Big family vacations demand the best experiences and the best hotels. There’s nowhere better for a reunion than a waterfront resort! Think beach games, sea views, afternoons in the spa, and sunset dinners. You want to book the best family beach resorts that offer endless activities for the entire family. I’ve curated a list of the best beach resorts around the United States for an unforgettable family getaway.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
Best Beachfront Resorts in the US for Families
1. Eau Palm Beach – Florida
- Room occupancy: 4
- Suite occupancy: 4 with a living area
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Located on the ocean, the five-star Eau Palm Beach couldn’t be closer to Florida’s prime coastline. It’s a 9-mile drive from Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach if you’re traveling with young kids. Otherwise, this luxury resort has everything you need onsite!
Eau Spa is a world-class spa, certified by Forbes as one of the best five-star spas in Florida. It boasts a sensory-rich experience with a water garden and adults-only tranquility pool. Active family members won’t be able to tear themselves away from the 24/7 fitness center with daily classes and Peloton bikes.
Kids of all ages will love the outdoor family-friendly swimming pool and kids’ clubs. AquaNuts is for children aged 5–12, while Coast is a separate area for teens aged 13–17. All of these various activities will make you appreciate the plush hotel rooms with 400-thread-count sheets even more.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT EAU PALM BEACH
2. Montage Palmetto Bluff – South Carolina
- Inn King Room occupancy: 2
- Inn Queen Room occupancy: 4
- Suite occupancy: 5
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Just a 50-minute drive from Savannah on the Atlantic Coast, the Montage Palmetto Bluff is convenient for a family beach vacation. Complete with two-story porches and antique furniture, this is the best hotel for low-country style. Inside the spacious rooms, you’ll find cozy interiors with fireplaces and free-standing tubs.
The estate’s multiple pools include an indoor pool, an outdoor whirlpool lagoon, and a kids’ pool area. Spa Montage Palmetto Bluff is part of the Montage brand’s award-winning wellness program. This relaxing spa offers natural, low-country-inspired treatments. Any golfers in your family won’t be able to resist putting a few holes on the notoriously challenging May River Golf Course.
The Paintbox Kids’ Club welcomes young children aged 5–12 to partake in nature walks on its 20,000-acre inclusive property. Spend time as a family fishing on the May River or rent kayaks from the hotel.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF
3. St. Regis Longboat Key – Florida
- Room occupancy: 2
- Suite occupancy: 4
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Turn the classic Florida family beach vacation up to 11 with a stay at the St. Regis on Longboat Key. This resort is on a private island, for crying out loud! It’s a 90-minute drive from Tampa Airport with the Gulf in one direction and Sarasota Bay on the other.
Each of the 168 guest rooms has a modern coastal design with private terraces and rainfall showers. The 20,000-square-foot St. Regis Spa offers a seemingly endless list of treatments. Enjoy the tranquility of the Finnish Sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and infinity pool. Grab drinks at the Monkey Bar and watch the epic sunsets.
St. Regis Longboat Key has several luxury pools, including a beachfront option with a winding river. They have recently added Vilebrequin Pool & Cabana Club with poolside butler service and beach activities. Water sports (kayaking and paddleboarding) are available. The showstopper has to be the 500,000-gallon saltwater lagoon. Snorkeling with tropical fish and resident Aldabra giant tortoises is an experience kids and adults alike will remember.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT ST REGIS LONGBOAT KEY
4. Montage Laguna Beach – California
- Ocean View King Rooms: 3
- Ocean View Queen Rooms: 4
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
This is truly one of the best family resorts on the California coast within a 90-minute drive of LAX. The Montage Laguna Beach is located in a unique craftsman-style building with a showstopping large pool with a sunshine mosaic. Rooms are finished to a high standard and decorated with local art.
One of the best family-friendly activities at Laguna Beach is the nightly beach bonfires. They’re often paired with live music, cocktails, and s’mores. Of course, everyone will love the direct access to white sandy beaches! Treasure Island Beach and Treasure Island Park are a few steps from the resort.
Laguna Beach’s Paintbox Kids’ Club offers beach games on the volleyball court and field trips to explore the nearby tide pools. There’s even “Paintbox Petite” kids camps for accompanied 2–5 year olds. Parents can sample wine tastings held by local vineyards at the resort. Another way to unwind is at Spa Montage, an acclaimed destination spa. Relax in one of 21 oceanfront treatment rooms or the mineral soaking pools.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH
5. St. Regis Bahia Beach – Puerto Rico
- Room occupancy: 2
- Suite occupancy: 4
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Stay in North America for your family beach trip, but head somewhere more tropical. The five-star St. Regis Resort in Puerto Rico is right on the white sands of Bahia Beach. Stay in upscale rooms with marble bathrooms and walk-in closets.
It’s a former coconut plantation turned 438-acre resort with spectacular views. The sea is in one direction, while the lush El Yunque National Forest is in the other! Try many outdoor and water sports, including kayaking, sailing, tennis, and cycling. You can rent all the gear you need (including beach gear and toys) from the hotel.
Book your family trip from April to July if you don’t want to miss turtle season. St. Regis Resort beach often hosts leatherback turtle nests; contact the concierge for guided turtle nest walks.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT ST REGIS BAHIA BEACH RESORT
6. Four Seasons – Maui
- Room occupancy: 3 adults/2 adults and 2 children
- Suite occupancy: 4 adults/2 adults and 3 children
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
If you’re looking to book family travel over spring break, Maui is the ideal place to visit in shoulder season. The Four Seasons Maui offers everything your family wants in an upmarket, five-star resort. On the top end, the suites have kitchenettes and unobstructed sea-view balconies.
Take your pick of a large, outdoor family pool, a dreamy fountain pool, and an adults-only serenity pool. Speaking of serene, The Spa offers traditional Hawaiian treatments in oceanside hales (open-air huts). Plus, modern high-end services like cryotherapy and infrared therapy.
Kids for All Seasons is the resort’s kids club for ages 5–12. While you relax at the spa, your kids can create Hawaiian crafts like leis or enjoy storytelling and beach activities. Even better, it’s a complimentary service for all guests! You’ll have easy access to Wailea Beach, often ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Your family can gather around for the nightly hula shows with live music and torch lighting in the Lobby Lounge.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT FOUR SEASONS MAUI
7. Grand Hotel – Mackinac, Michigan
- Room occupancy: 2
- Suite occupancy: 4–6
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Grand Hotel Mackinac has held its title as one of the best family beach resorts since 1887. It’s one of the last grand Dame hotels of the Gilded Age and is a stunning time capsule. Expect historic fixtures, colorful patterned furnishings, and the world’s longest porch!
This hotel opened its doors when Mackinac National Park was established in 1875. Today, it’s a state park, but that means there are plenty of outdoor activities. Dive into the heated outdoor pool or take a carriage ride down the island’s car-free main streets. Golf, lawn games, hiking to historic forts, and horseback riding are also popular.
During the evenings, you can all play a game of billiards in the games room. Don’t worry, there are staff members to teach you the rules! The loser has to buy everyone a scoop from Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor onsite. While it’s not the easiest resort to reach, the quaint, old-timey decor will win over everyone from grandparents to toddlers.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT GRAND HOTEL MACKINAC
8. Seabird Resort – California
- King Room occupancy: 2
- Queen Room occupancy: 4
- Suite occupancy: 4
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Seabird Resort Oceanside is an ideal choice for families with young kiddos. You’re just a short drive from the LEGOLAND theme parks in Carlsbad, 8 miles away, and a 9-mile drive from The Wave Waterpark in Vista. Plus, some packages include a free breakfast, and every room has a balcony.
This is a surprisingly affordable four-star hotel with airy, spacious accommodations. Take advantage of Seabird Resort Oceanside’s gaming lounge with video games and vintage arcade machines, perfect for older kids. There’s also a heated rooftop pool, bars, lounges, and restaurants.
Seabird Resort is steps away from one of the best surfing areas. It’s known as a great spot for surfers of all skill levels. Take surf lessons or watch everyone else surf from the Oceanside Pier.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT SEABIRD RESORT OCEANSIDE
9. Sanctuary – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Room occupancy: 2
- Suite occupancy: 4
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Just a 1-hour drive from Charleston International Airport, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is a great option for a family reunion. This old-world hotel has dark furnishings, impressive chandeliers, and unobstructed views across the Atlantic.
Spend your days relaxing on the beach or one of four indoor and outdoor pools. If you have a suite, soak in your private hot tub. Unwind in the evenings by sampling wine parings, seafood, and steak at a local restaurant with formal dress.
Although the Kiwah Island Golf Resort is known for its five championship golf courses, tennis players flock to this resort, too. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top U.S. tennis resorts with over 20 tennis courts. No one needs to wait around swinging their rackets here; the entire crew to play together!
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT SANCTUARY KIAWAH ISLAND
10. White Elephant – Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Room occupancy: 2
- Suite occupancy: 3
- Residence occupancy: 2–6
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Nantucket has welcomed families seeking quality time by the ocean for decades. If this is your family’s first time on this East Coast getaway, book the White Elephant Nantucket Resort. Built in the 1920s as a collection of cottages, this resort offers historic charm and convenience. This affordable four-star resort is only a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal!
The rooms and suites have an elegant beach shack vibe; lots of blues, whites, and wicker. Many rooms have kitchenettes and private patios. Make a splash in the seasonal outdoor heated pool in the courtyard or walk to Children’s Beach for a dip in the sea.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT WHITE ELEPHANT NANTUCKET
11. Ritz-Carlton Reynolds – Lake Oconee, Georgia
- Room occupancy: 2
- Suite occupancy: 4
- Cottage occupancy: 6
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Early mornings fishing from a rented boat, cycling along the waterfront trails, grabbing a Starbucks … Yes, you blend all your favorite lakeside vacation activities with your usual morning routine at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. It’s the quintessential countryside escape, less than a 90-minute drive from Atlanta Airport.
Rooms and suites at this five-star resort have been finished to a high standard. Think heavy drapes, private porches, and several cozy lounges to hang out together. Or, check out their indoor/outdoor game room with pool tables, air hockey, and more family-friendly games.
While adults can golf at one of the five championship courses, the Ritz Kids program leads nature-inspired scavenger hunts. The entire family will love hanging by the indoor family pool or the lakeside splash area.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT RITZ-CARLTON LAKE OCONEE
12. Grand Hyatt – Kauai
- Room occupancy: 4
- Suite occupancy: 4
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
This 600-suite hotel is perfect for multigenerational family vacations keen to experience this beautiful Hawaiian island together. Many rooms have kitchenettes, and every guest has access to 24/7 room service.
Young kids, in particular, are well-catered for here. Grand Hyatt Kauai practically has a water park with a lazy river, saltwater lagoon, water slide, and multi-level pools. Children aged 3–12 will adore the Camp Hyatt kids’ club with lei making, pool games, and nature hikes on the estate.
On the flip side, Anara Spa is the hotel’s 50,000-square-foot open-air spa. It blends traditional Hawaiian healing traditions with luxurious treatments. Grand Hyatt Kauai is a tropical paradise with lush gardens steps away from Poipu Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for Hawaiian sea turtles and monk seals here.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT GRAND HYATT KAUAI
13. WaterColor Inn – Florida
- Room occupancy: 4
- Suite occupancy: 4
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
This family resort is a gem on the north Florida coastline. WaterColor Inn is steps from downtown Santa Rosa Beach but is within a serene 499-acre beachy landscape. It’s a smaller resort, so fewer guests and a more tranquil, laid-back setting.
All rooms and suites have a clean, modern design with nautical touches. Stroll down to the private WaterColor Beach Club or check out one of two pools. There’s a large pool for families and an adults-only option too. Head to the WaterColor Boathouse to rent paddleboards, kayaks, and more for a family afternoon on the water.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT WATERCOLOR INN
14. JW Marriott Marco Island – Florida
- Room occupancy: 4
- Suite occupancy: 4
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Families looking for inclusive resorts don’t want to have to leave to find gourmet dining options and fun family activities. Luckily, you won’t have to if you stay at JW Marriott Marco Island! Add dining credits and activities to your booking to make it easier for everyone to budget.
JW Marriott Marco Island is the best hotel for golfers. It’s home to two championship golf courses managed by PGA professionals. You’ll struggle to tear older children from the games room with rows of arcade games, air hockey, and pool tables. Choosing which swimming pool will also be a challenge. There’s a kids’ splash pad, family pools with a waterslide, and one for adults only.
JW Marriott Marco Island is a particularly excellent choice for vacations between May and October. It’s sea turtle nesting season on the resort’s beach! The hotel is proud of its turtle conservation efforts, and watching turtle eggs hatch is something no one in your family will forget.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT JW MARRIOTT MARCO ISLAND
15. Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay – O’ahu
- Room occupancy: 4
- Cottage occupancy: 4
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Even if the resort is 10/10, the location can make or break a vacation. The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu offers both! Set on 850 acres next to a nature reserve overlooking Kawela Bay, this is one of the best family beach resorts for natural beauty. All cottages have modern, coastal decor with sea-view porches and free-standing tubs.
Hit a few rounds at Turtle Bay Resort’s LPGA and Champions Arnold Palmer golf course. Take a splash with your kids in the family pool or relax in the adults-only pool with a cocktail. The Keiki Turtle Club, for ages 5–12, offers Hawaiian-themed activities such as traditional storytelling and exploring local tide pools.
This is a fantastic resort for water sports and is close to the famous Banzai Pipeline surf spot. Hire snorkeling gear from the hotel and see if you can spot the Hawaiian green sea turtles in Kawela Bay or other coves.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT RITZ-CARLTON BAY O’AHU
Book the Best Family Beach Resorts for Your Next US Getaway
With a variety of family-friendly beach resorts to choose from, you’re guaranteed to have an epic family vacation. Some families might dream of lounging by the pool in Florida, watching their kids splash around. Others might enjoy a tropical escape in Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Whatever your wishes, the experience will be all the richer for spending quality time together.