It's the classic family vacation. We've all done it. The family beach vacation. Still, not all beaches are created equal. Some beaches cater more to rowdy 18-year-olds for Beach Week. Some are a little too quiet to keep the kids entertained. Here are the best family beach vacations, each one a beach destination that is ideal for both parents and kids.
Here are the best family beach destinations:
- The Outer Banks is a wonderful string of waterfront towns in North Carolina. There is a nice mix here of souvenir shops, fun activities like go-carts and rich, kid-friendly history. Be sure you visit Roanoke Island and watch some live theater about the Lost Colony and to see where the Wright Brothers first discovered flight.
- Newport Beach, Rhode Island is an inviting beach that is ideal for families. The town is very walkable, and lined with cute boutiques. Kids will like walking the Cliff Walk. They can look down on the water and you can look the other way at Newport's amazing mansions. The rich history, honorable universrities and endless other activities are a short distance away in Boston, Cambridge and Providence.
- Picturesque Santa Barbara provides a great destination for families. There is something here for everyone: fabulous dining, tons of outdoor activities, great shopping. The visitor's bureau even puts out a families section of their tourism brochure. You are also close to some teen-friendly attractions, with Los Angeles and the Hollywood studios a short drive away.
- Argeles sur Mer, France seems almost built just for families. This lovely southern French beach is dotted with upscale, four-star campgrounds that make a vacation comfortable and more affordable. It is near numerous amazing attractions, and is at the edge of the Pyrenees Mountains. Some of the world's best views are along the Cote Vermeille, for which Argeles sur Mer forms the northernmost extreme. At the heart of the unique Catalan Country, cosmopolitan Perpignan is a few minutes away, and lively Barcelona (which, incidentally, is another great beach destination for families) is just 2.5 hours away.
- Cocoa Beach boasts an excellent location. It's just an hour from Orlando attractions like Disney World. Kids will love a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. This is also near a busy cruise port, Port Canaveral, which serves as a hub for Disney Cruise Lines, Carnival and Caribbean Cruise Lines. (Also see Family Friendly Cruises).
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