Where to Go

4 Must Visit Destinations For Your Next Family Beach Vacation With Hilton Grand Vacations

You’ll find small-town charm and plenty of sunshine in these seaside cities

The Vacationeer
Idyllic coastal scene, waves washing ashore, mountains in the distances, cotton candy colored skies.

Picture yourself lounging on a pristine beach, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and watching the waves roll to the shore. The stress of your daily schedule is a distant memory, replaced by the soothing rhythm of palm trees swaying in the breeze. It’s the kind of seaside escape that inspires you to unplug and reconnect with the ones you love. And that’s exactly what a family beach trip with Hilton Grand Vacations is all about.

Here are four charming beach towns to add to your travel bucket list.

1. Daytona Beach, Florida

Why Go: You’ll find fun at every turn when you stay and play on Daytona Beach. This family-friendly beach town is a must-visit destination on Florida’s east coast and offers a long list of entertainment options — from world-class golf to endless water sports and an iconic speedway.

Beautiful aerial image, Port Orange Bridge, clear blue skies, blue water, Daytona Beach, Florida.    

What To Do:

  • Make a splash. With the Atlantic Ocean and Halifax River at your fingertips, water-based fun abounds. Rent a paddleboard or kayak to search for dolphins and manatees. Cast a line and catch some rays on a fishing charter. Or simply hit the beach for an afternoon of swimming, surfing and boogie boarding. You can also opt for twisty waterslides at Daytona Lagoon.
  • Feel the need for speed. Buckle up and hold on for some high-octane excitement at Daytona International Speedway. Tour the facility or attend one of the many motorsports events and races held throughout the year.
  • Play on the boardwalk. Shopping, snack bars, Skee-Ball and sky-high thrills collide on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier. Visit the classic arcade, stroll the Ocean Walk Shoppes, catch a performance at the Daytona Beach Bandshell and enjoy an ice cream cone before snapping a selfie by the water. Insider tip: You’ll see fireworks every Saturday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Where To Stay: Daytona Beach Regency, a Hilton Vacation Club is an ideal seaside escape. Spend your day at the pool or on the beach, then head back to your spacious Studio, Junior, 1- or 2-Bedroom Suite to relax and unwind.

2. Avila Beach, California

Why Go: Nestled off Highway 1 on California’s stunning Central Coast, you’ll find the relaxed seaside town of Avila Beach. Here, laid-back vibes, natural beauty and sunny skies come together to make every stay one to remember.

Stunning aerial view, cliffs, crashing waves, blue skies, Avila Beach, California.    

What To Do:

  • Hit the beach. Gentle waves, soft golden sand and a backdrop of rugged cliffs make Avila Beach a solid choice for sunbathing, swimming, people watching and relaxing.
  • Raise a glass. Make your way to family-owned Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards to sip and savor their award-winning apple chardonnay, made from the area’s See Canyon apples.
  • Blaze a trail. The Bob Jones City to Sea Trail is a 2.5-mile path that runs straight to Avila Beach. It’s covered by grand oaks and wanders along the San Luis Obispo Creek. You can rent a bike and cruise down to the ocean or enjoy a leisurely stroll in the shade.
  • Paddle around. The sheltered coastline and calm waters of Avila Bay are ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking adventures. Consider taking a guided tour with Avila Beach Paddlesports to spot dolphins, find secret beaches and see the old Point San Luis Lighthouse.
  • Shop and dine downtown. Find eclectic shops, popular restaurants and unique art galleries on Front Street at the Avila Beach Promenade. This sea-facing, pedestrian-only area is also home to events like the Avila Beach Farmers Market and Art on the Beach.

Where To Stay: San Luis Bay Inn, a Hilton Vacation Club keeps you close to Avila Beach’s best sites. The resort’s comfortable and well-appointed Studio, 1- and 2-Bedroom Suites provide plenty of room for the whole family. You’ll also enjoy the on-site amenities, including an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, fitness center and activity center.

3. Ormond Beach, Florida

Why Go: Sunshine meets serenity in Ormond Beach. Located just 15 minutes north of Daytona, this tranquil town has a rich history and welcoming vibe that invites you to experience the natural beauty of Old Florida.

Calming beach scene, sand dunes, rolling waves, blue skies, Ormond Beach, Florida.    

What To Do:

  • Enjoy a beach day. Perfect for families, the Andy Romano Beachfront Park provides easy access to all your beach-day essentials: pavilions, outdoor grills, covered picnic areas, concession stands, a splash pad, playgrounds, showers and restrooms.
  • Step into nature. Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, bird watching, canoeing — Tomoka State Park has it all. Escape the hustle-bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Consider renting a kayak to explore wild stretches of the Tomoka River.
  • Try a flight. Ormond Brewing Company is Volusia County’s first craft brewery. Founded in 2013, this local gem sources most of its ingredients from the Ormond Beach area. Stop by to try a few of the 18 beers they have on tap. You can also sample local wines by the glass.
  • Take the scenic route. The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is a 30-mile double loop of lightly traveled roadways that traverse some of the most unspoiled coastal scenery in Florida. With several entry points, The Loop winds through three state parks and delivers vistas of rivers, creeks, marshes, barrier island dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.

Where To Stay: The Cove on Ormond Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club is your home away from home on Florida’s east coast. Wake up in your comfortable Studio, 1- or 2-Bedroom Suite, then make breakfast in your fully equipped kitchen before heading out to claim your spot in the sun.

4. Lahaina, Hawaii

Why Go: Lush forests, picture-perfect waterfalls, sun-drenched shores, pristine bays and turquoise water are just a few of the reasons you’ll want to visit the seaside city of Lahaina. Tucked between the coast and the West Maui Mountains, this treasured town is home to some of the best beaches and stunning landscapes in Hawaii.

Gorgeous pool and ocean view from Hilton Vacation Club Ka'anapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii.    

What To Do:

  • Soak up the sun. Three miles of pristine white sand and deep-blue water help make Ka'anapali Beach one of the most popular spots on Maui. Napili Beach offers a more laid-back vibe. Its crescent-shaped cove is idea for swimming and snorkeling, too. You’ll see a variety of reef fish as well as Hawaiian sea turtles.
  • See whales in the wild. Lahaina is one of the world’s best places to take a whale-watching tour. That’s because each year from November through May, North Pacific Humpback whales make their way to the warm waters of Lahaina to hang out off the coast of Maui.
  • Go to an authentic luau. Embrace the aloha spirit and experience an unforgettable evening filled with Hawaiian cuisine, live drumming, fire-knife performances and traditional dances at the Myths of Maui Luau.
  • Cruise into the sunset. Taking a scenic boat ride or dinner cruise out of Lahaina harbor at sunset is a must-do for amazing views of Maui’s mountains, wildlife and offshore islands.
  • Catch a wave. Lahaina is a wonderful place to learn how to surf. You can find mellow breaks and beginner waves to ensure a gentle ride at popular spots like Launiupoko Beach Park. Check out a local surf school to snag a lesson.

Where To Stay: Hilton Vacation Club Ka'anapali Beach blends comfort and convenience to make your Maui getaway more enjoyable. Stretch out in spacious 1- and 2-Bedroom Suites that feature balconies with scenic and ocean views. You’ll also enjoy the convenient on-site services and resort-style amenities, including the outdoor pool and hot tub.

One of the top benefits of Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare is the ever-growing list of new cities to visit. Check out “3 Family-Friendly Destinations To Discover” to see where else you can make memories together.

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Vacationeer

The Vacationeer

The Vacationeer is a collective of Hilton Grand Vacations storytellers whose goal is to inspire travelers to go further. We're always on the lookout for new destinations to explore, useful travel tips, and unique ideas to help you plan the most memorable vacations possible.

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