Sanibel Island, Florida

Nearly 15 miles of seashells are yours for the pickin’ on Sanibel Island, known as one of the country’s top destinations for this family-friendly activity. This family beach destination on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico has all the ingredients for a kid’s dream vacation — soft white sand, gentle surf, and shallow water — plus the educational possibilities that parents love. Teach the children about ecotourism at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where bald eagles and more than 300 other species of birds, reptiles, and mammals reside, or, give them a thrill on an Everglades Day Safari in the Florida Everglades, less than two hours away. Tennis, golf, shopping, and biking mean that there’s plenty for grown-ups to enjoy on Sanibel, too.