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!
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.
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.
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.
About The Author - Jolana Klobouk is a former travel
agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family.
For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com
and http://www.FlyFromCanada.com.
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