Pack up the sand pails, surf boards, and beach chairs; summer means it’s time to head to the beach! Here are some of the top family beaches across America.

jeremym566 | sxc.hu
jeremym566 | sxc.hu

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, is the perfect playground for families.  The only traffic light here is a red blinker, which tells you a lot about the tempo of this 100-square-mile island.  Walk the quiet beaches and quaint towns, kayak the island’s ponds, or bike along the trails that lead past bogs, brooks, and cliffs. And don’t forget to partake in some fresh New England seafood!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of the top family beach destinations in the United States. It’s home to camping, resorts, outlet malls, go-cart parks, waterslides, thousands of restaurants, and more than 250 golf courses. There’s an activity here that will make everyone happy, and your biggest trouble might be convincing the kids it’s time to leave.

San Diego, California, is home to a year-round summer scene, making it the quintessential West Coast pick for a family beach vacation.  With more than 70 miles of beautiful beaches, countless parks, and one of the best zoos in the country, San Diego promises plenty of fun activities for the whole crew.  After a day of outdoor activities, head downtown, where 16 blocks full of hotels, trendy shops, and fun eateries await the entire family.

So pack your sunscreen and bathing suit, and get ready to have a beach vacation that the whole family will enjoy.