Best Florida Beach Vacations
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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