Top Beach Vacation Spots 2022

If you want to take a vacation, but you don’t want to spend the whole time in your hotel room, these 10 best beach vacation ideas are just what you need! The best luxury beach vacation ideas are full of things to do and places to see, so you won’t be bored no matter how sunny it is outside! The best affordable family beach vacations will make everyone happy, even those who can’t sit still long enough to read the paper.

1.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

A Caribbean island chain located east of Cuba, Cayman Islands, offers a range of different areas that offer all types of vacation experiences. The southern part is a bit more relaxed and features fun things to do like SCUBA diving, snorkeling, sailing, cycling, fishing or kayaking. If you prefer an island hopping experience then you might want to stay at Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman Island; its calm waters and plenty of activities such as parasailing make it an ideal beach destination for families. Another great option is Stingray City which can be reached by boat from Grand Cayman Island or from Little Cayman Island.

2.

BAHAMAS

A Bahamas vacation will cost you—and a lot, depending on where you stay—but that’s to be expected from an island so close to Florida. The trip from Miami is only about two hours. The Bahamas also have something for everyone, whether you want to party like it’s 1999 or hang out in your hammock all day. Consider Nassau for fast food, shopping, and nightclubs, or explore Paradise Island for more upmarket luxury hotels. On San Salvador Island in particular, there are many eco-tourism opportunities including diving with sea turtles.

3.

FLORIDA

One of best beach vacation ideas is to go to Florida. There are several islands that you can visit in Florida. Each island offers something unique, a different climate and landscape. You may choose between Miami Beach, which has some of the best weather in all of America with balmy temperatures all year round. Another popular destination on Florida’s coast is Key West. This location offers a beach vacation experience unlike any other with its laid back vibe complete with street performers who double as vendors walking up and down Duval Street.

4.

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina is known for its beach, many of which have family-friendly activities, hotels and warm weather. Some top beach destinations in South Carolina include Myrtle Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Kiawah Island, Edisto Island State Park, Folly Beach and Okatie. If you're looking to go abroad for a beach vacation, consider Costa Rica or Fiji. The best time to go on a beach vacation is summer or early fall when it's not too hot or crowded. You might also consider staying near a national park because most national parks offer educational programs for children and families during certain seasons of the year.

5.

HAWAII

Hawaii is easily one of the best beach vacation ideas. There’s so much to do from luaus to zip-lining to lazing on white sand beaches. One of our top family beach vacations for a number of reasons including cost, weather and adventure. With a little planning and some budgeting, you can have an incredible time in Hawaii without breaking your bank account. If you’re looking for luxury beach vacation ideas , Hawaii won’t disappoint. Not only are its resorts magnificent but they also run at reasonable prices as well because they are in such high demand! You can get a great deal on all-inclusive packages that include airfare too.

6.

MALDIVES

The Maldives is a group of nearly 1,200 islands that form an archipelago just off of India.

The weather is tropical and hot, but don’t let that fool you—there are plenty of activities for your whole family to enjoy! Rent a bike or moped and ride it all over North Male’ Atoll; spend an afternoon snorkeling on Kuramathi Island; try windsurfing, parasailing, or kayaking at Kuredu Island Resort & Spa. And, if you can swing it, we recommend diving under one of the most beautiful coral reefs in existence. Baskets are available so you can explore underwater with zero experience necessary—talk about perfect for kids!

If you like beaches, there are plenty of those too. You can even get married here: there are several resorts that offer all-inclusive weddings. If you have time, take a day trip to Gan island (the largest island in the Maldives) for some hiking and wildlife spotting (including turtles!).

For more information on how to plan your trip to Maldives, check out our detailed guide here .

7.

ITALY

Italy, a beautiful place with lots to do. Italy is perfect for couples who want to take a trip together, or parents looking for an affordable beach vacation. There are many activities you can do while in Italy, such as food tours and wine tasting, visiting small villages like Cinque Terre and sitting on large sandy beaches. However, be sure to pack comfortable shoes because you will be doing A LOT of walking! One benefit to going during summer months is that it’s warmer, although it could get crowded. Another benefit is that it’s not too expensive! For a quick getaway you can head to France or Spain instead; they are only about 4 hours away by plane but still have all of the amenities you need for your next beach vacation.

8.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The best beach vacation in the Caribbean is not necessarily on an island. The Dominican Republic shares a peninsula with Haiti to its west; between it lies some of history’s most stunning beaches, like Punta Cana. Sunny year-round, it offers all-inclusive resort packages that include accommodations as well as food and drink (like top-shelf alcohol) for a price comparable to other islands' luxury resorts. Not sure if you can afford it? Before booking anything check out our travel deal page which shows great deals on hotels in Punta Cana! Some of these deals are over 70% off regular prices.

9.

CALIFORNIA

An American favorite, California is known for its long stretches of golden sand beaches, surfing opportunities, seafood, great weather and year-round festivals. Whether you want to surf, swim or lounge around in luxury, California has something for everyone. The most common areas for beach vacations include Malibu (known for celebrity sightings), Santa Monica (close to LA), Ventura (beach towns with a laid back vibe) and Laguna Beach (closer to San Diego). Be sure to consider your needs when choosing a place to stay; hotels often offer amenities that cater to certain beach activities. Stay close to home in Ventura if you're looking for an affordable place with great surf spots – or head south toward Santa Barbara if you want beautiful weather all year round.

10.

FRANCE

France, also known as La Belle France, is a popular choice for beach vacations. It has long been a favorite country to vacation in, thanks to its rich history and stunning architecture. Today, France is a very modern country with all of today’s amenities such as restaurants, hotels and things to do that appeal to tourists who want an old-world vacation experience. Regardless of your budget or travel style (luxury beach vacations, family friendly etc.), there are plenty of amazing French destinations where you can kick back on a beautiful beach with sand dunes towering over you or go hiking through lush forests.