The Best Family Beach Vacations

The best family beach vacations are scattered across the globe; traveling to these locations is typically more involved than the trek to their American counterparts, but the effort is well rewarded. This is paradise sans parking lot - hidden gem locales that glimmer with a beauty you thought was only possible with CGI. They are, in short, the sort of beach vacation that immediately becomes a core part of your family's lore - the sort of trip that will still be brought up 30 Thanksgivings from now. We've compiled three possible beach vacations for your consideration; each promises to take the family vacay to the next level.

Hawaii

For many, a family beach vacation to Hawaii looms large in the imaginations of many as America's best beach option - and how could it not, with its volcanic landscapes covered in rainforest and dotted with waterfalls, all of which is encircled by stunning beaches? Each island promises a slightly different flavor of tropical paradise, so deciding which one to visit is just as important as deciding on Hawaii in the first place.

Your family trip might be:

• To O'ahu, packed full of kid-friendly possibilities like tuna in a poke bowl. Stroll the lush grounds of the Foster Botanical Garden or hike the wild equivalent with the Manoa Falls Take an educational field trip to the Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial, or to the Polynesian Cultural Center. And, of course, don't forget the beaches: Waikiki Beach is the go-to for families looking for calm water, but if your kids are competent swimmers, consider snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - swimming with some 450 species of tropical fish and the odd green sea turtle makes for priceless moments.

• To Maui, full of one-of-a-kind sights and moments. At the top of any list (and the island itself is watching the sun rise or set from the summit of Haleakala National Park - words cannot do it justice. Go snorkeling in the crystal-clear water of Molokini Crater, take a surf lesson at Cove Beach Park or kick back and relax on the black-sand beaches of Wai?anapanapa State Park.

• To Kauai, a refuge of stunning natural beauty; this island has served as the backdrop for "Jurassic Park" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" The pace of life is quieter here compared to the other isles; long walks on the beach along Hanalei Bay are a given. Or, see for yourself why Poipu Beach Park has been voted the #1 beach in America. If you're looking for an active outing, rent kayaks and paddle up Wailua River as it bisects the rainforest.

• A celebration - such as a graduation or a grandparent retiring - deserves an authentic Hawaiian lu'au. This cultural tradition is a feast for celebrating special occasions; a timeless party for the times in life that call for it. Every island sports several venues that offer it. Chow down on succulent Kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon and coconut pudding while you enjoy Polynesian music and hula dancing.

Costa Rica

In a Caribbean full of flawless beaches and tropical resorts, and with countries like the Bahamas and Jamaica being household names, Costa Rica isn't always the first to come to mind - and that blind spot is what makes it so magical. A family beach vacation here sees you awash in wanderlust, rich with experiences and (comparatively speaking) few other tourists to share it with.

On your family trip to Costa Rica you might want to:

• Hike or zip-line through the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest - it is exactly what it sounds like: a rainforest coated in clouds, the thick fog adding an element of surreal enchantment to an already captivating ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for a rare sighting of a resplendent quetzal flitting through the canopy.

• Observe endangered sea turtles nesting at Tortuguero National Park. Depending on the season in which you visit, you may be able to watch sea turtles crawl up the beach to dig a hole and lay their eggs - many insist it is a bucket-list moment after having seen it for themselves.

• Sample delectable local delicacies with chocolate tours throughout the La Fortuna Stroll a cocoa plantation, admire cocoa trees, observe cocoa bean fermentation and even try your hand at roasting and grinding the beans to make your own confection. Perfect for any sweet-tooths in your family - delicious and educational!

• Learn to shred with a private surf lesson at Playa Grande. Renowned for year-round waves, the breaks are generally less crowded (which makes it perfect for a newbie to get more reps in).

• Let your stress melt away in a hot spring. Whether it's the tension of your everyday or the weariness that comes from days of hiking, the whole family will delight in a soothing soak at any of the premier hot springs surrounding the Arenal Volcano.

Fiji

If the occasion calls for pulling out all the stops and the kids are old enough for a trans-Pacific flight, then there is truly no locale quite as enchanting as Fiji. This is paradise on a whole other level; a beach getaway that will inevitably become your gold standard. Plus, just about every resort sports a kids club - so you do have the option for a parents-only afternoon to relax or adventure as you see fit.

Assuming you visit the isle of Viti Levu, on your big family adventure you can:

• Lounge at idyllic Malamala Beach Club. Unofficially holding the title of "World's First Island Beach Club," this is paradise squared - an exclusive luxury venue with a pristine isle all for itself. Good music, delicious food and (of course) gorgeous turquoise waters are the perfect recipe for a carefree day.

• Embark on a safari up the Sigatoka River in a jet boat. Between 360-degree boat spins and stunning riverfront landscapes, stop by Fijian villages for an authentic cultural experience. The adults might enjoy a sip or two of kava, Fiji's ceremonial drink for welcoming you to the village.

• Explore Kula Wild Adventure Park. Located along the Coral Coast, this is Fiji's only wildlife conservation park - but it's also more than that. Embark on a nature walk through acres of forest via an elevated boardwalk. Hand-feed sea turtles or pet an iguana. Zip line through the forest canopy or splash into a good time with Fiji's only jungle waterslide. This is a hands-on, maximum-fun approach to conservation - perfect for captivating all ages.

• Play in the mud at Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool. Coat yourself in the mineral-rich mud (make it clear to the kids: Don't do this at home), let it dry, then rinse off in a shower before soaking in a relaxing hot spring. You'll finish feeling refreshed, recharged and ready for another day in paradise.

The Secret to a Perfect Vacation

The best way to make the most of any family beach vacation is by booking it with All About the Magic Travel. Not only will you have plenty of time to experience the moments listed above, but you'll also relish the many possibilities that we can unlock. Besides having a treasure trove of insider tips and recommendations for your trip as well as being able to provide unparalleled peace of mind for any of life's logistical curveballs, we have close working relationships with all the leading names in travel - helping guarantee a whole host of cushy perks, deep discounts and exclusive amenities. We know travel, so we can help you choose, plan and book your family's beach vacation to perfection. Reach out to All About the Magic Travel to plan your perfect beach getaway today.

Melisa Barron, All About the Magic Travel