EWING, N.J., March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Vacation Critic, TripAdvisor's family travel site, has released its annual list of the Best Beaches for Families - naming the best beaches in the nation, specifically for families traveling with kids of all ages.

https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20160329/349035

"Choosing an ideal beach for families can be quite difficult," explained Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. "Families are looking for beaches that are not only safe and clean, but also those that offer a level of convenience that meet the needs of those traveling with various age groups. Nearby accommodations, restaurants and attractions - as well as cost - all add to a beach's appeal for families. This list of winners was hand-picked by our team of editors to highlight not only large, well-known beaches, but also some of the smaller hidden gems worth a visit."

This year's list of winning beaches includes:



    --  Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Outer Banks, NCInsider Tip: The Cape
        Hatteras Lighthouse is open all summer for both daytime and a few
        nighttime climbs to the public - in the evening, families can climb with
        flashlights to get a prime view of the Milky Way.



    --  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore - Empire, MIInsider Tip: Pick up a
        free Junior Ranger Book, including fun activities for children to
        complete - once finished, kids will receive a Junior Ranger badge and
        certificate.



    --  South Padre Island - South Padre, TXInsider Tip: Families can work with
        local sea turtle rescue, Sea Turtle, Inc., on dozens of scheduled
        releases during the summer months, to watch as tiny sea turtles enter
        the ocean for the first time.



    --  The Wildwoods - Wildwood, NJInsider Tip: Access to the beaches in The
        Wildwoods is completely free - no beach tags are required - and there is
        a special Wildwoods Dog Beach, for any families planning to bring Fido
        along on vacation.



    --  Captiva Beach - Captiva Island, FLInsider Tip: The Captiva Kayak Company
        offers boat rentals and kayak expeditions into local waterways to
        explore Captiva's beaches and bayous.



    --  La Jolla Cove - San Diego, CAInsider Tip: La Jolla Concerts by the Sea
        are offered every Sunday afternoon during the summer, and provide fun
        for all ages with a wide range of music to enjoy.



    --  Misquamicut State Beach - Westerly, RIInsider Tip: Water Wiz of Westerly
        is a water park with three slides, located right on the beach - get
        there early for discounts.



    --  Million Dollar Beach - Lake George, NYInsider Tip: Nearby Lake George
        Village offers fireworks over the lake every Thursday from July 4
        through August.



    --  Clinch Beach - Traverse City, MIInsider Tip: Nearby Clinch Park Marina
        offers kayak, paddleboard and bicycle rentals to ride on the paved TART
        Trail, which runs above the beach.



    --  Golden Gardens Park - Seattle, WAInsider Tip: The nearby - and free -
        Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks), offer views of boats and
        kayaks crossing the channel, as well as a botanical garden and fish
        ladder.

For more information, visit Family Vacation Critic's full list of the 10 Best Beaches for Families in 2016. For photos of the winning beaches, click here.

About Family Vacation Critic
 Family Vacation Critic(®) is a comprehensive online travel resource for families that offers reviews of family hotels, resort and destinations. The site features vacation ideas, family travel tips and an online forum for family travelers. Family Vacation Critic is published by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc.

About TripAdvisor
 TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 23 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, www.iens.nl, www.besttables.com and www.dimmi.com.au), www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travelpod.com, www.tripbod.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com, www.viator.com, and www.virtualtourist.com.

Media Contact:
 Aubrey Manzo Dunn
aubrey@familyvacationcritic.com
609-583-0054

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160329/349035

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SOURCE Family Vacation Critic