5 Best East Coast Family Beaches (With Where to Stay)
Summertime on the East Coast means beach trips, longer days and a happier vibe in the air. With tons of choices for beaches on the East Coast, choosing where to go for your family trip can feel overwhelming.
I’ve traveled to several east coast beaches throughout my years of living in the tri-state areas. I’ve narrowed down a few of my favorite spots for family vacations to help you plan a memorable beach getaway this summer. These best east coast beaches for families deserve a look.
Highlights
- The best EastCoast beaches for families to visitbased on my firsthand experience.
- Family-friendly hotels and places to eat recommendations.
- Tips to match your travel style and help you find the best East Coast beach town for your family.
Editor's Note: The writer was partially hosted.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path?Let us inspire you!
Ocean City, Maryland: Best for Classic Boardwalk Fun
With 10 miles of free, public beaches and plenty of activities for kids of all ages, it's easy to see why Ocean City, Maryland remains one of the most popular on the East Coast. I love exploring the boardwalk area here during every visit, which completes the true "beach town" feel.
Perfect For Families Who
- Want more than just the beach: Choose OCMD for a well-rounded mix of classic beach vacation and plenty of off-sand activities.
- Love a traditional boardwalk: This is your spot if you want easy access to iconic beach snacks, local attractions and classic amusements.
- Need to keep the kids busy: It’s perfect for active families who want plenty of entertainment options like Jolly Roger Amusement Park and Nick's Mini Golf.
Where to Stay
Double Tree Ocean City Maryland
- The Vibe: Ideal for families traveling to Ocean City for the week.
- The Perks: Rooms with full kitchens, stress-free oceanfront access and delicious food at the on-site restaurant, Marlin Moon.
Ashore Oceanfront Hotel by Marriott
- The Vibe: Great for a more upscale feel.
- The Perks: Packed with amenities like personal beach chairs, on-site activities and options for families traveling with a pet.
Things to Do
Hit the Beach. Then Check Out More Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you're visiting Ocean City, it's also worth planning a day in your trip to explore the nearby Assateague Island where you can see wild horses.
Dewey Beach & Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: Best for Laid-Back Escape
Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware offer a more laid-back, quieter option for East Coast beach vacations. Families visiting here can soak up the sun on clean beaches and enjoy fully walkable beach towns without having to move the car.
Perfect For Families Who
- Prioritize pure beach days: Ideal for families who want to focus entirely on sun, sand and ocean relaxation over hectic attractions.
- Want a totally walkable trip: Great for travelers who love leaving the car parked and walking everywhere to shops, restaurants and the shore.
- Are an active family: Excellent for those who want to mix their beach time with hiking or biking on the many beautiful nearby trails and parks.
Where to Stay
Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
- The Vibe: A central location perfect for exploring the area.
- The Perks: Makes it incredibly easy to see both Dewey and Rehoboth Beach in the exact same trip.
Bellmoor Inn & Spa
- The Vibe: A quiet, relaxing boutique stay.
- The Perks: Excellent walkability to all the shops, restaurants and attractions in Rehoboth Beach.
Things to Do
Need a day off the beach? Try these 15 Unique Places to Visit in Delaware
SheBuysTravel Tip: While in Dewey Beach, don't skip a meal at the famous Starboard Restaurant.
Virginia Beach, Virginia: Best for Effortless Family Activities
Virginia Beach's dedicated bike path and walking path make it one of my favorite boardwalk areas on the East Coast. With endless beachfront hotel options and tons of activities, this town makes family beach vacations effortless.
Perfect For Families Who
- Need activities for all ages: Perfect for families looking for diverse entertainment, from lively arcades to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
- Want options beyond the sand: Best for travelers who want a vibrant beach vacation with a bustling town atmosphere and plenty to do.
- Are traveling from North or South: A highly convenient, perfect halfway meeting point for split families traveling up or down the coast.
Where to Stay
Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach
- The Vibe: Great for families who want prime location without the premium cost.
- The Perks: Direct beachfront access without a luxury price tag.
Embassy Suites Virginia Beach
- The Vibe: Extra perks that make a family stay incredibly easy.
- The Perks: Free made-to-order breakfast and a complimentary evening reception every night.
Things to Do
Check out these 14 Most Remarkable Things To Do in Virginia Beach
Wilmington, North Carolina: Best for Coastal City Vibe & Beach Mix
Wilmington, NC is truly one of the most unique East Coast beaches for families, offering a blend of a city-style and beach vacation. I fell in love with this town and its unique charm pretty quickly (and I'm sure you will too).
Perfect For Families Who
- Want a city-meets-beach vibe: Ideal for families looking for a unique, best-of-both-worlds blend of a historic downtown trip and a true beach vacation.
- Are self-proclaimed foodies: Perfect for culinary-minded families eager to explore top-tier, local dining spots like Seabird and Dram Yard.
Where to Stay
ARRIVE Wilmington
- The Vibe: A downtown stay with a unique boutique feel.
- The Perks: Fully walkable to the Riverwalk where many of the best family-friendly activities take place.
The Trailborn Safe & Sound
- The Vibe: Ideal for families who want a classic, laid-back beach trip.
- The Perks: Unbeatable beachfront access, a spacious pool and plenty of outdoor activities.
Things to Do
Here's Some Fun Things to Do in Wilmington North Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Best for Non-Stop Entertainment
Elevated view from the balcony of a room at Ellie Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, featuring a large outdoor swimming pool, winding blue and yellow waterslides and palm tree-lined sun decks overlooking the ocean.
Observing the resort-style pool view and ocean views from my room's balcony at Ellie Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach. Photo credit: Emily Caldwell
The best East Coast beaches for families offer a little something for every age range. That's why I love Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as an option. From all-you-can-eat Seafood buffets to family-friendly activities like the SkyWheel, there's no shortage of fun here.
Perfect For Families Who
- Don’t mind a short drive: Great for families who are comfortable driving a bit between different attractions and neighborhoods.
- Want the absolute maximum selection: Best for visitors who want the widest variety of restaurant choices, entertainment and hotel options on the East Coast.
- Are planning a multi-generational trip: Perfect for large family reunions, thanks to the massive selection of spacious, multi-bedroom beachfront condo rentals.
Where to Stay
Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, Tapestry by Hilton
- The Vibe: The writer’s absolute favorite family-friendly resort in Myrtle Beach.
- The Perks: Features a lazy river, an indoor pool and a massive resort-style pool equipped with three waterslides.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach
- The Vibe: Great for families looking to save money on dining out.
- The Perks: Multi-bedroom rentals with full kitchens paired with full access to resort-style amenities.
Things to Do
13 Laid Back Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (Besides the Beach)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Virginia Beach, VA has lifeguarded beaches, clean restrooms and a spacious boardwalk for visiting families to enjoy. Ocean City, MD also has a family-friendly boardwalk with amenities like public restrooms, nearby dining and lifeguards.
Many of these best East Coast beaches for families have fun activities and attractions to make the best family memories. For example, options such as Jolly Roger's Amusement Park in Ocean City, MD or Ripley's Aquarium or the Sky Wheel in Myrtle Beach give your family something else to do besides just visit the beach.
Most families prefer to visit the East Coast beaches during the summer during school break. The best beach weather tends to occur June through August. However, if you have little ones not in school yet, you can save money by visiting during the off season in May or September and still enjoy great beach weather.
Read More
- Best Myrtle Beach Hotels for Ocean Views and Boardwalk Fun
- Hotels in Delaware: From Luxe to Laid Back
- Best North Carolina Family Resorts for Relaxation & Adventure
- Family Resorts in Virginia: A Guide to Year-round Getaways
- 20 Super Fun Things to Do in Maryland
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This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 12:50 PM.