Heading for the surf and sand? Finding the perfect ocean or lakefront playground that pleases everyone from tots to tweens is no day at the beach -- unless, of course, you've got our guide to ten of the country's best beaches for families. From the all-out extravaganza that is Santa Monica State Park, to the chilly waters of Maine, choosing just one perfect beach for your brood may be the challenge.

Up Next: Bryant Park

Location: Traverse City, MI
Details: At the base of the Old Mission Peninsula sits Bryant Park, the most easterly of Traverse City's West Bay beaches. With an elaborate playground, lifeguards (mid Jun. - Aug.), plenty of grills and picnic tables and a perfect swimming beach, Bryant is an ideal spot for a lazy family beach getaway. The clear, turquoise waters of Traverse Bay evoke the feel of the Caribbean -- and while the water temperature isn't exactly tropical, it averages an almost balmy yet refreshing 70? in the summer months.

Up Next: Carlin Park

Location: Palm Beach County, FL
Details: The guarded beach at Carlin Park is just the start; open play fields, a waterfront caf?, tennis and volleyball areas and a playground with three separate age-specific play structures, and you've got plenty of out-of-the-water fun. There's also a bocce court, picnic pavilions intimate enough for a small group or large enough for a family reunion, grills and outdoor showers; special concerts and performances take place throughout the year at the entertainment pavilion.

Up Next: Santa Monica State Beach

Location: Santa Monica, CA
Details: It's one of the most popular beaches in the Los Angeles area -- and it's also one of the best for families. The famous pier at Santa Monica State Beach is home to the Pacific Park amusement center, with the iconic nine-story Ferris wheel, a 1920s vintage carousel, and games from skeeball to pinball. There's also a bait and tackle shop on the pier for the anglers in the family, and a bike path that winds along the beach. Chess tables and snack shacks are part of the fun, while the beach itself is more than three miles long -- so there's plenty of room for everyone.

Up Next: Sand Beach

Location: Acadia National Park, ME
Details: An idyllic spot for a family picnic, Sand Beach in Acadia National Park is nestled between mountains and the rocky coastline on the east side of Mount Desert Island. The water temperature rarely gets above 55? in the summer, but the beautiful setting and amenities -- from freshwater showers to picnic areas and a snack bar -- more than make up for the chilly temps. Tide pooling -- or exploring the area where the ocean meets the land -- gives kids an up-close look at creatures from barnacles to sea stars and even crabs.

Up Next: Ocracoke Beach

Location: Ocracoke Island, NC
Details: The remote Ocracoke Island is a gem that's difficult to get to but worth the trip. There's no bridge to the island -- just ferry service -- and once there, there's not much in the way of tourist activities, unless you count exploring charming old buildings and other historic spots a great way to spend time. The lifeguarded part of the Ocracoke Beach is ideal for families; sea-oat topped sand dunes are as high as 25 feet, a herd of wild ponies roams free, and there's even a bit of real pirate history here -- it's where Blackbeard met his doom.

Up Next: Coquina Beach

Location: Anna Maria Island, FL
Details: Warm, blue-green waters, secluded stretches of white sand and rolling dunes are the hallmarks of Coquina Beach. Year-round lifeguards and full-service concession stands, picnic and barbeque facilities, a boat ramp and playground are the prime attractions, while a free shuttle ride means never having to search for a space. Nature trails and a fishing pier compete for attention, as do kayak and canoe rentals, while the most basic of seaside activities -- beach-combing, is hardly a spectator sport, as shells and shark teeth are sure to be found.

Up Next: Padre Island

Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Details: In the off-season, it is entirely possible to be the only person on the beach at the Padre Island National Seashore, located on the south Texas Gulf Coast; even in the high season the beach here is never overly-crowded, so it is a perfect choice for families looking for a relaxing getaway. Ranger-led nature walks take place all year long and restroom and shower facilities are close at hand, while chair and umbrella rentals are available in the high season.

Up Next: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Location: Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Details: The sugary white beaches of South Walton County can get crowded during the summer -- perhaps with the exception of the beach at Topsail Hill Preserve, a best-kept secret along that part of the Florida Gulf Coast. More than three miles of beach are accessible by a boardwalk which meanders through high dunes, allowing plenty of wildlife viewing. Three coastal dune lakes in the park are a perfect introduction to fishing, while nature trails and bike paths wind through ancient scrub forests.

Up Next: Grand Haven State Park

Location: Grand Haven, MI
Details: While it's a small stretch of beach on Lake Michigan, Grand Haven State Park is perfect for families with kids of all ages. Little ones will be entertained for hours right at the shoreline, while teens will jump into the pick-up volleyball games. A huge concession stand, plenty of picnic tables and barbeques, and the crisp water are a perfect combination for a day at the beach. A walk down the jetty to the historic lighthouse is an opportunity to fish or simply watch the parade of boats from the Grand River out into the open waters of Lake Michigan.

Up Next: North Shore

Location: Oahu, HI
Details: Encompassing the ultimate beach for the active family, the North Shore of Hawaii's Oahu Island has everything from the big surfing breaks at Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach, to the gentle cove at Kuilima. Wrapped around the North Shore is Turtle Bay Resort, which features three of the best beaches on the island plus horseback riding, surf camp and other activities.

Up Next: Kiptopeke State Park

Location: Cape Charles, VA
Details: It's a trifecta of fun -- beaches, nature and camping -- at Kiptopke State Park, which lies at the southern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore. The beachfront hugs a half mile of the Chesapeake Bay and offers a protected swimming area, boat ramp, lighted fishing pier, playground and trails. This park gives families the chance to play on the water or in the woods! Seasonal interpretive programs offer insight into bay ecology, migratory birding and the natural history of the area -- which John Smith himself roamed in the early 1600s.

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