Visiting the Best Florida Beaches

The best Florida beaches are those that keep travelers of all ages engaged in tanning and discovering the beauty in nature. Recession in the news frightens many would-be vacationers into staying at home. For many, thinking of Florida travel involves visiting expensive theme parks. Well, it's time to “Think Outside the Mouse”.

All coastal states enjoy the luxury of beautiful beaches, but Florida offers tepid waters and a diversity of oceans. The Atlantic coast offers more wave activity and slightly cooler water while the Gulf coast is generally calmer due to normally shallower waters. The question is what do you want for your best Florida beach experience?

Family Beaches

St. Petersburg & Clearwater are known for their white sand beaches and being located conveniently near all the theme parks and recreation areas but far enough from those noisy crowds to enjoy some privacy. With very soft sand Clearwater beach is one of those Florida beaches you just love to walk barefoot on and at Clearwater Aquarium children will be unable to contain their excitement when they meet Panama the Dolphin.

On the Atlantic side both nature and science lovers will find the Cocoa Beach area exciting and educational. With its close proximity to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center this Florida beach area is perfect for families wanting to get up close and personal with our historical space program and then dip their toes into the cool Atlantic Ocean.

In the panhandle area visitors will love the many quiet beaches stretching from in the western section to Carrabelle and Apalachicola to the east where the state bends to the south. These beaches boast the same white sand as other beaches throughout the Sunshine State only with much less development crowding the area. These are unquestionably among the best Florida beaches.

And then we have Siesta Public Beach near Sarasota which annually makes several of America’s top 10 lists of best beaches. Children will enjoy the shallow waters and playground while parents will appreciate the added safety of lifeguards.

Amelia Island, with 13 miles of beautiful beaches is considered by many to be the very best Florida beach. Located just off the northeastern coast this barrier island was recently voted #6 among the Top 10 North American islands by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2008 Reader’s Choice Awards, making it the highest ranked island destination in Florida for two consecutive years.

Paw Friendly Beaches

Our dogs are family too and if you are in need of a safe, friendly Florida beach to bring your family’s best friend check out Fort De Soto Park on St. Petersburg’s southern gulf coast. With the exception of its historical fort the beaches are undeveloped and as long as you keep him on a leash he will agree that it is a canine paradise. Near the park’s pier dogs are allowed to roam freely. You will also discover a fenced field complete with dog facilities which include fire hydrants and garden hoses with spray nozzles.

Florida Beaches Offering Seclusion

For those of you desiring fewer people Camp Helen State Park, surrounded on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico, Phillips Inlet and Lake Powell may be just the place for your vacationing enjoyment. Rare shorebirds and Bald Eagles are just a few members of the wildlife calling this 183.5 acre park home. The park has many trails for the hiking nature lover and beaches for swimming or sunbathing. If fishing is in your plans you may choose between fresh and saltwater species. The park is located near Panama City Beach.

Four-time World Surfing Champion Lisa Andersen grew up surfing at New Smyrna Beach’s Inlet on Florida’s east coast. Located just 13 miles south of Daytona Beach, this Champion claims New Smyrna Beach as her favorite beach with its white sand and summertime bath like water. There are no high-rises along the beach, only low-rise motels and condos giving visitors a relaxing, laid back feeling.

Nude Florida Beaches

When enjoying the incredible weather of the Sunshine State it may be tempting to remove addional layers of clothing. However, Haulover Beach on the northern end of Miami Beach is the only officialy sanctioned nude Florida Beach. On most Florida beaches the general rule is “Bare if you dare” as nudity is a crime on many beaches throughout the state. The clothing-optional section of the beach is well marketed and maintained by the county, attracting nude bathers of every age, shape and sexual orientation.

For the Partiers

Visitors go to South Beach near Miami Beach to lounge with sunbathers from all over the world. On the opposite side of Ocean Drive are trendy nightclubs to get any 24/7 partier’s blood excited.

Farther to the south is infamous Key West where visitors to Duval Street will have no problem finding party action day or night. With a land mass of only 5.9 sq. miles, dozens of bars and restaurants dot the area and many are within walking distance of the half dozen small beaches on this island paradise.

Other Fun and Interesting Florida Beach Facts

Pensacola not only offers one of the best Florida beaches but also is very rich in history. Enjoy museums and a little town rich with architecture, culture and friendly residents. Retirees love this town for its great beach front properties.

Southern Florida travel is great for those who are looking to find treasure while on a vacation. Not only is it surrounded by the best beaches but prospecting travelers can find themselves discovering little treasures along their morning r evening walks along the beach.

Florida has great weather year round with the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the states with the most beaches, making almost any road trip a scenic one. Travelers can escape the winter blues to the best Florida beaches while looking forward to great year round sunny weather.

Fabulous beach front restaurants serving up great fruits from the sea can be found along nearly any beach area. Feasting gourmet style while watching the sunset is extra ordinary and can make anyone feel like a celebrity. Depending on your location you can find local eateries along with ethnic foods that complement the area. Delicious, authentic Cuban, Puerto Rican and Caribbean food can be enjoyed throughout the Sunshine State.

Finding a local is a must when friends or relatives are Florida residents. Finding a secluded beach where the atmosphere is more down paced and less "touristy" is a must for those wanting to experience what the true Florida has to offer.

The best Florida beaches offer terrific food, beautiful scenery, wonderful weather, a friendly atmosphere and all the natural beauty one can admire. Walking along the beach and taking the experience in with all your senses is certainly something you can not put a price on.

So pack your rollerblades, bicycles and other beach activity gear and find your way to your perfect Florida beach experience. Remember to bring your camera to capture shared memories of the best Florida beaches.




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