10 Best Family Beach Vacations for 2018
If you can’t recall the last time your family got together and went on a beach getaway, then it’s about time to plan that trip. Taking the family to the beach can create lifelong memories, especially if your loved ones are satisfied and have a great time. While planning your next family beach vacation, consider factors like family-friendly attractions and accommodations. Booking a vacation home rental with Owner Direct will help you get to spend quality time with your crew as you explore all your chosen destination has to offer while feeling at home away from home. So go ahead, take a look at these destinations that will surely have you and your family packing your bags in no time!
MYRTLE BEACH
Definitely one of the top family vacation spots on the entire Eastern seaboard, Myrtle Beach has everything a great getaway needs. It’s a 60-mile coastal paradise for those who love sand, surf, and oceanfront dining. After spending time on the beach, check out what else this East Coast destination has to offer. The place boasts amusement parks that include everything from water slides to roller coasters, to race tracks. Every member of the family will find something to do here: spend time at outlet malls, golfers of all skill levels can flock to the area’s golf courses, then the whole family can enjoy pirate or medieval-inspired dining entertainment. Don’t forget to check out Ripley’s Aquarium or catch a game at Pelicans Ballpark.
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PUERTO VALLARTA
With its 26 miles of luxurious, soft sand, Vallarta is one of the best family vacation spots in Mexico. It’s a historic town that’s nicely set between the ocean and mountains along the horseshoe-shaped Banderas Bay. While little ones splash in the water or build sand castles, bigger kids and adults can do some water sports like snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, and sports fishing. If you want to level up the adventure, take excursions in the jungle and canopy tours, or just take a boat ride to Las Caletas and relax in beach hammocks with views of stunning vistas. Aside from the beach, the family can explore Old Town, visit the Our Lady of Guadalupe, or stroll along the Malecon.
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
This place is called the Sunshine State for a reason. The Southwest Gulf Coast of Florida includes the family-friendly beaches and towns of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Marco Island, Captiva Island and Sanibel Island, and Naples. The miles-upon-miles of coastline and year-round sunshine can really lure families to the area. Once you’re on the beach, walk the shell-lined beaches with the whole family while watching dolphins off the coastline. There’s also the Busch Gardens theme park, Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus Museum, historic homes and museums that extend along the coast to visit. There’s always something to do in Southwest Florida.
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CUBA
Cuba offers several hot spots where everyone can enjoy white sand beaches to swim, play, explore the colorful reefs, or just relax. These beach vacation spots often have easy access to historical towns and cities for some cultural experiences. For tours, take a trip to Old Havana, or see the National Museum of Fine Arts and Museum de la Revolucion. Walk along the Malecon or take a ride in a 1950s American car. Cool out in Cienfuegos, on the southern Coast with its beautiful beaches and French-influenced colonial architecture. Snorkel nearby in Playa Ancon – Cuba is said to have the most pristine reefs in all of the Caribbean.
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OKANAGAN
The Okanagan is well known for some of the most beautiful beaches British Columbia has, with literally hundreds of miles of soft sand and warm waters. There are more than 30 beaches along Okanagan Lake, from Osoyoos to Penticton, including great city beaches in Kelowna, Vernon, Peachland, and Summerland. Most of the beaches have amenities that everyone in the family can enjoy like beach volleyball, slides for the kids, floating docks, and lots of grassy areas. In addition to these convenient amenities, there are also some fire pits right on the beach for roasting marshmallows, and great picnic and barbecue areas. What else can you ask for in a beach getaway, right? You can also rent equipment to do some water sports like parasailing, to get a bird’s-eye view of the lakes.
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COSTA RICA
Full of family-friendly accommodations and activities, lush and exotic Costa Rica loves travelers. You can stay in one of our beachfront vacation home rentals and have kids and your furry pal play and run around on the sand, garden, or the trails. It’s really a thrilling spot for a family vacation. Kids can swim and splash all they want in the ocean surf, swimming pool, rivers, and hot springs. Costa Rica has 800 miles of beaches, coastline, and rugged tropical mountaintops over 12,000 feet. Don’t miss out on taking a tour of the tropical wildlife!
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MAUI
This Hawaiian destination has some of the most abundant and exotic family-friendly sands. Wailea Beach is a must-visit, with sun-drenched sands and plenty of umbrellas to go around. West Maui is where the sands of Kaanapali Beach and the music from the Old Lahaina Luau are located. Travel along the Road to Hana to experience East Maui’s scenic coastline. Explore Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano in the upcountry and explore the former tribal battlegrounds of Central Maui’s Iao State Park.
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SHUSWAP
Residents and tourists alike flock to the shores of Shuswap Lake to enjoy the sun, the water, and the scenery. The Shuswap area contains some 700 km/435 mi of shoreline, where you can enjoy picnics and do some sunbathing. The warm waters are ideal for almost all kinds of recreational water activity. Some popular swimming spots include Gardom Lake Park, Sorrento Centre, Herald Provincial Park, and Narrows Village Beach. Canoe Public Beach in Salmon Arm and Sicamous Sand Public Beach Park in Sicamous provide many conveniences and amenities for families. Not to mention that the area is also a popular house-boating destination. Shuswap Lake Provincial Park offers a grassy play area, adventure playground, large boat launch, and self-guided nature trail. Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park is comprised of 26 sites, all of which are great for water sports.
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VANCOUVER ISLAND
Vancouver Island seems like a children’s paradise as there’s an endless amount of activities and attractions that will keep them entertained. They can search for sea treasures on the beach, eat fruits from the bushes, enjoy in the secret swimming holes, visit aquariums, hike in old growth forests, or head out in the ocean to watch whales and other marine life. One of the awesome areas for kids and families is Miracle Beach Provincial Park. Aside from that, other amazing beaches you can find in Vancouver Island are Dolphin Beach, Qualicum Beach, Tofino beaches like Chesterman Beach, and more!
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PLAYA DEL CARMEN
From peaceful to crowded party beaches, Playa del Carmen has the most beautiful places to soak up some sun and relax while looking at the Caribbean Sea. Affectionately known as Playa, even though it doesn’t have a proper name, is still the highlight for most travelers and makes for a delightful way to get some sun. Enjoy the white sand and clear waters in Playa Maroma. Xpu-Ha has the charm of a virgin beach, with calm waves and a shallow sea. If you’re looking for a beach that is full of life, one of the go-to places is Playa Mamitas. Playa Akumal is probably the quietest beach of the Riviera Maya that turtles made it a nesting area. For excellent snorkeling and scuba-diving, head to Playa Paamul for its excellent reefs. Because of its cenote, Los Pinos is uniquely perfect for kids, and Xcacel is a stunning paradise and part of a protected nature reserve. Before heading back to your home-away-from-home, visit La Quinta Avenida to explore some stores and restaurants.
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The best family summer vacations combine the beach with family-friendly activities, amenities, and convenient places to play and stay. So no matter what destination you choose, it’s important that everyone is comfortable, having fun, and most of all, spending time together!
Looking for a place for 2. We are retired and like to move around every year or so. Thinking about central or south Florida
Hi Terry,
There are so many options to choose from. Have a look at all our Florida vacation rental options here: https://www.ownerdirect.com/accommodation/florida
Over our many years in business, we have found that it is often more efficient for you to search our site, as you know your vacation needs best. Your search will provide you with photos, details, and complete rates, etc. Requesting a property does not create an obligation, merely an inquiry. Should you prefer we assist you with your search, we will certainly be happy to do that as well and ask that you contact us (res@ownerdirect.com) with the details required to do a quality search for you.
Best regards,
Andrea
Owner Direct Vacation Rentals