12 best waterfront family resorts in the US, according to travelers

For many of us, waterfront vacations are the best vacations. Whether it’s a lakeside retreat or a family beach getaway, gorgeous views and water adventures are never far away. At a waterfront resort, there’s always something to keep everyone in the family happy. Plus, being by the water is said to promote feelings of calmness and well-being—and who doesn’t need that?

I grew up in New England and have lived in Florida for the last 20 years, so I know a thing or two about waterfront resorts. Drawing on my own experiences along with recommendations from other parents and travelers around the country, I’ve put together this traveler-approved list of America’s top waterfront resorts and hotels for families of all ages and interests.

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1. Sea Island

Sea Island, Georgia

Georgia’s Golden Isles are a favorite vacation destination of mine, and a big reason for that is the area’s historic gems like Sea Island. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the coastal Georgia resort island has been welcoming guests since 1928. Lodging options here range from privately owned cottages to guest rooms and suites in The Cloister, a Spanish-colonial beauty of a hotel designed by Addison Mizner.

“It’s a cherished family resort where generations of families return year after year to create and keep traditions,” says Florida-based freelance travel writer and editor Angela Caraway-Carlton. “At night, a photographer roams the lobby of The Cloister to snap photos of families dressed in their best. I love seeing all of the kids dressed in their tiny suits and frilly dresses, ‘cheese’-ing for the camera.”

Activities include vacation standards like pools and a beach club along with less typical offerings like horseback riding on the beach, beach shelling by golf cart, and the resort’s Hawk Walk. “It was crazy to watch fearless kids take part in the Hawk Walk on Rainbow Island, where a hawk lands on your gloved arm,” says Caraway-Carlton. “They didn’t even flinch!”

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2. Inn by the Sea

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Located on a mile of sandy beach, Inn by the Sea makes for a picture-perfect spot for a multigenerational family vacation. Guests can choose from traditional rooms or spacious one- or two-bedroom suites, some of which have balconies and two-way gas fireplaces. A heated pool, full-service spa, and activities like yoga, beach ecology walks, and the kid-focused Bug’s Life Tour help the whole family (including the canine members) connect with the inn’s scenic setting.

“Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth is a classic Maine seaside resort and my absolute favorite,” says FamilyVacationist editor-at-large Allison Tibaldi. “You traverse a private walkway/boardwalk to Crescent Beach, a dreamy stretch of sand and sea with a view of a lighthouse. It’s the definition of New England charm. And Portland is only a 15-minute drive away.”

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3. The Osthoff Resort & Spa

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Spacious suites. Three swimming pools. An arcade and kids’ club. An on-site cooking school and spa. There are a lot of reasons why The Osthoff Resort & Spa is an ideal spot for a waterfront family vacation.

“Staying at The Osthoff Resort on the shores of Elkhart Lake felt like stepping into a luxury version of an iconic family summer camp,” says Nicky Omohundro, a mom of three and owner and editor of the site Little Family Adventure. “The lake is a huge draw, offering a range of activities such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Some of the best fishing I’ve enjoyed recently has been on this lake. But what made this resort truly special were the little touches that made it perfect for families.”

“The private beach and lakefront firepit provided a peaceful end to our days,” she continues. “My best memories of the trip were made under a starry sky sharing s’mores and stories around those bonfires.”

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4. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Stay in Lowcountry style at The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, where water views can be enjoyed from the property’s wraparound porches. “The resort has a wonderfully clean, bright nautical theme to its decor, and there are two pools, one with a zero-entry that is perfect for little ones,” says Sharon Nolan, a longtime Philadelphia-area travel writer who’s traveled extensively with her three now-grown children.

Activities abound, from an on-site sailing school and nightly bonfires to lawn games, a seasonal kids’ club, a summer roller rink and winter ice rink, and yoga on the beach. “I like the resort because you could have such a varied vacation here,” says Nolan. “There are a lot of possibilities, which can be great for families trying to please a variety of kids. In addition, the family suites provide closeness, but also allow parents the ability to stay up a bit later and not disturb the little ones.”

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5. Henderson Beach Resort & Spa

Destin, Florida

Destin’s only luxury resort, Henderson Beach Resort & Spa offers everything from standard guest rooms and suites to vacation rentals that can sleep up to 16 for a family escape to the Florida Panhandle. No matter how you stay, you get access to a stretch of white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico, three pools and two lazy rivers, a kids’ club, lawn games, yoga classes and a fitness studio, and complimentary bike, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals.

“Most people think of Destin as a vacation rental destination, but that kind of ‘vacation’ takes a lot of work,” says Holly Johnson, a mom of two and family travel expert at ClubThrifty.com. “Henderson Beach Resort gives you the option to book a luxury resort stay like you would in other destinations. You can order food by the pool, visit the on-site spa, and more. You don’t have to do everything yourself like you do with a vacation rental; you can have people cater to you all day and night if you prefer.”

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6. Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Situated on a 72-acre peninsula of protected natural reserve in the shadow of El Yunque National Forest (the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System), Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico espouses a true vacation vibe. The waterfront resort’s motto is “doing nothing means everything,” and oceanfront hammocks, poolside cabanas, and a seriously soothing spa provide plenty of opportunities for totally chilling out.

Of course, you can do more than just relax, whether that’s splashing in Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style pool, paddling a kayak in the Atlantic Ocean, pedaling a complimentary bike rental, testing your skills in a TopGolf Swing Suite, or teeing off at the two Tom Kite–designed golf courses. Seventeen food and beverage options include beachside food trucks for casual family meals. I stayed in the resort’s hotel-within-a-hotel concept, Villas en la Reserva, where spacious villas with kitchenettes, separate living rooms with queen sleeper sofas, and balconies or patios with ocean views make it an ideal choice for families.

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7. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Ko Olina, Hawai’i

When you combine Disney and Hawaii, it’s not surprising you wind up with a waterfront resort made for making memories. Where else can you meet Disney characters while also taking in Hawaiian sunsets, spotting sea life, and enjoying Hawaiian shave ice?

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“Our family loves the blend of Disney storytelling combined with an authentic Hawaiian beach vacation at Aulani,” says FamilyVacationist contributor Dave Parfitt. “A particular highlight was channeling our inner Moana and watching sea turtles float by during the sailing canoe tour. If your family loves Disney but prefers a laidback beach trip as opposed to the hustle and bustle of a theme park, Aulani’s the place for you.”

“Aulani is not only our family’s favorite resort, but it was also the best vacation we’ve ever taken, according to my kids,” says Meagan Wristen, a mom of three who runs the blog Mommy Travels. “The teen program was one of the best we’ve experienced, the family activities were unique and fun, and of course Mickey was there.”

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8. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Amelia Island, Florida

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa occupies a prime stretch of Atlantic Ocean beachfront on a barrier island off the northeast coast of Florida. Guests can rent chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas for relaxing by the shoreline, but you’ll probably spend a lot of time swimming, shelling, body surfing, and sandcastle building. A family pool, nautical-themed splash pad, and adults-only pool offer more ways to cool down, and other resort amenities include a mini-golf course, the 10-hole Little Sandy golf course ideal for novice golfers, bike rentals, and a nature center offering tours and family programming. Plus, the resort wrapped up a major refresh in spring 2026, making it better than ever.

“The luxury resort is known for its incredible spa, beach access, and its proximity to all of the fun in Fernandina Beach,” says Megan duBois, FamilyVacationist’s senior theme park and cruise editor. “And I love that every year the resort hosts Fish to Fork, a culinary festival that highlights the bounty of Florida’s waterways.”

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9. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

Point Clear, Alabama

A local fixture since 1847, Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection occupies 550 acres overlooking Mobile Bay near the charming city of Fairhope. Options for family fun range from tennis and pickleball courts, croquet lawns, and two 18-hole golf courses to a seasonal outdoor pool with a waterslide and splash pad. Guests also love the daily tradition that starts by the fireplace in the main lobby, processes to a ceremonial firing of a replica 19th-century cannon on the edge of Mobile Bay, and finishes with light bites back at the hotel.

“I love the Grand Hotel; it’s the epitome of Southern charm,” says Caraway-Carlton. “I’ve gone there since I was a child. It’s not just for tourists; the locals go there just as much as visitors do. It’s beloved by the community, and nearby Fairhope is literally like stepping into a Hallmark movie.”

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10. Fairmont Kea Lani

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

With 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two- and three-bedroom two-story villas, Fairmont Kea Lani offers lodging options for families of all sizes. In addition to the resort’s white-sand beach, there are two family pools connected by a 140-foot waterslide (plus one pool reserved just for the adults). On-site Hawaiian cultural programming helps visitors connect with the islands’ history and culture, and the complimentary Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Experience that begins with a traditional sunrise chant is not to be missed.

“The Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui was the most beautiful, family-friendly but also luxurious resort I’ve ever been to,” says Amber M. Shimel, a Florida-based mom of five who runs the blog Amber Likes. “My children still talk about the wonderful sitter the hotel provided one night. There were family-friendly activities, and the beach had lots of shade and a grassy area perfect for toddlers.”

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11. Hotel Breakers

Sandusky, Ohio

Hotel Breakers gives you a two-for-one waterfront hotel experience. With its location on the shores of Lake Erie and Cedar Point Beach, it offers a throwback-style beach vacation, with most rooms featuring balconies and waterfront views. But the historic hotel is also one of the five official resorts of Cedar Point amusement park, and guests receive benefits like early park entry and exclusive ticket packages.

“One of the things I love most about this hotel is the feeling of nostalgia. It was built in 1905 and there are old photos hung throughout commemorating its history,” says Cleveland-based wine and spirits writer Alissa Bica Raines, who recently welcomed her second child. “I love bringing my young son there today because it’s so convenient. The pool, beach, Cedar Point Shores water park, and Cedar Point amusement park are all steps away from your hotel room. You can spend a half day by the water, get nap time in, then finish the night riding roller coasters and kiddie rides alike.”

12. The Pines at Woodloch

Hawley, Pennsylvania

One of the best all-inclusive family resorts in the country, The Pines at Woodloch (formerly known as Woodloch Resort) sits along Lake Teedyuskung in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. During the summer, you can cool off at the lakeside beach (complete with a waterslide) or splash in the indoor and outdoor pools. If you’d rather get out on the water, options range from kayaks and paddleboards to bumper boats and water-skiing. Most guest rooms have lake views, and every stay at The Pines includes a meal plan with two to three meals a day served in the main dining room.

“My kids liked that it was easy to get involved in things, try new activities, or pick up something they liked,” says Nolan. “From riding bikes, contests, and sports and games to arts and crafts sessions, cupcake decorating, and fun family rivalry, they kept you busy and involved and enjoying yourself. It was also easy to meet people, which doesn’t happen a lot on vacation.”

America’s most beloved waterfront resorts for families, according to parents and travelers originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com. 

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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: From Maine to Maui: The 12 best waterfront resorts for families