The Best Beach Destinations for Multi-Generational Family Trips

Multigenerational travel has been trending for a while now, and for good reason. Travel is an experience that brings people together, so what better way for everyone to get in some high-quality bonding time than by taking a big family trip?

However, knowing where exactly to go on a multi-generational getaway can be difficult. You want something that will appeal to everyone, regardless of age and interests. The grandparents, parents, siblings and kiddos all need to have tons of fun, both when coming together as a family and when branching out for some solo time.

As such, if a beach vacay is calling your family’s name, you don’t want to pick just any ol’ spot on the map. Some beach destinations are going to be better for a multi-generational getaway than others. Here are some of the best options to consider.

This beach destination in Alabama is not only one of the best beach destinations for a multi-generational getaway. It’s also one of the top, underrated beach destinations in the United States as a whole.

Gulf State Park has a lot going for it. While you’ll find multiple miles of beach here, you’ll also find so much more. For example, you can book your family’s stay at the Hilton-operated Lodge at Gulf State Park (or you can camp, if that’s your thing). Get in some educational fun at the interpretative nature center and butterfly garden. Paddle at the lake (yes, there’s a lake in addition to the ocean!) or do some laps in the pool.

For a Caribbean beach getaway for the family, consider San Juan. There are a few standout reasons you might pick this island locale.

For one, there’s no passport needed, so that’s not a worry in case some members of the family don’t have their updated documents. While the beach itself is great, you also have a lot more to do here, in case some of your crew aren’t content to lie on the sand, all day, every day. From culture and nightlife to food and adventure, it’s all within easy reach, and you’ll have no trouble filling your itinerary.

Plus, you’ll enjoy a range of accommodation options, from luxury beach resorts to home rentals.

While many might not consider San Diego a typical beach-y destination, as the city’s beaches aren’t really its primary attractant for travelers, it’s still a great option to consider if you, again, have a family with a range of interests.

Museums, the zoo, culture, food, history, and more await. Just make sure that if you do plan on spending a decent amount of time in the water, that you schedule your trip for the right time of year. San Diego’s waters aren’t pleasant year-round, unless you’re willing to don a wetsuit. June through September is ideal.

For a classic Jersey beach experience, you can’t go wrong with the family-favorite Cape May. Sure, it can get a bit crowded during the peak of summer, but that’s just because there’s so much to love, particularly for families.

Book adjacent rooms at one of the destination’s many, many historic hotels and then spend your days on the beach before spending your evenings exploring the shopping, eating, and fun (like arcades) lining the promenade and boardwalk.

If you do end up needing to escape from the sun for a bit, nearby family-friendly attractions include the Cape May County Park & Zoo and Cape May Lighthouse.

While, yes, there are quieter, less crowded Hawaiian islands you could visit, if this is your first trip to the state and you’re traveling with smaller kids in tow, then you absolutely can’t go wrong with Oahu.

That said, try to plan your trip for the summer months, as the water can be rough in the winter, and very much unideal for children. Overall, for calm waters welcoming to toddlers, try the Ko Olina Lagoons, or one of the similar, other lagoons around the island, with their shallow, sheltered waters. 

Additionally, plan to rent a vehicle that can fit your entire party (or two, if you anticipate wanting to split up), so you can easily and conveniently get around the entire, large island.

Beyond the beaches, explore the island’s natural attractions (with hikes for varying skill levels available), cultural heritage, food scene, and zoo. Visit the Dole Plantation and Pearl Harbor, take a boat tour, and attend a luau.

If you’re a Disney family, you might also consider staying at the Disney Aulani Resort.

While those traveling with very young children may not want to head to a European destination (the long travel time can be stressful, kiddos might not care for all the walking that often comes with these types of trips, you might want to wait until they’re older and can appreciate some of the culture/history more, etc.), families with kids of preteen age and up may just love a destination like Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik experienced a surge of increased interest during the height of Game of Thrones’ popularity, as it was used as a filming location. If anyone in your family was or is a big GoT fan, they’re definitely going to want to take a related tour.

Otherwise, pack your days with a mix of culture and beach-going. There’s a handful of family-friendly beaches to consider (maybe even visit a different one every day!), including Bellevue Beach, Uvala Lapad Beach, and Sulic Beach.

There’s so much to love about Aruba and so many things about the island that make it a perfect fit particularly for a multigenerational trip to the Caribbean.

Have a family with a complicated schedule? No worries. Aruba offers amazing weather year-round and there’s less need to worry about the hurricane season impacting your travel plans, as Aruba lies outside of the Atlantic hurricane belt.

Family coming from all corners of the country to meet up in your chosen destination? Aruba is very easy to get to from just about any major airport, with lots of non-stop flight options, often available for an affordable price.

Speaking of affordability, you’ll find a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly resorts right on some of the best beaches on the island to luxury resorts with all the bells and whistles.

When you’re not enjoying the relatively calm waters and pristine sands, you can explore the national park, go shopping and sightseeing in the capital city of Oranjestad or take a tour (whether you prefer to go by boat, horse or ATV, you’ll have lots of options).

Singapore is exceptionally safe and jam-packed with family-friendly activities—and, yes, there are beaches!

Beaches that are going to be suitable for the entire fam include Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, Tanjong Beach (all of which are on Sentosa Island) and the beach at East Coast Park. If you want to make a day out of it, you can head out to one of the destination’s Southern Islands beaches via ferry.

Otherwise, make a point to visit the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Science Centre Singapore, and (for the kids specifically) KidZania.

Another awesome option in Europe, Crete is the largest Greek island, with lots and lots of world-famous beaches, many of which offer a family-friendly vibe. Some of the top favorites include the Elafonissi pink sand beach, Golden Beach near Sitia, and Potamos Beach.

You’ll also find resorts if that’s your accommodation style of choice, as well as multiple water parks.

Then, of course, you have all of the cultural and historic sites, as well as an amazing food scene that’s sure to please the entire family.

Lastly, while it’s not a destination per se, taking a cruise as a family can be an awesome choice for everyone involved, especially if you pick a cruise line that caters well to a range of travelers, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian or MSC Cruises.

Ships from cruise lines such as these (particularly their newer cruise ships) offer something for everyone (it sounds trite, but it’s true!). 

Adults and kids both have their own spaces, from adults-only pools to kids’ clubs for elementary-age youngsters all the way up to teens. Dining ranges from super casual to high-end. Waterparks, shopping, the spa, the theater, amusement park-style rides, nightclubs, arcades—today’s best and biggest cruise ships have it all.

Meanwhile, if you pick an itinerary heavy on the beach destinations, like a Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise, you’ll get the added benefit of seeing a new beach practically every single day.

Accordingly, if you’re looking for the best beach destinations for multi-generational getaways, don’t overlook a cruise. You may just find that it becomes an annual family tradition.