These 12 kid-friendly beach hotels offer everything
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Packing up the kids and heading to the best beach resorts in the U.S. is one of the most popular family vacation ideas for a good reason. Whether you’re into splashing in the surf, building (and destroying) elaborate sandcastles, or just lounging in the sun with a few beach essentials on hand, family beach vacations in the U.S. (and beyond) can be a relaxing reset for the whole family.
But relaxing isn’t all you can do at the best U.S. beach resorts. In fact, the country’s most kid-friendly beach hotels offer everything from soothing spa treatments and oceanfront restaurants to cool kids clubs, over-the-top pools and more water sport options than you can shake a pool noodle at.
From coast to coast, here are the most kid-friendly beach resorts in the U.S., where sun, sand and surf are just the beginning of the family vacation experience.
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1. Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham, Massachusetts
Dating back to 1914 and open year-round, the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod has 217 guest rooms and suites along with plenty of classic seaside charm. Book a cabana rental on the inn’s private quarter-mile-long beach, or relax by the oceanfront heated pool. Complimentary bike rentals make it easy to explore the area and enjoy shopping on Chatham‘s nearby Main Street. The inn’s boats take guests on whale-watching and fishing excursions.
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The seasonal supervised “Kids Crew” at this Massachusetts beach resort offers hands-on activities to help kids enjoy the outdoors, while activities for the whole family include “dive-in” outdoor movies at the pool, lawn games and crafts. Grownups can head to one of the five treatment rooms at the inn’s spa or work up a sweat at a fitness class or personal training sessions at the 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center.
For an indulgent escape without the kids, book one of the exclusive adults-only suites located above the spa. These rooms feature steam showers, oversized hydrotherapy tubs and fireplaces.
2. Hotel Del Coronado
Coronado Island, California
Recognized as one of the best beach resorts in the U.S. and a National Historic Landmark, Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island (near San Diego) blends more than 130 years of history with modern amenities for a truly unforgettable beach vacation. This kid-friendly U.S. beach hotel’s 901 guest rooms are located in different “neighborhoods” around the resort, ranging from the original Victorian inn to the newly opened Shore House at The Del, which offers 75 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences done up in modern beach house style that’s ideal for families.
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Enjoy The Del’s private beach (and its full food and alcohol service) from a lounge chair, half-moon cabanette, or daybed, or book surfing or stand-up paddleboarding lessons to get out on the Pacific Ocean. The beach resort’s Ocean Explorers program for kids ages five to 12 offers immersive experiences both at its indoor classroom and out on the beach, with a focus on preserving the ocean and its variety of marine life.
3. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Part of the Hilton brand, The Lodge at Gulf State Park is an environmentally friendly family beach resort designed for get-away-from-it-all nature-filled escapes. Built to meet LEED Gold standards, The Lodge offers 350 guest rooms (including 20 suites) done up in casual contemporary style with views of the Gulf of Mexico or Gulf State Park and a window that opens slightly “to allow the gulf breezes into the room.”
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Amenities include a gulf-front infinity edge pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and two gulf-front restaurants with outdoor terrace seating. The hotel sits within the 6,150-acre state park, which features 2 miles of beach, 28 miles of hiking trails, lakes for fishing and paddling, an Interpretive Center with exhibits, a fishing pier and outfitters offering standup paddle board, kayak and bike rentals.
4. Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
Maui, Hawaii
Situated on the white sands of Maui’s glorious Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaiian culture takes center stage at Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. Not just one of the top beach resorts in Hawaii but also one of best beach resorts in the entire U.S., where guests can take part in complimentary Hawaiian cultural activities to learn more about traditions like ukulele music and hula dancing and everyone receives a Kukui nut lei upon departure.
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The oceanfront resort’s 432 rooms and 14 suites are situated in four wings surrounding a 4-acre garden-filled courtyard that’s also home to the property’s iconic whale-shaped swimming pool. A complimentary children’s program and snorkel and stand-up paddleboard rentals can help keep the whole family busy and the Ka’anapali Beach resort area’s many shops, restaurants and other activities are just a stroll away along a beachfront walkway.
5. The Ocean Lodge
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Overlooking a gorgeous stretch of Oregon’s famed Cannon Beach, the 45-room Ocean Lodge is one of the best beach resorts in the U.S. for cozy comforts and nostalgic charm. Douglas fir beams, reclaimed hardwood floors and a two-story wood-burning river-rock fireplace set the scene in the lobby, where guests can find coffee and a cookie jar filled with fresh baked cookies throughout the day.
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No two guest rooms are exactly alike at this popular Oregon beach resort, but they all have mini-refrigerators, microwaves and gas fireplaces and some feature decks and patios for enjoying ocean views. Select rooms are also pet-friendly and the lodge offers a dog wash on the front lawn for rinsing off after a day at the beach.
The grownups can partake in the daily evening wine reception or get a nightcap delivered to their room, while everyone in the family is free to enjoy the hotel’s collection of games, books and movies during a stay.
6. The Cavalier Resort
Virginia Beach, Virginia
If you want a family beach vacation with options, it’s hard to beat The Cavalier Resort in Virginia Beach. Here you’ll have three distinct oceanfront hotel choices: the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club (first opened in 1927), the modern Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort (opened in February 2023). Families can choose the lodging that best fits their vacation style and then enjoy the nine restaurants and multiple pools found throughout the resort.
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Open May to October, The Cavalier Beach Club includes a seaside infinity pool and poolside bar and grill along with access to a semi-private beach and the resort’s We Scream ice cream and coffee shop makes an ideal spot for an afternoon treat. A calendar of activities offers fun for all ages. The beach resort is also home to the country’s first in-hotel distillery, which is open for tours and tastings.
7. Inn by the Sea
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Located in Cape Elizabeth on the coast of Maine, the charming Inn by the Sea is the premier East Coast beach hotel for dog-lovers. With everything from gourmet pet menus and beach towels to comfy blankets and special turndown treats, the family pooch truly gets pampered at this dog-friendly New England hotel. And even if you don’t have a dog in your family group, you can head to the lobby to meet a shelter pup staying for a while through a partnership with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Guests can play with, walk and even adopt the rescue dog if so moved.
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The inn’s suites offer plenty of space for families (and dogs) and include kitchens, fireplaces and furnished outdoor decks. The property sits on a mile stretch of family-friendly Crescent Beach and a seasonal outdoor pool, schedule of activities and complimentary bicycles provide even more summer vacation fun. Head to the on-site spa, fitness center and oceanfront restaurant to recharge after time spent exploring nearby Portland and other New England seaside towns and villages.
8. Omni Amelia Island Resort
Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Florida
Occupying a peaceful stretch of Atlantic Ocean beachfront on Florida’s Amelia Island, the Omni Amelia Island Resort features 402 guest rooms with balconies and ocean views. Cabanas, chairs, boogie boards and beach games can be rented during the spring and summer to make your day on the sand even more enjoyable. Guests can book surfing lessons through the hotel, too.
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Two heated pools, a splash park, two hot tubs and three fire features overlook the beach and offer even more fun for families. Golfers can tee up at the resort’s Pete Dye-designed championship golf course, take on the 10-hole “Little Sandy” short course, or put their way to victory at the 18-hole Heron’s Cove mini golf course. The beach resort is also home to nearly two-dozen tennis courts and seven pickleball courts. And when dinner comes around, even picky eaters will find something to munch on at the resort’s nine dining options.
9. Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
What makes Kiawah Island Golf Resort one of the best beach resorts in the U.S. for families? Start with the scenic setting on a South Carolina barrier island that’s only about 20 miles from historic Charleston. Then move on to the three lodging options available: the 255-room, AAA Five Diamond-rated The Sanctuary oceanfront hotel and spa; the 500 resort villas and private homes available as vacation rentals; and The Cottages at The Ocean Course, consisting of four two-story, four-bedroom spaces ideally situated for golfers interested in playing the resort’s five championship courses designed by famed golf course architects.
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Amenities and recreational opportunities here include a tennis center, luxe spa, nature center, two pool complexes, bike and paddle board rentals and all kinds of activities for kids and teens. It all adds up to a special spot for beach and golf vacations.
10. Mauna Kea Resort
Big Island, Hawaii
Whether you choose to stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, or one of Mauna Kea Residences‘ luxury vacation rentals, you’ll have access to all that the picturesque Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. That includes three pools (including two kid-friendly pools), two golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts and seven dining options.
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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits along the white-sand Kauna’oa Bay and The Westin fronts a stretch of family-friendly Hapuna Beach. Both offer complimentary beach activities like snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and daily outrigger canoe experiences.
Hawaiian art and cultural classes, the Mauna Kea Luau and the resort’s “Keiki Club” for kids help guests of all ages learn about the islands’ history, while teens can enjoy experiences like the nightly Manta Ray Night Swim. And don’t miss the collection of Asian Pacific art at the mid-century Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
11. Sanderling Resort
Duck, North Carolina
A U.S. beach resort situated on 13 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Sanderling Resort offers 123 guest rooms and suites (including poolside suites with private fire pits) and five vacation home rentals to suit every vacation style. Three private beach access points take you down to the sand, where you can get out onto the water on a kayak, standup paddleboard, or surfboard via tours, lessons and rentals that can be booked right at the resort. (Sanderling’s sandbar makes it a good spot for novices learning to surf.)
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Amenities include a zero-entry family pool, adults-only pool, indoor pool, fitness center and spa with coastal-inspired treatments and views of Currituck Sound. The resort’s on-site “adventure planners” are available to help you enjoy activities like golf, biking and tours for spotting Corolla’s wild horses.
12. The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Sarasota, Florida
Occupying 410 acres on a barrier island off Sarasota, the luxe Resort at Longboat Key Club recently underwent a major renovation to cement its status as one of the best beach hotels in the U.S. Guest rooms and suites with views of the Gulf of Mexico are now done up in shades of blue and feature coastal-meets-contemporary furniture and decor. At the resort’s white sand beach, guests can lounge in a private cabana, join a waterfront yoga or fitness class, or partake in an organized beach walk.
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Beyond the sand, the resort’s 20 tennis courts have earned kudos from players, and two golf courses serve as scenic and well-respected spots for driving and putting. A spa, fitness center and outdoor pool offer other alternatives for some R&R and five dining options provide food and drink to meet any mood.
12 best beach resorts in the U.S. for families originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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FamilyVacationist.com covers family vacation ideas; family vacation spots; all-inclusive family resorts; and must-have travel accessories for families of all shapes, sizes and orientations. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
