Beach

A stunning hidden beach accessed by a short but steep trail through jungle. The beach is long and wide with golden sand flanked by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. The wild beauty here is breathtaking. Swimming is generally unsafe due to strong currents but the beach is worth visiting for the scenery, beachcombing, and tide pool exploring alone. The remoteness and beauty make kids feel like they discovered something special. Bring everything you need as there are no facilities. The trail down is muddy and steep on the return.

A family campground perched on bluffs above Lake Ontario with a beach, cabins, and trails along the Salmon River. The 148 campsites and 36 cabins are set in a wooded area above the lake. The beach has dramatic bluff views and Lake Ontario sunsets. The Salmon River at the park boundary is famous for salmon and steelhead fishing. Trails along the bluffs and through the woods connect the park areas. The combination of lake swimming, river fishing, and bluff-top camping makes this a unique family destination.

One of only four green sand beaches in the world, located at the southernmost point of the United States. The green color comes from olivine crystals in the volcanic cinder cone that surrounds the beach. Reaching it requires a 5.5-mile round trip hike across windy grassland or arranging a local shuttle ride. The beach sits in a cinder cone amphitheater with dramatic cliffs and crashing waves. The green sand is genuinely remarkable and kids love collecting (and then returning) the tiny green crystals. Swimming is rough and not recommended.

Home to a 215-foot waterfall that is taller than Niagara Falls, plunging into a natural amphitheater of rock walls. The Gorge Trail is a flat, easy 1.5-mile round trip walk along the creek bed to the base of the falls. Even toddlers in carriers can make this walk. The scale of the falls and the surrounding cliffs is genuinely awe-inspiring. A rim trail on top offers a different perspective looking down into the gorge. The park also has a swimming beach, playground, and picnic area on Cayuga Lake.

One of the most beautiful snorkeling beaches on Kauai with a reef that forms underwater tunnels and archways teeming with tropical fish. The backdrop of Makana Peak (Bali Hai from South Pacific) rising dramatically behind the beach makes the scenery postcard-perfect. In calm summer conditions the reef is shallow and accessible for confident young snorkelers. Winter brings dangerous surf so this is strictly a summer snorkeling destination. Sea turtles are regular visitors. The sand is golden and the setting is drop-dead gorgeous.

A small, sheltered crescent beach in Wailea that offers some of the easiest and best snorkeling on Maui south shore. The reef starts just offshore and the water is clear and calm most of the year. Sea turtles are frequently spotted grazing on the rocks to the right side of the beach. The beach has restrooms, showers, and a grassy area for picnics. It is less crowded than nearby Wailea Beach and the snorkeling is better. The sandy entry makes it comfortable for kids. A perfect morning snorkeling spot before exploring the rest of the Wailea Beach Path.

A family park on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake with a 1000-foot sandy beach, campground, and nature trails. The beach is excellent for families with a gentle slope into the water and lifeguards during summer. The lake is warm and shallow near shore. The 45-site campground is set back in the woods. Trails wind through a variety of habitats including wetlands that are great for birding. The park connects to the Erie Canalway Trail for biking. Oneida Lake sunsets from the beach are gorgeous.

A dramatic black sand beach surrounded by sea caves, lava tubes, and blowholes on the Road to Hana. The jet-black sand contrasts with turquoise water and green jungle creating otherworldly scenery. Kids are fascinated by exploring the lava tubes and sea caves along the coast. A short coastal trail leads to blowholes and natural rock arches. The beach itself has strong waves so swimming requires caution but wading at the edges is fine. The park also has cabins and camping for overnight stays.

The most famous beach in Hawaii and still one of the best for families. The water is calm and warm, the sandy bottom slopes gently, and beginner surf lessons are available all along the shore. Kids can build sand castles, take a catamaran cruise, or try stand-up paddleboarding. The beach is backed by hotels and shops so everything you need is within walking distance. Lifeguards are on duty and the Duke Kahanamoku statue makes a great photo spot. Yes it is touristy but kids do not care about that.

A paved 1.5-mile coastal path connecting five beautiful beaches on Maui sunny south shore. The path passes through resort properties along dramatic lava rock coastline with excellent whale watching in winter. Kids can hop between beaches, explore rocky tide pools between them, and spot sea turtles resting on the sand. The path is flat, paved, and stroller-friendly making it one of the most accessible coastal walks in Hawaii. Each beach has a slightly different character and the views of Molokini and Kahoolawe offshore add to the scenery.

A long stretch of soft white sand on the windward coast that regularly tops best beach lists but never feels crowded. The water is turquoise and the Koolau Mountain backdrop is dramatic. The beach is wide with plenty of room for kids to run and the sand is powdery soft. The surf is usually gentle making it good for bodyboarding and swimming. Ironwood trees along the shore provide natural shade. This is where many local families spend their weekends because it combines beauty with a relaxed uncrowded vibe.

A state park on an island in the St. Lawrence River in the heart of the Thousand Islands with a nature center, sandy beach, campground, and hiking trails. The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center has over 600 acres with 8 miles of trails through diverse habitats. Kids love the nature museum with live animal displays and the beach on the river is clean and has a gradual entry. The campground has 430 sites. Watching huge freighters pass through the St. Lawrence Seaway from the shore is mesmerizing for kids.

A 14000-acre reservoir in the Ouachita Mountains famous for crystal-clear water that rivals any lake in the region. With 180 miles of shoreline families can find calm shallow coves perfect for little swimmers. Pack a picnic and set up camp on a rocky shore while the kids splash for hours. On warm days the water practically glows turquoise and the mountain backdrop makes it feel like a destination lake out west rather than southeastern Oklahoma.

A 180-acre reservoir with a roped-off swim area and a gently sloping pebble beach that is one of the easiest free lake days near Austin. Kids love the playground right next to the water and the 3-mile paved loop around the lake is perfect for family bike rides or stroller walks. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available on site so you can turn a simple swim into a full water adventure. The picnic areas with grills make it easy to stay all day without spending a dime on food.

A well-maintained Army Corps park on Lake Georgetown with a swim beach and one of the best campgrounds in Central Texas. The sites are large and well-spaced under mature oaks and the park connects directly to the Good Water Trail for hiking and biking. The fishing is excellent from the shore and from the accessible fishing pier. Kids love the massive playground near the swim area.

An uncrowded state park with two units on Cooper Lake in Northeast Texas. The South Sulphur Unit has a swim beach and screened shelters that are perfect for family camping. The Doctor’s Creek Unit offers equestrian camping and longer hiking trails through bottomland forest. The park rarely hits capacity which means you can often get a campsite on short notice when other parks are full.

Daingerfield State Park is a hidden gem tucked into the piney woods of northeast Texas, and it’s famous for having the best fall foliage in the state. The 507-acre park wraps around a spring-fed lake surrounded by hardwood forests that erupt with reds, oranges, and golds every October and November - the closest thing to New England colors you’ll find in Texas. Swimming and lake fun: The small swim beach is perfect for families with young kids - the water is clean and calm, and the sandy area is easy to manage. Paddleboats and canoes are available for rent, and kids love paddling around the scenic lake while spotting turtles and herons. The fishing pier is stocked with bass, catfish, and perch, making it a great spot for kids to learn to fish. ...

A Corps of Engineers park on the southeast shore of Lake Lavon with a sandy swim beach that is one of the best-kept secrets in Collin County. The campground has full hookups and sits right on the lake with excellent sunset views. Kids can fish from the shore and there is a big playground near the beach area.

Galveston Island State Park offers a rare two-in-one coastal experience: the Gulf side gives you classic beach camping and swimming, while the bay side opens up a world of kayak trails, birding, and coastal wetland exploration. It’s one of the most family-friendly beach camping destinations on the Texas coast. Beach side (Gulf): The beach-side campground puts your tent or RV steps from the sand. Kids can swim, build sandcastles, and hunt for shells without crossing any roads. The beach is wide and relatively uncrowded compared to Galveston’s commercial beaches. Dawn and dusk are the best times for spotting dolphins offshore. ...

A classic Texas state park with a renovated swim beach and fishing pier on Lake Brownwood. The CCC-era stone cabins have been updated and offer a comfortable family overnight option. The Cross Timbers Hiking Trail connects to the nearby Cross Timbers Nature Trail with interpretive signs that teach kids about the ancient Post Oak Belt. The park store rents fishing gear which makes first-time fishing trips easy to pull off.