10 Best Beaches in Goa for Family (Family-Friendly Shores)

Goa is a coastal state in India known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and vibrant culture. It is a popular tourist destination for travellers from all over the world, including families. With its long stretches of golden sand, clear blue waters, and diverse activities, Goa has something to offer everyone. When choosing a beach, it is important to consider the most important factors to your family, such as the type of activities you are interested in. If you are planning a family vacation to Goa, you may wonder which beaches are the best for families. Here is a guide to the best beaches in Goa for family:

Best Beaches in Goa for Family (Top Family-Friendly Beaches)

1. Candolim Beach

Candolim Beach is one of the most popular family beaches in Goa, and for good reason. It is a great beach for families, as it offers a variety of activities and amenities that are perfect for all ages. Candolim Beach has a gentle slope and calm waters, making it a safe place for children to swim. Water sports activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides are available. If you are hungry, there are several family-friendly restaurants and cafes to choose from. Fort Aguada is a Portuguese fort located at the southern end of Candolim Beach. It is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the beach and the Arabian Sea.

Notable Attraction:

Candolim Beach has a number of shops and stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, and other items. This is a great way to spend a few hours with the family and pick up some souvenirs to take home.

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• Aryan’s Restaurant
• Calamari Bathe & Binge
• Coyote Bar & Restaurant

2. Calangute Beach

Calangute Beach is one of the best beaches in North Goa for family, with many family-friendly restaurants and cafes. It is a lively beach with a lot to offer families, including shopping, swimming, sunbathing, water sports and boat rides. Undoubtedly, Calangute Beach offers a wide array of water sports to choose from. The lively markets in this area provide various items, including beer, food, fashion accessories, clothing, knick-knacks, and secondhand treasures. Many visitors come to Calangute Beach to soak in the enchanting sunrises and sunsets, a distinctive highlight of this beautiful destination.

Notable Attraction: 

Calangute Beach, often referred to as the “Queen of the Beaches” in Goa, is renowned for its diverse water activities and vibrant nighttime gatherings along the shore.

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• A Reverie
• Pedro’s Place
• Pousada by the Beach

3. Baga Beach

Baga Beach is another popular family beach in Goa that is well-suited for families. This beach is renowned for its stimulating saltwater experience, with numerous tourists delighting in refreshing dips in the sea as they relax on sunbeds. The tourism boom along Goa’s coastline was sparked in 1960 following the iconic summer gathering of hippies from San Francisco. Baga Beach subsequently gained popularity among international visitors, and over time, a plethora of thrilling activities emerged, including fishing, paddleboarding, discos, and tattoo parlours on the mainland.

Notable Attraction:

The nightlife in this area is equally thrilling, with Baga hosting renowned establishments such as Café Tito and Cafe Mambo, both frequented by nearly every visitor to Goa. 

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• THE BOHO BOX
• Britto’s Restaurant & Bar
• Royal Enfield Garage Cafe

4. Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts who can partake in various activities, including affordable paragliding experiences. Watching the sunrise is a cherished pastime for many visitors. The beach is adorned with numerous coffee houses and bars, making it a vibrant spot for nightlife enjoyment. Additionally, for those seeking a more spiritual experience, Anjuna offers several dedicated centres for yoga enthusiasts to explore their inner selves, which makes Anjuna Beach stand out as one of the best beaches in Goa for families.

Notable Attraction: 

One of the beach’s main attractions is the vibrant flea market. Every Wednesday, it entices a substantial crowd of tourists. If you have some bargaining skills up your sleeve, you can score excellent deals here.

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• Cafe Lilliput
• Green Mango
• Pisco – by the beach

5. Ashwem Beach

If you’re seeking a tranquil family getaway far from the hustle and bustle of the city, be sure to visit Ashwem Beach. Here, you can immerse yourself in the serenity of the surf, sand, and sun, allowing your senses to unwind completely. Along the shores of Ashwem Beach, you’ll find a selection of charming beach shacks and resorts. These are ideal for enjoying a mid-day meal or extending your stay in the area. Typically constructed from coconut palms and bamboo, these shacks are celebrated for their delectable, freshly caught seafood and authentic Goan dishes.

Notable Attraction:

For an even deeper sense of relaxation, consider treating yourself to a spa day at one of the nearby resorts or indulge in a soothing Ayurvedic massage. The Ayurvedic massages in Ashwem Beach are renowned for their exceptional quality and technique.

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• Elevar
• Chique Shanti
• Hangout Bar & Restaurant

6. Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is one of the best beaches in South Goa for family, known for its calm waters and laid-back atmosphere. Palolem Beach distinguishes itself with its serene ambience, in contrast to some of Goa’s more bustling beaches. Among the other key attractions at Palolem are its pristine shoreline, charming beach shacks, and a selection of souvenir shops. Nestled between imposing hills on both sides, Palolem Beach offers a picturesque and peaceful setting. Additionally, Palolem Beach is renowned for hosting silent noise parties, adding an element of unique entertainment to its allure.

Notable Attraction:

Palolem Beach is a popular spot for families, as it is safe for swimming and sunbathing. Many family-friendly activities are available on the beach, such as boat rides, dolphin watching, and yoga classes.

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• Fern’s by Kate’s
• Kanvas Restaurant
• The CasaNova Family Bar & Restaurant

7. Butterfly Beach

As its name implies, Butterfly Beach is a sanctuary for a plethora of butterflies. However, what the name doesn’t reveal is that during low tides, when the shoreline expands, the beach becomes adorned with crabs and goldenfish. It’s a common sight to encounter sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and even redfish here. The ideal time to explore this beach is from November to March, when the weather is delightful and rainfall is minimal. Even April and May are quite suitable for a visit to Butterfly Beach, offering a pleasant experience for families visiting.

Notable Attraction:

Nestled within a small cove, it is enveloped by dense forest on one side and the expansive sea on the other. Reaching the beach is a unique experience as direct driving access is unavailable.

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• Mandala Cafe
• Nireas – Healthy Heaven
• Zest Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant

8. Colva Beach

Colva Beach, nestled in South Goa, is an enchanting coastal destination and one of the most frequented beaches in the region. Spanning 2.5 kilometres, this beach is renowned for its velvety white sands fringed by gracefully swaying coconut trees, enhancing its natural beauty. The scene is further elevated by the presence of charming shacks, lively nightclubs, and souvenir stalls scattered along the shoreline. Colva Beach buzzes with activity, excitement, and a festive atmosphere, offering diverse experiences, making it one of the best beaches in Goa for family. 

Notable Attraction: 

For water sports enthusiasts, it’s a must-visit during their Goa vacation. Thrilling activities such as banana boat rides, parasailing, jet skiing, water scooter rides, and boat excursions await those seeking aquatic adventures.

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• The Red Ginger
• Trisara Kitchen & Bar
• The Garden Restaurant

9. Agonda Beach

Agonda Beach is like a pristine white sand carpet adorned with vibrant shacks with authentic Goan ambience. Here, the Arabian Sea gently caresses the shores of this clean beach, framed by lush green coconut and palm trees. Notably, Agonda Beach stands out as one of Goa’s cleanest and relatively less crowded coastal gems. When exploring Agonda, renting a scooter is among the best ways to immerse yourself in the surroundings. This allows you to discover numerous small beachside villages, hidden bays, and picturesque viewpoints that dot the area.

Notable Attraction:

A series of seaside beach huts and hotels grace the entire coastline of Agonda Beach, ensuring an abundance of accommodation options for visitors. 

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• Silent Waves
• Agonda Corner
• Zest Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant

10. Benaulim Beach

Benaulim Beach stands out as one of the best beaches in Goa for family, as it has a long stretch of golden sand and shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and playing. Benaulim Beach not only provides a delightful retreat for relaxation but also offers a plethora of activities in and around the area. Its extensive expanse of soft, white sands framed by lush palm trees creates a picturesque backdrop for beach enthusiasts. Lounging on a sunlounger is a great way to spend time. Benaulim Beach is also known for its variety of restaurants and cafes, which offer a variety of cuisines to choose from. 

Notable Attraction: 

Benaulim Beach attracts a substantial number of tourists, particularly during weekends, adding to its vibrant and amazing atmosphere.

Best Restaurants Near This Beach:

• The Southern Deck
• Blue Corner Restaurant
• Rafael’s Beach Bar & Bistro

Frequently Asked Questions