4. Pensacola Beach – Pensacola, Florida

Up in the Florida Panhandle on Santa Rosa Island, 18 miles of flour-white sand lined with beach hotels, restaurants and bars make for an easy vacation spot. Pensacola Beach Boardwalk has plenty to keep kids entertained and the public beaches have lifeguards and provisions so family beach days are simple. For a more active day, rent bicycles and ride through protected Gulf Islands National Seashore where you can stop along the way to enjoy the beach and snorkel, and see historic Fort Pickens. When it’s time for sunset, Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier and Observation Post offers a breathtaking view.