Summer is ending, but the fun isn’t over yet. It’s time for a family hoorah with time under the sun, looking for sand dollars and burying mom and dad in the sand.
It’s hard to please everyone, but staying at places like North Beach in Florida or South Beach in Virginia are a vacation home run for the whole family. Book an unforgettable trip at one of these family friendly beaches:
- North Beach at Tierra Verde, Florida
At Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde, Florida, North Beach is the place to be for nature enthusiast families. A sandbar protects North Beach’s three-foot deep lagoon, and it’s the perfect natural kiddie pool. Want to watch your kiddo chase minnows? Go to North Beach.
Nearby is a playground with a pirate theme, and snack on snow cones from the snack bar. Afterward, drive to Gulf Pier within the park and watch the dolphins play. Bike along nature trails, and check out area history with a real cannon and fort circa the Spanish-American War. As the day winds down, return to the Pink Palace, or the Lowes Don CeSar, which also has babysitting services when parents want date time, or you could camp right on the beach.
- Coligny Beach Park at Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head, South Carolina is filled with 12 miles of beautiful shoreline, but Coligny Beach Park offers the best introduction for first-time beach-goers and swimmers. The water only gets above three feet after about 30 yards of walking. Kids can look for seashells and sand dollars at low tide within the tidal pools.
Rent giant tricycles, or dune bikes with three wheels, to explore the beach, and in the evenings, enjoy the free entertainment stylings of magicians and musicians at Coligny Plaza, where diverse food options and shopping await. Equipped with Wi-Fi, restrooms and wheelchair accessibility, Coligny Beach Park wants everyone to feel comfortable and welcome. At the end of the day, stay at the Sea Pines Resort and Inn or Sonesta Resort, among other comfortable stay choices.
- Beaches at Dover, Delaware
Dover doesn’t sound like the place to be, but tourism has been steadily rising in the last decade, not to mention the beautiful beach waters and sand. 37 percent of tourists come to the beach, while 35 percent come for the dining, 34 percent for shopping, 20 percent for nightlife and 15 percent for gaming.
Families that travel together for business may like to stay at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, which hosts business meetings and offers entertainment for the whole family. Constitution Park is a great place for family photos, hosting a twelve-foot bronze quill which has the Constitution written on it. Fordham and Dominion Brewing for delicious brews, and check out live auctions and the flea markets of Spence’s Bazaar, which has its own bakery and deli with homemade Amish goods.
- South Beach at Virginia Beach, Virginia
South Beach is one of the friendliest beaches in the Virginia Beach area and has a myriad of entertainment for the whole family. What makes this gem stand out is the fact that South Beach also offers “the first beach playground” to accommodate kids with physical disabilities.
The Virginia Aquarium’s sea creatures, First Landing State Park’s trails and the Boardwalk’s skate and bike rentals offer fun for the tiniest tots to growing teenagers, where pets are welcome, too! 33rd Street Café is a family-owned operation where you can eat under $10, and get the best down-home cooking or a great chicken sandwich. Camp out on the beach, stay in a cabin or enjoy a charming B&B, such as Barclay Cottage, open since 1917, filled with handmade quilts and antiques for families that like a touch of history.
North Beach in Florida, Coligny Beach in South Carolina, Dover Beaches in Delaware and South Beach in Virginia offer fun for little kids and adults with big kid hearts.
Everyone can enjoy fun under the summer sun for one last hoorah before school and work obligations push away your family’s vacation dreams. Get away to these beautiful beaches, and end summer with unforgettable fun!