Spanning ocean coastlines, islands, and lakeshores, U.S. beaches offer diverse natural beauty, from rugged Pacific Northwest scenery to idyllic white-sand stretches in the South. Active beachgoers can enjoy volleyball and a variety of water sports at many locations, while surfers gravitate toward California and Hawaii for their legendary breaks. Popular spots like Ocean City, Maryland, and New York's Coney Island have all the ingredients for a classic family beach day like boardwalks, hot dog stands, and amusement park rides. Spring breaks, summer dips, fall hikes, and winter getaways: There’s a beach activity for all seasons. Luckily for those of us in the United States, we have some of the best beaches in the world. Different criteria define the perfect beach for different people. For some, it's the quality of the sand, the amount of shade available, or the level of seclusion.…