Surf, snorkel, kayak family beach vacations in the US, Caribbean

When you’re ready to get away and have watersports on the mind, take a look at these great picks for enjoying a beachfront vacation.

Hawaii: Vive Hotel Waikiki

Located just a block from the famous beachfront in Waikiki, Vive Hotel Waikiki is currently offering a fifth night free promotion for stays four nights or longer. Use promo code 5NFR when booking direct. Throughout May and June, guests also have an option for 30% off all suites.

Booking directly with Vive Hotel Waikiki ensures guests benefit from waived resort fees, a continental breakfast, welcome drinks, and unlimited Wi-Fi. Since this boutique property has such great access to the beachfront, it’s also good to know guests may have free use of hotel beach gear including boogie boards, beach mats and chairs, and umbrellas.

The block between the hotel and Waikiki Beach is also home to super easy surfboard rentals, kayaks, and more gear. Once you arrive at the beach, take a requisite selfie with the iconic Duke Kahanamoku Statue awaiting your arrival.

From Vive Hotel Waikiki, you’ll also have a short walking distance to popular boutiques and eateries along the beachfront, including Eggs N Things and Duke’s Waikiki. You won’t want to miss the complimentary hotel breakfast, though, as it features fresh island fruits like papaya and fresh-baked pastries alongside local roasted coffee.

Florida: Playa Largo Resort & Spa

Families seeking a spacious getaway along the beach will enjoy the 745-foot stretch of private pearly white sand at Playa Largo Resort & Spa in laidback Key Largo. Guests can walk right into these calm waters with steps in a pool-like entry.

The property is perched along nearly 15 acres with a tropical vibe thanks to its former status as the nation’s largest pineapple farm. Hammocks dot the waterfront for easy afternoon lounging, while the whole family will enjoy smooth paddle boarding and snorkeling among vibrant hued fish. For even more snorkeling adventures, book an excursion to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.  

Kayaking and parasailing are also options at Playa Largo Resort, and families can wrap up their day beachside with the Star Gaze S’Mores Kit, complete with blankets, Adirondack chairs, paired with wine and a charcuterie board. For a little me-time, onsite Ocean Spa provides tropical wellness treatments.

Many rooms and suites include a private balcony for added private family space, while onsite eateries focus on global flavors with a regional twist. Seafood is a big winner at the resort, though kid-friendly menus will ensure even the fussiest diner is catered to in style.

Puerto Rico: Caribe Hilton

Want an island getaway while staying close to home? A Puerto Rico vacation transports guests with an international vibe without the passport. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, guests won’t need to provide negative tests for the return flight home. Current Puerto Rico travel guidelines, though, mean you will need to provide a negative PCR test in preparation for arrival.

For a tropical family getaway, enjoy the amazing location of beachfront Caribe Hilton, just minutes from the heart of historic Old San Juan. With immediate access to the water, families can enjoy onsite snorkeling and paddling or simply relax and play in the oceanfront swimming pools. Cool down in a hammock to enjoy palm tree breezes or explore the tropical gardens and bird sanctuary in the resort gardens.

Thanks to its prime location alongside San Juan, there is an endless list of local eateries to enjoy but the resort does have an incredible culinary range for families of all sizes. Enjoy casual dining with an ocean view, Caribbean fusion in a swanky lounge, and local flavors high and low. Plus, this is definitely the place to sip on a piña colada — this famous cocktail was created at Caribe Hilton, after all.

Aruba: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino 

Aruba is once again open for travelers, and Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino provides guests staying 3 consecutive nights or longer with onsite Antigen testing, ensuring CDC requirements are met prior to returning home.

Located directly along Palm Beach, the resort offers plenty of playful space along sugar sand beaches. Popular watersports here include windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP and SUP yoga, and there’s even beach tennis if you prefer to stay on land. The resort’s beachfront family-friendly freeform pool is an amazing escape from the heat with waterfalls and a swim-up bar providing refreshments.

Plenty of shade is available along the beach with towering palm trees and palapas aplenty so you can even enjoy a cool cocktail along the water. Private cabanas are also available at the H2Oasis adults-only pool and there’s an onsite full-service spa to help ease tense muscles.

Continue to enjoy those blissful water views from the privacy of your own balcony, then enjoy a variety of onsite casual and fine dining ranging from a beach grill and poolside snacks to sizzling steaks and fresh seafood. Eight different venues provide dining alongside cocktails, coffee and gelato, with even more bites and some delightful boutique shopping down the road.

Turks & Caicos: Wymara Resort and Villas 

Enjoy one of the world’s best beaches in the world at Wymara Resort and Villas in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. Set along award-wining Grace Bay Beach, guests enjoy white sand beaches and inviting turquoise waters perfect for complimentary kayaking, standup paddle boarding and Hobie Cat sailing. 

The resort also features a 7,000 square-foot mosaic tiled swimming pool suitable for the whole family. Relax in style here with a private cabana or pick a cool spot under an umbrella alongside rosé-themed oceanfront Pink Bar, home to classic pink cocktails and mocktails.

The resort can assist guests seeking private yacht charters or snorkeling excursions, and there’s a wonderful spot to kayak along Mangrove Cay, too. Onsite dining focuses on Caribbean flavors with seasonal ingredients ranging from poolside casual to fine dining nights out.

Currently, all guests visiting Turks & Caicos over the age of 10 must receive a negative PCR nasal swab test within five days of arrival. Other travel requirements include travel insurance that covers medevac and completion of a health screening questionnaire. Complimentary onsite antigen testing is provided for resort guests prior to flying home.