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Beach Holidays

By Teresa Plowright, About.com Guide to Family Vacations

Mexico and the Caribbean are top spots for family beach holidays, 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 Holidays
  2. Caribbean Resorts
  3. Mexico Resorts
  1. Hawaii Beach Resorts
  2. Rent a Villa, or a Condo -- or Camp!
  3. More Beach Holiday Ideas - California, Southeast US, Summer Beaches

All-Inclusive Beach Holidays

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 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 Holiday 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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