The Best Family-Friendly Beaches Around the World

You will find family-friendly beaches on every continent. Beach holidays work well for families as the little ones can play around as the adults relax by the sand, indulging in refreshing cocktail drinks. Many of these beaches are in the world’s most picturesque resort towns, home to many family-friendly resorts with amenities to delight the kids. 

From quiet bays perfect for relaxing with your loved ones to busy beaches where you can bond over child-friendly water activities, here are some of the best family-friendly beaches around the world.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai, USA

Kauai is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. Some are accessible by trails, while others are solely by sea. Of course, there are also beaches suitable for families, with shallow waters safe enough for kids to swim and play. Like most areas on the island, Kauai’s beaches are known for their natural beauty, featuring fine golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

One of Kauai’s most popular beaches for families is Hanalei Bay. The crescent-shaped bay is long and wide, with plenty of space for your kids to play in the sand. With the majestic mountain views in the background, Hanalei Bay Beach is incredibly scenic and offers the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings. 

Hanalei Beach was named as one of Tripadvisor’s best beaches in the U.S.

Located along the North Shore of Kauai, Hanalei Bay offers the perfect setting for family bonding. While you work on your tan, the kids can swim and participate in water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding. This beach is an ideal spot for relaxing and enjoying water sports. Hanalei Bay also has stunning natural scenery you can explore on a hike.

Stroll through the nearby Hanalei Pier and marvel at the stunning views of the bay that look even more incredible at sunset. The bay has many beachfront restaurants and cafes offering mouth-watering food and refreshing drinks.

Fistral Beach, the UK 

The UK has some of the world’s most family-friendly beaches, such as Cornwall’s Fistral Beach, a popular spot for surfing. What’s great about a family holiday in the UK is that you’ll find many fantastic accommodations perfect for families. In fact, it offers some of the best glamping places in Europe, with Cornwall being an excellent choice for families.

Some of Cornwall’s glamping sites will give you easy access to the beach. Of all the beaches in Cornwall, Fistral Beach is the most popular.

This iconic beach is one of Europe’s best surfing spots, with many waterfront facilities, including surf equipment for hire.

If you have kids who want to learn to surf or hone their skills, you can enrol them in one of the surf schools in the area.

Aside from being a surfer’s paradise, Fistral Beach is also an ideal place to relax and bond with the kids. While the kids are riding the waves, you can enjoy sunbathing along its 750-metre-long sand. The famous beach offers plenty of space to kick back and relax while admiring the views.

I recommend spending some time in exploring London attractions with kids. And then taking a high-speed train or road trip to Cornwall for a fantastic beach holiday.

Marbella Beach, Roatan, the Carribean

Roatan is a breathtaking island in the Caribbean, situated approximately 65 kilometres off the coast of Honduras. It is renowned for its numerous stunning white sandy beaches, including Marbella Beach, which graces the northern shoreline of Roatan. Marbella Beach is tucked away from the main road and far from the island’s bustling tourist hub. It remains blissfully unpopulated, providing you and your children with an opportunity to unwind amidst the pristine beaches of Roatan without any distractions.

Marbella Beach requires some effort to get to, but it’s definitely worth it.

If you put in the effort, you will be rewarded with a tropical paradise you will most likely have entirely to yourself. This is rare on the many famous beaches in the Caribbean. The water at Marbella Beach is crystal-clear and perfect for snorkelling, so don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear. Another thing about Marbella is that its lush vegetation offers ample shade, giving you plenty of space to relax away from the scorching heat. 

If you want to visit other beaches, you’ll find many beautiful options nearby. Head to West Bay Beach, one of the island’s most famous beaches. The West Bay beach can get crowded at peak times. But it has several miles of powder-fine white sand, so you can find many quieter spots to relax away from the crowd.

Paynes Bay, Barbados, the Carribean

Barbados is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Caribbean So it’s perfect for your beach holiday with the kids. While the island boasts many stunning beaches, Paynes Bay Beach stands out.

It lies on the west coast, along an idyllic bay with a wide, sweeping arc of glorious golden sands surrounded by plenty of shady trees. 

Luxury villas are a popular alternative for families seeking an enjoyable Barbados getaway. These homes are plentiful in the Parish of St. James, which also has the beautiful Paynes Bay Beach. If you’re curious, you can look over more options here.

Paynes Bay Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Barbados and is a favourite with local families, but it is not overcrowded. It also has all the facilities for a more comfortable experience, including toilets and showers, parking, and lifeguards on duty. 

Aside from swimming and snorkelling, your kids can enjoy water sports at Paynes Bay Beach, such as sailing, kayaking, and jet skiing. For another family-friendly Carribean getaway, check out Jamaica itinerary.

Cala Goloritzè, Sardinia, Italy

When taking your kids on a beach getaway to Italy, head to Sardinia. This is a family-friendly island with plenty of beautiful, child-friendly beaches and family accommodation options suitable for everyone. Perched along the western coast of Italy, Sardinia boasts family-friendly beaches with azure waters, a delight for families with kids who love to swim and play.

Cala Goloritzè is one of these beaches, which is bordered by distinctive rock formations with tiny white stones. While it doesn’t have the fine white sands that other family-friendly beaches have, it is highly protected, making it safe for the kids. Most of Italy beaches including the ones on the Amalfi Coast are not sandy beaches, but have small stones, so it is best to wear appropriate footwear.

Cala Goloritzè’s stunning rock formations are a joy to explore with your kids.

If you have older kids, they can climb the rocky arch nearby and dive into the clear blue waters. Getting to Cala Goloritzé is an adventure in itself since you cannot just drive there. The only way to reach the beach is on foot or by boat.

For a family Italian jaunt, I recommend spending few days in Rome, and then taking a flight to Sardinia.

When your kids are young, it is easiest to do a beach holiday or combine some beach time with city sightseeing. I have done so many over the years.

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