If you love a good beach vacay, then you probably make a habit of cruising the internet for the most beautiful vacation spots. I mean, how else did you end up reading this post? But we seriously understand. Vacations are the best, and when you're planning a trip for the entire family, you need to really make sure you pick a spot that checks all the boxes.
Enter: the gorgeous beach vacay of your dreams. Because, yeah, you could head to the mountains, the desert, the … local campground. But a beach vacation has something for everyone. Kids notoriously love playing in the sand and the water, even if they're too small to really surf the waves. And that makes life simple! When nature is the playground, parents get to chillax, which is why you're on vacation in the first place.
But when you're planning a dream vacation, the location has to be beautiful. That goes without saying. Because while kids might be content to sit in a pile of dirty sand all day, you need the views.
Here are 30 of the most beautiful beach vacations for families:
1. Aruba
People who have been to Aruba never seem to stop talking about one thing: Aruba. That's probably because it has some of the most stunning beaches around. But there's another thing people always say about one of the beachiest places on Earth — that it's very family-friendly. Aruba has tons of family-friendly resorts, water sports, pink beaches, and so much more.
2. Turks and Caicos
It's well known that Turks and Caicos offers some of the most breathtaking beaches you can find. But there is simply so much for families to do there, as well. From relaxing on the white-sand beaches to cliff diving, you can do it all at this family-friendly spot.
3. Bora Bora
If you hear "Bora Bora" and you think of a fantasy land, well, you aren't far off from the reality. The beaches and the mountain views combined make Bora Bora a certain kind of paradise. Everything there looks just like a postcard, so you don't have to work too hard to take a good picture.
4. Tulum, Mexico
If Tulum isn't on your bucket list, well, it should be. While Mexico has some of the most stunning beaches, Tulum might just be the most beautiful. Not only that, it's an extremely family-friendly town with tons of fun excursions to try.
5. Maui
Everything they say about Hawaii is true. It's absolutely one of the most beautiful places in the US and the entire world. The beaches are not only stunning to look at, they're so much fun for all ages. And because there are bigger beaches and small, off-the-beaten-path beaches, traveling to Maui is the perfect mix of grown-up adventure and family fun.
6. Sanibel Island, Florida
There are so many reasons to head to Florida. But every part of Florida is really quite different. If you're looking for a family vibe with stunning views, Sanibel Island is the place to be. The best way to get around is by bike, so bring your pedaling shoes.
7. Laguna Beach, California
Aside from the excellent drama, there's a reason they filmed a reality show in Laguna Beach. It's because it's one of the most gorgeous beaches you can find. The seaside bluffs are really something to see, and the tide pools make it great for some easy and relaxing vacation swimming.
8. Key West
Key West should be on everyone's bucket list, for sure. You have to travel to Florida's most southern point to get there, and it's totally worth it for the beaches alone. Many people will say that the beaches at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park are absolutely the most stunning. Head there for water as clear as can be and a snorkeling adventure.
9. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a bit of a hidden gem with beaches that are never overcrowded. The stunning Victorian-style houses will catch your eye. For kids, the arcade games abound on a fun boardwalk filled with restaurants and shopping.
10. Assateague Island
Just a hop, skip, and a jump (OK, a ferry ride) away from Cape May is Assateague Island. While the beaches are beautiful, people come to see the wild horses that roam freely. There are tons of places to stay on the island, but mostly, people enjoy camping right on the beach.
11. Negril, Jamaica
Jamaica has so much family fun. But if you're looking for the most beautiful beaches, head to Negril. Either way, you can have the vacation of your dreams in this island town. Enjoy tourist-style fun like riding a banana boat, or just relax on the beach, sip a drink, and stare at the clear ocean.
12. Boca Chica, Texas
We don't really think of Texas as having the best beaches. However, Boca Chica is a little-known spot that shouldn't be missed. It's a super-laid-back Texas beach vacation spot that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Apparently, the beaches are better in Texas.
13. Clearwater Beach, Florida
It's all in the name! Clearwater Beach has the most breathtaking water views you can find. Not only that, when it comes to family vacations, it's the place to be. There are tons of fun attractions like paddleboarding and watercraft, restaurants galore, all on a laid-back coastline.
14. Big Sur, California
It's one of those epic locations that is nothing short of photo-worthy. Everywhere you turn, the views are stunning. You'll definitely want to explore McWay Falls, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along Highway 1 in Big Sur. But the views of the Pacific Ocean are simply breathtaking from every angle.
15. Pensacola, Florida
One thing that's hard to miss when you're relaxing on the beaches of Pensacola is the gorgeous white sand. While the kids might enjoy burying themselves, you can enjoy views for days. Pensacola, Florida, is routinely rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the US, so what are you waiting for?
16. Punta Cana
If a Caribbean vacation is what you're in the market for, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic might be the perfect fit. It lies on the eastern shore of the nation, between two bodies of water — the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It's completely stunning, and it's also filled with family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, so it's hard to make a wrong choice when picking your dream spot to spend your vacay.
17. Grand Bahama Island
Being in the Bahamas is a total vibe — the best vibe. It's all stunning, too. But if you're looking for the very best beach there, it might be Gold Rock Beach. It's just on the edge of the Lucayan National Park and known to be one of the most gorgeous locations in the world.
18. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is the perfect family-friendly town. There are tons of cool things to see and do, but when it comes to beaches, check out Great Point. It's located at the easternmost end of the island. People love it because it's so secluded and simply stunning.
19. Block Island, Rhode Island
When it comes to East Coast beach towns, another one not to miss is Block Island. You have to take a ferry to get there, which makes it all the more charming. At Mohegan Bluffs, a set of 141 wooden steps leads down to the beach, which is totally worth the walk.
20. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
South Carolina has so many beaches that people know and love. A lesser-known one is Kiawah Island. It has some of the best golfing, as well as beaches that stretch for 10 miles.
21. Coronado Beach, California
Coronado is a very cool beach town for a family vacation. Its beach is known for being absolutely pristine and sparkling. But there's also so much for families to do, including tons of great hiking in the area.
22. Cannon Beach, Oregon
When it comes to West Coast beaches, Cannon Beach is an absolute must. It's home to the majestic Haystack Rock, a stunning tourist attraction. There are also great tide pools and so much wildlife to see on the beaches alone. You can't miss the puffins!
23. Maroma Beach, Riviera Maya
A Mexican vacation is perfect for families. That's because the beauty is tough to miss, especially on a stretch of beach like Maroma Beach. The sand is said to be powder soft and as perfect as the ocean. It's also a beach that's not quite as populated as the nearby tourist spots due to limited access.
24. Rehobeth Beach, Delaware
While those who live on the East Coast might know about Rehobeth Beach, to the rest of the US, it's not that well-known. It should be, though. The beautiful beach town is perfect for strolling along the boardwalk that overlooks the ocean, riding bikes, or just relaxing on the perfect, never-too-crowded beach all day. There is tons of great shopping, too.
25. Balandra Beach, La Paz
On the California Baja Sur peninsula is La Paz, the home to Balandra Beach. It's one of the most stunning locations you will ever visit. Not only does it have the most beautiful sandy beaches that look like they're straight from postcards, it has gorgeous cliffs and shallow waters, making it the perfect place to snorkel.
26. Puerto Vallarta Beach, Mexico
If you think Puerto Vallarta is just for spring-breakers, you're way off. This beach has perfect golden sand with blue waters on one side and the Sierra Madre Mountains on the other. There is also tons for families to do, like hanging out in coves, snorkeling, and exploring the incredible natural beauty that is all around.
27. Fiji
It might be a hike to get there, but if anywhere in the world is worth it, it's Fiji. It's known to be the most beautiful beach in the world, so yeah, we'll take that flight. You won't find water quite this clear anywhere else.
28. St. Lucia
It's often called Paradise, and it's easy to understand why. There is so much natural beauty in St. Lucia. Marigot Bay is an amazing place for watching boaters cruise. Many of the beaches have low tides and gentle waves, which makes them great for family fun.
29. Cancun, Mexico
You could totally do nothing but lie on the beach in Cancun for a week, and it would be worth it. But there's one thing that people who head to Cancun never seem to stop talking about — the dolphins. That's because the crystal-clear water makes it easy to see the amazing creatures that are just about everywhere.
30. The Maldives
It might be a stretch to head to the Maldives with your entire family (unless you have older kids), because that's quite the flight. But if you do, you will not be disappointed. There are beautiful white beaches, palm trees galore, and sunsets you'll remember for the rest of your life. Everyone who goes to the Maldives raves about the beauty of its beaches, so we just couldn't leave it off this list.