The Best Florida Beaches Ever

Daytona Beach lies on Florida's Space Coast and encompasses Ormond-by-the-Sea, Ormond Beach, central Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores. It is conveniently located in the central east part of the state and is about an hour's drive from Disneyworld and the Kennedy Space Center.

Known as the "World's Most Famous Beach" Daytona Beach boasts 23 miles of sandy, white beaches that are open to pedestrians 24 hours a day. It is one of the few beaches open to vehicular traffic (16 of the 23 miles) and it is known as a great family vacation destination. 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 perfect for swimming and water sports enthusiasts can grab a surfboard, launch a boat or head out for a parasailing adventure. Other activities include jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

• NASCAR and the Daytona International Speedway: Headquarters and Home of the Daytona 500.
  
• The Museum of Arts and Sciences: Visit the planetarium, learn about Hubble or walk through America's oldest village.
  
• Kennedy Space Center: Home to NASA and the Space Program.

Miami Beach is a mix of palm trees, wide sandy shorelines and blue ocean waters all surrounding a hip cosmopolitan city. Known as the place to "see and be seen", the city lives up to its well earned reputation for sun, celebrities and nightlife. It is a city that never sleeps. Ocean Boulevard is the place to be seen and the action continues through the night at the cities many nightclubs and restaurants.

Miami Beach stretches for 10 miles and offers everything imaginable. You can relax in the sun and surf, lunch at many well known trendy restaurants, or just people watch along Ocean Drive. Celebrity seekers can tour through the elaborate estates of Star, Palm and Hibiscus Islands or just hang out at the ultra trendy martini bars, and nightclubs. You never know who you might see. And, Miami Beach's many boutiques and shops along Washington Avenue are a Designer Label shoppers dream.

South Beach is the ultimate fantasyland destination. Art Deco structures, street theater, art galleries, haute couture and trendy nightclubs make it a magnet for those with money to burn. Its unique architecture, chic nightlife and stunning shorelines are like no other place in Florida and attract people from all over the world.

Although South Beach encompasses only two miles of Miami Beach's southern end, nothing else compares to its allure. Known to many as the "American Riviera", South Beach has been a mecca for numerous films, music videos and television shows. Trend setters both young and old flock here to mingle with celebrities and get a tan. And, with restaurants, nightclubs and live music almost everywhere you look; finding a way to spend a South Beach evening is a snap in this non-stop vacation destination.

The Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts: Offers entertainment in all forms - comedy, concerts, dance and much more.

New World Symphony: Showcasing every musical genre imaginable.

Miami Metro Zoo: An amazing place to visit for both kids and adults.

Naples is the "Crown Jewel" of the Southwest Gulf Coast and it's easy to understand why. You see, Naples is a truly cosmopolitan, quaint, and cultural city known for its exquisite shopping and dining that offers a slower paced destination for the International Jet Set versus the hustle and bustle of Miami.

Seven miles of white sandy beaches, calm blue waters, and the Gateway to Ten Thousand Islands attracts families, fisherman and those seeking a respite from the everyday stress of their busy lives. Secluded beaches line the coast and a trek down to the Ten Thousand Islands provides stretches of sand not touched for weeks at a time. For the less adventuresome, The Naples Pier, Wiggins Pass State Park and Barefoot Beach all offer all the sand, sun and seclusion anyone could ask for.

The Naples Philharmonic: Plays, concerts, comedians and more.

Naples Botanical Gardens: A Natural Wonder.

The Fakahatchee Strand State Park: Home to Ghost Orchids, Everglades wildlife and more.

Ft. Myers Beach is the "happening" locale on Southwest Florida's Lee Island Gulf Coast. Located on the beautiful Estero Island, Ft. Myers Beach is both a very hip and laidback beach town experience. While families enjoy its many values, the Ft. Myers Beach nightlife draws varied crowds when the sun goes down.

Ft. Myers Beach boasts seven miles of wide sandy beaches that beckon visitors from all over the world, including generations of families, foreign suns worshipers and Easter Break kids. Both locals and visitors alike come to the island to fish, hike, swim and take in its breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. And, every imaginable water sport is available up and down The Beach - you can rent a jet ski to jump waves or take it into the backwaters for viewing both manatees and dolphins. Parasailing is another popular choice on the Beach - just imagine the view you have from 150 feet above the blue waters, soft breezes, and gorgeous Estero Bay cays. Fort Myers Beach also offers a wide range of natural and historical attractions and cultural activities to keep the entire family busy.

Edison-Ford Winter Estates: Explore the winter retreat of two of America's greatest inventors.

Calusa Nature Center: Hike nature trails and visit the museum, Planetarium, butterfly conservatory and bird aviary.

Imaginarium Hands-On Museum: Kids love the more than 60 fabulous hands-on exhibits that will have them touching clouds, patting iguanas and stretching their imagination.

Lovers Key State Park: A great place for a secluded day at the beach.

Renowned as the "shelling capital" of the world, Sanibel Island is the perfect place to while away the day. Beautiful blue water, brilliant sunlight, palm trees and fabulous white sandy beaches will arouse your senses. Secluded stretches of sand and stunning sunsets seduce many couples, making it and its sister island Captiva, a top destination for a beach wedding or resort honeymoon.

Only 12 miles long and 5 miles wide Sanibel is the only barrier island off the coast of Southwest Florida with an East-West point of reference in the Gulf of Mexico. Imagine seventeen miles of pristine soft white sand beaches to dig your toes in and then spend the afternoon searching for the perfect shell. For the more energetic visitor eco-friendly water sports are the fare of the day - you can windsurf, sail, canoe, kayak or kite board your way around the island. Unlike many Florida beaches, Sanibel's sandy shores are left ungroomed. While these beaches might not look as tidy as neighboring shorelines, undisturbed sand draws a variety of birds and wildlife, and makes the area a prime turtle and bird watching location.

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum: With an exhibit hall shaped like a shell, this unique museum has 30 displays from around the world.

J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge: Part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country, this refuge is famous for its spectacular migratory bird watching.

Captiva Island is off the far northern end of Sanibel and was voted by Condé Nast as among the "Best North American Islands". In fact, North America's foremost beach authority, Dr. Stephen Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach) not only crowned Captiva the most romantic U.S. beach destination, he awarded it the title two years in a row. And, being so well renowned for its secluded and romantic beaches, Captiva is an ideal place for a beach wedding and honeymoon. Captiva's Chapel by the Sea is the perfect place to exchange seaside vows.

If your desire is to unwind, relax, and recharge this should be your destination in Southwest Florida. Everything you want to do from sunning, shelling, wave running, fishing, or sailing is just a brief walk away. Nothing is further than a ten minute walk on Captiva - you won't necessarily even need a car. Truly "tucked away", this is an island paradise. Only four miles long and about ½ mile wide with areas where the Gulf nearly meets the Bay, the small village of Captiva features every type of dining and shopping experience. Visitors and residents alike, all flock to the beaches each evening for sunsets and star gazing as there are no "lights" on Captiva, not even a traffic signal!

Captiva's seclusion makes it easy to fill your days. You can take your pick between one of two choices:

Captiva's beach and crystal clear blue waters are perfect for such high octane adventures like kayaking, boating, and fishing.

Or, you can take the more laid back approach and while away your days swimming, sunbathing, strolling the beach and collecting shells at your leisure.

Water sports, nature and world-class attractions make St. Pete Beach a year-round beach destination that is home to some of America's most award winning beaches. Caladesi Beach was named America's number two beach in 2006 and 2007 and Fort De Soto was named America's number one beach in 2005. With its continuous action and plenty to do both on and off shore, St. Petersburg Beach is a magnet for families, spring breakers and beachniks alike.

The St. Pete Beach area includes 35 miles of white-sand beaches and some eight major barrier islands. The main seven-mile stretch is a tourist Mecca filled with vintage hotels, miniature golf, amusement parks, ice cream parlors, restaurants, live entertainment, and people-watching galore. The beach has all the exciting water activities you could desire including water sports like surf sailing, jet skiing and parasailing. And, after a day of fun in the sun, the beach comes alive with every type of nightlife imaginable. There's definitely something for everyone to do on St Pete Beach.

Museum of Science and Industry: A wonderful learning museum.

Busch Gardens: Tampa's famous gardens are only 45 minutes away.

Shell Key: Eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts can take a cruise or shuttle to this undeveloped barrier island. Home to 88 species of birds and no humans, it's a nature lover's dream.

Besides being named America's best beach in 2005, Ft. DeSoto Park is one of the best family beach destinations in the entire state of Florida. Located on the southwest corner of Mullet Key, the entire island is now dedicated to the park. There are 238 family camping sites, two swim centers, two fishing piers, 14 sheltered picnic areas, scattered playgrounds, miles of recreation and nature trails and a historic fort all of which make Ft. DeSoto a nature lover's dream come true.

Ft. De Soto Park lets families and sun seekers bask in 900 untouched acres of land and seven miles of undeveloped pristine beaches. Kids and adults both will love to explore the ecological wonders both onshore and off. A day at the park is full of swimming, picnicking, fishing, camping, boating, and much much more. You can head out to Egmont Key to snorkel or visit the wildlife refuge, grab a bike or you inline skates and take off on miles of sidewalks and nature trails, go canoeing or kayaking, take the kids on a turtle walk or just hang out at the beach for a relaxing day in the sun. Just be sure to plan ahead, as the park draws 2.7 million visitors annually.

Ft. De Soto: Built in 1898 to protect Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American War, today it is a historical museum complete with period cannons.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals and sea turtles.

Great Explorations Museum A place the kids must see to believe.

Destin is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The crystal blue clear waters and the sugary white sands of the Emerald Coast beaches provide sunbathers, snorkelers and fisherman alike with a paradise beyond their dreams. They are what make the Destin and Ft. Walton Beach areas one of America's premier vacation destinations. Blessed with 24 miles of pristine beach, it's hard to believe the white sand and emerald waters aren't the main draw, but they have to compete with dolphins leaping just offshore. And, with a science center, marine park and Indian temple to explore, everyone in the family is sure to find something of interest.

The Emerald Coast area is considered one of the top five shelling destinations in the world and fishing off of the beach and jetties yields catches of all types. The more adventuresome can grab a mask and snorkel the same locations for views of beautiful tropical fish and great shell collecting. The area is also home to Florida's largest charter boat fleet which offers deep sea, inshore and bottom fishing for reasonable prices. Golfers are not left out either as there are over 1000 holes available to make their dreams come true too. But it is Destin's and Ft. Walton Beach's natural beauty that keeps bringing visitors back year after year.

Indian Temple Mound and Museum: More than 6000 artifacts bring Native American history to life.

Emerald Coast Science Center: With more than 250 hands-on exhibits kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the wonders of science.

Gulfarium: One of America's original marine parks, be sure to catch a sea show or get in the water and play with the dolphins.

Air Force Armament Museum: Military buffs will love this collection of war planes.