The Best Beaches in the World for Families

Put the words kids and vacation in a sentence and I instantly think of a long stretch of white sand lapped by warm blue water. Kids generally love playing games in the sand, running into the sea and enjoying that combination of freedom, water, and ice cream that makes the beach so much fun. A family vacation by a fantastic beach is almost a given to supply great memories, laughs, and fun.

So what makes a great kids beach?

Shallow calm water. This is a big one. Kids love beaches with a gradual slope. It allows them to do more and feel more confident and in control. Water games are usually funner when you can touch and move around easily. It doesn’t take much water to put a toddler in over his head.

Warm water. Who doesn’t like warm water? It’s one surprise for many who visit the Mediterannean — the water never really gets warm. On the other hand, the water in the Gulf of Thailand strikes some as too warm and lacking the refreshing feel dipping into the water usually affords.

Nice sand. Most kids (and adults) prefer really fine grained “mushy” sand. It’s good for making sand castles too. One caveat, the coarser the sand the easier it is to clean off and head for a restaurant or hop in the car. But who’s at the beach to stay clean?

Not too busy – but not too quiet either. This might be where parents and kids differ the most. Parents gravitate to a deserted peaceful beach and often suspect that their kids prefer the same. But I don’t think so. If your first consideration is your kids, I’d err on the side of a busier more active setting than a quiet one.

Planning a Beach Holiday and What to Pack

Many of my suggestions and tips for traveling with kids apply to a beach vacation as well. There are so many great beaches out there that families in need of some fun and sun have a lot of flexibility — which is one of the best ways to find cheap airline flights. If seeing Paris and the Louvre is what you had in mind then you’re obligated to journey to France. But for beaches you’ve got a lot more ability to adapt your plans to the cheapest tickets on offer.

Packing for a family vacation is always a little tricky. Many beach holidays have a single destination — without a lot of moving around — and allow families to pack a little more than they might otherwise. One item to consider buying before your trip is a good pair of aqua socks for the kids. They’re great on the hot sand and good protection against jellyfish and sea anemones that lie in shallows waters and can deliver a painful sting. (Jellyfish don’t have to be in the water — or even alive — to deliver their venom.) And they’re great footwear for getting to and from the beach.

15 Beautiful Beaches for Families

Calvi, Corsica, France

A long sandy beach that slowly slopes into beautiful turquoise waters. Good facilities and a nice town round out this fabulous beach destination.

Plages des Graniers, French Riviera, France

So many beaches dot the Côte d’Azur it’s hard to choose but this one is a great choice for families. A kid friendly atmosphere pervades this stretch of sand – not a certainty for all beaches in the South of France – and calm shallow waters make it a great pick. A little off the main strip but still easy to get to and access.

Cattolica, Rimini, Italy

The Adriatic beaches of Italy have never been regarded as top beach vacation spots, but that attitude is slowly changing. Cattolica is a wonderful beach regardless. Clean water, a gentle sloping shelf, and lots to do for the kids along the shore. If the phrase Cheap Italian Beach Vacation isn’t something you say too often then check out Cattolica.

Phra Ngan Beach, Railay, Thailand

An absolutely stunning stretch of sand. It’s a 20 minute walk from the main “town” on Railay, but the path is fun – a shaded mini-adventure, with caves to explore along the way. More caves are found at the beach but these are accessed through the water and are fun for the older kids to explore.

Elafonisi, Crete, Greece

The idyllic beach that you dream about. Stunning shallow water, fantastic sand, a small island you can wade out to and explore.

Coronado Island, San Diego, California

More a vacation destination than just a beach, the stretch of sand near the Coronado Hotel is incredibly kid friendly. Unlike most San Diego beaches no alcohol is permitted here, bike paths extend 15 miles down the coast. Get here by ferry to make it a perfect day for most kids.

Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand

Thailand has so many beautiful beaches it’s nearly impossible to pick the best. Bophut, just 10 miles north of Chaweng, might just be a nicer stretch of sand but perhaps a little too quiet to be considered Samui’s best kids’ beach. Chaweng has good food, great energy and a wonderful shallow sea to keep the kids happy.

China Beach, Vietnam

The area just south of Danang – past the big resorts and near Magic Mountain – is probably the best stretch of sand in Vietnam. (Both the sand and sea are cleaner here than at the more popular beach towns of Nha Trang and Mui Ne.) Seafood, cold drinks and ice cream can be bought at the small beach shacks but water fun is the main attraction here. Stay at the super fun and relaxed Hoa’s Place if you’re able to.

Crandon Park Beach, Miami Dade, Florida

A large sandbar stretches the length of the beach and forms a lagoon. Gentle water, great sand and lots to do along the shore are some of what put this beach near the top of many top 10 lists for best beach in the U.S.

St Georgios, Naxos, Greece

Walking distance from the charismatic little town of Hora, St Georgios is one of the best beaches in all of Greece. The shallow crystal clear water makes it especially appealing to families and kids. Naxos and the rest of the Cyclades have dozens (maybe hundreds) of great beaches for toddlers through teens but this one is a favorite of many Greek holiday regulars.

Palolem, Goa, India

Unlike some of Goa’s other popular beaches at Benaulim, Colva, Calangute and Anjuna this beach is protected inside a small bay and thus provides a calm and gentle lagoon that rivals any beach from Kerala up to Mumbai. The wonderful sand, rustic setting, and simple hotels and restaurants along the beach are very kid friendly.

Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Facing northwest and away from the Caribbean winds, the shallow gentle water here is perfect for kids of all ages. Leave the big hotels of Cancun behind and check out the stunning white sand on this relaxed island.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia

Idyllic, pristine and incredibly beautiful Whitehaven might just be the best swimming beach in the world. No hotels are found here so everyone’s a day tripper. Hop on a boat (part of the fun), find your spot of sand and relax and play at this fantastic beach.

Playa de los Bateles Beach, Conil, Andalusia, Spain

An immense stretch of beautiful sand and turquoise water. The beach is devoted solely to swimming so no water sports, jet skis, or windsurfing to contend with. Just the sand, sea and swarms of Spanish tourists that give the Conil an unmistakable Spanish feel.

Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico

Protected from strong surf by a coral reef the lagoon style beach here is stunning even by Caribbean standards. The stretch of sand is so long even when the tourists (and locals from San Juan) converge on weekends, you can still carve out some space for your family.

Further Reading:

• Best Beaches for Families in the U.S. from National Geographic Travel
• Best Beaches in Europe (on a budget) from the Guardian
• Top 20 Beach Holidays from the Times UK
• The Beaches of Thailand – A Mini Guide from TimeOut Guides
• The Beaches and Towns of Goa from TimeOut Guides