Beach

One of the safest swimming beaches on Kauai north shore thanks to the longest fringing reef in the state that protects the shoreline from waves. The water is calm, warm, and shallow for a long way out making it excellent for young children. The reef creates a natural lagoon that is great for beginning snorkeling. The beach is long and the campground at one end makes multi-day stays possible. The mountain backdrop and quiet setting feel like classic old Hawaii. Windsurfing is popular here and fun to watch.

A shallow protected beach on the north end of Lahaina that is perfect for toddlers and young children. A natural reef creates a wading pool that rarely gets deeper than two feet, so parents can relax while little ones splash safely. The sandy bottom is smooth and the water is warm and calm. Older kids will find it too shallow but for babies and toddlers this is the ideal beach. Shade trees along the shore provide relief from the sun. The beach is small and local so you will feel like you found a secret spot.

A massive golden sand beach that stretches for a third of a mile with some of the most beautiful turquoise water on Maui. The beach is wide and uncrowded with a dramatic cinder cone at one end. The shore break can be powerful so this beach is better for older kids who are strong swimmers. Bodyboarding here is excellent when the waves are right. The sand is incredibly soft and the overall beauty of the setting is stunning. Sunset here is a show. Little Beach, over the hill, is more protected for younger kids but can be clothing-optional.

A private oceanfront campground on Maui west side with tent sites and permanent glamping tents right on the beach. The reef off Olowalu is one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui with a high chance of seeing sea turtles. Kids fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to snorkel right from camp. The glamping tents have real beds and electricity for families who want comfort without a hotel. The location between Lahaina and Kihei makes it a convenient base. This is as close to beach camping paradise as it gets.

A quiet state park in the Rensselaer Plateau with a beautiful swimming beach on Black River Pond. The beach is sandy, lifeguard-staffed, and surrounded by forest. Short hiking trails loop through the woods and the park is popular for fishing. The campground is small with only 10 sites making it one of the most intimate camping experiences in the state park system. The park is off the beaten path and rarely crowded, which is exactly its appeal. A great low-key family day trip from the Albany area.

A state park on Delta Lake with one of the best swimming beaches in central New York. The 900-foot sandy beach has a gradual entry and lifeguards on duty during summer. The lake is warm and calm, perfect for young swimmers. The park has a 101-site campground and a large picnic area with shelters. Fishing is good from the shore and boat rentals are available. It is a straightforward, no-frills family park that does the basics really well. The beach alone is worth the trip on a hot day.

A beautiful state campground on the Fulton Chain of Lakes with 126 sites, many directly on the lakefront. The sandy beach is perfect for swimming and the calm lake is ideal for canoeing and kayaking with kids. The campground connects to the Fulton Chain portage trail and sits right on Route 28 for easy access to Old Forge attractions. Sites are well-spaced and shaded by tall pines. The combination of waterfront camping, good swimming, and nearby activities makes this one of the best family campgrounds in the Adirondacks.

One of the largest and most popular campgrounds in the Adirondacks with 355 sites spread along the shores of Fish Creek Pond and connecting waterways. The campground is a paddlers paradise with direct water access to a chain of ponds and lakes. The beach is sandy with a lifeguard and the water is warm by midsummer. Sites range from waterfront spots perfect for launching a canoe to wooded tent sites set back in the pines. The campground store and recreation programs make multi-day stays easy for families. Book months in advance for summer.

A family-friendly park east of Troy with a sandy beach on Long Pond, nature trails, and excellent fishing. The beach is lifeguard-staffed and has a gradual entry that is great for toddlers and young swimmers. Several short trails loop around the lakes through mixed forest. The park is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. A nature center offers programs for kids during summer. The park is close to the Capital District but feels like you are in the deep woods. Kayak and canoe rentals available.

A 73-site campground on the St. Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay with a swimming beach, fishing docks, and a boat launch. The location puts you right in the heart of the Thousand Islands with easy access to Boldt Castle, boat tours, and village shops and restaurants. The beach is small but clean and the kids fishing from the docks catch a surprising amount of bass and pike. The campground is shaded and well-maintained. This is one of the best base camps for exploring the Thousand Islands region.

A protected marine bay set inside a volcanic crater with the best easy snorkeling on Oahu. The reef is teeming with colorful fish that swim right up to you in shallow water. Kids are mesmerized from the moment they put their face in. A mandatory short educational video before entry teaches kids about reef conservation which makes the experience more meaningful. The beach is sandy with a gentle slope into calm turquoise water. Arrive early because the parking lot fills fast and the preserve caps daily visitors.

Consistently rated the best beach on the Big Island and one of the top beaches in Hawaii with a wide stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. The beach is on the dry Kohala Coast so sunny skies are almost guaranteed. Bodyboarding is excellent here and the sand is powdery soft. Lifeguards are on duty and the park has restrooms, showers, and a snack concession. Summer conditions are calm and perfect for swimming while winter brings bigger waves for experienced bodyboarders.

A crystal-clear mountain lake at the Adirondack Loj with a sandy beach, canoe rentals, and the High Peaks rising dramatically behind it. The beach is small but beautiful and the water is clean and refreshing. Kids can swim, build sandcastles, and paddle while looking up at some of the tallest mountains in New York. The Loj also offers programs for families and serves as the trailhead for numerous High Peaks hikes. Spending a morning at the beach before an afternoon hike on Mount Jo makes for a perfect Adirondack day.

One of the most popular state campgrounds in the Adirondacks right on the shore of Lake George. The 251 sites are shaded by tall pines and many sit directly on the waterfront. Kids can swim at the campground beach, fish from shore, and explore nearby hiking trails. Its location just two miles south of Lake George village makes it convenient for day trips to shops and attractions. Reserve months in advance for summer weekends because this one books up fast.

A stunning crescent-shaped beach on Lanai south shore that is widely considered one of the best beaches in Hawaii. The marine preserve protects the excellent reef and snorkeling is outstanding with spinner dolphins frequently visiting the bay. Tide pools on the left side of the beach are full of sea life that fascinates kids for hours. The beach has lifeguards, restrooms, and shaded picnic areas. In winter, humpback whales are visible from shore. Getting to Lanai requires a ferry from Maui or a flight, which adds to the adventure.

A gorgeous 3-mile stretch of golden sand on Maui west side that is consistently rated among the best beaches in the world. The water is calm and clear making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Black Rock at the north end is one of the best shore snorkeling spots on Maui with sea turtles and tropical fish. Every evening at sunset a cliff diving ceremony from Black Rock draws a crowd. The beachfront walk connects hotels, restaurants, and shops. Snorkel gear can be rented at multiple spots along the beach.

The best beginner snorkeling spot on the Kona Coast with a shallow reef protected by a natural breakwater. The water is calm and teeming with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional octopus. Kids can stand up in most areas which makes nervous snorkelers feel safe. Lifeguards are on duty and the Kahalu u Bay Education Center provides free reef education and lends reef-safe sunscreen. The sandy beach area is good for younger kids who just want to play in the water. Restrooms, showers, and shade pavilions are available.

Consistently rated one of the best beaches in America with soft white sand, turquoise water, and a gentle shore break that is perfect for kids. The water is warm and clear year-round and the beach stretches for 2.5 miles so you can always find space. Kayak rentals are available for paddling to the Mokulua Islands offshore. The park has restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and shady trees for picnics. Windsurfers and kiteboarders add entertainment for watching. The whole vibe is relaxed and family-friendly.

A stunning 3.5-mile coastal boardwalk and trail connecting several beautiful bays along Maui west shore. The trail is mostly flat and paved with sections of boardwalk over lava rock. Kids can spot sea turtles, whales in winter, and tide pool creatures along the way. Several beaches along the route offer swimming stops. Kapalua Bay at one end and DT Fleming Beach at the other are both excellent for families. This is one of the most scenic easy walks in all of Hawaii.

The last beach at the end of the road on Oahu west side with a wild, remote feel that is rare on the island. The long sandy beach is backed by the Waianae Mountains and rarely crowded. Summer brings calm water suitable for swimming and snorkeling while winter waves are for watching only. The Ka ena Point trail starts nearby for families who want to hike to the actual westernmost tip of Oahu where albatross and monk seals are sometimes spotted. The sunset from here is the last one on Oahu every day.