The best beaches can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Coast. Here are a few ideas you may wish to consider for your next family beach vacation.

Florida. From Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach, Florida is a prime resort area for family vacations. With perfect weather and miles and miles of beaches, this area is affordable, diverse, and has a wide variety of water-sports, restaurants, and a myriad of activities for children. Cocoa Beach is only an hour away from the Kennedy Space Center and Disney World. In addition, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is considered one of the best in Florida.

Myrtle Beach. Among the many favorite activities for children include: Ripley’s Aquarium, Le Grande Cirque, a show quite famous for its acrobatics and other circus performers; and Myrtle Waves Water Park. For older children, a definite must-see is the NASCAR Speed Park.

With a myriad of dining options, shopping, and other historic sites; Myrtle Beach has been named the number one choice for beach family vacations in the U.S.

Hampton. One of the most affordable vacations for beach-loving families is East Hampton, New York. The best place to stay is at the East Hampton House. The rooms are available in one and two bedroom units that contain fully-equipped kitchens and/or kitchenettes. Moreover, you have guest privileges at the nearby beach.

Although this vacation spot does not offer food, it does have an indoor gym and offers morning coffee there as well. But, across the street is a deli that has an array of items on their breakfast menu and is very affordable. In addition, there is a Chinese restaurant across the street as well as a take-out barbeque, and deli.

The grounds are impeccable and there is a very large pool (one for the kiddies, too) where you can lounge in the sun. A tennis court is also on the premises. Every room has its own balcony with lounge chairs and a table.

If you live in the New York area, it is a 90-minute trip by car. The East Hampton Inn is centrally located – five minutes from town, restaurants, shopping, and a movie house. You can even take a short trip to Montauk and visit the historic lighthouse or spend time at the beach there.

Hawaii. Of course, nothing can compare to the beaches that are in Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. No matter what island you choose, Hawaii has the most pristine beaches anywhere in the U.S. Moreover, there are black-sand beaches on the island of Maui as well as a myriad of activities for the entire family.

San Diego. Shifting to the west Coast, your family might enjoy a stay at the Beach Cottages. This site offers numerous amenities such as water sports, biking, as well as an amusement park. For the kids, San Diego Zoo and Sea World are not far from the Beach Cottages.

Centrally located to restaurants and shopping, Beach Cottages is an affordable vacation spot where the family can enjoy the sun, the surf, and other amenities available. In fact, you can book a studio that offers a fully equipped kitchen.

Redondo Beach. Located on Santa Monica Bay, this report haven is perfect for family beach vacations. Here you can enjoy water sports, fishing bicycling, kayaking, as well as fine restaurants shops located not far from the Santa Monica Pier. There are many hotels that are situated across the street from the beach or within walking distance. Each has its own set of amenities that are geared towards families.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Past all of La Jolla’s ritzy homes, hotels, and well known restaurants, lies Windansea Beach. Down the hill, this beach is flanked by surfers and sunbathers on hot summer days. With sandstone cliffs, a sandy beach, and amazing surf breaks, Windansea Beach has been a popular surfing haunt as far back as the 1940s and a gathering spot of the Windansea Surf Club since the 1960s.

The shack on the beach that was built by surfers during World War 2 is now a San Diego Historic site. The beach is also great for body surfing and snorkeling. The north end of Windansea is fairly rocky, with the south being sandier, great for walking along the edge of the water. You can also enjoy a picnic in the grass next to the beach and bask in the splendid views of the Pacific Ocean.

At Windansea Beach, there are no restrooms. During the summer months, lifeguards are stationed all along the beach, even in some weekends of fall and spring. There are separate swim and surf zones at the beach, with no wheelchair access. When you visit, you can park on the street or try the tiny single lot near the beach.

Getting to the beach
You can find Windansea around 6800 Neptune Place. From the north, follow I-5 south to the Genesee Avenue exit then head west. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road and follow the road into downtown La Jolla. Turn left on Girad Avenue then take a right on Pearl Street. Take a left onto La Jolla Boulevard then make the right on Nautilus Street and your there.

From the south, follow I-5 north to the Ardath Road exit, Ardath Road will become Torrey Pines Road. Take a left from Torrey Pines Road onto Girad Avenue. Make a right onto Pearl Street then take a left onto La Jolla Boulevard. Take the next right on Nautilus Street and your there.

Windansea is possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California – and a great place for romantic strolls at sunset. Parents should use caution with small children at the beach, as the surf often breaks directly onto the shore with a lot of intimidating power.

If you plan to visit the Windansea Beach, you should make sure you get there early. As with most beaches in San Diego, getting there early will help you get the best parking and more privacy when the crowds start to arrive. Windansea is a very amazing beach, and worth your time on hot summer days. Windansea is possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Translated, La Jolla means “the jewel”, which is an apt name for a splendid and beautiful town full of blue water. One of California’s best oceanside towns, La Jolla is also home to many of the best beaches in the state.

When you visit, you’ll notice that there are many things to do. If you’re looking for something to do, here are 5 great things to occupy your time:
1. Beaches – When you hear that San Diego has great beaches, it’s the truth. La Jolla Cave, La Jolla Shores, and Windansea are the best in San Diego, and possibly even the state.
2. Birch Aquarium – Although it’s a small aquarium, it’s packed with a lot of interesting stuff and best of all – it won’t wear you out.
3. La Jolla Playhouse – This theater company is highly known around the world.
4. Walking tour – Hike Bike Kayak will offer you a splendid one hour tour that focuses on the beauty and splendor of the La Jolla Coast and the history of the city.
5. Kayaking – The Hike Bike Kayak company also offers a tour of the La Jolla sea caves, with no experience required.

A weekend trip to La Jolla is an excellent time to enjoy a leisurely brunch. The Cottage serves great cuisine in a beach bungalow atmosphere, while the Marine Room at the Sea Lodge was voted the best Sunday brunch in the area several times in a row. If you’re looking for a simple breakfast, with great views and few tourists, follow Coast Blvd. to the Goldfish Point Cafe.

For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat. There’s plenty to do here, with the beaches in the summer. If you visit on hot days, you’ll spend a majority of your time on the beaches – and loving every minute of it. For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat.

Popularity: 4% [?]

You could easily spend a week in La Jolla, walking on the beach, puttering around town and enjoying meals in great restaurants; but if you only have one day, you can still enjoy some of the best La Jolla has to offer.

You’ll want to start off by going to the beach. La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in the state of California, with a gently sloping beach and panoramic views. A sunset or morning walk on the beach is enough to relax even the most stressed individual. The walk is better with the tide going out, as it leaves the beach with a mirror like water display.

La Jolla is home to some of the best restaurants, with many of them serving excellent cuisine at lunch, although a lower price at night. This way, you can live large on just the right budget.

Something else you’ll want to do is go tide pooling. The Tiny La Jolla Cove is a couple of blocks away from downtown, and accessible by a stairway. At low tides, the tide pools will have hundreds and hundreds of hermit crabs.

Walking around is also a great way to spend part of your day. You can go for a window shopping stroll along Prospect Avenue and the side streets there. With chain stores in sight, you’ll probably find something you must have.

If you have time to stay through the evening, the La Jolla Playhouse is worth your time, as it offers plenty of entertainment for the entire family.

For just a day to spend in La Jolla there is a lot that you can do. Once you spend a day in La Jolla, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to come back for more – the town is simply that good.

Popularity: 37% [?]

Located near the upscale community of La Jolla, the Marine Street Beach is a small cluster of high end clothiers, hotels, shops, and galleries. The beach is also legendary to body surfers and body boarders due to its thunderous waves which always seem to crash the shoreline at the right time.

Keep in mind, this beach may not be ideal for families, as there are no public restrooms, picnic areas, and the rough surf conditions aren’t well suited for children. If you have a family, you may want to find another beach.

Even though it isn’t the best beach for families, Marine Street Beach offers plenty of privacy and gorgeous white sand that can make for a fun day of sunbathing with friends.

The rough waves found at this beach have been known to seriously injure swimmers and body boarders in the past. If you aren’t that experienced with the water, you should always make sure that you respect both the water and the waves here.

During the summer months and on peak weekends during the fall and spring, there are lifeguards stationed on the beach. You should plan to park on the street at Marine Street Beach, as there are no public lots. You should try to get here early, as it can be very hard to find a parking space, especially during summer and on the weekends.

Getting there
If you are coming from the north, take I-5 south. Take the exit at Genessee Avenue, head west, and then make a left on Torrey Pines Road. Go down the hill into downtown La Jolla; turn left on Girad Avenue then right on Pearl Street. Turn left at La Jolla Boulevard then right on Marine Street.

From the south, take I-5 north to Torrey Pines Road. Once you arrive in La Jolla Downtown, simply follow the same directions from above. Marine Street Beach is legendary to body surfers and body boarders due to its thunderous waves.

Popularity: 35% [?]

The Village of La Jolla is the vacation showcase of La Jolla. The village offers postcard type beauty, with elegant homes, lush real estate, resorts, luxurious hotels, and even the best in intimate bed and breakfast lodging. The La Jolla Village is the gateway entrance to some of the most amazing beaches San Diego has to offer.

The village consists of a 30 block downtown La Jolla area that’s home to over 1,400 businesses that are fully committed to vacation pleasure to the over 7,000 people that visit the village each and every day.

In the village you’ll find all the conveniences that grace the shores, such as world class shopping and quaint boutique shops. Upscale restaurants, intimate cafes, museums, art galleries, and attractions such as the Birch Aquarium can be found here as well.

The La Jolla Playhouse is in the village as well. It has earned over 200 awards, including the 1993 Tony for outstanding regional theater. The Playhouse is a creative haven that attracts more then 150,000 theater enthusiasts each year.

Most visitors to the La Jolla Village like to walk the shoreline around Scripps Park and soak up the perfect weather and majestic views of the oceanfront panorama. If romantic tranquility is what you seek, late afternoon and early evening strolls are less crowded and at dusk you can catch some of the most stunning sunsets.

The beaches of La Jolla are the biggest tourist attractions here. All you need to do is choose your style of water recreation and relaxation. Swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sun bathing, or just watching others swim. Make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowds, and then stay late to catch the beauty of the moonlit skies.

La Jolla Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle of La Jolla is an area that’s intersected by three major freeways – I-5, I-805, and State 52. The Triangle lies east of La Jolla Village and ten minutes north of downtown San Diego.

The established residential community blossomed into a financial triad of high rise office buildings, full service hotels, shopping, and plenty of restaurants.

The Golden Triangle also offers the business traveler and vacationer all they need within a self contained area of business, retail, shopping, hotels, dining, and boutiques. The Golden Triangle is also located close to the oceanfront beach area of the village and all the vacation attractions that San Diego has to offer.

Popularity: 6% [?]

La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction, and by all accounts is the “jewel” in San Diego. Perched on the bluffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean, the city has captivated millions over the years, and continues to do so to this very day.

With it’s quaint village feel, expansive views, and easy to access coast, it can be said that La Jolla is a great attraction. If you had to break La Jolla down into 3 main areas, it would be the beach, the restaurants, and the shopping.

Home to some of the best coastline in the county, La Jolla offers beach goers and sun lovers the chance to play, relax, and bask in the sun on some of the finest beaches in the area. In their beauty, the beaches rival those of Hawaii for their seclusion and serenity.

From the long white sand of La Jolla Shores to the quiet and relaxing beach off Marine Street, you’ll have plenty to enjoy and find your very own piece of paradise.

La Jolla restaurants are world class, playing host to some of the finest chefs and coming chefs in the entire country. With its year round growing season, these chefs have some of the finest products to work their collective magic with – creating some of the best meals you’ll ever taste.

The village of La Jolla is said to have some of the best shopping anywhere. There are stores all over the area, with something for everyone.

Whether it’s shopping, swimming, or just checking out the area, La Jolla is truly a place to vacation or just visit. Summer is the best time to visit, as the beaches here are truly beautiful. If you’ve wanted to go somewhere different, La Jolla is where you need to be. La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Located at 8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla Shores is a sandy beach around a mile long, adjacent to a residential dwelling. During the summer months, the waves at this beach are normally the most gentle of all San Diego beaches, although the rip currents can be very strong at times.

For this very reason, novice scuba classes are held at La Jolla Shores. The grassy park of Kellogg Park is located behind the main lifeguard station and provides an excellent area for picnicking. A wide cement boardwalk parallels a large area of the beach between the sand and the park.

The beach of La Jolla Shores is adjacent to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve. The removals of objects from this area as well as fishing are prohibited. The Scripps Pier lies at the north end of the beach, although the pier isn’t open to the public.

Within the City limits, La Jolla Shores has the only beachfront boat launch. Small boats can be launched directly into the surf at foot of Avenida de la Playa, which is south of the lifeguard station. This can be a rough terrain area, so you may need to have a four wheel drive vehicle.

If you like to surf, there are specified areas on the beach where the waves tend to be small. For scuba diving, the south end of the beach is widely used by scuba driving classes.

During the summer months, La Jolla Shores can tend be very crowded. You should try to go in the morning, as the crowds aren’t as bad. This is a great beach during those hot summer days, with plenty to do for your entire family. La Jolla Shores is a great beach during those hot summer days

Popularity: 5% [?]

The Cove of La Jolla sits below the Ellen Browning Scripps Park in downtown La Jolla. The sandy portion of the beach is quite small, with plenty of rocky cliffs. During high tide, the surrounding rocks will trap the water that stays behind as mini tide pools when the tide goes out, giving both children and adults something to peer into.

The La Jolla Cove, 1100 Coast Boulevard, is a very small beach that’s tucked between adjacent sand stone cliffs. Due to it’s amazing beauty, the Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in the Southern California area. Although it’s within a short walking distance of the commercial community area of La Jolla, the Cove still retains a style of it’s own.

The north facing has a very unusual amount of coarse sand. The grassy area of Scripps Park is on the other side, and provides a great area for picnics. The water visibility at the Cove can sometimes exceed 30 feet, which makes it a very popular area for scuba divers and snorklers.

The Cove lies within the San Diego Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which will help to ensure that all marine life remains plentiful. This area is look but don’t touch, with the possession of game being against the law.

La Jolla Cove is an excellent area for scuba diving, especially when surf conditions are low. Before you head to the beach, you should always telephone the beach information line and check with lifeguards before you dive.

With plenty to offer your entire family, the La Jolla Cove is an excellent beach. There is plenty of swimming here, with views of the most beautiful water in the area. If you’re looking for a great way to spend a hot summer day – The La Jolla Cove is an excellent beach.

Popularity: 8% [?]

From the family beaches that are most often preferred by tourists to the more secluded coves most desired by surfers, divers, and swimmers, La Jolla beaches offer something for everyone. From Blacks Beach to the north and Windansea Beach to the south, the La Jolla shoreline consists of steep sandstone cliffs that are separated by coves and sandy beaches.

They sunny yet beautiful breezes and picture perfect views are a vacation paradise for tourists and a water recreation highlight for locals. There are seven unique beaches that dot the seven mile coastline against a backdrop of real estate, resorts, cliffs, tall palm trees, and lush scenery.

Downtown La Jolla is conveniently located near most of the beaches which not only provide parking for beach visitors but plenty of fine restaurants, intimate cafes, culture, art galleries, and other types of commercial convenience.

Between mid day and 4 PM, the crowds at any of the La Jolla beaches can be very big. The best advice when visiting any of the beaches in La Jolla is to come to the beach early and stay late – so that you can enjoy the magic of the sunsets and dusk views from across the ocean horizons.

Each beach at La Jolla will offer you something unique with different ways to enjoy the bliss of your vacation. La Jolla Shores is the most popular beach for families with the largest expansion of flat, sandy beaches. If you enjoy people watching, sunbathing, and lazy days on the beach – La Jolla Shores is where you want to be.

La Jolla Cove is another excellent beach, with steep sandstone cliffs offering amazing views and the paradise of sparkling blue water the cove is known for. The La Jolla Cove is a swimmer’s dream come true because of it’s gentle water. Along with the Children’s Pool, the Cove is rich with reefs that attract scuba divers and snorkelers to the abundance of marine life.

There are several La Jolla Caves that were carved by nature into the sandstone cliffs between La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores that help attract ocean kayakers from around the world. There is one cave in particular, known as “Sunny Jim Cave” that can be entered through a man made tunnel that leads to a steep descent through a narrow underground tube to a wooden deck.

With plenty of beaches all along the coastline, La Jolla is the place to be during the summer months. La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction, with well over 7,000 people visiting on a daily basis. If you enjoy the beach, La Jolla is going to feel like heaven on earth. La Jolla beaches offer something for everyone.

Popularity: 5% [?]