There’s nothing like the family-friendly energy of a welcoming coastal town to help you enjoy summer vacation. Think sandy toes, waves washing up on shore, bike rides along the water, and ice cream that melts faster than you can eat it.
But don’t stop at the beach. In America’s best coastal towns, you’ll also find walkable downtowns packed with local shops, seafood shacks, and galleries, plus hands-on museums and aquariums that keep kids entertained while sneaking in a little learning. And while these coastal communities shine in the summertime, they’re often just as appealing in the shoulder season. Whether you’re after a laidback vibe or a bustling beach town, these seaside escapes are just what any family needs.
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1. Cape May, New Jersey
The very first inhabitants of this thriving beach community are believed to be the Lenni-Lenape tribe, as recorded by the explorer Henry Hudson in the early 1600s. Named for Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, who founded the town in 1621, Cape May is also revered as the nation’s oldest seashore resort. The streets are lined with colorful Victorian houses that exude a kind of old-fashioned grandeur and charm.
Cape May has plenty of leisure activities for families. Its boardwalk stretches for two miles, with beautiful views of sandy beaches and plenty of shops and restaurants along the way. Pristine Poverty Beach is a favorite for families on vacation with toddlers, because it’s a quiet spot set farther back from the crowds. (It also has street parking and bathrooms.) Kids of all ages will enjoy an afternoon at the Cape May County Zoo, which is free to visit and relies on donations. Some of the animals you might expect to see are American black bears, cheetahs, and giraffes.
Where to stay in Cape May:
Beach Plum Farm & Cottages: This working farm a mile from the ocean offers charming cottage stays blending luxury with nostalgia. In addition to the Michelin One Key Hotel, the property is also home to a market and farm-to-table restaurant.
Congress Hall: This classic seaside resort has been welcoming travelers since 1816. Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas await guests on the sand, and two heated pools and a calendar of activities keep everyone busy at the resort.
2. Kapaʻa, Hawaii
Located on the east side of Kauaʻi known as the Coconut Coast, Kapaʻa is the very picture of a laidback Hawaiian hamlet. Considered the island’s “biggest small town,” it’s got a main drag perfect for strolling. Start off with coffee and breakfast at Java Kai, then shop for T-shirts, local art, and cool souvenirs (ukulele anyone?), refueling along the way with a stop at Lydgate Farms’ chocolate tasting room.
You can pedal to and from the downtown along the oceanfront Ke Ala Hele Makālae path, a stretch that will also take you to Lydgate and Wailua Beach Parks. Or for something more challenging, follow the Nounou East Trail to the summit of Nounou Mountain, also known as the Sleeping Giant. Then reward yourself for all that exertion with a shave ice, a cold-pressed juice, or a taro donut from Holy Grail.
Where to stay in Kapaʻa:
Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort: The kids will love the free daily shave ice, oceanfront pool, game room, and world-class chicken fingers here. Grownups will appreciate the gorgeous sunrises and stylish rooms, and everyone will have a ball at the on-site luau and cultural activities like lei making and ukulele lessons.
Kauaʻi Shores Hotel: Two outdoor swimming pools, complimentary bike rentals, beachside yoga, and a firepit are among the amenities at this well-situated property. Families can book a pool view or oceanfront room for easy access to the outdoor fun or a studio with a kitchenette.
SAY ALOHA: Why Hawaii’s ‘Garden Isle’ might just be America’s best family vacation spot
3. Shelter Island, New York
A small island of about 27 square miles, New York’s Shelter Island is only accessible by car and passenger ferries that depart from the cities of Greenport and North Haven. Only 90 miles east of New York City, it’s home to several public beaches where families can play, swim, and stroll in the salty Atlantic breeze. Classic coastal town pastimes include a round of mini golf at Shelter Island Whale’s Tale Dessert Cafe and Miniature Golf Course, exploring the 2,350-acre Mashomack Preserve, and learning about the island’s history at Sylvester Manor.
Where to stay on Shelter Island:
The Pridwin Hotel and Cottages: At this waterfront property that originally opened in 1927, families can enjoy the heated waterfront pool, full‑service spa, tennis and pickleball courts, and a stretch of sand on Crescent Beach. Lawn games, bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards add to the fun.
Shelter Island House: One of the first hotels on Shelter Island, Shelter Island House is just a block from Sunset Beach. The design-forward property offers amenities like complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, complimentary bicycles, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
4. Laguna Beach, California
California is home to many of the best coastal towns in the U.S., but Laguna Beach is an absolute must-visit destination for families. Known for its thriving art scene, the town also boasts long stunning stretches of beach, virtually perfect year-round weather, and a unique topography of sea caves, ocean bluffs, and natural tide pools rich with marine life. It’s a perfect California vacation destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and swimming (at some of the beaches).
This beach town offers plenty of other activities, too. Visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of sea lions and other marine mammals, or spend an afternoon at the kid-friendly Laguna Art Museum, where there are plenty of programs geared specifically toward families and kids of all ages.
Where to stay in Laguna Beach:
Costa Art Hotel: Conveniently located a block from Crescent Bay Beach, the recently renovated hotel offers affordable family- and pet-friendly rooms with complimentary breakfast. Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are available for guests, and there’s also a heated outdoor pool with pool toys where free popsicles help kids (and adults) cool off.
Laguna Beach House: This former motel has been transformed into a stylish getaway just steps from the beach. A complimentary wine hour by the firepit and cookies and milk before bedtime add to the appeal.
SHORE THINGS: These are the 7 best hotels on the beach in California
5. Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Door County is known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, and charming villages like Sister Bay are one reason why. Set along the shores of Green Bay, Sister Bay has almost 2,000 feet of public waterfront, where summertime concerts, movies, and sunset yoga take place. Sister Bay Beach offers barbecue grills, picnic tables, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a much-loved playground.
Visitors of all ages will delight at watching the goats grazing atop the roof of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, but the Swedish pancakes and lingonberry ice cream might prove just as delightful. Boat tours help travelers see the area by water, and Sister Bay Bowl offers a blast from the past and classic supper club experience.
Where to stay in Sister Bay:
The Inn at Little Sister Hill: One- and two-bedroom suites here are ideal for families, offering living rooms, dining spaces, and full kitchens. And the resort will keep everyone in the crew entertained, with a playground, firepit, and seasonal heated pool.
The DöRR: This newer hotel in Sister Bay puts a modern spin on the area’s Scandinavian history. Each of the 47 guest rooms has a spacious balcony, and a European-style breakfast is served daily in the lobby.
MEET IN THE MIDDLE: These 13 Midwest vacations are the perfect way to bring the whole family together
6. Key West, Florida
The southernmost point of both Florida and the continental U.S., Key West owes its popularity as a family-friendly coastal town to its sparkling blue waters and loads of kid-friendly things to do. Take the kids to the Key West Aquarium for an immersive introduction to local marine life, then visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum to see remnants of shipwrecks and other artifacts like coins and cannons.
For kiddos (or parents) who need a break from walking, the Conch Tour Train is a fun hour-long ride that takes you on a tour around Old Key West. And the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory inspires awe with its hundreds of free-flying butterflies and exotic birds. Take note: While there are some small beaches in Key West, it’s not quite the same experience as in other Florida beach towns.
Where to stay in Key West:
Pier House Resort & Spa: Located right in the heart of downtown, this sensational resort includes access to a private beach and an outdoor pool. Accommodations include one- and two-bedroom suites, and the concierge can arrange for activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing.
Southernmost Beach Resort: Situated on the quieter end of the island, this tropical resort offers two family-friendly pools, complimentary bikes, and complimentary weekly activities like beach yoga and eco-tours along the water’s edge. Guests also get easy access to compact South Beach and priority claim to the complimentary loungers and umbrellas on the sand.
SUNSHINE STATE: From beaches to theme parks, the best Florida family vacations prove there’s something for everyone
7. Block Island, Rhode Island
No coastal town in the U.S. evokes a feeling of quintessential New England charm better than Block Island, located about 10 miles off the coast of Rhode Island. Accessible by a one-hour long ferry ride, this beach town is seven miles of rolling hills and bucolic vistas. The iconic red lighthouse at the top of Mohegan Bluffs offers spectacular views of the ocean, and the downtown area where ferries dock is a hub of activity with plenty of restaurants and boutiques to keep you occupied.
And while Block Island may be tiny, there are 15 beaches and five parks here, with many hiking trails to discover. Meander through Rodman’s Hollow, a 230-acre glacial outwash plain affording expansive views of the ocean, or visit the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, which spans approximately 134 acres, to spot a variety of birds.
Where to stay on Block Island:
The 1661 Resort: This family-owned property boasts a range of guest rooms, suites, and cottages. The on-site Animal Farm and Gardens delight both young and grownup guests, and The Farmstead offers island-grown produce, cold beverages, and other products perfect for picnicking.
Champlin’s Marina & Resort: Situated on Block Island’s Great Salt Pond, the resort offers 44 guest rooms, three dockside bars and restaurants, and an outdoor pool. Nautically decorated rooms and suites can accomodate families of various sizes.
8. St. Michaels, Maryland
Founded in 1672 and boasting a long history as a shipbuilding town, St. Michaels occupies an enviable spot on Maryland’s Eastern Shore along the Miles River. You can delve into the town’s seafaring side at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, a park-like waterfront site with indoor and outdoor exhibits and a working shipyard. Getting out on the water with Patriot Cruises is also a good idea, where you’ll likely spot wildlife and will definitely see some homes that inspire real estate envy.
There’s great shopping and restaurants in the downtown and by the harbor, including plenty of places for enjoying some Maryland crabs. You can go back in time at the St. Michaels Museum, check out rides from the past at the Classic Motor Museum, or just find a pleasant spot to sit and take it all in.
Where to stay in St. Michaels:
Inn at Perry Cabin: Book a room or suite here for a luxurious Eastern Shore getaway. Take a dip in the zero-edge pool, explore the on-site gardens, or take part in a yoga or meditation session. The inn also offers lots of ways for guests to explore the town, like guided biking and walking tours.
St. Michaels Harbour Inn, Marina & Spa: Rooms and suites here boast views of St. Michaels Harbor and amenities like fluffy robes and fridges. Grab a complimentary bike to explore the town, or relax at the inn’s seasonal pool or day spa.
9. Seabrook, Washington
Situated along the Washington coast about two and a half hours from Seattle, the idyllic beach town of Seabrook is perfect for families looking to be close to the water. Founded in 2004 by Casey and Laura Roloff, this thoughtfully designed community is a picturesque coastal town surrounded by forest and hiking trails. With hundreds of vacation rental homes to choose from, Seabrook can easily become your home away from home.
The town boasts more than 30 parks, hundreds of acres of mountain biking and hiking trails, sports and pickleball courts, an indoor and outdoor pool, shops and restaurants, and miles of wide-open beach. Everything within Seabrook is walkable, but you can also rent a bike to meander around town. There’s a summertime Saturday market in the town center, and other events include town tours, summertime movie nights, and a beachside author series.
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10. Port Aransas, Texas
Just 30 minutes from Corpus Christi, Port Aransas on Mustang Island is a low-key seaside town that’s a great choice for families who want less hustle and bustle than a typical beach town. To get to the island, you’ll need to board a ferry (they run frequently throughout the year). But don’t worry if your kids aren’t great on boats, because the ferry ride is a quick 10 minutes. Once you arrive, there’s no shortage of beaches for swimming, paddling, and kayaking on this tiny island. You can even drive your car right along the ocean.
Where to stay in Port Aransas:
Port Royal Ocean Resort: Sandcastle-building lessons, “dive-in” movies, and popsicles and s’mores by the pool are just some of the family-friendly activities at this beachfront resort. You’ll also find the largest lagoon pool in Texas, waterslides, and a seasonal food truck and ice cream spot.
Seashell Village Resort: Just a few blocks from the beach, the pet-friendly property offers suites and cottages ideal for families, with full kitchens in each unit. An outdoor pool provides another way to cool off.
LONE STAR STAYS: 9 Texas family resorts with the best kid-friendly amenities
Beth Luberecki also contributed to this story.
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