Family Friendly Beach Towns

When you stay at real beach towns instead of touristy centers, you get everything you need for a great vacation with your family. After all... no matter how great the water might be, a successful family vacation requires more than just a great beach. Some of the great towns below are the perfect place for a trip that will offer great beaches, wonderful accommodations, and both recreational and educational activities.

Jekyll Island, Georgia - Jekyll Island is Georgia's smallest barrier island but still offers 10 miles of dunes covered with sea oat. The Island’s beaches are always changing due to the ebb and flow of the tides. Weather characteristics routinely take sand and silt from the northern shores of the Island and depositing them on the southern shores. Two great beach facilities offer public showers and rest rooms for visitors. The island has a rich history, natural beauty and a huge variety of recreational activities.

There is a wide assortment of lodging on the Island. Families can camp at the heavily shaded Jekyll Island Campground, stay at small hotels or motels or stay at one of the resorts along the beach.

During the summer, musical theatre is available which features performances by students at Valdosta State University. Tickets are affordable and children under the age of 6 are free. There is also a wonderful assortment of wildlife in the many areas where natural settings have been preserved. One great spot for families is the Tidelands nature Center.

In this beach town there are plenty of activities for the whole family. Visit the Summerwaves Water Park, go Miniature Golfing or ride a bike along the 20 miles of bike trails. Fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing are all available in family friendly settings. There are also plenty of activities highlighting the native sea turtle, along with an annual music festival and the annual Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits festival.

For more information, check out: http://www.jekyllisland.com

Sanibel Island, Florida – Sanibel Island is a great family vacation spot that provides a great educational view of the importance of protecting natural habitats and wildlife can be experienced on Sanibel Island just North of Naples.

Half of the Island is devoted to wildlife refuges and there are a variety of places offering educational activities. Oh, and it's fun, too. The Sanibel Inn has a huge variety of activities that your kids will love. Be sure to visit the J.N.Darling National Wildlife Refuge which has over 5,000 acres of wetlands. There are many hands on activities at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Nature Center. And to learn more about the beach stop by the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

Get more information at www.sanibelisland.com

Ocean City, New Jersey – One of the truly outstanding features of this beach town is the wonderful Boardwalk-- which makes it fun for adults and kids alike. Stretching 2.5 miles along the shore the Boardwalk has more shops, restaurants, people to watch and other activities than you can imagine.

There are plenty of places devoted solely to fun including two amusement parks and an amazing assortment of miniature golf courses. But there are also places to take your children that offer an educational experience. Take some time to visit the Great Egg Harbor Bay to see an assortment of wildlife. Stop at the Bayside Center which overlooks the bay and has a variety of exhibits highlighting the local environment along with exhibits of model ships and a lifesaving museum. Or take a beach tour at Corson's Inlet State Park. This beautiful and unspoiled beach includes dunes, ocean front beaches and more.

For more information visit the following website: www.oceancitychamber.com

Cape Code, Massachusetts

Macinac Island, Michigan

Santa Barbara, California

Port Aransas, Texas

Ogunquit, Maine

Bald Head Island, North Carolina

If you're looking for a wonderful family vacation, take a little time to do some research into these great little towns. In any of them you will enjoy a family vacation that will keep the kids entertained and the adults engaged. And we all know that doesn't happen everywhere!

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