The white sands and pretty green seas at Henderson Beach State Park and James Lee Park—which both also offer playgrounds, picnic areas and bathrooms—are just one enticement.
For Southern hospitality with a down-home vibe, few locales beat Gulf Shores and its sister city, Orange Beach.
From watching wild horses play along the shoreline in Corolla, to hang gliding off the East Coast's tallest sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park, there is no shortage of unique adventures to try in the Outer Banks.
If you're going to fly the fam to Hawaii, make sure you double your fun and schedule a stop in Maui. Known as the "Valley Isle," the second-largest island in the 50th state is blessed with more than 30 miles of white, black, and even red sand beaches.
The area also hosts free events in the warm weather months, ranging from fireworks to movie showings. In particular, teens will want to stroll the three-mile boardwalk, lined with arcades, ride and shops.
The cozy size of this island, said to be the country's oldest seaside resort, keeps it all friendly and familiar, but remember to purchase beach tags in the summer months.