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Beach Getaways

By Teresa Plowright, About.com Guide to Family Vacations

Mexico and the Caribbean are top spots for family beach getaways, with their all-inclusive resorts; but there are many other options too, in the southeast US, Florida... Or go west, to California or the beautiful Hawaiian islands.

  1. All Inclusive Beach Getaways
  2. Caribbean Resorts
  3. Mexico All Inclusive Resorts
  1. Hawaii Beach Resorts
  2. Rent a Villa, or a Condo -- or Camp!
  3. More Beach Getaway Ideas - California, Southeast US, Summer Beaches

All Inclusive Beach Getaways

Photo of Coconut Bay Resort, St. Lucia,  ©  Teresa Plowright

Familiies love their all-inclusive resorts. Kids can sample watersports for five minutes or five hours -- who cares? Kids, teens, grown-ups can help themself, whenever, to drinks and snacks. Most resorts have kids clubs; some have outstanding kids programs, plus nurseries, and/or teen programs. And with ever more lavish pools on-site, sometimes the actual beach becomes the quiet place.

Caribbean Resorts

Families flock to Caribbean beach holidays, not only during peak season (January through April) but year-round. Some factors to consider: do you want all-inclusive resort, or not? Are direct flights to an island available? What about hurricane season?

Mexico All Inclusive Resorts

photo of Club Med - Mexico All-inclusive Resort ©  Teresa Plowright

All inclusive resorts are hugely popular for family vacations in Mexico, especially in the Cancun / Riviera Maya area of the Yucatan, where guests can explore Mayan ruins, coral reef, and eco-parks outside their resorts. Los Cabos is another popular area.

Hawaii Beach Resorts

Photo ©  Teresa Plowright

The Aloha state has one of the world's most famous beaches, Waikiki: busy, yes, but with a lot to offer. And of course all the Hawaiian islands offer (quieter) beautiful beaches.

Rent a Villa, or a Condo -- or Camp!

There are many ways to do a beach holiday! For those who don't want the resort scene, renting a condo or vacation home gives "home away from home" conveniences.

More Beach Getaway Ideas - California, Southeast US, Summer Beaches

There are plenty more places to get out the sandpails... Myrtle Beach is a hot-spot on the mid-Atlantic; the Carolinas have beautiful barrier islands; and in the northeast US, summer beaches are magnets for families.

Teresa Plowright
Guide since 1997

Teresa Plowright
Family Vacations Guide

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