TripAdvisor has revealed its picks for the 10 best beaches
in the U.S. for families, according to TripAdvisor travelers and editors.
According to a recent TripAdvisor survey of nearly 400 travelers with
children age 18 or younger, 78 percent will take a beach trip with their
children this spring or summer, and 92 percent will specifically seek out
family-friendly beaches.

  Top 10 Family-Friendly Beaches in the U.S.

  1. Put Your Money in the Banks: Nags Head Beach, The Outer Banks, North
    Carolina
    Families have plenty of beach to enjoy as the lovely Outer Banks
    islands are surrounded by 900 square miles of water.  Nags Head, in
    particular has it all, including a sprawling sandy beach, lifeguards
    and water sports.

  2. By George, They’ve Got It: St. George Island State Park Beach, St.
    George Island, Florida
    A quiet island on Florida’s panhandle, the state park beach of St.
    George Island features some of the most beautiful and family-friendly
    beaches of the gulf coast.

  3. Coronado Coronation: Glorietta Bay Beach, Coronado, California
    On the north end of the Silver Strand in San Diego County, Glorietta
    Beach features year-round warm weather, and calm surf along with picnic
    tables and a park.

  4. Sanibel Tolls for Thee: Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island, Florida
    A haven for those who like to collect shells, this gulf-side getaway
    features shallow waters, white sandy beaches, outdoor showers and
    barbeque grills.

  5. Family-Friendly to the Hilt: Hilton Head Island Beach, Hilton Head,
    South Carolina
    A glorious beach destination, perfect for young children, the
    “renourished” beach also offers kayaking and dolphin tours.

  6. Indiana Jonesing: Indiana Dunes State Park Beach, Michigan City,
    Indiana
    Featuring three miles of soft sand from Gary, Indiana to Michigan City,
    this tranquil beach destination features picnic areas and a pavilion on
    the beach with a snack bar.

  7. Rubber Duckies Welcome: Bathtub Beach, Stuart, Florida:
    Unlike many big surf beaches on Florida’s east coast, beautiful golden
    sand Bathtub Beach is protected by a reef that creates a lagoon effect,
    with calm, warm water, lifeguards, picnic tables and restrooms.

  8. Texas Stew-Step: Stewart Beach, Galveston, Texas
    Families are the focus at this popular, amenities-rich beach park,
    where volleyball, sandcastle competitions, concerts and other
    family-oriented activities are the norm.

  9. May Day: Higbee Beach, Cape May, New Jersey
    Situated near the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center, this southern New
    Jersey destination is a classic seashore resort with miles of soft,
    white sand and calm surf.  Cape May is also a prime spot for whale and
    bird watching.

  10. Oh My Cod: Mayo Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
    This beautiful Wellfleet Bay beach offers warm and calm water, shallow
    points along the shore, a playground across the street and great views
    of the fishing boats leaving the pier.

  “These beaches fit the bill for family-friendliness with soft sand (not
rocky), calm and temperate water (no big surf, scary tides or ice cold
water), activities or amenities that are fun for kids, and conveniences for
parents, like bathrooms and picnic tables,” said Michele Perry, director of
communications for TripAdvisor. “They’re also beautiful, relaxing spots
that every parent will enjoy.”
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