Family Vacation Critic's Best Beaches for 2017

Image: PHOTO: Long Beach Island, N.J., is the best beach for families. (Photo via Flickr/Tony Fischer)
Image: PHOTO: Long Beach Island, N.J., is the best beach for families. (Photo via Flickr/Tony Fischer)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Tue April 4, 2017

There's nothing like a classic family vacation to the beach. Sun, sand, surf, relaxation and escapism better.

If you and yours are heading to the beach this summer, you want the best beaches and for that, Family Vacation Critic has published its annual list of the crop's cream.

"Beach vacations are at the top of so many families' must-do list throughout the year," explains Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic.

"Whether for a day trip or a longer vacation, our list aims to help families narrow down the options to find beaches that truly are fantastic for families - every beach has lifeguards, in addition to kid-friendly activities and a selection of lodging options nearby. These beaches go beyond just a day on the sand, but offer some really fun features for families to enjoy together."

Topping the chart in 2017 is Long Beach Island in New Jersey with its 18 miles of shoreline, lifeguards on patrol and a few new attractions coming online this year. Visitors should keep an eye out for the new Daymark Bar & Restaurant in Barnegat Light as well as the reopening of the Surflight Theatre and the ShowPlace Ice Cream Parlour.

Ponce Inlet, Fla., made the list at No. 2. The quiet stretch of sand is a conservation area, and Family Vacation Critic recommends a visit to the Marine Science Center.

Jones Beach State Park in Wintaugh, New York, rounds out the top three. It's another classic with a boardwalk, mini-golf, playgrounds and lifeguard protection.

[READMORE]READ MORE: America's Best Budget-Friendly Spring Destinations [/READMORE]

The full list is as follows:

Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Ponce Inlet, Florida
Jones Beach State Park, New York
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Coronado Beach, California
Balboa Beach, California
North Beach Park, Wisconsin
Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
Weirs Beach, New Hampshire
Seaside Beach, Oregon


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...