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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Poipu Beach Park - Koloa, Hawaii: We love the Big Island and Maui, but when it comes to family friendliness, Kauai does it best. Poipu Beach's white sand and periwinkle blue waters beckon families to swim, boogie board, scuba dive or simply relax. Lifeguards patrol the area, and restrooms are easily accessible.

Sand Harbor Beach - Incline Village, Nev.: Sand Harbor features 55 acres of beautiful beach amid wooded areas and rocky coves. Families enjoy swimming, scuba diving and hiking the area's nature trails. There are plenty of restroom and shower facilities, and lifeguards are stationed throughout the area.

Siesta Beach - Siesta Key, Fla.: The beach is absolutely breathtaking. Its sand is 99 percent quartz and feels like confectioners' sugar. This, in itself, is worth a visit. Then there's the pale, translucent blue-green water, similar to that of the Caribbean. Add the gentle water's shallow depth near shore, lifeguards, restrooms and showers, and you've got it made.

Skaket Beach - Orleans, Mass.: Located in the town of Orleans on Cape Cod, Skaket Beach is quintessential New England at its best. The beach is flat, making it perfect for families with small children. Because of its bayside location, it's also noticeably warmer than other beaches. Kids love the tide pools during low tide.

Stewart Beach - Galveston Island, Texas: You'll pay to park at this Galveston Island beach, but the price is worth a day (or more) at Stewart. You'll find clean restrooms with changing tables and showers. A small shop sells cold beverages, snacks, beach toys and other necessities, and you can also find refreshments at a small snack bar. Chairs and umbrellas are available to rent as well.