Best Florida Beach Vacations

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.

Best Beaches in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa

These beaches offer something for everyone, from protected beaches for family outings to the more untamed beaches that are a surfer's paradise. Scuba dive or snorkel on the Elephant Coast or enjoy the holiday vibe at one of the South Coast's four "blue flag" beaches.

The beaches offer plenty of relaxation and sporting opportunities, including surfing, boating, fishing and whale and dolphin watching, or for the more adventurous take a trip in a microlight to enjoy the spectacular view from above. It is also a surfer's paradise, offering some of the best waves in the country. There are great waves wherever you go, with warm waters all year around, so that you need little more than a spring wetsuit for warmth, and on hot summer days even this is not a necessity.

Winter heralds the start of the true surf season, with breezy eight-foot swells sweeping in from the Cape coast between May and August. The swells are a bit smaller in the summer months, offering fun surf at the many beach breaks, with most surfers taking advantage of the wind-free mornings before the north-eastern winds pick up.

With some 600 kilometres of coastline only a handful of popular breaks get crowded, but many quieter waves can be found along the coast, with many good roads making for easy access. With all this on offer any surf fanatic would be sorry to miss this awesome coastline, and your adventure could even find you surfing a strip of coast that has never before been touched!

The KZN Southcoast is home to a range of "Blue flag" beaches.

MARGATE BEACH:

A mile long beach on the South Coast, ideal for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing. There is also a famous fishing spot off a specially-constructed pier. Margate is a vibrant holiday town with dozens of restaurants, bars and shops, plus accommodation to suit any budget.

Top Beaches in California - Six Must-See Shorelines

When it comes to fun in the sun, southern California has it all. With its year-round tropical climate, year-round average water temperature of 78 degrees, perfect waves, excellent dining, and numerous oceanfront resorts, this earthly paradise also boasts picturesque harbors and a shimmering coastline filled with sand, surf and sun.

Not only is it home to millions of people but it beckons millions more each year from all over the globe. Whether you are a California resident headed to the beach to soak up the sun for a day, or you are planning a family vacation that your kids will remember for a long time to come, you'll find some beaches to add to your itinerary here.

Here are six of the top beaches in California, including nice, quiet beaches as well as a few beaches that are particularly nice for visiting families.

1. Santa Monica Beach. The West Coast's answer to Coney Island, this magnificent stretch of wide, sandy beach located in the seat of Los Angeles County features the famous Santa Monica Pier which houses its own amusement park atop one of the oldest wooden piers on the west coast. The site has also appeared in dozens of movies and television shows. Take a ride at sunset on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular ocean view. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the many different eateries in the area and be sure to check out the nearby attractions, which include Venice Beach and Palisades Park. This is one place that's sure to make a splash with the entire family.

2. Newport Beach. A fascinating and trendy bit of real estate located in Orange County, Newport Beach offers locals and tourists a variety of activities. Stroll on a scenic walkway, embark on a refreshing harbor cruise, or go boating, scuba diving, or bodysurfing Dining at most restaurants includes panoramic views of the harbors. Make sure to check out the Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion.

A Quick Guide to San Diego Beaches

Most people that visit San Diego come for the beaches and perfect climate. If you are planning a trip, here is the scoop on the beaches, when to come and where to go.

A Quick Guide to San Diego Beaches

While San Diego is often represented as having perfect year around weather, this is not entirely true for beach goers. It goes without saying that the months of December through March are pretty nippy, but there is another period when the beaches are barren and it might surprise you.

Visitors to San Diego in May and June often are very disappointed. During these months, we have something known as "June Gloom". Essentially, the coast is covered in low clouds and going to the beach is an exercise in futility. Don't come! On the other hand, the two best months to visit are August and September. They are blazing hot and the beaches are less crowded, particularly in September after school starts.

So, which beaches should you go to? Well, there are a lot to choose from and everyone has an opinion. Here is mine!

Miami Beach

The southeastern tip of Florida boasts of one of the finest beaches in the US - Miami Beach. Located across Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach is one of the most popular waterfronts in the US, with thousands of travelers from around the world descending upon Miami Beach every year. Miami is easily accessible by road, rail and airways. Miami International Airport provides more than 70 airlines with nonstop flights from US locations and abroad.

Some of the most popular beaches in Miami are Bal Harbour Beach, Bill Baggs State Recreation Area, Crandon Park Beach, Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach, Miami Beach -- Mid Beach, Miami Beach -- North Beach, Oleta State Recreation Area, and South Pointe Park, amongst others. You can pick your beach from all these options, depending on the specific activity you want to enjoy.

Two Travel Lovers' Picks For The Top Beaches in Florida

You have decided to travel to Florida for your vacation. The only issue is which of the many beaches to choose from? There is an array of excellent beaches to visit in Florida that offer everything you could ask for, however after all the beaches we have traveled to, there are a few that we think are the best.

The travel channel has even done an entire show on the best beaches in Florida and so have we. So, without further ado, here are our top beaches in Florida...

**Clearwater Beach Florida: If you love big, white-sandy beaches, lots of sun, and plenty to do then Clearwater is a great choice. You'll enjoy Pier 60 and the gorgeous sunsets, a nice mix of art, history, and nightlife. Plus, if you are a boater, fisherman, swimmer, or outdoor type, then Clearwater offers a lot to do. Located on the Gulf Coast near Tampa and St. Pete's.

** On the Panhandle our choice is Destin Florida: Many will say Panama City Beach, which is a fun spot to go, especially on spring break, but if you want golfing, family fun, and beautiful beaches, Destin is your vacation destination. Located on the Emerald Coast, the white sand is a perfect playground for children and adults. The various condos and homes offer extraordinary accommodations. Not to mention the golf courses are world class. Such a great vacation that many people buy second homes in Destin.

**Key West: You can't mention Florida beaches without saying something about The Keys. Although all the areas in The Keys are amazing, Key West was our favorite to visit. Make sure you head over to Smathers Beach, drive up and down the main highway- A1A, and take part in the activities on Duval Street. Rent a buggy, visit the southernmost point, enjoy the arts and entertainment, and see the sunset at Mallory Square. Key West offers too much to list in one small article.

Alabama Beaches

If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily routines, Alabama beaches are waiting for you. Grab your sunscreen, beach towels, and cooler and head south. The laid back, relaxing environment is just what you need to rejuvenate your soul. Many couples and families make the journey to Alabama every year to enjoy the much needed rest and enjoyable activities that beach life has to offer. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan are beach towns in Alabama with just such activities.

Gulf Shores, located at the southern end of interstate 59 in Alabama, is known for being a great place for a family vacation getaway. Its white sandy beaches that seem to go on forever are a favorite place to play, sit and relax, or go on long walks. Gulf Shores is a happening place with plenty of souvenir shops, specialty stores, beachfront restaurants, hotels, and condos all within walking distance. Be sure to visit the shop with the huge shark opening its mouth for you to walk into the store. You can rent jet skis, go parasailing, drive go-carts, and zoom down the waterslide at Waterville, USA, all in the same day. And just when you need a snack, you can stop by Hope's Cheesecake shop for a sweet treat. There's always something fun just waiting to be taken advantage of.