Where Patrick Mahomes Ranks on the World's Richest Athletes Is Actually Quite Shocking
Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is a household name in the NFL. He is not only celebrated for his on-field brilliance, but also his off-field marketability. While his athletic prowess has earned him multiple accolades and Super Bowl victories, his financial success off the gridiron is equally remarkable. But where he ranks on […]
Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is a household name in the NFL. He is not only celebrated for his on-field brilliance, but also his off-field marketability. While his athletic prowess has earned him multiple accolades and Super Bowl victories, his financial success off the gridiron is equally remarkable. But where he ranks on the list of world’s richest athletes is actually quite shocking.
Patrick Mahomes Has an Average Salary for an NFL Quarterback
In 2020, after leading the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl LIV, Mahomes signed a 10-year contract extension worth over $450 million. It was one of the largest contracts in sports history by total value.
But, the annual breakdown of the contract puts his salary at $45 million per year. Which means he has the 14th-highest average salary per year among the NFL’s 32 starting quarterbacks, per Over the Cap.
“In 2025, Mahomes will earn a base salary of $1,255,000, a restructure bonus of $47,745,000 and a workout bonus of $1,000,000, while carrying a cap hit of $28,062,269 and a dead cap value of $94,488,045,” according to Spotrac.com.
The numbers get even bigger once you factor in Mahomes’ numerous endorsements. Adding those advertising dollars to his NFL salary makes Mahomes one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
QB1’s Spot on the Highest-Paid Athlete List May Surprise You
Mahomes scored his first endorsement deal following his 2018 MVP season when he signed with Hunt’s after revealing his love for ketchup. But that was just the beginning. He has also signed deals with Oakley, State Farm, DirecTV, T-Mobile, Adidas, Hy-Vee, Helzberg Diamonds, Subway, Head & Shoulders, and the beverage manufacturer Prime.
Mahomes appeared on the cover of Madden NFL 20 and Madden NFL 22. He also became an equity partner in BioSteel sports drinks after signing an endorsement deal with the company. He even appeared in a Coors Light commercial, despite the NFL’s rules prohibiting endorsements of alcohol products.
According to Forbes, Mahomes was the 18th highest-paid athlete globally between May 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025, earning a total of $86.8 million. Of course, this places him at an elite level in terms of earnings. But considering his dominance in the NFL, many fans may have expected him to rank higher than 18 on the list of highest-paid athletes globally.
Patrick Mahomes Wasn’t Even the Top Earner in the NFL
Despite his big contract and numerous endorsements, Mahomes wasn’t even the top earner from the NFL on the global athlete list. Instead, he came in third behind the Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott ($137 million) and the Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson ($91.8 million).
The top-earning athlete in the world is soccer star Christian Ronaldo, who earned $275 million in the past year.
“The off-field earnings figures are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and memorabilia and licensing income for all 12 months leading to May 1, 2025, plus cash returns from any businesses in which the athlete has a significant interest,” Forbes wrote.
Mahomes’ off-field earnings, however, can’t be matched, as they were calculated to be $28 million. In addition to his endorsements, Mahomes is also part of a franchise group that owns multiple Whataburger locations in the Kansas City area. He also holds ownership stakes in the Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City, and the Kansas City Current.
Tell us! Were you surprised by Patrick Mahomes’ ranking among the world’s wealthiest athletes in 2025? Let us know in the comments below.
Nylah Bibby, daughter of former Arizona basketball star, commits to UA volleyball
Another Bibby will play for the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center, except it won’t be for the basketball program. Arizona volleyball landed a verbal commitment from Phoenix-area outside hitter Nylah Bibby, the daughter of former UA basketball star Mike Bibby. Nylah Bibby committed to Arizona’s 2027 recruiting class on her Instagram page. Bibby has emerged […]
Another Bibby will play for the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center, except it won’t be for the basketball program.
Arizona volleyball landed a verbal commitment from Phoenix-area outside hitter Nylah Bibby, the daughter of former UA basketball star Mike Bibby. Nylah Bibby committed to Arizona’s 2027 recruiting class on her Instagram page.
Bibby has emerged as one of the top underclassmen in Arizona. After transferring from Desert Mountain to Saguaro last season, the 5-10 Bibby led the Sabercats in kills (255). Saguaro fell in the Class 4A state semifinals to Mica Mountain.
The older Bibby was a Shadow Mountain product in Phoenix and signed with Arizona men’s basketball as a McDonald’s All-American in 1996. As a freshman, Bibby led the Wildcats to the program’s only national championship in 1997. Bibby ended his two-year UA career as a Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, Pac-10 Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. Bibby’s No. 10 jersey is retired by the Arizona basketball program.
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Nylah Bibby, the daughter of former Arizona basketball star Mike Bibby, committed to the Arizona Wildcats volleyball program’s 2027 recruiting class.
(Nylah Bibby / Instagram)
After Bibby was taken second overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1998 NBA Draft, the point guard carved out a 14-year NBA career. Bibby averaged 14.7 points and 5.5 assists per game in the NBA.
Bibby was recently hired as head coach of Sacramento State and inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, along with former UA football star Ricky Hunley.
After winning the NIVC, Arizona volleyball will begin its new season under third-year head coach Charita Stubbs by taking on Alabama State in the Wildcat Classic on Aug. 29 at McKale Center.
Contact Justin Spears, the Star’s Arizona football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Star-studded class inducted to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee inducted a star-studded class of legendary athletes Saturday evening (12 July) into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame. The class of 2025 included eight individual Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including Serena Williams, Gabby Douglas, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and Allyson Felix, along with two teams, two legends, one […]
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee inducted a star-studded class of legendary athletes Saturday evening (12 July) into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame.
The class of 2025 included eight individual Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including Serena Williams, Gabby Douglas, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and Allyson Felix, along with two teams, two legends, one coach and one special contributor.
“It means the world. Being inducted in this class specifically is huge, and then just being inducted into this Hall of Fame in general is wild,” Walsh Jennings told Olympics.com prior to the ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “This class of Olympians is incredible.”
Another member of the class, Anita DeFrantz, was one of two legends added to the prestigious group Saturday.
The 72-year-old, who won bronze at the 1976 Olympic Games in rowing before breaking barriers in sports governance as the first African American and first woman elected to the International Olympic Committee, had a special surprise on hand for the occassion: IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who took office last month.
“I really wanted to try my best to be here, and we finally got that all figured out on, I think, Thursday evening about 5 p.m.,” Coventry told us. “I’m just really happy to be here and honour her. She deserves all of it.”
Said DeFrantz: “It’s just been quadruple-ly – if that’s a word – enhanced by the President of the IOC. I cannot believe she is here. It’s just wonderful.”
The other members of the class of 2025 are listed below:
Steve Cash (sled hockey), Susan Hagel (Para archery, Para track and field, wheelchair basketball), Flo Hyman (legend: indoor volleyball), Mike Krzyzewski (coach: basketball), Phil Knight (special contributor: Nike founder), Bode Miller (alpine skiing), Marla Runyan (Para track and field), the 2010 Four-man Bobsled Team, and the 2004 Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team.
Heroic Hull has good reason to feel at home in Monaco
Olympic heroes Jessica Hull – a New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder – and Peter Bol shattered national records under the lights of Stade Louis II, as teenage phenom Gout Gout stole the show with a blazing sprint victory putting the future and present of Australian athletics on full display at the […]
Olympic heroes Jessica Hull – a New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder – and Peter Bol shattered national records under the lights of Stade Louis II, as teenage phenom Gout Gout stole the show with a blazing sprint victory putting the future and present of Australian athletics on full display at the Monaco Diamond League.
Twelve months to the day after rewriting the world record books in Monaco over 2000m, Hull once again proved Monaco brings out her best, finishing third in the Women’s 1000m in 2:30.96, obliterating the previous Australian record by two seconds.
“Monaco has been good to me and I hope to keep coming back in the future,” Hull said. “That was a very good race tonight and they ran very fast to win. It’s an aggressive race and there’s not much time to make up time in the last 200m, so I think it’s important to attack it and be quite aggressive in your approach to it all.
“I certainly was tonight but that last 80m was probably the longest 80m I’ve had in a very long time and I got everything I was hoping to out of it.”
In 2024, Hull led a historic 2000m race, breaking the world record in 5:19.70, a performance that became a defining moment of her career and buoyed her to silver in Paris just months later. This year, it was Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir who took the win in 2:29.77, ahead of American Addison Wiley (2:30.71, with Hull’s aggressive attempt at a sub 2:30 time highlighting her grit.
Also flying the flag in the Women’s 1000m was Sarah Billings (VIC) who took full advantage of the fast field to clock a personal best of 2:33.17, finishing seventh overall. In one of the fastest 800m races in Diamond League history, Bol (WA ) delivered the run of his life, placing fourth in 1:42.55, smashing his own Australian record by more than one second.
The race marks an extraordinary leap for Bol, who only dipped under the 1:44 barrier for the first time in April this year at the Australian Athletics Championships. The race was won by Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi in a meet record and world leading time of 1:41.44, with the top-five all clocking sub-1:43 times.
“I was so nervous going into this one with such a fast field. I was like, ‘I’m the slowest here!’ The pacemaker was almost as fast as I am, but I had to back myself. I had an incredible season, incredible overseas campaign. The time I was aiming for was 1:42.5 and I got 1:42.55 so I can’t ask for more than that,” Bol said.
“I’m resilient, I’ve always been. I’ve overcome a lot over the last few years, they were pretty bad for me, but I’m back and I’m better. An Australian record, I can’t be any happier.”
Bol’s performance now ranks him within the top 30 on the all-time global list of 800m performers. Closing out the meet, Kurtis Marschall (WA) once again delivered on the international stage, clearing 5.92m to claim third place in the Men’s Pole Vault.
The Olympic finalist and world championships medallist was flawless through 5.82m before needing two attempts at 5.92m. He then raised the bar to the 6.00m benchmark, coming close on all three attempts. The competition was won by world record holder Mondo Duplantis, who set a meet record of 6.05m.
“I’m just biding my time,” Marschall said. “I’m being patient, and I’m doing everything right, trying to get it done. I had really good attempts at 6m. I feel like it’s inevitable, it’s just a matter of time.”
Making a statement in a non-Diamond League event at the meet, global sensation Gout Gout (QLD) scorched to another win, running 20.10 (-1.9) in the Men’s Under-23 race to claim victory and continue his meteoric rise on the international stage.
Taking advantage of the school holidays, the 17-year-old stormed home against a world-class junior field including Olympic silver medallist Busang Collen Kepinatshipi (20.28), narrowly missing his record with strong and stubborn headwinds holding him back.
“This is obviously an Under-23 race, so it’s about getting my feet out there. I’m feeling very excited, just racing everyone out on the big league. Noah Lyles, Tebogo, everyone is out there. It’s really fun for sure and I’m love going out there and seeing what I can do.”
The Diamond League next travels to London on July 19 and can be watched live and free by Australian audiences on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel.
Italy and Hungary to clash for gold at Men’s U16 European Water Polo Championships
Italy’s Antonio Chianese was the hero after scoring the winning goal against Montenegro in Saturday’s semi-finals. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics Italy and Hungary will contest Sunday’s gold medal game at the men’s U16 Elite European Water Polo Championships in Istanbul after both triumphed in their semi-finals on Saturday. Italy edged a close encounter with Montenegro […]
Italy’s Antonio Chianese was the hero after scoring the winning goal against Montenegro in Saturday’s semi-finals. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics
Italy and Hungary will contest Sunday’s gold medal game at the men’s U16 Elite European Water Polo Championships in Istanbul after both triumphed in their semi-finals on Saturday. Italy edged a close encounter with Montenegro by one goal, while Hungary held their nerve in a shootout to get past Croatia. Elsewhere, in the Division One tournament in Ljubljana, Bulgaria and France dominated their last-four clashes to reach the grand final.
Men’s U16 European Water Polo Championships Semi-Finals Elite Division Istanbul, Türkiye Saturday 12 July 2025
Italy 13-12 Montenegro Hungary 11-11 (5-4P) Croatia
5th-8th Classification
Türkiye 11-17 Spain Greece 14-14 (5-4P) Serbia
9th/10th Final
Netherlands 9-17 Germany
11th/12th Final
Romania 10-7 Georgia
13th-15th Play-offs
Moldova 13-10 Poland
Day 6 DivisionOne Semi-Finals – Ljubljana, Slovenia Saturday 12 July 2025
Bulgaria 11-8 Bosnia & Herzegovina Ukraine 9-16 France
5th-8th Classification
Slovenia 12-11 Lithuania Switzerland 9-7 Cyprus
9th-12th Classification
Slovakia 25-2 Latvia Czechia 11-12 Portugal
Italy’s Pedro Puleo struck once to help steer his team to victory against Montenegro.Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics
In the first thrilling semi-final in Istanbul, Italy, the lonely survivors among the top-ranked sides in the group stage, took on Montenegro, the team that had staged the biggest upset of the tournament by ousting Spain in the quarters.
Both sets of players didn’t hold anything back as they produced a flurry of goals in the opening period. Italy led 6-5 when the eighth minute was finally over.
Francesco Corelli’s man-up goal early in the second gave Italy a two-goal lead for the first time and they could hold on for almost the entire quarter, what’s more, after Antonio Chianese’s great goal from a counter, Italy had a fine chance to go up by three.
However, a save denied them and Luka Popovic’s brilliant backhander halved the distance at half-time, as Italy led 9-8.
Not for long, though, as Danilo Roganovic’s pin-point shot brought the Montenegrins back to even early in the third, then Francesco Maffei put away a man-up, but Roganovic scored from a lucky rebound for 10-10.
Chianese buried a penalty, which was earned through a well-timed drive and assist, then the Montenegrins missed a crucial six on five.
Later, they managed to kill a man-down, but not the next one, which also brought a penalty and Bruno Bordone doubled Italy’s advantage for 12-10. The Italians survived another man-down and brilliantly shut their rivals out in the last five minutes of the quarter.
Missed six on fives kicked off the fourth and it was more painful for the Montenegrins as they wasted three in a row.
Italy also missed one, then had two clear chances from counters, but Jaksa Milanovic came up with some tremendous saves.
These were invaluable, as it turned out, as his team-mates could equalise in 47 seconds. Luka Dragovic’s 6m blast and Roganovic’s sensational centre-shot brought them back to 12-12 with 4:03 remaining.
They even had a six on five to go ahead, but their finishing wasn’t clinical enough, which brought another crucial twist in the plot as they lost Roganovic via a 3rd foul right away and Chianese sent the ball home to retake the lead at 13-12.
The Montenegrins seemed helpless in their extras, missing two more, six altogether in the fourth period, though all credits go to Italy as they defended like giants – and ultimately those efforts sent them to the final.
It was celebrations all round for the Italy players after their hard-fought semi-final victory. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics
Hungary and Croatia kicked off their campaigns with a series of defeats, only to hit top form when it mattered the most, in the quarter-finals. Fans were eagerly waiting to see which side could maintain the superb levels they had reached on Friday.
It was the young Hungarians that got off to a flyer. Following Deni Sappe’s opening strike for Croatia, the response was swift and precise – four unanswered goals, with two coming from the powerful arm of Adam Ofner.
Duje Burazin pulled one back for the Croats, but Marton Czirok had the last say of the quarter with a fine finish that just beat the buzzer to hand Hungary a three-goal advantage at 5-2.
Ante Peric struck at the start of the second for 5-3, but Hungary’s lead had soon stretched to four, as two shots from the perimeter – by Oliver Kormany and Benedek Gogh – evaded Petar Radman’s grasp in the Croatian goal.
Burazin then started to single-handedly haul Hungary back in, as he fired in three in a row after exclusions to expertly cut the deficit to one.
Oliver Tidrenczel reset the Magyars’ lead to two from a six on five, and although Nikola Feric hammered in from distance, Levente Stogicza made it 9-7 just before the turnaround.
In the third, Burazin, who was causing the Hungarians all kinds of problems, was on target once again, this time from a penalty and then from action to level the scores at 9-9.
It wasn’t just Hungary’s defence that was faltering at this point, it was also their attack, as Croatia managed to shut them out for all of the third and they also edged back in front through Feric’s 6m blast with 29 seconds on the clock.
The second-half record for the Magyars in Istanbul was far from great in their opening games, and their third/fourth quarter woes looked to be returning when Feric added another early in the fourth.
Benedek Gogh had other ideas though, and his fine finish made it 10-11 with 4:57 remaining. Feric was then excluded and Levente Stogicza took full advantage, dramatically equalising for Hungary with 2:49 still left to play.
Croatia immediately had a six on five chance to retake the lead – and probably win the game – but they blew it, and the decision was ultimately left to penalties.
Hungary are well-known for their shootout successes at senior level, and now their juniors are looking to continue that tradition.
With five pin-point finishes, coupled with a sensational save from Csaba Kiraly in the second round of shots, the Magyars sealed a memorable 16-14 victory to book their spot in Sunday’s grand final.
In the classification clashes between the losers in the quarter-finals, Spain and Greece managed to overcome their pains to win their respective matches.
The Spanish did a lot better against Türkiye than they did in the group stage when they had some hard times against the hosts. This time they were in full control throughout the match and set themselves up to leave Istanbul with their heads held high.
The Greeks took a 4-3 lead against Serbia in eight minutes and added another one to go 5-3 up. The Serbs found their rhythm soon and hit four goals in a row before the middle break and scored two more in three minutes in the third to lead 5-9.
Greece managed to score again after 12 minutes, but then they quickly halved the gap to trail 7-9 before the final quarter. Soon in the fourth, they were back at even, converting three penalties in a row, and with 4:24 to go, they went ahead with Maximos Mantzouridis’ action shot for 11-10.
The Serb defence was in ruins – after limiting the Greeks to seven goals in three periods, they conceded seven alone in the last one.
Still, they didn’t let it go as they managed to put away their man-ups, so it stood 12-12 with 2:18 remaining. It went on, possessions ended in goals, one after the other, then the Serbs could survive one and Nikola Pavlovic hit one from action to regain the lead at 13-14 with 1:09 remaining. Next came Mantzouridis and a 6m blast, it was his 6th of the evening which levelled it up once more, at 0:46.
After four straight goals from as many possession, the Serbs couldn’t add the 15th, the Greeks had 20 seconds to seal the win after a time-out, but, at the end, penalties were needed to separate the two teams. It was interesting to see how the goalies would fare after they could barely make a save in the 12-goal surge in the fourth.
Well, they couldn’t really recover – Georgios Pilichos indeed went too far with his moves and was ejected before the third shot. In the end, it wasn’t a save that decided the shootout – as in the fourth, Pavlovic hit the post, while the Greeks didn’t make any mistake and scored to win the game.
Germany claimed the 9th place with a commanding win over the Netherlands, while Romania downed Georgia to finish 11th.
In the round robin tournament for the 13-15th places, Moldova beat Poland and need a point on the last day against Malta to finish 13th.
Bulgaria’s joys – and Leon Kaszan’s – continued in Ljubljana as they reached the final with a stunning win against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Photo: European Aquatics
The Division One tournament in Ljlubljana had almost the same schedule as Istanbul on Saturday. In the semis, Bulgaria stormed to a 6-0 lead against Bosnia and Herzegovina and seemed to be a safe bet before the Bosnians staged a late surge to climb back to 10-8 with 1:26 remaining.
However, Kaloyan Draganov sent the ball home in a six on five, 24 seconds from time, to close down the contest once and for all.
In the other semi, France won all four quarters against Ukraine, as an excellent team performance sent them through to Sunday’s final in style.
10 different French scorers helped dismantle Ukraine, who fought valiantly and only trailed 6-7 midway through the third, but from then on, they couldn’t keep up with their superior opponents.
In the crossovers for the 5-8th places, hosts Slovenia came from behind to beat Lithuania, with David Beric’s action shot 13 seconds from time proving to be the decider. They will now face the Swiss, who staged a strong finish against Cyprus.
For the 9-12th places, Slovakia cruised to victory against Latvia, while the Portuguese edged out the Czechs.
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Watch all the action live from Istanbul and Ljubljana for free on the European Aquatics TV channel, which can be found by clicking here.
For the full results/tables and schedule from Istanbul, click here.
For the full results/tables and schedule from Ljubljana, click here.
Granite Hills’ Ella Morgan finished her freshman season with a section championship in the girls 500-yard freestyle and third-place state medal in the 200 freestyle. (Courtesy) Despite being a freshman, Granite Hills’ Ella Morgan broke four league records, five school records, including two dating from 1989, and was the San Diego Section champion in the […]
Granite Hills’ Ella Morgan finished her freshman season with a section championship in the girls 500-yard freestyle and third-place state medal in the 200 freestyle. (Courtesy)
Despite being a freshman, Granite Hills’ Ella Morgan broke four league records, five school records, including two dating from 1989, and was the San Diego Section champion in the girls 500-yard freestyle event at this year’s CIF swimming finals. She finished runner-up in the 200 freestyle by 0.31 seconds, finishing just 0.08 seconds off the all-time section record.
Morgan ended her first scholastic season at the California state championship meet where she placed third in the 200 freestyle in 1:49.93 while being out-touched by two upperclassmen. She finished higher than Torrey Pines junior Aya Ferguson at the state meet after being out-touched by Ferguson at the section meet. Morgan earned notice as the fastest freshman at the state meet in the 200 distance and finished among the four freshmen to qualify in the 500 distance (4:55.16 in the prelims to place 15th.
All these accomplishments added up to highlight Morgan as the 2025 Grossmont Hills League Swimmer of the Year and Granite Hills MVP.
Morgan notched High School All-American automatic times in both the 200 and 500 freestyle events after recording an undefeated season in dual meets.
She won the section title in the 500 freestyle in 4:53.65 while finishing second in the 200 freestyle in 1:48.13.
Ferguson touched first in the 200 freestyle in 1:47.82 to eclipse the standing CIF record of 1:48.05.
Ranked No. 1 in her freshman class academically at Granite Hills High School, Morgan played a “huge part,” according to Eagles coach Cathy Elgas, in the Lady Eagles’ undefeated season as league champions and fifth-place finish at the Division I section finals.
Colleges are already tracking her.
And she’s not alone as Granite Hills junior teammate Austin Felio also qualified for the state meet in the 50 freestyle (22.02, 35th overall) and 500 freestyle (4:35.14, 30th overall). He has already committed to Colorado Mesa University to join older brother Braden there.
Noteworthy Ella Morgan is the younger sister of Granite Hills alumna Chloe Morgan, who went on to play two years of women’s water polo at Cal Baptist University. Ella Morgan is also a member of the Manta Rays Aquatic club swim team and will be competing in the Junior Nationals championship event July 30-31 in Irvine. The Junior Winter Nationals are scheduled in December in Texas. Grossmont freshman Aramis Willett won the Division I section title in the boys 100 butterfly (48.32) to also advance to the state meet. He finished his own meteoric season by placing in a tie for sixth place in the state A-heat with a time of 48.91.
1 Siesta Key, Florida krblokhin//Getty Images Renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Siesta Key is a slice of paradise that offers endless fun for all ages. Relax under the sun while kids build sandcastles, or embark on exciting adventures like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. Explore nearby shops, savor delicious seafood […]
Renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Siesta Key is a slice of paradise that offers endless fun for all ages. Relax under the sun while kids build sandcastles, or embark on exciting adventures like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. Explore nearby shops, savor delicious seafood at waterfront restaurants, and end your days with breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
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2
Honolulu, Hawaii
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Experience the perfect family beach vacation in Honolulu, Hawaii, where golden sands meet the vibrant energy of island life. From the iconic shores of Waikiki Beach to the calm waters of Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu offers safe, family-friendly spots to swim, snorkel, and enjoy water sports. Explore the rich culture and history at Pearl Harbor or the Bishop Museum, hike the scenic trails of Diamond Head, or delight in the thrill of spotting sea turtles in their natural habitat.
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3
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
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Make memories that last a lifetime with a family beach vacation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Famous for its wide sandy beaches and warm, gentle waves, Hilton Head is a haven for relaxation and outdoor fun. Families can bike along scenic trails, paddle through tranquil marshes, or build sandcastles under the sun. Enjoy quality time playing golf, mini-golf, or exploring charming local shops and eateries. With its kid-friendly activities, beautiful beachfront resorts, and breathtaking sunsets, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
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4
Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia
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Escape to Assateague Island for an unforgettable family beach vacation filled with natural beauty and adventure. Known for its pristine beaches and iconic wild ponies, Assateague offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle. Families can enjoy swimming, crabbing, birdwatching, and kayaking in this serene coastal gem. Explore the island’s hiking trails and take in breathtaking views of its landscapes. Kids will love searching for seashells and spotting wildlife, while parents can relax in the peaceful surroundings.
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5
Edmonds, Washington
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Located only about 17 miles from Seattle, but a world away from that city’s hustle and bustle, Edmonds offers the popular Marina Beach Park beach. It’s beloved by families for the jaw-dropping views, playground and volleyball facilities. Or visit Olympic Beach, located at the foot of the Edmonds Public Fishing Pier. Amenities include picnic tables, a viewing scope, and a kayak launch. You’ll also find naturalists in the Visitor Station come summer who will be happy to explain to the whole family what the marine critters are in the touch tank.
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6
Destin, Florida
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Situated in the Sunshine State’s panhandle, Destin is one of the country’s favorite towns for family-friendly beach getaways. The white sands and pretty green seas at Henderson Beach State Park and James Lee Park—which both also offer playgrounds, picnic areas and bathrooms—are just one enticement. Also, grandparents, parents, and the kiddos alike will adore the fun attractions like dolphin cruises, golfing, tours, a zoo, a massive water park, and water activities like parasailing, kayaking, and snorkeling.
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7
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama
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For Southern hospitality with a down-home vibe, few locales beat Gulf Shores and its sister city, Orange Beach. The sugar-like sand spans 32 miles, and there are plenty of activities available for adults (championship golf) and kids (amusement parks) alike. Families can also partake in the 6,000-acre Gulf State Park, with public beach access, fishing, hiking, biking and even Segway tours all available. You might also check out attractions like The Wharf which offers shopping, dining, and one-of-a-kind entertainment thanks to its amphitheater, Ferris wheel, and arcades.
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8
Outer Banks, North Carolina
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From watching wild horses play along the shoreline in Corolla, to hang gliding off the East Coast’s tallest sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, there is no shortage of unique adventures to try in the Outer Banks. We’re talking museums, lighthouses, fishing, water tours, and even mini golf! But also keep in mind that this 100 mile-plus stretch of barrier islands dishes out a wealth of unspoiled, serene sand you definitely won’t want to miss. And speaking of dishes, don’t miss out on the local cuisine. You can’t go wrong ordering the fresh catch of the day!
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Maui, Hawaii
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If you’re going to fly the fam to Hawaii, make sure you double your fun and schedule a stop in Maui. Known as the “Valley Isle,” the second-largest island in the 50th state is blessed with more than 30 miles of white, black, and even red sand beaches. Take the little ones to Baldwin State Park, which includes a “baby beach” on a lagoon. Launiupoko Beach Park, with a pool formed by a natural rock wall, is also good for younger children, while older ones will want to snorkel at Kaanapali Beach. Of course, along with stunning beaches and water activities, you can enjoy aquariums, a scenic drive on Road to Hana, hikes, and other cultural experiences.
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Ocean City, Maryland
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Ocean City is another big hit on the East Coast with family vacationers come summer, thanks to 10 miles of well-maintained beaches great for fishing, surfing, kayaking and more. The area also hosts free events in the warm weather months, ranging from fireworks to movie showings. In particular, teens will want to stroll the three-mile boardwalk, lined with arcades, ride and shops.
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Cape May, New Jersey
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With less than three miles of beaches, historic Cape May makes for a small but mighty destination for families. Popular activities on the sand and in the sea include not only swimming but also surfing, skimboarding and sand sculpting, as well as kayaking and volleyball (nets are located at both Steger and 2nd Avenue beaches). The cozy size of this island, said to be the country’s oldest seaside resort, keeps it all friendly and familiar, but remember to purchase beach tags in the summer months.
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Baldwin Beach, Lake Tahoe, California
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For families looking for a mix of relaxing beach and outdoor adventure, try Baldwin Beach and nearby Pope Beach on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The shallow, clear waters are perfect for beginning swimmers and there are ample picnic areas to cool off beneath the gorgeous pines.
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Long Beach, New York
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Long Beach is situated on the south shore of Long Island with more than two miles of boardwalk to enjoy. It is ranked one of the cleanest beaches in the U.S. and is both an easy trip via train from New York City and in driving distance to several other scenic beaches, including the Hamptons and the iconic Coney Island.
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Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
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Rehoboth Beach has been a family holiday destination since the 1920s! With a scenic boardwalk and lots of activities for everyone, you’ll easily stay occupied. There’s everything from golf to a classic amusement park called Funland nearby. It’s also a short drive from Cape Henlopen State Park and an outlet mall for some retail therapy.
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Cannon Beach, Oregon
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It may be hard to choose a beach along Oregon’s 300+ mile coastline, but the famous Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach is a must-see. The beach is also one of the best places in early summer to see puffins! You can also go whale watching and go hiking in nearby Ecola State Park.
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Amelia Island, Florida
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More laid back than some other locations in Florida, Amelia Island is situated only 30 minutes from the Jacksonville Airport, but feels a world away. You get 13 miles of uncrowded and unspoiled beaches where you can explore nature and abundant native wildlife. And yet, there are still plenty of top-notch restaurants and even music festivals to enjoy in the island’s historic downtown center. Enjoy the beach and Fort Clinch State Park on a horseback tour and then head to town for dinner.
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Laguna Beach, California
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You might be surprised to learn it, since surfing is pretty much the official pastime in Southern California, but Laguna Beach has a few sections in its seven miles of coastline that actually feature calm-ish water. Take the whole family to see-and-be-seen Main Beach, where there are restrooms, lifeguards, a playground and volleyball courts known to be frequented by Olympians. Or, bring teens who dream of learning to “shoot the curl” to Thalia Street Beach, a great spot for beginner surfers.
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Kiawah Island, South Carolina
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Located just over 20 miles south of Charleston, Kiawah Island is home to ten miles of sandy beaches, over 100 acres of parks, and 30 miles of trails to hike and bike. Oh, and there are five championship golf courses! Hit nine holes one day and then go on a nature walk in Marsh Island Park to look for birds, butterflies, and even alligators. There’s plenty to do for kids and adults of all ages.
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Myrtle Beach boasts a beaut that runs through more than a mile of the city’s downtown. Kids will get a kick out of SkyWheel, an observation ride that rises nearly 200 feet high, but parents will also want to schedule plenty of time to explore the surrounding 60 miles of uninterrupted beaches. With lifeguards, a daily cleaning crew and access points that provide restrooms and showers, Surfside Beach is the best bet for families.
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Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Home to a popular aquarium, indoor skydiving, mini golf and a three-mile boardwalk, Virginia Beach provides plenty of family attractions to go with its sandy shores. But be sure not to overlook the fabulous beaches, whether you opt for an Atlantic-fronted view or prefer to dip your toes in the Chesapeake (the city is the only one located on both bodies of water). The bay’s beaches, like Chic’s Beach, are great for younger kids, thanks to comfortably calm waters.
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Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.