Best Florida Beaches
by: Jolana Klobouk
Why choose a beach vacation in Florida?
One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you're never
more than 60 miles from the beach!
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Florida is also easy to get to, the
temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your
money and that’s just for starters. So whether you are looking for a
family vacation, a romantic vacation, a relaxing vacation or getting
in some golf time, there is a Florida beach vacation area for you.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Families
Siesta Public Beach
Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota makes a
great family beach because of its gradual slopes, shallow waters,
lifeguards on duty, fine white sand and tranquil waters. It has won
awards for best beach based on sand, water quality and facilities. The
beach facilities include picnic areas, rest rooms, concession stands,
playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. If you enjoy
collecting shells, try Turtle Beach, at the south end of the island.
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Tampa Bay Area - St. Petes/Clearwater
Located on the West Coast of Florida,
on the Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay area is a waterfront heaven!
Miles and miles of white sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast offer
unlimited options for a fun and relaxing vacation. When you need a
break from the surf and sand, there are plenty of nearby activities to
keep the kids amused including the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of
Science and Industry, and the Lowry Park Zoo.
Daytona
With twenty-three miles of sparkling
white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters there is no
shortage of beach fun for whole family. The beach is up to 500 feet
wide at low tide and is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging,
fishing or just relaxing in the sun. The Atlantic Ocean is great for
swimming, especially during the spring and summer when water
temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees. And you are only an hour’s
drive from Orlando if you are so inclined.
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Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance
Miami Beach
A Miami romantic vacation has
everything from relaxing on the beach by day and dancing by night.
There are lots of art deco and interesting hotels on South Beach. A
short drive west will bring you to the Everglades, where you can take
a Scenic Boat Tour and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators.
You can shop at the ritzy Bal Harbor shops, and at night choose from
plenty of dance clubs or mellow jazz bars and restaurants.
Marco Island
Marco Island is located at the southern
tip of Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast at the western entrance to
Everglades National Park. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of
Mexico on one side and natural wilderness on the other. There are
miles of white-sand beaches, lavish real estate, shopping, dining,
nightlife, attractions and lots of outdoor activities. Your recreation
choices include swimming, sunbathing fishing, golf, tennis, and more.
Enjoy the subtropical ambience that exists in Southwest Florida's Gulf
Coast.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has beautiful sandy beaches
and a great pier that is available for fishing, dining & dancing.
There is a large promenade leading to the beach with an observation
deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for romantic walks. While you're
on the Space Coast you can visit the Kennedy Space Center, go deep-sea
fishing, surf, windsurf, rent a jet ski, golf our take a take a river
tour. At night there is lots of nightlife and great dining for you to
enjoy.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Relaxing
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach
town without the crowds, noise or pollution, which gives visitors a
relaxing beach experience. Although the northern beach is accessible
to cars, the majority is traffic free, allowing for peaceful
sunbathing and strolls along the beach. New Smyrna has a small town
feel in its architecture and atmosphere. There are no high-rises along
the beach, only low-rise buildings and these accommodations range from
bed and breakfast inns, family-size condominiums or oceanfront motels.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is one of the unique
barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when
most islands are north south. This gives the island great sandy
beaches with plenty of shells. Check out Bowman's Beach for peach and
quiet, you won't find any hotels here. You can park and walk over a
bridge to secluded white beach. There are barbecue grills in the area
so it is a great spot to have a picnic and enjoy the beach.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is located about 30 miles
north of Fort Myers. There is plenty of waterfront in this town, and a
very nice riverfront beach area. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing,
canoeing, hiking and walking in the woods, it is a great place to get
away from the crowds. The town of Punta Gorda has street art, water
views and interesting murals that enrich the historic downtown
district that also has cobblestone streets and gaslights, and many
fine shops and restaurants.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Golf
Sarasota
Sarasota is a sophisticated resort town
near the Gulf of Mexico. For beach lovers there is Sarasota’s 35 miles
of fine, pure, sparkling white sand beach to enjoy. As far as golf is
concerned there are 32 golf courses in the Sarasota area and almost 20
more if you include the surrounding cities of Bradenton and Venice.
You will find one for every level of ability available for your
golfing pleasure.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville has twenty miles of
Atlantic Ocean beaches and lots of nearby state parks to explore. You
will find lots of things to do and lots of beaches to explore in
Jacksonville. For golfers there are over 25 golf courses in the area.
Several championship golf courses are located nearby; many of which
are ranked among the top in the country offering challenges for
players of every skill level, ranging from top ocean side resorts to
popular public courses.
Naples
Naples, located on a stretch of
southwest Florida that is not bordered by barrier islands, has seven
miles of silky, white sand beach that overlooks the tranquil waters of
the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping and dining in the area
once the sun goes down beachfront. There are also dozens of excellent
golf courses in the area. From May through October, the golf courses
are not as crowded and you can pick your tee time and be assured of a
leisurely round. Also, many private courses are open to the public
during these months.
This is only a sampling of some of the
great beaches located along the shores of Florida. There are many more
that can fill your Florida beach vacation needs year round.
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