15 U.S. Coastal Towns Perfect for Your Next Family Vacation

The U.S. is home to many coastal towns offering the perfect setting for a family vacation. From the sandy beaches of the Atlantic to the rugged coastlines of the Pacific, we look at 15 charming coastal towns to consider for your next family vacation:

Bar Harbor, Maine

Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is a gateway to Acadia National Park, where families can enjoy fun activities like biking and exploring tide pools. If you don’t fancy getting active, the main town is a lovely way to spend time, with independent stores, seafood shacks and stunning views of the ocean. Be sure not to miss a boat tour to see puffins, seals and whales, if you’re lucky. 

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is a Victorian gem at the southern tip of New Jersey. The town is well-known for its immaculate beaches, exquisitely maintained Victorian homes, and kid-friendly activities including the Cape May County Park & Zoo and the Cape May Lighthouse. Cape May’s boardwalk is also a great spot for families to enjoy arcade games and ice cream.

Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island offers a laid-back atmosphere and some of the best shelling beaches in the world. Families can spend their days collecting shells, biking along the island’s many trails, or visiting the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to see native wildlife like alligators, manatees and countless bird species.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

With its iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is one of the most scenic spots on the Oregon coast. The town offers a range of family-friendly activities, from tide-pooling to exploring nearby Ecola State Park. The center of town enjoys a relaxed vibe, with art galleries, cafes and bookshops to browse in as you take a nice family stroll. 

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head is a well-liked family holiday spot with stunning beaches, golf courses, and outdoor pursuits. Families can bike along miles of scenic trails, kayak through the island’s waterways, or explore the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Hilton Head’s family-friendly resorts and restaurants make it an ideal spot for a beach vacation.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic is a historic coastal town that offers plenty for families to see and do. The Mystic Seaport Museum, a living history museum, is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and historic ships. Kids of all ages can visit sea lions, penguins and beluga whales at the popular Mystic Aquarium.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is a stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that’s perfect for a family beach vacation. Wide, sandy beaches, old lighthouses, and outdoor pursuits like fishing, kite flying, and wild horse excursions are some of the region’s most well-known features. You should try to visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills to learn about the birthplace of aviation and its place in American history. 

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is a family-friendly destination with white-sand beaches and warm Gulf waters. Sandy beaches, old lighthouses and outdoor activities like fishing, kite flying and wild horse rides are some of the area’s most well-known features. The nearby Gulf State Park is great for hiking, fishing and bird-watching, while the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a hit with younger kids.

Chincoteague, Virginia

Chincoteague Island is famous for its wild ponies, which roam freely in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Families can enjoy wildlife watching, beachcombing and kayaking. The annual Pony Swim and Auction in July is a unique event that draws visitors from around the country.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is a classic East Coast beach town with a lively boardwalk, amusement rides and family-friendly restaurants. The town’s clean beaches and gentle surf make it ideal for families with young children. Don’t miss Funland, a nostalgic amusement park with rides and games for all ages.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque town on California’s Monterey Peninsula. Families can explore the charming downtown area, visit the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium, or take a scenic drive along the famous 17-Mile Drive. Carmel Beach is perfect for a family picnic and the area’s art galleries and boutiques offer plenty to explore.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island, located just 20 minutes from Savannah, offers a relaxed beach vibe and plenty of family-friendly activities. Families can enjoy the island’s wide beaches, visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, or climb to the top of the Tybee Island Lighthouse for stunning views. The island’s proximity to Savannah also makes it easy to explore the historic city.

Rockport, Massachusetts

Rockport is a quaint New England town located on Cape Ann. The town is known for its rocky coastline, artist studios  and the iconic Motif No. 1, a red fishing shack that’s one of the most painted buildings in the country. Families can enjoy fresh seafood, explore Halibut Point State Park, or take a boat tour to see seals and whales.

Saugatuck, Michigan

The quaint village of Saugatuck sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and  is known for its sandy beaches and its lively arts scene. Families can explore the town’s art galleries, take a dune buggy ride, or spend a day at Oval Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the country.

Port Aransas, Texas

Port Aransas, located on Mustang Island, is a family-friendly beach destination on the Texas Gulf Coast. The town offers wide, sandy beaches, excellent fishing and opportunities for dolphin watching. Families can explore the nearby Mustang Island State Park, go bird-watching, or simply relax on the beach.