Best beaches for kids?

by Jennifer Jordan (Subscribe to Jennifer Jordan's posts) May 27th 2008 12:00PM

A new article touts the best beaches to consider hitting this summer. Now that Memorial Day is upon us in all its promising glory, beaches (as well as sunblock, floppy hats and other sun considerations) are tops on everyone's mind. I read this article and thought, "Gee, if I were single or my husband and I were in the honeymoon phase of our relationship these beaches would be GREAT to visit." But, you know what? We have kids. Well, we have one kid, and another one on the way--and we like them. And we like the thought of taking them with us on vacation.

There are beach vacations appropriate to taking children and some not so much. Not exactly romantic to rub zinc oxide on your toddler's nose rather than slather oil on your significant other's back. But, in a way, isn't the beach a perfect opportunity for a family vacation? I know my mother is already planning on how to get all of us back to Florida once my newest addition is old enough.

Sites like the Travel Channel offer a nice selection of domestic and world beaches to consider when planning your family vacation. What makes a beach better for a family than, say a romantic getaway? Well, I think that ultimately may be in the eye of the sea shell holder. About.com also offers some great choices, including my beloved Emerald Coast on the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, I'm talking about Destin (the article sites Sandestin resort), which seems to be the ultimate family-friendly beach destination. I've been going down there since I was a kid myself, and whether a child, teen or adult I've always had the time of my life.

To what beach do you take your family? Tell us why it's the best for family vacations!

Picof Destin from the ysky by FlyGuy92586.

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Comments (3)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3boys 5-27-2008 @ 12:57PM

Going to the beach allows you to kick back while your kids are entertained. Look for beaches without hazards and good sand for building. Always bring an umbrella and chair for yourself. We bought kids wetsuits at Costco so even if the water or weather is cool the kids can stay outside a long time. This was helpful on a cool Cape Cod last summer.

Our favorites:
Polo Beach, Wailea, Maui - Expensive to go to Maui? well... you are NOT going to have bad weather at this beach. This is the driest area on the island and the beach is not crowded. Kids cannot get lost since it is a cove beach. Nice waves.

St. Pete beach, Florida - A big long white sand beach with better parking than most gulf coast Florida beaches. Lots of space to spread out if one area gets too crowded. popular with families, local swimmers and European tourists.

La Jolla Cove, California - Kids just love this place especially when the tide comes in and they can try to stay on the big rock when the waves hit. Also good for beginning snorkelers. Explore the cave. Can be crowded.

Hobbit beach, Oregon - Okay...nobodies going to get in the water here but this place gets points for the shipwrecked on a desert island feel to it. Park at the pullout on Highway 101 a few miles past the Heceta Head Lighthouse then follow the hobbit trail down to the beach.

Jamie 5-27-2008 @ 2:17PM

When I'm with my kids, I like to skip waves and the frisson of excitement that comes with them (the "will my children be swept out to sea" frisson, that is). For anxiety-free wading, I like:

Keiki Beach, in sunny Poipu on the island of Kauai.

West Wittering Beach, in West Sussex, England.

Heart's Desire Beach, in Tomales State Park, Tomales, California.

Sunj Beach, Lopud Island, Croatia.

Kellie 5-27-2008 @ 2:54PM

I grew up on the beach. I lived on the Jersey shore until I was 19 and then moved to Cocoa Beach, Florida. I have been all over the world and visited a ton of beaches. The best beaches for kids would have to be Destin. My hubby and I lived there for a year a few years back and I miss it so much. I refused to live outside of Destin because I wanted to full beauty every single minute I could since I knew it was a temporary move.

Someone tell me if this is true or not. I have heard Vietnam has some amazing beaches. Anyone been?

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