If your kiddos want to go all in and take the plunge into ocean sports and swimming, a visit to Tamarack State Beach will be a thrill. Surfers and boogie boarders alike will find plenty of waves to catch. Rumor has it that you'll also catch the best views of the sunset from this locale. Be sure to bring a picnic as there are no concession stands or nearby restaurants.

If your kiddos want to go all in and take the plunge into ocean sports and swimming, a visit to Tamarack State Beach will be a thrill. Surfers and boogie boarders alike will find plenty of waves to catch. Rumor has it that you'll also catch the best views of the sunset from this locale. Be sure to bring a picnic as there are no concession stands or nearby restaurants.

For families with wee ones who want to rough it, this bluff-top campsite is a good start. Each site comes with a table, fire pit and grill. If it gets too cold, or the ground too tough, it’s a short drive home if you live in North County. There’s an onsite camp store with food and supplies (including firewood)! Little beach-goers will need to walk down the stairs to enjoy the sand and surf. You can pitch a tent or bring your RV to one of the 223 campsites, some with ocean views.

Topping Parents Magazine's list of "10 Best Beach Towns," Coronado is a beachgoer's dream. Miles of white, sparkling sand (that has a gold, glittery effect due to the mineral mica) and a slow-slope into the ocean makes for rolling waves, sand castles and well, life’s a beach party. Little ones can keep busy tide pooling in front of the Hotel Del (sometimes there’s even a guide).

They don't call it "The Crown Jewel" for nothing. La Jolla Shores beach is a breathtaking place to spend the day with friends and family. Located on the southern end of La Jolla Underwater Park, this kid-friendly beach offers gentle bay like waters and a sandy ocean bottom for pint-sized swimmers. Kellogg Park, with its awesome jungle gym and swings offers a grassy place to start or end your day.

Hands down, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, is an absolute favorite among local families. Rooted in history (the name "moonlight" traces back to the early 1900s when residents used to have midnight picnics on the beach) and rich with local flair, this is a beach that begs you to play all day and relax while watching the sunset at night. In addition to updated bathrooms and a buzzing snack shack, there's a play structure at the park for those who want a little extra entertainment.

A curious kid's dream, Tide Beach Park is a hidden treasure among San Diego beaches. Located at the north end of Solana Beach, the secluded area of sand is rarely crowded. Get ready to hike down a long set of stairs that leads you to a semicircular cove and a large reef, called Table Tops. Try to get to the tide pools at low tide for the best experience. Prep your little ones to keep their eyes out for anemones, starfish, crabs and other varieties of little fish.

Fenced in playground, check. Look out point, check. Cool trains passing by, check. You will be hard pressed to find anything at all wrong with Del Mar City Beach ––and that's why there are quite a few San Diego residents that will insist it's the best in town. The beach is complete with lifeguards, restrooms, a grassy park area with a playground and it is situated right near Del Mar's prime shops and restaurants. This beach had us hooked from the first wave!

Cardiff Reef Beach is located in the beautiful neighborhood of Cardiff by the Sea. This gently sloping beach is great for families with young kids. You can collect shells, walk in the water, soak up the sun and build sandcastles. The beach has restroom facilities and lifeguards are on duty at certain times. Parking can be tricky during peak hours, so come prepared to scout out a spot or try to stop by at off-times.

Want an escape from city life while staying close to home? Silver Strand Beach is paradise just a short distance away. The 3 1/2 mile stretch of sand is less crowded during peak season than other options and offers gentler waves for beginner swimmers.