10 most family-friendly beaches in the United States for 2017

As the weather starts to warm up, it is finally time to start thinking about your summer beach plans.

Some people prefer untouched stretches of sand, where seagulls outnumber sunbathers and the only sounds are waves lapping and the wind rustling your beach umbrella.

Others -- particularly families -- need a bit more structure ... and safety.

Family Vacation Critic, TripAdvisor's family travel site, has released its annual list of the Best Beaches for Families - naming the top locations for parents and children of all ages.

Every beach on this list has lifeguards and lodging nearby so visitors don't have to put any sandy, squirmy kids in the car after a day of fun.

There are also a plethora of kid-friendly activities available in case little ones lose interest in building sand castles and frolicking in the waves.

In Southern California, visitors can live their wildest dreams of life under the sea with mermaid fin fitness classes at Hotel del Coronado.

Meanwhile, just a short drive from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, families can escape the heat in the new Lefty's Alley and Eats with bowling lanes, a state-of-the-art arcade and a two-story laser tag arena.

For parents who shudder at the thought of heading indoors to entertain on a beautiful summer day, Coast Guard Beach in Massachusetts offers a series of ranger-led activities, including guided walks, campfires and canoe trips.

Click below to see all of this year's winning beaches and get some inspiration for your next summer vacation: