Best Family Beach Vacation

Great family vacations are as close as Florida, and as far-flung as Fiji. One great place to look at is the Caribbean. Affordable and convenient, it's easily reached from the US by boat or plane. Want to snorkel a Caribbean reef without worrying about getting passports and documentation for the whole family? Try the US Virgin Islands: St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Each has its own unique feel, from lively St. Thomas, to the easy-going St. Croix and nature-lover's paradise of St. John. You're sure to find an island that the whole family can agree on!

Another locale worthy of its best family beach vacations accolades is the Riviera Maya. This spot has everything you need for the perfect vacation. You can enjoy water sports, beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and historic ruins all while staying at an all-inclusive family resort. Everyone will be able to enjoy the great food, scenery and relaxation, far away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun.

Looking for a family vacation without the usual tourist traps or amusement parks? Try Florida's Amelia Island. Primarily a summer vacation area, this is the place to take the family for a quiet retreat in a familiar country. The Victorian architecture is charming, and the beaches fantastic. This island is great for families with younger kids, who will really enjoy the Colonial Williamsburg-like historical sites.

Most people don't think of Europe when they think of the best family beach vacations, but those ideas are changing with the rising popularity of places like Center Parcs. This chain of family resorts is part water park, part summer camp. There are plenty of pools, water slides, spas, as well as activities like horseback riding, boating, and even ice skating! If you want to explore the great food and culture of Europe, but the kids are clamoring for a beach vacation, this is the ideal solution.

No list of the best family beach vacations would be complete without a mention of Hawaii. Great for families, especially those with teenagers, Hawaii has it all. You can try your hand at surfing, visit a traditional Luau, climb a volcano, hike through the jungle, and of course there are the beaches. From white sand wonders like Waikiki to Punalu'u's black sand beach, the choices are inexhaustible. You will never get tired of Hawaii, and the many family-friendly resorts can help you plan your trip to make the most of your time on the islands.