we are the same. direct beach access at our fingertips or we aren't staying :)
the beach is the one reason we go to the beach LOL
we do state parks. Huntington Beach state park or Hunting Island when in that area. MB State park is tight sites but ok but not preferred by us.
When daughter was smaller we did Ocean Lakes, Pirateland, Apache etc in that area because of the amenities...lazy rivers, pools, pier etc. Great fun for kids but the crowded of it all was not what we like, we prefer the state parks.
you are so right about reservations going very fast in that area...MB can be a zoo :) but fun area!