Are you ready to start thinking about next summer’s beach trip? Whether your family loves quiet, natural settings or lively boardwalks, these destinations along the East Coast — from Virginia to Florida — offer relaxation and kid-friendly activities. Check out our picks below for playgrounds, splash parks, aquariums and trails, making each spot a new, unique beach town to visit.
Virginia
Sandbridge Beach is close enough to the bustling activities of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, but more secluded and quiet. It’s also home to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park, where families can hike, kayak or fish. Little Island Park adds even more outdoor fun with a fishing pier, playgrounds and sports courts. Nearby, Baja Restaurant has plenty of outdoor space for families, seafood on the menu and stone oven pizzas for sharing.
North Carolina
Carolina Beach is a family-friendly alternative to busier beach towns, with a lively boardwalk full of rides, shops, restaurants and attractions. Fort Fisher State Recreation Site and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher are a short 10-minute drive away. Fuel up on coffee and so much more at Janeen’s Majik Beanz where a kids’ area in the back is filled with toys, games, arts and crafts. Stoked Restaurant has a kids’ menu, as does Michael’s Seafood Restaurant (with options like crablegs and mini corn dogs — cornpuppies).
South Carolina
Surfside Beach, nicknamed “The Family Beach,” was the first U.S. town to be designated as an autism-friendly travel destination. The beaches have daily lifeguard supervision, and many beach access points provide showers and bathrooms. All Children’s Park contains two playgrounds, accessible to children of all abilities. Bubba’s Fish Shack is a maritime-themed restaurant with a kids’ menu that includes a souvenir cup.
Georgia
Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach feels like a natural sculpture garden, with ancient driftwood perfect for exploring or family photos. A visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center — Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility — is a must. Then, take a walk over to Jekyll Island Sweets for some chocolate turtles and other sweets. The seasonal Summer Waves Water Park is a great place to cool off.
Florida
St Augustine is ideal for families. Be sure to visit the Alligator Farm, Pirate Museum or St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. The St. Augustine Splash Park at the pier is free to use, with a playground, bathrooms and showers nearby. The Guy Harvey Resort offers kid-suite guestrooms featuring bunk beds separated by a partial privacy wall. Head to Anastasia Island’s Beachcomber restaurant, where the owners love kids and have tables located right at the foot of their sand dune for families to enjoy (plus a menu for dogs)!
