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% [?]

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% [?]

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% [?]

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% [?]

Also known as the Casa, the Children’s Pool is a small beach partially protected by a sea wall. The original intention here was to create a fully protected swimming area, although sand has now filled in much of the area that exists to the inside of the wall.

This is a very beautiful beach, offering several panoramic views. Almost all year long, seals and sea lions are present on or near the beach, with a reserve for these marine mammals, known as Seal Rock being just a bit offshore.

The Children’s Pool is within a short walking distance of the commercial area of the community of La Jolla. You can find grassy park areas a short distance to the north and south. Several small beaches are nearby as well, including Wipeout Beach to the south and Shell Beach to the north.

Children’s Pool is also a popular beach for scuba divers because of the reefs just offshore. These very same reefs can help create very strong currents and other hazards, especially in high surf conditions.

Lifeguard protection

Lifeguards are staffed daily throughout the year. In the summer, lifeguard hours are normally 9 AM until dark. During other times of the year, lifeguards may not begin duty until 10 AM.

Directions

From the north, take I-5 to La Jolla Village Drive, westbound. At the signalized intersection, turn left onto Torrey Pines Road. Follow this road to Prospect Street and turn right. Be on the lookout for signs and bear right onto Coast Boulevard.

From the south, take I-5 north to La Jolla Parkway. Continue following it as it will becomeTorrey Pines Road. Follow this road to Prospect Street and take a right. Watch for the signs then take a right on Coast Boulevard.

Parking

At La Jolla Cove, there is a very limited amount of on street parking. On street parking can be very hard to find, especially in the summer. It’s limited to three hours at a time on weekdays, although there is no limit on weekends.

You should always check the signs for any types of parking restrictions. Paid parking is also available in downtown La Jolla at several locations and it’s also a short walk from the beach.

For a great day of fun, scuba diving, or just enjoying the water, the Children’s Pool in La Jolla is a great place to go. You should always try to get here early, as it can get very crowded in the summer. Once you get here, you’ll find yourself completely amazed with what the Pool will offer you and your family. The children’s pool in La Jolla is a great place to go.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Located in the Ocean Beach Community, Ocean Beach is actually just south of the entrance to the Mission Bay channel. Located at 1950 Abbott Street, the beach is a very popular location in the summer. During the winter months, couples like to walk the beach and just bask in the presence.

The Ocean Beach is wide in structure, about a mile long. Along the north end of the beach, you’ll find a volleyball court. During the summer, the court is always teeming with people playing volleyball while the sand around it is teeming with people watching.

At the south end of the beach you’ll find the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier. The Pier is open to the public with plenty of walking and fishing available. Located on the pier is a bait and tackle shop along with a restaurant. Although you don’t need a fishing license to fish off the dock, catch regulations are enforced.

If you walk to the south end of the beach you’ll find many restaurants, surfing shops, and many other commercial shops and establishments. Although you can travel to the north end of Ocean Beach, it’s mostly bordered by residents of the ocean area.

The unique part of Ocean Beach is the Dog Beach, located at the north end. This sandy area is where dogs can run and play without a leash – anytime – day or night. Although dog owners are responsible for their dogs and the clean up of them, Dog Beach is actually pretty nifty for anyone who owns dogs.

For your protection along the beach, lifeguards are out each and every day, year round. They are generally on duty from 9 AM until dark although you can check with them for their specific hours of operation. They are there for your protection and very willing to answer any question that you may have.

Keep in mind while on the beach, California beaches do experience powerful rip currents. It’s because of these currents that beaches in California experience over 1,000 rescues by lifeguards every year. To be on the safe side while in San Diego at Ocean Beach, it’s always a good idea to swim near a lifeguard.

For those who like surfing, surfing is permitted at Ocean Beach in designated areas. Scuba isn’t recommended however, because of the lack of undersea life, heavy rip currents, and the surf.

For swimming or enjoying the California lifestyle, Ocean Beach is a great place to go. It is a very popular place in the summer, drawing hundreds of thousands of people. If you long for a taste of the California lifestyle, make sure you visit Ocean Beach in San Diego. Travel to Ocean Beach in San Diego, California.

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Crystal Cove State Park, located in Newport Beach, provides you with 3.5 miles of beach and over 2,000 acres of undeveloped woodland, which is perfect for horseback riding and hiking. Offshore, the waters are designed to be an underwater park.

Popular for mountain bikers inland, and scuba diving underwater, Crystal Cove beach is a great attraction for swimmers and surfers. There are also sandy coves and nifty tide pools to explore. Offering you sand, rocky reefs, ridges, canyons, and a lot to do with your time, Crystal Cove ensures that you never find yourself looking for something to do.

The park also features a couple miles of Pacific coastline, wooded canyons, open bluffs, and plenty of water. Giving Newport Beach more room for opportunity, the park continues to be great for swimming, surfing, or enjoying the sun.

During the winter months, Crystal Cove State Park Rangers offer nature hikes. This makes winter fun, for anyone who visits the park. Offering you plenty to do and see year round, Crystal Cove State Park adds more reason to visit or return to Newport Beach. Travel to Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach, California.

Popularity: 4% [?]

If you happen to miss the big Wine Festival in May, you shouldn’t worry as the area has a lot of fine restaurants to keep you coming back for more. One of the local favorites here and a favorite for many travel visitors is the Chimayo Grill.

The Chimayo Grill is located on Fashion Island, in the chic shopping oasis. After a long day of shopping, nothing beats going to the grill for lunch or dinner. Starting with the legendary tequila infusion is great, as it consists of fresh fruit marinated in tequila. Although they taste light and fruity, they are full of tequila and pack quite a punch!

The grill is decorated in a Sante Fe style, being casual, but yet unique. You simply can’t go wrong here, as all of the food they serve is great. With so much to choose from here, you may find that it takes quite a few trips to sample everything they have to offer.

Being on Fashion Island in Newport Beach, the Chimayo Grill is in a perfect setting. You can take the kids here as well, as the grill has a nice setting. For a night out as a family or a night out to have fun – the Chimayo Grill adds a bit of spice to Fashion Island – as well as Newport Beach. Travel to Chimayo Grill in Newport Beach, California.

Popularity: 2% [?]