A waterfront resort provides an unparalleled vacation experience. Whether it’s located on a sandy beach, next to a beautiful lake, or alongside a winding river, these resorts offer something special for families. I gathered insights from my travels and talked with parents across the country to find their top picks for waterfront hotels and resorts in the U.S. These family-centric resorts ensure that stunning scenery and water-based fun are always at hand.

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1. Sea Island

Location: Sea Island, Georgia

The Golden Isles of Georgia are one of my preferred vacation hotspots, largely due to their historical treasures like Sea Island. This resort island on the Atlantic has welcomed visitors since 1928. Options for staying here range from cozy private cottages to lavish guest rooms and suites in The Cloister, a stunning Spanish-colonial hotel designed by Addison Mizner.

“It’s a beloved family destination where families have been returning for generations to make lasting memories,” shares travel writer and editor Angela Caraway-Carlton from Florida. “In the evening, a photographer roams The Cloister’s lobby to capture families dressed in their finest. It’s delightful to see the kids in their little suits and fancy dresses, all smiles for the camera.”

The resort offers classic vacation amenities such as pools and a beach club alongside unique activities like horseback riding on the beach, beach shelling via golf cart, and the resort’s Hawk Walk. “It was thrilling to see fearless children partake in the Hawk Walk on Rainbow Island, where a hawk lands on your gloved arm,” Caraway-Carlton remarks. “They didn’t even bat an eye!”

2. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Location: Ko Olina, Hawai‘i

Combining the magic of Disney with the beauty of Hawaii creates a resort perfect for unforgettable family moments. Here, families can meet beloved Disney characters while witnessing stunning Hawaiian sunsets, observing marine life, and indulging in Hawaiian shaved ice.

“Our family enjoys the unique mix of Disney storytelling with an authentic Hawaiian beach getaway at Aulani,” says Dave Parfitt, a FamilyVacationist contributor. “One memorable moment was sailing on a canoe tour, channeling our inner Moana while watching sea turtles swim by. If your family loves Disney but seeks a more relaxed beach trip rather than the high-energy atmosphere of a theme park, Aulani is the ideal choice.”

“Aulani is not just our favorite resort; my kids declared it the best vacation we’ve ever had,” shares Meagan Wristen, a mother of three who runs the blog Mommy Travels. “The teen program was exceptional, the family activities were fun and engaging, and, naturally, Mickey was there too.”

3. Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

Location: Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Located on a 72-acre protected peninsula near El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico offers an exciting blend of nature and luxury.

If you’re seeking the ultimate vacation atmosphere, check out the beautiful waterfront resort where the philosophy is that “doing nothing means everything.” With oceanfront hammocks, poolside cabanas, and a wonderfully calming spa, there’s no shortage of ways to totally unwind.

However, if you prefer to stay active, there are plenty of options. Dive into Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style swimming pool, take a kayak adventure in the Atlantic, challenge yourself at a TopGolf Swing Suite, or play a round on the 27-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Kite. Choose from 17 diverse dining venues, including beachside food trucks for quick family meals.

For families, the resort presents its unique hotel-within-a-hotel option, Villas en la Reserva. These spacious villas come with kitchenettes, separate living areas with queen sleeper sofas, and balconies or patios that feature ocean vistas. Staying here grants you access to a private pool area, a coffee shop, plus a poolside bar and restaurant. My personal favorite aspect of the Villas en la Reserva? The delightful Monday and Tuesday morning delivery of pan sobao, a beloved Puerto Rican bread served warm with honey butter and local cheese—it’s as delicious as it sounds!

4. Inn by the Sea

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Sitting on a mile of sandy shore, Inn by the Sea is a stunning location for a family getaway across generations. Guests can select from traditional rooms or spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, many of which feature balconies and cozy gas fireplaces. With a heated pool, a full-service spa, and engaging activities such as yoga, beach ecology walks, and a kid-centric Bug’s Life Tour, families—including their furry friends—can genuinely enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

“Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth is a quintessential Maine seaside retreat and my all-time favorite,” remarks FamilyVacationist contributor Allison Tibaldi. “You walk along a private boardwalk to Crescent Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sand with a lighthouse in the backdrop. It’s the true essence of New England charm, and Portland is just a 15-minute drive away.”

5. The Osthoff Resort

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

With spacious suites, three swimming pools, an arcade for kids, an on-site cooking school, and a spa, The Osthoff Resort is an ideal location for a family-friendly lakeside vacation.

“Visiting The Osthoff Resort by Elkhart Lake felt like enjoying a luxurious upgrade to a classic family summer camp,” shares Nicky Omohundro, a mother of three and the owner/editor of Little Family Adventure. “The lake is a significant attraction, providing opportunities for swimming, sailing, fishing, and kayaking. I’ve had some of my finest fishing experiences on this lake. However, what really set this resort apart were the thoughtful details that made it family-centric.”

“The private beach and fire pit by the lake provided a perfect way to unwind at day’s end,” she adds. “My fondest memories from the trip were created under a starlit sky, roasting s’mores, and sharing stories around the fires.

6. Omni Amelia Island Resort

Fernandina Beach, Florida

Located on a beautiful stretch of Atlantic beachfront on a barrier island off Florida’s northeast coast, Omni Amelia Island Resort allows guests to rent chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas to enjoy the beach. You’ll likely have plenty of fun swimming, searching for seashells, body surfing, and building sandcastles. The resort features a family pool, a nautical-themed splash pad, and an adults-only pool for all your cooling needs, along with mini-golf, a beginner-friendly 10-hole golf course, bike rentals, and a nature center with tours and family programs.

“This luxury resort is renowned for its exceptional spa services, beach access, and close proximity to all the enjoyable activities in Fernandina Beach,” remarks Megan duBois, FamilyVacationist’s senior theme park editor. “Additionally, I appreciate that the resort hosts the Fish to Fork culinary festival every year, showcasing the bounty of Florida’s waters.”

7. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

Point Clear, Alabama

A beloved destination since 1847, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, part of the Autograph Collection, spans 550 acres with beautiful views of Mobile Bay close to the delightful city of Fairhope. Families can engage in various activities such as tennis, pickleball, croquet, and play on two 18-hole golf courses, not to mention a seasonal outdoor pool complete with a water slide and splash pad. Visitors also cherish the daily ritual that begins by the lobby fireplace, involves the ceremonial firing of a replica cannon from the 1800s on Mobile Bay’s edge, and concludes with light snacks back at the hotel.

“The Grand Hotel is fantastic; it embodies the essence of Southern hospitality,” shares Caraway-Carlton. “I’ve been visiting since I was a kid. It caters to both tourists and locals, making it a favorite in the community. Fairhope feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie.”

8. Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

Cooper Landing, Alaska

Nestled on 47 acres by the Kenai River, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge offers breathtaking views of mountains and water. When not enjoying the scenery from the resort’s deck, guests can unwind by the lobby fireplace or in their rooms with a wood-burning stove after a thrilling day filled with hiking, rafting, and sportfishing.

“Staying at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge was more than just lodging; it was an immersive experience connecting me with nature, my companions, and fellow guests,” recalls Omohundro. “Enjoying morning coffee by the riverbank ranks among my best travel memories.”

“Although the guided fishing and rafting experiences were unforgettable, it was the relaxation at the lodge that truly made the trip special. We lounged on our cozy cabin deck, enjoyed the natural beauty around us, ventured on nature walks to spot wildlife, and in the evenings, we gathered with other guests for snacks and bonfire storytelling.”

9. Fairmont Kea Lani

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

Fairmont Kea Lani features 413 spacious one-bedroom suites alongside 37 two- and three-bedroom villas, catering to families of any size. Besides access to a beautiful white-sand beach, guests can enjoy two family-friendly pools linked by a 140-foot water slide, as well as an adult-only pool. The resort also offers Hawaiian cultural activities, including the must-see complimentary Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Experience, starting with a traditional chant at sunrise.

“Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui is the most stunning, family-friendly yet luxurious resort I’ve ever visited,” states Amber M. Shimel, a Florida mother of five who manages the blog Amber Likes. “My children fondly recall the fantastic sitter provided by the hotel on one occasion. They also loved the variety of family-friendly activities, and the beach offered plenty of shade and grassy areas ideal for toddlers.”

10. Henderson Beach Resort & Spa

Destin, Florida

As the only luxury resort in Destin, Henderson Beach Resort & Spa offers various accommodations, from standard rooms and suites to vacation rentals featuring up to three bedrooms—ideal for a family getaway in Florida’s Panhandle. Regardless of your choice, you’ll get access to a pristine stretch of white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico, numerous pools, a lazy river, a kids’ club during summer and spring vacations, outdoor games, bike rentals, and a fitness studio with yoga classes.

“While many think of Destin as just a vacation rental location, the effort involved in that can be overwhelming,” points out Holly Johnson, a mom of two and family travel expert at ClubThrifty.com. “Henderson Beach Resort provides the options to enjoy a luxury resort stay like at other destinations. You can have food delivered by the pool, enjoy the spa services, and more, eliminating the hassles of managing a vacation rental. You can indulge in pampering throughout your stay if you wish.”

11. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Experience the charm of Lowcountry at The Beach Club located in Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, where visitors can enjoy scenic water views from the resort’s expansive porches. Travel writer Sharon Nolan, who has journeyed extensively with her three now-adult children, notes, “The decor features a bright and clean nautical theme, and there are two pools—one with a zero-entry that’s ideal for young kids.”

The resort offers a variety of activities, including a sailing school, evening bonfires, lawn games, a seasonal kids’ club, and yoga outdoors. Nolan expresses her appreciation for the resort, stating, “It is great for families because there are so many options available. This variety can be especially beneficial for families with kids of different ages. Additionally, family suites foster closeness while giving parents the freedom to have their own time without waking the little ones.”

Originally, the article titled America’s best waterfront resorts was published on FamilyVacationist.com.