For many families, summer would not be complete without an adventure to the shore, so we asked our fellow travel writers to share their favorite beaches in the U S for a family vacation and were overwhelmed by the variety of beaches they had to share. Not a single repetition in the bunch! Whether your family likes to collect shells, mingle with the wildlife, or take long rides on the boardwalk, each one of these beaches has something different to offer. This post covers all of their favorite beaches in the United States, from the east to the west, each one has something that makes them stand out as one of the best!

Favorite Beaches on the East Coast

Favorites along the east coast usually include beaches in Massachusetts, South Carolina, and the Hamptons, but surprisingly, none of our contributors mentioned any of these beaches. Here are the ones they found most appealing.

Mother of All Trips loves visiting the Delaware beaches with kids and shares her tips for seeing the shore.

Two Moms A Little Time and a Keyboard loves the surf, sand, and sea creatures in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Tips for Family Trips gives a list of tips for planning a beach vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

Kids Unplugged makes an argument for why Stone Harbor is the best town on the Jersey Shore.

Find and Go Seek tells us why Ocean City and the Jersey Shore is worth the 9 hour drive!

Favorite Beaches in Florida (and one in Texas)

It was obvious from the responses received that Florida is a favorite for most. From its small islands to family friendly beaches, the Sunshine State really does offer some of the finest beaches around.

Tips for Family Trips has another favorite in Florida, and it’s Clearwater Beach. They love everything from the sugar sand beaches to the free family events.

Michelle at Trekaroo talks about the relaxation her family found on North Captiva Island.

The Traveling Praters enjoys the sea shell lined shores of Mickler’s Beach near Jacksonville.

Growing Up Bilingual discusses the best things to do with kids in New Smyrna Beach.

How to Survive Life in the Suburbs loves the uniqueness of Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs.

365 Things to Do In Southwest Florida has many recommendations, including: Lovers Key State Park, La Costa Island, and Sanibel Island Lighthouse Beach. They all look fantastic!

Our Traveling Tribe loved everything about their visit to Padre Island National Seashore in Texas and since it’s on the Gulf of Mexico (and Florida is too), I thought it should be with these beaches.

Favorite Beaches in the Midwest

Most people do not think of the Midwest when they think of beaches, and that’s really a shame. The shorelines of the Great Lakes are lined with sand dunes, pebbles, forests, and quaint towns, and really shouldn’t be missed.

Road Trips for Families kicks off the best in the Midwest with their 5 favorite beaches for skipping stones in Door County, Wisconsin.

Nate and Rachael explain why the best beach isn’t necessarily on the ocean, and share their tips for visiting the Indiana Dunes.

The Traveling Praters visits one of the longest beaches on Lake Erie, Headlands Beach State Park, and tells why it’s a must visit.

The Wandering Educators shares the Top 10 Beach Towns on Michigan’s Sunset Coast, and makes me want to visit each and every one.

Favorite Beaches out West

The Pacific Ocean also has beautiful beaches, and they’re not just in California.

Wild Tales Of… discovered some unusual creatures at Long Beach, along Washington’s coast and lived to tell about it. LOL

Luxe Recess loves the Shore Hotel in Santa Monica and how close it is to Santa Monica Beach and pier.

Mimi Slawloff of Traveling Mom.com reveals California’s lesser known, but equally stunning beach towns.

Have Baby Will Travel shares some of the highlights of Orange County, California.

Macaroni Kid visits my favorite resort and beach of all time, the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, California. In my opinion, it is truly one of the best.

Mommy Travels writes about all the fun to be had in Newport, Oregon including beaches, accommodations, and places to refuel.

I always knew everyone had their favorite beach, but I never knew everyone’s choices would be so diverse. All of these places look fantastic and they only make me want to travel more and explore all of the beaches we have in the United States. Keep an eye out next week for everyone’s favorite beaches overseas, but in the meantime:

What is your favorite beach in the United States and why?