Coastal Getaways: Relaxation in Sand and Sun
When planning a family vacation, choosing the right beach destination can make all the difference. Here are some top picks that offer a blend of safety, family-friendly amenities, and eco-friendly practices.
Eco-Conscious Beach Vacations
Opting for accommodations that prioritise sustainability is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Hotels and resorts that have implemented sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, and waste management, are becoming increasingly popular.
Family-Friendly Beaches Across the U.S.
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Located in the Philly-NJ-NY area, Point Pleasant Beach is a summer favourite for families. Its wide, clean beach and kid-friendly Jenkinson's Boardwalk, complete with mini golf and family attractions, make it a popular choice.
Race Point Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Race Point Beach offers calm waters ideal for toddlers, a rarely crowded environment, and activities like paddleboarding and hiking to the Race Point Lighthouse.
Mother’s Beach, Kennebunk, Maine
This protected beach boasts calm waters, soft sand, playgrounds, and tide pools, making it a safe, engaging environment for children.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head offers wide sandy beaches with gentle waves, biking trails, paddle sports, and family-friendly outdoor recreation.
Destin and Henderson Beach State Park, Florida
Known for white sands, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a variety of fun attractions such as dolphin cruises and water parks, these Florida destinations cater to families of all ages.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
These destinations offer wide white sandy beaches, family-friendly restaurants, an extensive state park for biking and walking, and kid-pleasing attractions such as a zoo and water activities.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach combines charming boardwalks and family-friendly beaches with strong schools and libraries, making it ideal for families who value both beach time and community.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks offers a natural, peaceful setting on barrier islands with outdoor adventure opportunities appropriate for children and families seeking privacy and nature.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
With over 35 miles of shoreline and suburban conveniences and amenities, including strong civic infrastructure and family-focused environments, Virginia Beach is another great choice.
Preserving Coastal Environments
In addition to choosing eco-friendly accommodations, there are several ways to contribute to the preservation of coastal environments. Participating in beach clean-up initiatives or volunteering with local conservation organisations can make a positive impact. Minimising plastic waste by using reusable water bottles, bags, and containers is also crucial.
Supporting sustainable tour operators that prioritise environmental conservation and community engagement can help promote sustainable development in beach destinations. Many beach resorts offer a range of activities and experiences beyond luxurious accommodations and amenities, including yoga, meditation classes, sunset cruises, and private dining experiences under the stars.
Being mindful of water usage by taking shorter showers or reusing towels at accommodations can help conserve water resources in coastal areas. Responsible travel practices at beach destinations include respecting local wildlife and ecosystems, disposing of waste properly, and avoiding damaging coral reefs or marine life during water sports activities.
By choosing family-friendly, eco-conscious beach destinations and adopting responsible travel practices, we can help preserve these beautiful coastal environments for future generations to enjoy.
Sources: 1. Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 2. Race Point Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts 3. Hilton Head, South Carolina 4. Destin and Henderson Beach State Park, Florida 5. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama 6. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 7. Outer Banks, North Carolina 8. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Incorporating sustainable living into your home-and-garden practices or travel experiences can contribute to environmental preservation, just as many family-friendly beach destinations in the US, such as Point Pleasant Beach, Race Point Beach, Hilton Head, Destin and Henderson Beach State Park, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Outer Banks, and Virginia Beach, prioritize eco-friendly practices to provide enjoyable, safe, and engaging environments for families. When selecting accommodations, opting for hotels and resorts that prioritize sustainability through energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management makes a positive impact on the environment.
