20 Best East Coast Beaches for Families

Last updated on May 24th, 2024 at 06:02 pm

Wondering which are the best East Coast Beaches for families? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the Top 20.

If you’re planning on a trip to the East Coast of the United States with your family, it’s likely the beach might feature in your plans. So, you’ll want to know where to find the best beaches for families on the East Coast. 

We’ve recently come back from a US East Coast road trip (starting in New York and ending in Miami).  It’s an amazing route to travel and the beaches are spectacular and diverse. 

The landscapes change dramatically from north to south, with rugged, windswept beaches higher up the east coast, and tropical warm waters as you head down towards Miami.

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East Coast Map (Beaches):

The map of East Coast beaches above will show you where each beach recommendation is located (from north to south).

Whether you’re remaining in one spot on the East Coast, or travelling the length of it – here are the best East Coast USA beaches for families, from top to bottom. Wishing you the best of family vacations on the East Coast!

Want to know my top three choices for beaches on the east coast?

• Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Folly Beach, South Carolina
• Key West, Florida

Massachusetts

1. Craigville Beach, Cape Cod

Grab a lobster roll from The Barnacle, sit back in your deck chair and enjoy the fresh Cape Cod air. It’s a 70-mile trip from Boston to Craigville Beach and you can reach it by car, train or a 90-minute ferry ride.

The peninsula was named by an English explorer who noticed – yup, you guessed it: how many cod there were in the waters. There’s almost 560 miles of coastline to explore and plenty of beaches to choose from in Cape Cod.

Craigville Beach is a great choice for families. It’s clean and large in size but it is popular and can get busy – so arrive early.

Where is it?: It’s on Craigville Beach Road in Centerville.

✅ Book HERE for some fantastic Cape Cod tours

2. Old Silver Beach, Falmouth

Located in the Upper Cape Cod, Falmouth is a great family-friendly option with sandy beaches.

Old Silver Beach on Buzzard’s Bay is a favourite; it’s on the smaller side with shallow water and great (if slightly pricey) parking facilities, a snack bar and bathrooms – all of which make it perfect for families.

The beach is separated into two halves – one for residents and one for tourists. Look out for the Cleveland Ledge Lighthouse and Herring Brook, which is a short walk away from the beach.

If you’re hungry and adventurous, hop along to Bill and Bob’s Chocolate Emporium in Falmouth for their unusual Lobster flavoured ice cream!

Where is it?: Old Silver Beach is on Quaker Road, in North Falmouth.

3. Nantucket (island)

Nantucket was the epicentre of the Whaling industry, leading to it becoming a wealthy enclave of the US. Now, it’s known for its great shopping and its’ wonderful beaches.

If you have small kids, head to Children’s Beach, where there’s a playground, picnic area and activities such as puppet shows over the summer months.

The beaches on the north side of the island have gentler waves so if you’re planning on swimming, head in that direction rather than the South.

Where is it?: Nantucket is 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod and the best way of getting there is by passenger ferry. Book with Hy Line Cruises.

New York

4. Coney Island, Brooklyn

With just the right amount of kitsch, Coney Island makes a great day trip if you’re staying in New York, with it taking under an hour to reach by subway.

Enjoy the boardwalk – with lots of rides (including the legendary Coney Island Wonder Wheel), an aquarium and food stalls. There’s also 3 miles of sandy beach to relax on. Coney Island is a big tourist draw so be prepared for crowds when the weather’s good.

Where is it?: Coney Island is in the southern part of Brooklyn.

5. Ocean Beach, Fire Island

A world away from busy Manhattan, you’ll find Fire Island – a peaceful haven without any cars and one of the top hidden gems on the East Coast.

You can park at one of the ferry terminals and take the half-hour trip to Fire Island with Fire Island Ferries. For Ocean Beach, you want the Bay Shore Ferry Terminal.

There are trains from Penn Station, or you can choose to drive (traffic is likely to be heavy in the Summer months). Ocean Beach Village is worth walking or biking around.

There’s lots going on in the summer months – from open-air concerts, to water sports and craft fairs. Keep an eye out for children selling hand-painted sea shells by the beach – they make great souvenirs.

Where is it?: Fire Island is off the south shore of Long Island.

6. Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

If you’re in this part of the United States in September, make sure you pay Point Pleasant Beach a visit as they’ll be holding their annual Seafood Festival.

Point Pleasant has a lot on offer for families. On Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, you’ll find attractions such as arcade games, amusements such as a fun house and mini golf, rides and a diverse array of food stalls and restaurants to choose from.

There’s a small fee for entrance to Point Pleasant Beach – but it’s well-manned by lifeguards and kept clean. Over the summer, there are often firework and laser shows in the evenings.

Where is it?: Point Pleasant Beach is in New Jersey, on the Barnegat Peninsula. It takes 2 hours to get there by train from New York’s Penn Station.

✅ Book HERE for the most family-friendly tours in the New York area

Around Washington DC

7. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is loved for its picturesque boardwalk, with quaint shops and cafes lining the mile-long stretch.

As the largest beach resort in Delaware, it makes a great day trip from D.C. Rehoboth has retained a lot of its charm and in the summer keep an eye out for activities for kids such as magic shows and kite-making.

There are volleyball courts, tennis and pickleball courts nearby as well as many organised water sports activities in the summer.

Take the kids to Funland, a small and very reasonably priced amusement park on Rehoboth Beach.

Where is it?: Rehoboth Beach is in Sussex County, Delaware and will take around 2.5 hours to reach from DC.

✅ Book HERE for the best Delaware Tours

8. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach actually consists of three different eastern beaches: Resort Beach, Sandbridge Beach and Chesapeake Bay Beach.

Chesapeake Bay Beach, known to locals as ‘Chic’s Beach’, is particularly popular amongst families due to its gentle waves and laid-back feel. Parking is reasonably priced.

Virginia Beach makes an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records, for being the longest stretch of pleasure beach in the world. And there’s plenty of pleasure here: the many boardwalk attractions, fishing pier and restaurants attest to that.

The nearby Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center makes a good spot to visit with kids, and don’t forget to check out Virginia Beach’s famous statue of Neptune along the boardwalk!

Where is it?: Virginia Beach is in the Eastern part of Virginia, around 3.5 hours north of Washington DC.

✅ Book HERE for some fantastic Virginia Beach Tours

North Carolina

9. Duck/ Southern Shores

Duck is a small seaside town on the northernmost edge of the Outer Banks. It’s considered one of the most family-orientated beaches in this part of the United States and a spot many vacation at.

Although there’s been quite a bit of development in Duck over the past twenty years, it’s still a peaceful, charming location with a village-like feel.

If you think the name ‘Duck’ is a strange one, it’s really quite simple – Duck is named after all the waterfowl, including the many wild ducks in the area.

Water sports are big here – head to the Currituck Sound to rent stand-up paddle boards, kayaks or a sailboat. The beaches do have lifeguards, but be aware that the water here can be a little rougher than other locations along the East Coast.

Where is it?: Duck is on the north section of the Outer Banks – your best bet is to drive.

10. Kitty Hawk, Outer Banks

Not far from Duck is Kitty Hawk. A great beach and a bit of history rolled into one, it’s one of the must-see places on the East Coast.

Kitty Hawk and nearby Kill Devil Hills are well known for being the location of the Wright Brothers’ famous flight.

Kitty Hawk is located in the Northern Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The islands are wild and natural and, although it takes a little while to drive out to them, they’re worth it.

You’ll find Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, opportunities to kayak and paddle board and wildlife such as otters and nesting turtles in this area.

Where is it?: Kitty Hawk is only 15 minutes from Duck, so you could combine the two.

11. Emerald Isle, Crystal Coast

Emerald Isle on the Crystal Coast is on the southernmost part of the Outer Banks. It’s one of the best family vacation spots on the East Coast for families due to its beautiful clear waters (with a gorgeous green tint) and wide sandy beaches.

Try fishing at Bogue Inlet Pier and make sure you visit The Point for great views if you’re staying until sunset. Visit the North Carolina Aquarium in nearby Pine Knoll Shores where kids can get up close to marine life and get an opportunity to touch string rays.

There’s great seafood here, and lots of activities and festivals put on over the Summer and early Autumn months.

Where is it?: Emerald Isle is on Bogue Banks, a barrier island on the south part of the Outer Banks.

✅ Book HERE for some fabulous Outer Banks Tours

South Carolina

12. Myrtle Beach

If you’re looking for lots of fun, Myrtle Beach should make your list of eastern beaches.

There’s something for everyone at Myrtle Beach: rollercoasters, shopping, great seafood, water sports, and plenty of family-friendly activities and sand to sit back and relax on.

There’s loads to see and do here and it’s a great location to stay for a few days to sample some of what’s on offer. You can check out a show (Pirates Voyage is a favourite), ride the Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel, play a game of golf at Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf or if you want something quieter and more nature-related, check out the majestic Brookgreen Gardens, located nearby.

The beach itself is clean with soft white sand and warm water year-round, securing its spot as one of the best beaches on the East Coast.

Where is it?: Myrtle Beach is on the Grand Strand Coast, a couple of hours north of Charleston.

✅ Book Myrtle Beach Tours HERE

13. Folly Beach, Charleston

The perfect spot for the kids to boogie board and with some of the best surfing on the east coast, this beach is clean with beautiful white sands and warm water.

A good spot to base yourselves is the Folly Beach County Park. While parking is a little on the pricey side, you’ll be able to take advantage of the deck chair and umbrella rentals, cafe, toilets and changing rooms, and a particularly clean and scenic part of the beach with lifeguards stationed at regular intervals.

Folly Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the East Coast. In fact, it makes my top three beaches for families on the East Coast!

Where is it?: Folly Beach is close to downtown Charleston.

✅ Book Folly Beach and Charleston Tours HERE

14. Hilton Head Island

One of the hidden gem vacation spots on the East Coast and particularly suitable for families, Hilton Head Island is protected in relation to development and so has retained a lot of its charm and beauty.

This doesn’t stop there being plenty of things to keep you and your family entertained. The bike trails here are particularly good and a ride amongst the palmettos and Spanish moss-covered oaks is a real pleasure.

If you’d like to add to your day at the beach, visit the Coastal Discovery Museum nearby. Dolphin cruises are also very popular here. Beaches are wide and sandy and the water is warm.

Where is it?: Hilton Head Island is a barrier island at the south end of South Carolina, 20 miles north of Savannah.

✅ Book HERE for boat trips and cruises at Hilton Head Island

Georgia

15. Tybee Island, Savannah

Tybee is a barrier island with three miles worth of pristine beaches. It tends not to get too crowded and is known to be one of the most family-friendly east coast beaches.

Drive or pick up the shuttle from Savannah Visitors Centre. The island has a rich history and it’s worth taking at look at the Tybee Island Light Station and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn about the area.

You can hire a kayak from Sea Kayak Georgia or try to spot wild bottlenose dolphins on a boat tour (check out Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours).

Where is it?: Tybee Island is 18 miles east of Savannah.

✅ Book HERE for Tybee Island Tours

16. St Simons Island

St Simons Island is a beach location with oodles of atmosphere. Live oaks with Spanish moss give it a timeless and other-worldly feel.

The beach here is quieter than in other east coast beach towns, and popular with families. Try your hand at fishing and crabbing at Gascoigne Bluff, or just from along the shores.

The beaches are dog-friendly here unlike many others so it’s a great place to head if you’ve got a four legged friend with you.

Stroll through St Simons Island’s Pier Village for window shopping and ice cream at Sunset Slush of St Simons Island.

Where is it?: St Simons Island is in the Golden Isles, off the coast of Georgia – midway between Savannah and Jacksonville.

17. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island has won awards for its conservation work.

You can visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center while you’re there to see some of the rehabilitation work they’ve done.

A visit to Jekyll Island is like stepping back in time. The state of Georgia is particularly careful about limiting development and so you’re guaranteed a dose of Southern charm and tradition.

On that note, make sure you stop by the 400-year-old Plantation Oak while you’re there too.

The beaches on Jekyll Island are beautifully natural and unspoilt; Driftwood Beach is a particularly atmospheric stop.

Where is it?: Jekyll Island is a barrier island midway between Savannah and Jacksonville.

Florida

18. St Augustine

Steeped in history, St Augustine is known as the nation’s oldest city (it was founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain).

The family (and dog) friendly beach consists of two miles of white sand. There’s a splash park for smaller kids, the water’s clear and the waves gentle most of the time. These things make it one of the best beaches on Florida’s East Coast.

St Augustine Beach is a great place for boogie boarding, kiteboarding and paddle boarding – stop by Pit Surf Shop to rent equipment.

Make sure you spend time walking around the town – there are plenty of tours – we did a fantastic ghost tour which was one of our favourite things to do on the east coast of Florida.

Where is it?: St Augustine is in the northeastern corner of Florida and an hour south of Jacksonville.

✅ Book HERE for some fantastic St Augustine Tours (including Ghost Tours)!

19. Miami Beach

East Coast Florida beaches are well known for being pretty fabulous. Miami Beach is undoubtedly glamorous and grown up in parts, however, it’s great for families too.

There are plenty of lifeguards (kids and adults alike will enjoy checking out the colourful Art Deco-styled Lifeguard stations), and it’s clean and well-looked after.

Most of the hotels along the beachfront have bikes you can borrow and cycling along the promenade is a fantastic morning activity – you’ll be able to take in the beach on one side and some of Ocean Drive’s spectacular Art Deco buildings on the other. It’s a must for your East Coast bucket list!

Where is it?: Miami Beach is in south eastern Florida, on a barrier island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

✅ Book HERE for the best Miami family Tours

20. Key West

At the southernmost tip of the East Coast is Key West. Hot all year round, the best time to visit Key West is probably in the Spring.

Visit the Ernest Hemmingway Home and Museum. It has a great tropical garden and (most) kids will love the 6-toed cats who wander around the property (descendants of the original 6-toed cat gifted to Hemmingway).

Key West is an island city and only 4 miles long. Its beaches are postcard-perfect and fantastic for activities such as snorkelling since there are many coral reefs around the Keys and the water is particularly clear. The sunsets in Key West, in particular, are a real draw.

Where is it?: 100 miles from the mainland in southwestern Florida. Take the Overseas Highway.

✅ Book HERE for the best Key West Family Tours

I hope you have fun exploring these East Coast family beaches. Read more about New York and Washington DC, amongst other ultimate destinations for families, here.