After months in quarantine, many of us parents and kids are just plain itching to get outside. And while we can’t overstate the importance of wearing masks and keeping a minimum six-foot distance from those not in your family/quarantine pod, we’re also relieved to know that it is possible to leave your house, breathe fresh air, and stay safe. Taking the kids on a hike is one great option, but as summertime stretches on, we know you’re going to feel that pull towards the water. The good news is that many U.S. beaches are reopening or have reopened, with stricter safety measures (which can be a bummer, such as shut down playgrounds and public bathrooms, but it’s for your own good!).
But even if you can go, should you go? And where should you go? We’ll leave the former up to you and your family — and the recommendations of your state and the CDC, of course. After all, parents with only one kid may be much more comfortable bringing her to a beach at dawn for some quiet family time than parents of five who can’t guarantee all five rascals will remain socially distanced throughout a crowded lunchtime beach romp. Yikes.
As for where to go, well, we won’t leave you on your own for that decision. We’ve rounded up some of the best (read: most family-friendly) beaches around the country for your first seaside venture post-quarantine. If you’re in driving distance of any of these, you’re in for a treat because this list will set you up with gorgeous nature, shell-collecting, ice cream, food trucks (plein air eating, ’tis the 2020 way) and more.
After all, a Michigan State study found that a view of water can make people less stressed. And isn’t destressing something you and your kids really, really need right about now? Yeah, we thought so.
Here are our 16 favorite family-friendly beaches for wave-jumping, sandcastle-building, and just plain peace and quiet.
West Coast: Cannon Beach, Oregon
The majestic Haystack Rock, protruding 235 feet out of the water, may be the talking point, but Oregon's Cannon Beach offers so much more. The area around the rock is actually a state-protected marine garden, with volunteers in attendance every summer to teach kids about the eye-catching tide pool creatures and nesting seabirds. The water's not the warmest, though, so bring wetsuits (or rent them at Cannon Beach Surf Shop) if you can't keep the kids out of the ocean.
West Coast: Long Beach City Beach, California
We love Long Beach, not just because it’s “the Brooklyn of Los Angeles” — but, okay, also because of that. It’s a chill seaside city that manages to be urban and nature-focused at the same time, and Long Beach’s City Beach aka Junipero Beach is the epitome of that duality; it’s an easy walk from downtown (yes, even with kids), but you’ll be surprised how peaceful you can find it, if you time your visit right.
West Coast: Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara, California
Butterfly Beach is one of Santa Barbara’s best-kept secrets. Located off the beaten path (in front of the iconic Biltmore hotel), it’s a favorite with locals and their four-legged friends (yes, another off-leash dog-friendly beach). Butterfly Beach is the perfect quiet spot for chilled-out family time, but before you go, make sure you use the bathroom and stock up on snacks as there are no public facilities.
West Coast: Rockaway Beach, Oregon
The 7-mile-long, wide-open Rockaway Beach may not be a prime spot for sunbathing or swimming, but the wind makes it one of the best kite-flying spots, and its tide pools are bursting with sea life for little people to discover. Treat the kids to takeout ice cream and saltwater taffy at Schwietert’s Cones and Candy.
West Coast: Long Beach, Washington
At 28 miles, it's the longest beach in the United States, but all your kids will care about are the fun activities — and there are lots of them at Long Beach, from clam digging and nature trails to sandcastle competitions and horse riding. You can buy and cook your own seafood on the beach, but there are plenty of fast food options, too, such as Hungry Harbor Grille on Pacific Highway. It has a special kids' menu and no less than 21 flavors of handmade milkshakes.
Gulf Coast: Alys Beach, FL
Once you and your family get to Alys Beach, you will a) wonder how you managed to drive to what appears to be Greece so darn quickly and b) never want to leave. It’s a private beach so you’ll need to be staying in a rental, but rest assured you’ll never want to leave your rental house either. Plus, the Alys folks have rolled out some truly comprehensive safety precautions during COVID-19 that will put parents at ease.
Gulf Coast: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
Don’t overlook Alabama on your beach hunt. The neighboring towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach amount to 32 miles of stunning sugar-white beaches.
Gulf Coast: Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida
You’ll struggle to find cleaner, softer sand or clearer water than in Henderson Beach State Park. The park itself has bikes, camping, fishing, geocaching, nature trails, picnic areas and wildlife tours.
Mid-Atlantic: Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is pure Jersey Shore and popular among families for good reason. Besides its three straight miles of surf and sand, the historic beach town is dotted with Victorian houses and charming shops.
Mid-Atlantic: Assateague National Seashore in Assateague Island, Maryland
Active families head to Assateague Beach for its miles of white sand and to hike or bike in the surrounding national park — if you're lucky, you'll come across a few wild horses along the way. If you're not a fan of crowded, noisy beaches, Assateague should be at the top of your list. Just don't forget the mosquito repellent for those trails.
Mid-Atlantic: Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bethany Beach is a quieter, laid-back choice compared to nearby Rehoboth or Dewey. It used to be a dry town and still only has a few bars and liquor stores, so it’s relatively quiet when other beaches turn into party central. When you’ve had your share of sandcastles and wave-jumping, take a stroll to the bandstand area at Atlantic Avenue and treat yourselves to custard cones from Dickey’s,
Mid-Atlantic: Sandy Hook, New Jersey
A seven-mile-long beach and national park just south of New York City, Sandy Hook is a summer favorite for families. This means it can fill up, so go early in the day to make sure you’re sticking with social distancing. Enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, beach creature-spotting and bird-watching with the kids and snack on pizza, BBQ and empanadas at nearby food trucks. For the best view of the Manhattan skyline, head to North Beach.
Southeast: Coquina Beach, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Coquina Beach, located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, is a firm favorite with locals — always a good sign. The beach is home to the shipwrecked Laura A. Barnes, a schooner that was driven onto the shore of the Outer Banks in 1921 and moved to Coquina Beach in 1973. Once you see that, head for the nearby Jockey’s Ridge State Park and let your kids climb to the top of the tallest sand dune on the East Coast.
Southeast: Coligny Beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina
Families with mini swimmers in tow love Coligny Beach on the 12-mile Hilton Head shoreline for its calm, shallow water. Hunt for beach treasure in the tide pools and build castles with the hard-packed sand. When it’s time for a change of pace, rent three-wheeled dune bikes from the Shore Beach Service stand.
Northeast: Easton’s Beach in Newport, Rhode Island
If you’re in Newport, Rhode Island, this summer, head to Easton’s Beach. The city’s only ocean beach has super-soft sand and great family facilities, including ample parking and concession stands — according to rumor, this is where to pick up the best lobster roll in town. You might even be lucky enough to witness a spot of beach polo. Talk about a socially-distancing-approved sport!
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