The Dreamiest Beach Spots to Add to Your Bucket List

New England charm meets Gilded Age history in Newport, Rhode Island, a port city founded in 1703. Most of the vacation magic unfolds by the water and in the historic downtown. Seasonally run sailings by America's Cup Charters whisk families around Narragansett Bay on vintage America's Cup–winning yachts. The new Save the Bay's Hamilton Family Aquarium allows kids to get up close and personal with sea life thanks to its bountiful touch tank experiences and knowledgeable staff. Walk a few more blocks and you'll be surrounded by fudge shops, toy stores, bookstores, arcades and the TikTok-famous Nitro Bar coffee shop on picturesque Thames Street. If you venture a little farther out by car (or trolley), your crew can tour one of the city's famous Gilded Age mansions that appears to have been plucked right out of a fairy tale and take in sweeping views on the Cliff Walk (which isn't as precarious as it sounds).

TESTER NOTES: Stay in a hotel in the heart of the town and leave your car parked. "The boutique Brenton Hotel was just a few blocks from everything we wanted to see except the mansions," said our tester, who visited with her husband and daughter. "Plus, it had a shared pantry with free ice cream!"

What is often called "America's First Resort Destination" has kept up with the times. The 47 miles of sunny shores from Jupiter Beach to Boca Raton, collectively known as The Palm Beaches, are booming with new hotels, restaurants and attractions, many constructed with sustainability and young families in mind. Unforgettable beach parks, which were largely spared from the wrath of recent hurricanes, have gentle waves, lifeguards and wide stretches of sand for castle construction. The new high-speed Brightline train connects Orlando with West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, so it can be "All aboard!" for a few easygoing beach days after your high-intensity theme park adventures.

TESTER NOTES: "The sand is so soft and the water is blue-green and nothing like I've seen outside the Caribbean," said our tester who stayed at The Singer Oceanfront Resort, a newly renovated property whose epic beach setup includes sand castle kits. As tempting as it is to bask exclusively in resort bliss, she recommends visiting nearby kid-pleasing wildlife attractions like the Palm Beach Zoo and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

A sustainably planned, secluded community about three hours west of Seattle strives to be an idyllic beach town—and it's pretty much nailing it. Seabrook, Washington gives pedestrians and bikers the run of the place, since most guests ditch their cars in their upscale vacation homes' garages for the entirety of the trip. With little traffic and streets designed to slow down motorists, older kids can be more carefree and independent than in other places, pedaling off on their rented bikes with friends to the pool, the park, the arcade or all three. Practically everything you could need or want, from a well-stocked market to a day spa is right in Seabrook—a good thing, since it's a haul to the next major town.

TESTER NOTES: "The variety of accommodations, from apartments to large houses, is really great," said our tester, who visited in August. You can search dozens of options by price and location on the community's website, so think about whether you'll want to be close to one of the pools, the beach or the restaurants and shops.

Families return year after year to Destin-Fort Walton Beach because once you experience the turquoise blue water, the white-sand beaches and the chill, down-to-earth vibe, you'll be hooked forever. Located in the Panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico, the destination has a newly launched Little Adventurers program that guides families with kids 12 and under to nature-based activities they can do on their own or with a local outfitter. Many independent restaurants have scenic outdoor seating and coloring pages that help prevent mini diners from getting restless. A wide variety of lodging options, from big vacation rentals for multigenerational groups to well-equipped hotel rooms for the budget-conscious, helps ensure that every family can find a place to stay that suits their vacation style.

TESTER NOTES: "My kids snorkeled for the first time in Destin," said our tester, a mom of two who stayed at Beal House Fort Walton Beach. "The destination makes it super easy to find and book aquatic adventures. On another outing, they searched for ghost crabs and sand fleas."

If you think this desert playground on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula is just for partying vacationers, you clearly haven't visited in a while. New resorts, including some all-inclusives such as Grand Velas that entertain kids and parents alike, are popping up along the 20-mile corridor that connects the two main towns of the Los Cabos region: Cabo San Lucas (home of the famous Arch) and San Jose del Cabo (the historic district). It's common to see kids and parents taking classes in authentic Mexican cooking at the lovely Flora Farms and swimming side by side on a group snorkeling excursion near the protected coves of Santa Maria Beach. Adventurous families can even zip-line over cactus-dotted canyons—whee!

TESTER NOTES: Venture out of the resort row and head to San Jose del Cabo, which has cute shops with crafts from local artisans. "After souvenir shopping, we ate dinner at Los Tres Gallos, which features cuisines from all over Mexico," said our tester, who visited with her daughter. "The atmosphere was festive; there was live music. A preschooler at the table across from ours had the time of his life dancing to it."

Multigenerational families can embrace nature and nostalgia at the century-old Nonantum Resort, whose apt slogan is "Where Traditions Begin." By day, most kids at the family-owned, seasonally operated resort participate in the free camp program. Some activities, like kayaking and crabbing, take advantage of the waterfront location and rocky beaches, while others, like face-painting and friendship-bracelet making, are perennial kid-pleasers. At night, the whole crew comes together for lawn games, activities like bingo and dinner at one of the property's restaurants, known for their seafood specialties. Family rooms that sleep up to six and have twin beds built into a separate kids' space can start as low as $229 per night. Complimentary breakfast and a shuttle into charming Kennebunkport sweeten the deal.

TESTER NOTES: Don't underestimate the appeal of the camp, even for tweens and young teens. "My children, ages 10 and 14, especially loved catching and releasing crabs," said our tester. "They must have caught 100 of them!"

If you're a hang-at-the-pool family that appreciates good food, The Ritz-Carlton Naples is a "shore" bet. Following a recent $100 million renovation, this oceanfront icon boasts a buzzy family pool with various depths for the kiddos, occasional complimentary treats like mango sorbet and mini ice cream comes, a well-appointed path to the beach and sunscreen dispensers. In addition, 10 new air-conditioned poolside cabanas provide shade and butler service so you can have fries delivered in style. On days your 5- to 12-year-olds want to go to the supervised club, which has a resident alligator and snapping turtle, you can hit the new adults-only pool with in-water seating, marg in hand.

TESTER NOTES: Spend extra on a guest room with access to the resort's Club Lounge—one of the largest and most impressive in the country. "The Club was absolutely key to our stay," said our tester, a food editor who visited with her family of four. "Each day we started with breakfast, and we often hopped back in for the exceptional bites and drinks."

Kids can spread their water wings at the newly renovated Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. The $200 million glow-up enhanced the slide-filled poolscape, which overlooks an epic stretch of Waikiki Beach. Two freshwater pools for families and an interactive fountain area entertain the littles (and the bigs) for hours. Dry off long enough for the complimentary lei-making, hula and ukulele lessons you can sign up for in advance. When it's time for dinner, head across the street to a marketplace with dozens of stellar restaurants and shops. Most of the new coastal-chic rooms boast lanais so you can squeeze in some romantic time while the kids are zonked.

TESTER NOTES: If you didn't rent a car at the airport, you can pick one up at the hotel to drive to Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, the North Shore or other iconic spots on the island. "Even though the resort is in a great location and has so much to do on-site, it's nice to have a car for a day or two of your stay," said our tester.

A hidden gem on Mexico's Pacific Coast, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita levels up almost every family vacation experience, starting with its kids' programming. In addition to a complimentary culturally immersive kids' club for 5- to 12-year-olds, the resort offers creative mindfulness opportunities like learning breath work by blowing bubbles. Teens get their own hangout space with both scheduled activities like sports tournaments and opportunities for vibing on puff loungers and sun beds. Two secluded beaches serve as hubs for eco-tours and other water-based activities. Recently refreshed casita-style guest rooms evoke the feeling of an open-air living room and provide ample space to spread out.

TESTER NOTES: Eat most—if not all—of your meals on the property, because the food is that good."Overall, it was the best resort food I've ever had," said our tester, who has a culinary degree. "I loved the Dos Catrinas restaurant the most. The tableside guacamole was great, and the short rib was so rich and tender." Kids' menus include familiar favorites and adventurous locally inspired options.

A new, trendy hotel in an exotic location doesn't usually roll out the proverbial red carpet for families, but the Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, on a peninsula in southwestern Turkey a short ferry ride from the Greek Isles, wants you to bring your littles and your dancing shoes. A massive supervised club for kids ages 1 to 12 is free for all guests and remains open until 2 a.m., so you can party at Scorpio's, one of the area's most popular nightclubs, or enjoy an interruption-free meal at Casa Sol, the resort's elegant Latin restaurant. The kids won't be too jealous—they have their own dance floor as well as an arts and crafts room, a movie theater and outdoor space in which to play.

TESTER NOTES: "It might sound odd, but I really loved the buggy rides," said our tester, who flew on Turkish Airlines from New York City to Istanbul and then on to Bodrum. "At check-in, guests are connected to WhatsApp to request rides to and from locations around the sprawling resort. Every day we called a buggy to pick us up. It gives guests a nice scenic ride that's comfortable and, honestly, fun."

The number one reason to make the trek to this under-the-radar island gem that's likely to be a pair of plane rides away: the fabulous snorkeling right off the resort's main beach. The Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort and Spa's prime location along the world's second largest barrier reef means your crew could suit up in the hotel's gear and spot rays, octopuses and many kinds of colorful fish, chill in your spacious room or at one of the large pools for a while, and then do it all over again. Take young kids who haven't gotten the snorkeling bug yet to see the fish in one of the property's glass-bottomed boats.

TESTER NOTES: Calling "the best snorkeling she's ever experienced," our well-traveled tester, along with her spouse and 10-year-old, looked forward to the activity daily and often took affordable water taxis to the locally owned restaurants in the West End for dinner. She added, "The staff was incredibly friendly, and our room was stunning."

Your family's vacation reality at Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott will actually resemble a fantasy. Nestled between two crescent beaches on a part of the island that wasn't damaged by the 2023 wildfires, the 22-acre water wonderland wows at every turn, featuring a swim-through grotto, the island's tallest waterslide (30 steps to the top!) and a splash zone for littles. Complimentary cultural activities immerse families in the rich traditions of the destination. At check-in, your whole crew will be greeted with leis and glasses of POG (pineapple, orange and guava) juice, evoking a sense of "Your vacation starts now!" The resort movie theater, playing family-friendly flicks twice daily, and a pizza food truck serving tasty slices are unexpected treats.

TESTER NOTES: "This resort is the complete package," said our tester, who stayed in several properties on the island with her spouse and two children. "The luau in particular was better at this resort, and it served the traditional feast family-style rather than buffet-style."

Overlooking a postcard-worthy spot on the Sea of Cortez, the hacienda-style village at the new Four Seasons Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol makes you feel right at home. With just 96 guest rooms, casitas, suites and villas, the experience is intimate—staff often greet you by name and know your child's favorite ice cream flavor and whether you prefer still or sparkling water. Despite the limited number of guests, the amenities are considerable—a large family pool with ample seating overlooks the beach; a complimentary club for 4-to 12-year-olds contains a massive pirate ship play structure; and a funky art space hosts appealing workshops. Far from an afterthought, the resort's restaurants offer plenty of variety, seating and kid-pleasers. Coraluz, a Mexican concept by star chef Richard Sandoval, is the standout.

TESTER NOTES: "From the moment my daughter and I arrived and our bags were whisked to our casita, this resort offered the most thoughtful, unobtrusive service of any of the dozens of resorts I've stayed in over the past few years," said our tester, a travel editor. "They seemed to be mind readers!"

Fresh from a glow-up, SurfSand Resort caters to every family member so that for a couple of days of your life, you won't have to. Free on-property activities like sand dollar hunts at the beach, kite-flying lessons and hot dog roasts relieve you of the mental load of finding affordable (and fun) activities for the fam. Shuttles to the town's adorable shopping district help conserve energy so your crew can explore stores whine-free, getting refreshment from hand-dipped Tillamook cones along the way (yes, the brand's factory is nearby!). Bonfires at the beach provide screen-free distraction after dark, and a heated indoor pool takes the doldrums out of the locale's often moody weather. Guest rooms even boast starlight projectors and digital fireplaces—whoa!

TESTER NOTES: "The location is magic," said our tester, noting that her room faced the beach's monolithic Haystack Rock. She suggests booking a "Haystack Room," because the view of the 235-foot-tall wonder never gets old.

Tucked in on the western side of the island, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort dazzles families with its stunning views: the soaring Piton mountains, a vast rainforest and the glistening Caribbean Sea all appear in your line of sight. A range of eye-pleasing places to stay, including beachfront bungalows, villas and residences—many with their own plunge pools— accommodate families of various sizes. Not your average kids' club, Sugar Beach's supervised drop-off program for kids starting at age 4 incorporates elements like planting a tree, taking a boat trip into a bat cave and making craft projects with materials found in nature. On the dining front, the all-inclusive plan is optional, so you can pay as you go (don't miss Cane Bar's salmon fried rice) and enjoy some meals in nearby Soufriere. A well-rounded kids' menu is available at all locations.

TESTER NOTES: "The sundeck where the resort hosts weddings has the most magical views," said our tester. "Ask one of the shuttle drivers to take your family there and snap lots of photos."

Keeping teens happy isn't easy—unless you're at the Hotel Xcaret México. Whether they're vibing on the hammock hanging from your room's private balcony or trying the adrenaline-rushing experiences at one of the seven off-site adventure parks and tours included in the price, chills and thrills enthrall even frequent eye-rollers. You can capture all the moments thanks to a photo pass feature where the resorts' cameras take snaps at perfect angles after you swipe your wristband. Thoughtful touches, like fresh coconut served poolside and candies in woven straw holders placed on the comfy beds at turndown, impress this hard-to-please age group.

TESTER NOTES: Our tester, a GH visual director, who visited with her spouse and 13-year-old twins, highly recommends the photo pass, which is a small extra charge. "It's great to be able to capture all of these memories without having to pull out your phone," she noted. "It helps everyone stay engaged, plus the images we received were well lit and high quality."

You can be the "yes" parent at Beaches Turks & Caicos because everything your kids want is included in the price. Can I meet Elmo? Yes. Can I try two kinds of ice cream? Double yes. Can I go to the kids' club with my friend? Yes; trying to hide your excitement that you can chill on a lounger at the property's glorious white-sand beach for a bit. The sweet spot for the resort's nonstop fun is about 2 to 12, although babies and teens feel like VIPs too. The brand's commitment to inclusivity also stands out. Staff receive 40 hours of autism sensitivity training focus, sensory guides provide on-property recommendations, and beach wheelchairs are available to borrow.

TESTER NOTES: "Our family didn't discover the breakfast spot Barefoot by the Sea until the last day, and we were blown away," said our tester. "All the seating is picnic tables in the sand. There are even mini ones for kids. Although we enjoyed the resort's breakfast buffet, the food here, especially the shrimp and crab omelet, was even better."

Tucked in a mangrove forest on the Mayan coastline, you'll find a vacation spot with stellar service and an informal vibe. At Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, kids—not young-adult partiers—rule the place, squealing at the water playgrounds, toy-filled kids' club and free-for-all churro spot. The beach beckons the whole crew with its well-maintained golden sand and remarkably blue water. For your entire stay, your biggest decision will be which of the 12 restaurants you should choose for lunch or dinner. Spoiler: You can't really go wrong no matter what you decide.

TESTER NOTES: Our tester, who brought his 11- and 16-year-old children, thought the beach was the standout feature. "We were there to recharge and enjoy a change of scenery away from the hustle and bustle of the city," he said. "We went for many family dunks in the soothing salt water. And the kids, in particular, loved that room service was available any time of the day or night."

Bucket list moments are everywhere at Atlantis Paradise Island, a sprawling resort—really a city in itself of sorts— about an easy 30-minute ride from the airport. The five miles of beach, which would be the pièce de résistance at almost every other property, are overshadowed by the fast-and-furious waterslides, up-close animal encounters and fairy-tale kids' club with a giant dollhouse and mega-space for cooking classes. Of Atlantis's five towers, the Reef stands out for its kitchenettes, laundry facilities and beachy chic decor. Silan, a new restaurant with a Mediterranean-inspired menu, including a variety of unique hummus appetizers, shines for food quality and service.

TESTER NOTES: While the dolphin encounter is memorable, "the Playtime at Sea experience with the sea lions was more intimate and interactive," said our tester, who visited with her spouse and two children, ages 9 and 11. "We even got to go behind the scenes to see how the animals are cared for."

A new oceanfront resort with mountain views, Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort gives parents everything they need to make a trip with the kids more revitalizing than exhausting. The secret sauce: a supervised club for 3- to 12-year-olds that's so fun (think science experiments and pool dance parties) that they beg to stay! Meanwhile, you can head over to the adults-only pool or sink into a lounger with a good book. Meals at home are never as easy as they are at the resort, which stocks kids' faves and grown-up delights while being mindful of families who have dietary restrictions or preferences. At night, fun family bonding moments abound, including a Mexican fiesta with a mariachi band.

TESTER NOTES: "Knowing that our girls were having the time of their lives in kids' club, my husband and I got some time to ourselves," said a mom of three kids ages 3 to 8. "I also had the opportunity to get a massage and hydrotherapy spa treatment, which was so relaxing."

The newly refreshed Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts rolls out the orange carpet to families. Kids soak up the excitement at the expanded Aqua Nick water park, which includes two pools with a slide tower and additional opportunities to get slimed. Meet-and-greets in the lobby, at some restaurants and at the pool thrill SpongeBob, PAW Patrol and Dora devotees big and small. But as deeply themed as many of the common spaces are, the room decor and amenities cater to adult sensibilities (hello, plunge pool). It's a nice juxtaposition, allowing mini vacationers to calm down from "the best day ever" only to do it all over again tomorrow.

TESTER NOTES: "You won't regret booking the pad swim-up room, because it allows you to have some privacy after the kids go to sleep," said our tester, who visited with his wife and 3-year-old. He also called the taco truck in the resort's water park "a hidden gem."

An oasis of comforts next door to a national marine park, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay brilliantly blends resort amenities with the warmth of a family camp. Kind and often funny staff members elevate a family's experience, whether they're providing extra TLC at the program for 4- to 12-year-olds or leading a boat excursion to a secluded snorkeling spot. The resort's calm bay with some of the bluest water on Earth sets the scene for dawn-to-dusk family adventures such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Golfers can play a round on a picturesque 18-hole course designed by Rees Jones while their mini-mes go mini golfing.

TESTER NOTES: "March and April are the popular months for whale-watching at the resort," said our tester, who saw a family of dolphins during her summertime stay. "We loved the evening events, especially the beach party that included games like Name That Tune that both kids and adults could enjoy."

In a vacation spot packed with hotels, the new AVA Resort Cancun is a breath of fresh air. Its more than 1,700 rooms are all oceanfront, so every family has a beachy place to watch the sunrise. A massive pool that stretches from one side of the hotel uses sustainable technologies to significantly reduce the amount of chemicals and energy it requires. The kids' club offers state-of-the-art options like the ability to scan a child's artwork and have it projected on the wall. Teens have their own space away from the littles for gaming, noshing on snacks and taking a dip in an indoor pool. Grown-ups love the nightlife and more than 17 dining spots: The Pods, a collection of curated global bites, will be a daily stop.

TESTER NOTES: "The resort truly offers something for everyone," said our tester, who visited with her spouse and three grown children. "It's a great spot for a multigenerational trip."

There's no waiting around for the pools to open at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, because they never close! Around-the-clock swimming, a giant supervised kids' club that welcomes children of all ages and thoughtful staff make this resort just a few minutes from the airport a place where families return year after year. Diverse dining options, including guest fave The Jerk Treehouse, which is conveniently located poolside, satisfy all taste buds. The secluded beach ,with water hammocks and swaying palms, provides the perfect haven for finally finishing the book you've been reading while your child is unleashing their inner pirate on the wooden ship in the kids' club.

TESTER NOTES: "The kids' menu at Calabash was fantastic," said our tester, who visited with her spouse and 5-year-old. "Our son's beef and broccoli was so good that my husband and I ordered our own!" She advises treating yourself to a spa treatment, which can take place indoors or in an open-air cabana. "I tried the reflexology treatment, and my therapist had magic hands," she said.

In a lush mangrove forest, Paradisus Playa del Carmen solves the problem that dissuades some families from booking an all-inclusive vacation—wanting to connect with locals. Through the brand's Destination Inclusive program, guests can travel offsite to a local Cenote for a private meditation and yoga class (kids encouraged!) at no extra charge. The property also brings in local artisans to teach classes like macramé. The kids' program, for ages 12 months and up, is particularly well constructed, with staffers who hold degrees in child development guiding tiny tourists through science experiments, crafts and games. Families can experience the region's rich culture on-site through Mexican folklore, mariachi performances, traditional dances and Mayan shows.

TESTER NOTES: Based on a visit with her two children last summer, our tester suggests reviewing each day's activity schedule the night before and making a plan for when to go to the water park. "It was a highlight for our 5- and 8-year-olds," she said. "It had a fun mix of three pools, five slides and giant water buckets to keep them entertained."