Best Beach Resorts for Families ( 10 runners-up we love too )

Looking for the perfect beach vacation? Parents' exclusive survey reveals the resorts where you can get awesome ocean views, nonstop family activities, and comfy rooms -- all at a price that won't leave you feeling burned.


The Runners-Up: Club Med Sandpiper, Port St. Lucie, Florida

The chain's only U.S. location, situated between Miami and Orlando, offers the same fabulous Circus School and Baby Welcome program as number two-ranked Punta Cana -- and you don't need a passport to get there.


La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, California

This resort, with a new children's program and water-play area, is a great choice for families who want to split their time between the beach and Legoland, both a short drive away. Bonus: The new kids' club play area is supervised.


Amelia Island Plantation, Florida

About 40 minutes from the Jacksonville airport, the sprawling resort has two large swimming pools (left), a kiddie pool, and its own Nature Center -- something that Camp Amelia, a supervised program for kids ages 3 to 10, taps into for activities.


Hyatt Regency Maui, Hawaii

An activity-packed children's pool with a sand island in the middle, plus a kids-eat-free promotion this summer, make this resort a relative bargain on one of the most expensive Hawaiian islands.


Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, South Carolina

It's not on the beach, but Disney's 3 1/2 miles of private oceanfront -- featuring a beach house you can duck into for a break from the sun -- are just a five-minute shuttle ride away. Kids as young as 3 can learn about marshes and butterflies, and can take part in nature scavenger hunts at this resort.


Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

A mini golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, two kids-only swimming pools, shark-tooth hunts, and a small private beach are among the many amenities that will keep your family happy at this resort near St. Augustine.


Holiday Inn SunSpree, Jamaica

There are loads of freebies for kids at this resort, like mini golf, pool games, and meals. And it's very close to the airport too.


The Resort at Singer Island, Florida

Spacious, modern rooms, including a kitchen with a stainless-steel fridge, are what make this resort near Palm Beach so cool. A pool with a waterfall and a supervised program for kids ages 5 to 12 doesn't hurt either.


Beaches Boscobel, Jamaica

Kids love the golf clinics and the large Pirates Island water park with a shallow pool, squirting sea horse, and misting crab.


Sebasco Harbor Resort, Sebasco Estates, Maine

The closest beach is just a mile away. But with a saltwater pool, ice cream stand, and supervised children's program that costs just $8 daily, you and the kids may not want to leave the resort.


By Karen Cicero | Parents