Summer's Here! Embrace the Beach at These Dreamy Coast Hotels Locations

The temperatures are rising, the days are longer, and we're living in a uniform of shorts and sandals. It's (unofficially) official: summer is upon us.

And what better way to enjoy it than planning a beach vacation with your family this year? Beach getaways are ideal for families because it's easy to keep everyone happy as they soak up the sun and frolic in the water.

Whether you prefer the iconic California coast or a mountain lake is more your style, we're sharing our insider tips on the summer's best beach destinations. Long live summer!

Santa Barbara, California

Iconic Santa Barbara sits just 90 miles north of Los Angeles, but you'd never know it. The idyllic beach community is tucked into the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains and is nicknamed the "American Riviera" for its remarkable Mediterranean charm. Perpetual sunshine and calm waters make Santa Barbara a top choice for family beach vacations.

Must-visit Santa Barbara beaches include:

• Leadbetter Beach
• Miramar Beach
• East Beach
• Butterfly Beach

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel, overlooks the harbor and gives you easy access to its namesake West Beach, plus several other Santa Barbara beaches. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, heated outdoor pool, complimentary bike rentals with close proximity to the popular Cabrillo Bike Path, and free self-parking.

Osoyoos, BC

Situated on 10.5-kilometers-long Osoyoos Lake in extreme southern British Columbia, Osoyoos is one of the best beach destinations in Canada. Unlike much of the rest of the country, this area, part of the Okanagan Valley, enjoys a warm, sunny climate for much of the year. Between the broad sandy beaches, lakeside parks and picnic areas, watersports, and nearby hiking trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Osoyoos.

Must-visit Osoyoos beaches include:

• Cottonwood Park
• Gyro Beach
• Legion Beach

Where to stay in Osoyoos

Head to the Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel for the ultimate beach getaway, complete with direct beach access! Other hotel highlights include an indoor pool with a family-favorite waterslide, complimentary breakfast, and in-room Starbucks coffee and tea.

Waimea, Kauai; HI

If you're planning to head to the beach this summer, why not go all-out and treat your family to a Hawaiian vacation? Located on Kauai's quiet, dry west-side (the northern side of the island gets twice as much rain each year!), Kauai is defined by pristine sandy beaches, dramatic rugged coastlines, and lush mountains. There are also opportunities for every imaginable outdoor pursuit here, from hiking and surfing to snorkeling and whale-watching.

Must-visit Waimea beaches include:

• Kekaha Beach
• Salt Pond Beach
• Polihale Beach 

Where to stay on Kauai

A stay at Waimea Plantation Cottages transports you to "old Hawaii," a time when the island was quieter and life moved at a slower pace. Enjoy a private lovingly-refreshed historic plantation home with a private lanai and fully-equipped kitchen on the property’s 43 oceanfront acres of lush tropical landscaping. The resort is located on a two-mile long,  black sand walking beach!

Parksville, BC

Vancouver Island is world-renowned as a beautiful, diverse destination in BC. There are sweeping mountains, dense forest, unique sand flats, and even sandy beaches — some with unique features like tide pools. Parksville, on the east side of the island, is ideally situated for exploring all the area's top attractions, and it has a distinct small-town charm you'll love, too.

Must-visit Parksville beaches include:

• Rathtrevor Beach
• Parksville Beach
• Qualicum Beach

Where to stay in Parksville

Be close to both the beach and downtown when you stay at the Coast Parksville Hotel. The small, pet-friendly hotel packs a big punch, offering complimentary wi-fi and parking, an outdoor courtyard with community BBQ grill, and a number of guest rooms with kitchenette suites.

Kelowna, BC

Located along the center of picturesque Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is another dreamy choice for a beach vacation. Kelowna is perhaps best-known as a wine destination — a well-earned reputation — but that's only the beginning. The city also has a legendary farm-to-table food scene, and the lake and beaches here are particularly lovely, surrounded by mountains and thickly-forested hills.

Must-visit Kelowna beaches include:

• Waterfront Park
• City Park
• Gyro Beach

Where to stay in Kelowna

You're visiting Kelowna for the beach (and perhaps the food and wine as well!), so choose the Coast Capri Hotel to be in close range of Okanagan Lake. The pet-friendly hotel itself offers several family-friendly amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, fitness centre, and complimentary parking.

Oliver, BC

We've touched quite a bit on what a fantastic wine region the Okanagan Valley is as a whole. However, the small, picturesque town of Oliver is widely considered the "Wine Capital of Canada." Nearly half of BC's vineyards are located here! That's largely because of Oliver's unique climate. Situated in Canada's only desert region, Oliver is rather warm and dry — perfect for growing grapes, but also for beach days on nearby Tuc-El-Nuit Lake.

Rotary Beach is the only public beach on the lake, but it has plenty to offer. Sunbathe on the sand, picnic in the grass, let the kiddos run wild on the playground, or bring your paddleboard or kayak. Motorized watercraft aren't allowed on the lake, so it's especially idyllic.

Where to stay in Oliver

The Coast Oliver Hotel puts you in the center of everything this small town has to offer: wineries, golf, hiking trails, and of course, Tuc-El-Nuit Lake.

Tsawwassen, BC

Many people haven't even heard of Tsawwassen, a small city in southwestern BC, just 40 minutes from Vancouver. One interesting thing about Tsawwassen, though, is that it's known as the "Land of Sun." The beach community's abundance of sunshine, combined with its laid-back lifestyle and incredible views of the North Cascades, put it near the top of our list of best beach getaways. And bonus: you won't find any crowds here.

Must-visit Tsawwassen beaches include:

• Centennial Beach at Boundary Bay Regional Park
• Fred Gingel Park
• Crescent Beach - a beach community in Surrey, but only located 20 minutes from Tsawwassen
• Deas Island Park - great spot for paddle boarding!

Where to stay in Tsawwassen

Conveniently located just minutes from several beaches and the BC Ferry terminal, the Coast Tsawwassen Inn is a fantastic accommodation choice for your beach vacation. The all-suite hotel offers free continental breakfast each morning, plus a brand-new gym and the innovative Browns Socialhouse restaurant onsite.