(CNN) — The best family beaches have more than a sandy spot to sunbathe or clean water for swimming.

The 10 best beaches for families for 2015 , released by Family Vacation Critic on Wednesday, all offer more to explore close to the beach.

"When choosing the top family-friendly beaches, we consider a number of factors -- it's not just beautiful sands and picturesque views," said Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic , a TripAdvisor site. The editors of the site pick the beaches on the list.

"Beyond clean, safe beaches, we're looking for beaches that offer a well-rounded experience for families -- accommodations, dining and entertainment within close distance of the beach, and plenty to keep the whole family entertained while in town," Poirot said in a statement.

Check out the 10 best U.S. beaches, listed here in alphabetical order by beach name, in our photo gallery above.