America's 10 Best Family Beaches

Beach Haven - Beach Haven, N.J.: Beach Haven is a borough on Long Beach Island, which stretches about 18 miles and has long been a favorite amongst East Coasters. Families enjoy calm waters and crowds, monitored by lifeguards, and easy accessibility to several bathroom facilities, some of which include showers and street or lot parking nearby.

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

Bethany Beach - Bethany Beach, Del.: Many families rave about Bethany's non-commercialized boardwalk and town. It is quaint and charming, with restaurants, shops and galleries. Other attractions include the walking trails near Bethany Beach Nature Center and Captain Jack's Pirate Golf.

Bethany Fenwick Chamber of Commerce

Coquina Beach - Nags Head, N.C.: You won't find a flashy boardwalk with games and rides at this Outer Banks beach, located along Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Instead, you'll find seemingly endless miles of shoreline with calm waves and even calmer crowds (if you can even call them that).

Aaron Tuell/Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

Coronado Central Beach - Coronado, Calif.: Coronado Central Beach (and really any beach in this area) never disappoints. There's plenty of parking lots (which are often free) and shower and bathroom facilities available. Lifeguards are on duty, and the clear-blue waves are picturesque as they calmly sweep ashore.

Courtesy Brett Shoaf

Fort De Soto Park - St. Petersburg, Fla.: The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto Beach isn't just a beach, it's an all-inclusive package for family fun. There's more than enough powdery sand and fresh water to sink your toes in, but you can also hike nature trails, go fishing, ride bicycles and visit a historic fort.

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