is an aquarium, always nice to visit
Yes, if you consider having to provide entertainment for the family and paying for all of it separately, then the price is going to be a lot higher on top of a room rate. So the price including all the amenities and activities is a bargain for sure! Glad you enjoyed my best family beach resorts post Jacob.
I like the Reef at Atlantis, although I am not sure where is that located. But just by looking at the picture you shared here in this blog post, I am captivated. I’d like to ask something I noticed with resorts like this…
I noticed in most resorts, there’s a beach but at the same time, there’s a swimming pool located inland. This makes me confused to which body of water I’d swim. Is it in the sandy beach at the sea or at the swimming pool situated inland?
Hi Gomer, yes most all beach resorts are on a sandy beach and have swimming pools as well. I guess it just boils down to what you like the best. I know some people (my mom in particular) who are terrified of getting into the ocean, and they much prefer the swimming pool. Also when you are at the pool you have your room close by if you need anything and all the amenities of the resort. Although some resorts have a lot of amenities available at the beach as well.