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The 17 Best Beaches for Families -- Get to One Before Summer Ends!

Need a little family fun in the sun? Pack up the swimsuits, towels and sunscreen and head to one of these great beaches. (18 Photos)

Ellen Parlapiano on Jul 10, 2012 at 4:02PM

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The 17 Best Beaches for Families -- Get to One Before Summer Ends!

Courtesy of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin, Florida

Why You'll Love It: Part of an area known as Beaches of South Walton, Sandestin is prized for its emerald water, mild waves and powder-soft, sugar-white sand. (Yes, your baby will be tempted to eat it!) Sandestin strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and action-packed: When kids want more than the beach, you can hit Destin's water parks and go-cart tracks (just to the west), or peddle east on 30A's Gulf-front bike trails through adorable towns with pastel cottages.

Where to Stay: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has condo style lodging and its very own pedestrian village, Baytowne Wharf, where you'll find restaurants; a carousel; the floating Adventure Bay water park; zip lining, bungee-jumping and a ropes course; and sunset concerts and movies. There's a marina too, for dolphin cruises and stand-up paddle boarding.