Three Best Beaches - Florida

Panama City Beach - Florida

2007-03-27T19:43:00.001-04:00

Panama City Beach, or PCB, as it's known is the new Spring Break Capital. And they know how to pick 'em. We found over 26 miles of unbroken great white sand that extends from St. Andrews State Park to Phillips Inlet.

You'll find that on a sunny day, the vision on polar-white sand and emerald-green sea is irresistible to anyone above ground.

Panama City Beach is among the more beautiful along the Panhandle shoreline, where blinding white sheets of quartz sand meet the clear emerald water of the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is a healthy width in most places - we found thanks to the renourishment projects (necessary because of hurricanes, which did their share of stripping away in the 1990's).

Panama City Beach is not to be confused with Panama City - the larger military/industrial port that lies near Tyndall Air Force Base. From March through Easter, PCB mutates to Spring Break Haven with a half-million or so college-aged revelers calling this Party HQ.

From Easter through Labor Day, PCB is a family-friendly vacation town full of those small tourist shops and attractions. And then, from Labor Day to February, PCB goes into hibernation - becoming almost a ghost town.

Remember that Panama City Beach lies on the Panhandle, at a latitude much north of the year-round Florida subtropic meccas. Translation: it gets Cold in the winter here.

The water changes colors throughout the day - emerald to azure to coral. And we found the sand nearly 99% quartz sand - a striking contrast to the sea. But in a strange twist, the city has not done well to provide great beach access. Here are your best bets:

St. Andrews State Park is at the east end of Thomas Drive and is $4 per vehicle. You can camp there, as well - for around $15. There are concessions and restrooms, picnic tables, showers, and a nice visitor center.

Thomas Drive Park is at the 7000 block of Thomas Drive and is free. The park is open sunrise to sunset and has restrooms and showers.

Cocoa Beach Beaches

2007-02-24T16:59:00.001-05:00

There are four beachside parks in the Cocoa Beach area. We found these to be the best way to visit the beaches around Cocoa Beach. They are:

Cocoa Beach - north end
Here we found about a mile and a half of beach with easy access from the streets that end at the ocean. We found parking meters for beach parking, with lots at the ends of some streets. The beach is open from dawn until dusk - like the other beaches we found here. There are no facilities.

Sheppard Park
Located at the end of State Route 520, this beach has a parking lot. For $3.00 you can park from dawn until dusk and enjoy the beach and facilities. There are seasonal lifeguards (this means from around September through Easter).

Sidney Fischer Park
A full half-mile of beach awaits you at the end of State Route 520 and Highway A1A. Again, parking is $3.00 and you'll find full facilities here. The beach is nice but can get crowded.

Lori Wilson Park
This one is at 1500 North Atlantic Avenue (A1A) and is really nice. We found a nature center nearby plus there is plenty of parking here, 7 AM until dusk - and only $1 a vehicle. Lifeguards are seasonal and you have restrooms, picnic tables and showers. Nice!

Cocoa Beach Florida

2007-02-19T18:14:00.001-05:00

Think Cocoa Beach and you may think space shuttles and world class beaches. If you do - you're right on the money. Cocoa Beach is a family-friendly town with prices so low, it make great sense to headquarter here for your Florida vacation instead of Orlando. That's what we did when we wanted to see the nearby Kennedy Space Center yet catch the Cirque du Soleil show at Downtown Disney that night in Orlando. The drive is like one CD long - and then you're there.

Cocoa Beach has a beach, is minutes away from the Kennedy Space Center and a short hop from Disney. You'll pay much more to stay near the parks and guess what? No ocean!

NASA's influx in the early 1960's put sleepy Cocoa Beach on the map. Hundreds of engineers, technicians, designers and assistants moved in and really, little has changed. You'll find the same family-run motels that seem to be stopped in time.

Beach access in Cocoa can be found at the end of many streets that run to the ocean. We found this ideal as traffic flow around the Cocoa Beach Pier is nice. Parking is ample and there are a few parks where you can spend the day.

Cocoa Beach is an All-American beach: green water, wide, coarse-grained and sometimes brown-sand beach with every race imaginable (and swimsuit size). We found most people hang out around the pier area - on Atlantic and Meade toward the north end of Cocoa Beach.

Surf is best on the north side of the pier. The beach is ideal for kids on the south side. But we didn't find any lifeguards. Make sure you're watching where your kids are. And take note of possible rip-currents. We saw signs posted for them.

If your timing is right, you just might see a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center, just north of Cocoa. You'll know when it happens. Everybody and their brother will be looking skyward and taking in the majestic event. The orange flame in the picture here is the Space Shuttle. Click the picture for a larger view.

Want to know more about Cocoa Beaches? We provide a list of things about Cocoa Beach - Next! >>

Key Largo Beach Camping Park

2007-02-12T19:16:00.001-05:00

Beaches are in short supply on Key Largo, the largest of the Florida Keys - 30 miles long. But this is a vacation hotspot for diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, and cruising. And if you're into the underwater - you'll want to make Key Largo your headquarters as you explore all John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has to offer.

Humphrey Bogart put Key Largo on the map with the 1948 movie of the same name. But there is little else to connect Bogart with Key Largo. Bogie never set foot in the Keys. The main town, Rock Harbor, changed its name to Key Largo to cash in on some of the Hollywood dollars - however we found they should have used some of the dough to create some sort of zoning.

As you head down U.S. 1, you'll see a restaurant next to a tire shop next to a home. Strange. And a tip: leave the coral - even the stuff you find in shell shops. It's probably not from Florida, but nonetheless, promoting reef destruction somewhere rules are lax.

On to the beaches: The main attraction on Key Largo is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Reefs off the shore from the park have taken a beating - and speaking of the shoreline, we noticed more trash than anywhere we've been. Divers state the visibility has decreased in recent years in spite the management plan in place by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary since 1997.

Pennekamp (an actual beach campground), was established in 1960 as the nation's first underwater preserve. Like many islands we review, Key Largo has an offshore reef which intercept the waves. There is no physical mechanism for the sand to move toward the shore and build up a beach. But you'll find three beaches - all man made.

Cannon Beach - we found had a small, narrow band of sand with cannon placed in the entrances. There's a replica of a seventeenth-century shipwreck just 130 from the beach - you can snorkel there. Plenty of cool fish and it's awesome looking down at the "wreck". But don't just bring the beach towel. Bring your snorkel gear so you won't miss the best part of Cannon Beach!

Far Beach - also at Pennekamp, is close by down Largo Sound. We found this beach to be the best of the pair. It has natural shade with transplanted coconut palms and looks nicer. You'll miss the beauty of snorkeling, though.

Finally, there's the Harry Harris County Park - another man made beach with a lot of sports equipment; basketball courts, baseball fields, boat ramps, a really cool tidal pool about the size of a football field. Did we mention the playground? And yes, there's a nearby reef - Wilkinson's Point. You can walk out into Florida Bay (wear shoes) - but be careful.

Tip: Bonefishing is awesome here!

All three beaches cost around $2.50 - $4.00 to park and enter (per person). And they are open from around 8 AM till sunset. All have full facilities complete with showers, concessions.

Daytona Beach - Spring Break Beach

2007-02-04T15:05:00.001-05:00

Daytona Beach having an identity crisis? Indeed - the place we dream has beaches miles long, all-day sunshine, and surf, is going through a makeover. While you can't see it everywhere, this town, after years of being the number one Spring Break destination, is trying to upgrade its image. But leave it to Daytona Beach to find a way to make a beach, driving on the beach, an International race track, and hundreds of retirement style condos a World Class Destination. They'll get it done.

And do they have the beaches. Here we found 23 miles of wide beaches with hard-packed sand - and 18 of those miles are open to automobile traffic. That's what put Daytona on the map - beach driving!

Daytona Beach has become synonymous with Spring Break, so much so that MTV has come here since the '80's to broadcast from the beach and gave us the impression that Daytona Beach was one huge oceanside Animal House. Even though they still come in the thousands, the peak was in 1989, when over 400,000 students showed up. With only 20,000 hotel rooms - you do the math.

The city has done a lot to change the image - trying to turn interest to the major-league baseball spring training and the Daytona Beach NASCAR racing event. Still, 200,000 come here each Spring Break, spaced out over a four to six week period. The most rowdy and wild party animals now call Panama City Beach up in Florida's Panhandle their Spring Break home.

The Beach - The 23 miles of beautiful sand starts at Ormond Beach and runs down to Ponce Inlet. In the middle sits Daytona Beach. This thing is spectacular at low tide. It's almost 500 feet wide! Vehicles, including RV's and trucks under 33' are allowed on 18 of those 23 miles.

We noted the sand here to be very fine. It's of quartz origin and packs tightly. So hard is the sand that cars once raced here! But tourists can still drive (although no more than 10 mph) on the famous beach. On a nice day, you'll see over 10,000 vehicles roaming the beach.

But more than cars, we saw volleyball, jogging, surfing, and bicycling. And swimming here is great. The bank slopes slightly so even little ones will enjoy the shallow water. Watch for the waves - bodysurfing of Daytona Beach is the best in the state.

Riptides do exist during times when the tide is going out. There are over 200 lifeguards watching over the beach - but take care. Rip currents are dangerous.

Learn about surfing at Daytona Beach and the famous Daytona Beach Pier, Next! >>

Daytona Beach Florida Hotels

2007-02-04T00:20:00.003-05:00

It wouldn't be right if we didn't recommend a few Daytona Beach Hotels. Especially during Spring Break, getting a hotel room in Daytona Beach can be almost impossible. However, if you do get a room, the rates are fairly affordable. But know that most Daytona Beach hotels carry a minimum-stay requirement.

The hotels here are almost all family owned and operated. The Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has a brochure called, "Superior Small Lodgings", which includes small motels around Daytona Beach.

If you don't really care about the beach, we recommend the Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport, on Midway Ave. You'll be close to the Daytona Race Track - and this hotel has a restaurant.

People in Daytona Beach have come wise about the many beach condos they own. You can rent a beach condominium for a good price. Remember, beach condo rentals contain kitchens, washers and dryers.

We recommend the Ocean Walk Resort on Atlantic Ave. It's near the Main Street Pier and has some sports amenities you may appreciate; a pool, computer-golf, putting green. Daytona Beach condo rentals are worth a check. But check early.

There is a 6% state sales tax and Volusia County tacks on a 4% tax on hotel prices.

We talked about Spring Break, and how it has come and gone in Daytona. More kids visit Panama City Beach than here during the same time. However, we can't dismiss Bike Week. I know it seems like an unlikely group to turn to - after the flood of beer, sex, rap and rock - but businesses embrace this now tradition.

Held the first week of March, as many as half a million bikers roll into Daytona Beach. There's also Biketoberfest, around Halloween, a brewfest that welcomes the Harley crowd and we found when asking - is well, civilized! If you've grown up capturing images of bikers in movies, this is completely opposite.

Motel owners love them as they are some of the most courteous people around. And Harley-Davidson pulled into town with an enormous dealership downtown. To us, it looks like any Mercedes dealership you'd find in Florida, all the shine an glitz you'd expect.

But here's a tip: Hotel and Motel rates get jacked up during the first week of March as locals have found most bikers are affluent and can afford it. Most of their Harleys cost around $20 thousand.

You'll find the prices drop right back down as Spring Breakers come in the next few weeks.

West Palm Beach - Spring Break - Family Beach

2006-01-31T13:51:00.001-05:00

Some of wealthiest people on the planet call Palm Beach County their home. But you don't have to be a socialite to enjoy West Palm Beach. While researching for the best beaches, we found a string of celebrities also make West Palm Beach home base. Come see why!

Nestled north of Miami on the Atlantic Ocean in beautiful South Florida, West Palm Beach has some of the most enjoyable beaches. Beaches that will have you coming back because we found them to be well groomed and cared for. And there is such a choice - from small, secluded to mile long beaches for the community. West Palm Beach is a vacation destination cherished by not only Americans, but thousands of people from Europe and beyond.

Initially you might think it's because of the natural beauty of the swaying palms, the grand Atlantic Ocean out the front door, or the year-round temperate climate - only a tad humid in the full summer. It is all those things and more: the proximity to an International airport (PBI is known for it's non-stop business jet traffic), the ability to have a spectacular yacht nearby, and knowing you are still in the USA, although it feels like a tropical paradise.

The palm-lined streets are a reminder, and the beach - one of the best on the East coast. What sets West Palm apart is the spirit - vibrant with activities - a favorite Spring Break destination. Plenty to keep you busy as a visitor, or resident.

There are plenty of local hotels and condo rentals along the beach, but plan early. They fill up fast because the price is right and weather is so fantastic during this time of year with temperatures in the mid to upper 70's and humidity hovering around 55%.

And the nightlife is simply world class! That and shopping, plus a list of all the West Palm Beach parks, Next! >>

West Palm Beach, Florida

2006-01-30T14:38:00.004-05:00

Trendy nightclubs dot the cityscape, most near the water. And you'll find every fine boutique in the book with a door front in West Palm. The shopping is out of this world.

Tan and frolic in the sun all day because at night, the city comes alive. On Thursday nights, the award winning Clematis by Night free fountainside concert series, where visitors and locals mingle among arts and craft vendors while enjoying the great live music. Dance clubs, concert halls and movie theaters abound downtown - near the beach.

There are many hotels and condo rentals along South Flagler Drive and Ocean Blvd. But it pays to shop early. The hotels along the beach (those with the Ocean Blvd. address), fill up first. Of course, you're never far away from water. Flagler is also a good choice.

Nothing much is written about the beaches in West Palm, but they are many. There are two ways to go about finding your fit. First, take a drive up Ocean Blvd. and find out where all the cars are parked. Look for older cars - not rental types - these will be the beaches the locals hang out. And they change - due to weather conditions. Some days the surf is best near Jupiter Inlet. Some days it is awesome close to the pier.

Beaches in Palm Beach are free and have lifeguards. The sand is the same for all beaches - medium heavy, sandy loam. Here is a list of beaches we feel are best in Palm Beach County; all have full facilities:

Carlin Park - 400 S.R. A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477 - amphitheater
Coral Cove Park - 19450 S.R. 707, Tequesta, FL 33469
Dubois Park - 19075 Dubois Rd., Jupiter, FL 33477 - jetty
Gulfstream Park - 4489 N. Ocean Blvd., Gulfstream, FL 33483 - long beach
Juno Beach Park - 14775 S.R. A1A, Juno Beach, FL 33408 - fishing pier/surfing
Jupiter Beach Park - 1375 Jupiter Beach Rd., Jupiter, FL 33477 - pavilion/jetty
Loggerhead Park - 14200 U.S. Hwy 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408 - tennis/nature trail
Ocean Cay Park - 2188 Marcinski Rd., Jupiter, FL 33477 - boardwalk/dunes
Ocean Inlet Park - 6990 N. Ocean Blvd., Ocean Ridge, FL 33435 - jetty/marina
Ocean Reef Park - 3860 N. Ocean Blvd., Riviera Beach, FL 33404 - dunes
R.G. Kreusler Park - 2695 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach, FL 33480 - surfing
South Inlet Park - 1298 S. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432 - pier/volleyball

There are some pretty decent snorkel beaches in Palm Beach County. Check out, in order, South Inlet, Gulfstream, Ocean Reef, Carlin and Coral Cove. Snorkel within the lifeguard area.

Admission to all beach parks is free, however there are charges for parking at South Inlet and R.G. Kreusler Parks.

The best beaches of Florida continues with an area just south of West Palm. Next >>

South Beach - Miami

2005-11-02T17:26:00.001-05:00

It's been called The American Riviera, Hollywood of the East. Some know it as Sobe, or the Art Deco District, but whatever you call it, Miami's South Beach is open year-round. This is excess to the max. What makes South Beach an international playground is the non-stop nightlife in the beautiful Art Deco hotels and night clubs - and of course the wide, sandy shores. Want to visit?

You won't be alone. Native Floridians flock to Ocean Boulevard as well as tourists. Yes, there are crazy street parties, and picturesque neon-lit buildings. Cruising in luxury cars up and down "The Strip" is where it's at. But, hey, that's not the "beach".

Pictures can't do justice. So think for a moment of "Baywatch" with "Art Deco". Here you'll find that even the lifeguard stands are in style.

Now, South Beach in Miami, Florida is man-made. But don't let that stop you. It's huge and the sand is nice and soft. It hugs the Atlantic for miles and has been the perfect place for joggers and walkers. From the beach you can see the whole "South Beach Scene" at night - neon lit buildings that have a warm glow taking you back to the 30's.

Tons of culture, many tourists come to South Beach simply to get a taste of the world. The city is a melting pot of nationalities. The Latin-American population has inspired affected the area, and the diversity of the people is apparent in the various ethnic neighborhoods, food and music.

Pack your shades and cut-offs and get ready for a break from the stress. Book your South Beach hotel soon and come bake in the Southern Florida sun.

BEACH INDEX:

Sand - dark, fine powder, some debris
Facilities - full service
Shade - none, but umbrellas are available for rent and sale along the strip
Sports - a few rental facilities, note that ocean bottom is all sand, no coral
Notes - shopping close by, never too crowded, great for people watching

This beach was slightly affected by Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

Seven miles of white Florida beaches await you at our number two pick - Next >>

Fort De Soto Park - Tampa St Pete

2005-11-02T16:41:00.002-05:00

While we don't agree that Fort De Soto Park is the number one beach in the United States, we do believe that it deserves the number two spot for the State of Florida. There are seven miles of white beaches among sea oats and grasses that consistently rate in the top ten in the nation.

900 acres of unspoiled land is protected by the now Fort De Soto Park. There are biking and skating trails and full rentals of canoes, kayaks and bikes. The trails are well marked. The Canoe Trail spans 2.25 miles.

Okay, so there was never a war fought here, but there is a real fort. Built during the Spanish-American War on the largest island, Mullet Key. There is plenty for the family, too, with two fishing piers, camping areas, concession stand, bathrooms and covered picnic shelters. Pets allowed.

With Tampa, St. Pete close by, Fort De Soto is an easy choice. The beaches would be great for spending the day or a week. Just make sure you either plan on camping, or get a hotel close by.

There is an 85 cent toll on the bridge going to and from the Park and beaches.

BEACH INDEX

Sand - medium grained white powder, soft
Facilities - full service
Shade - adult trees near some beaches
Sports - rentals available
Notes - great family vacation destination

A former sleepy fishing village has our top honors with Florida's Best Beach. Next >>

Naples - Florida's Best Beach

2005-11-01T17:30:00.001-05:00

To the vacationer, the once sleepy little town on the Gulf might seem like another rich Florida community, like Palm Beach or South Beach. Yes, many of the "snow birds" and even year-round residents may have money, and there are more mansions than you can shake a stick at, but the pulse of Naples is less stuffy -more relaxed. And guess what? The beaches are within walking distance of the city!

Beautiful vistas abound, north or south, you can literally stroll for miles. And the backdrop, upscale mansions that line the Gulf coast.

Hands down the most popular spot along the beach is close to Naples Pier at 12th Avenue South. Here you'll find volleyball and surf in the same setting. Walk out to the end of the pier and watch locals and tourists try their luck at fishing. A hungry pelican may be eying the situation. And along the pier you will most likely see a friendly dolphin or two.

Anywhere along the coast you'll find ideal to spread out the family's beach blanket and camp out for the day. Some parks have bath houses and food stands on site and rentals available for everything from umbrellas to kayaks to snorkeling gear.

And when you want a change of pace, golf is "the" sport in sunny Naples, Florida. There are over 35 courses throughout the city and surrounds. Shopping is first class with boutiques and galleries along Fifth Avenue South and "gallery row" Third Street South.

Don't forget the beach faces west. You're in for some awesome sunsets anywhere along Naples' miles of white powder. It's the perfect end to an incredible day in paradise. And tomorrow, just do it all over again!

BEACH INDEX

Sand - medium grain, some imported, soft
Facilities - varied along the beach. Full facilities at Pier and all city and county parks.
Shade - none, some rentals at parks
Sports - bring your own gear, some rentals at parks
Notes - even during high season (America winter), beach never gets crowded

This beach suffered minor damage with Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Recovered rapidly.

Best of Orlando - Lakes and Beaches

2005-11-01T15:33:00.001-05:00

It may be hard to believe that a weekend in Orlando can be more that standing in line to ride Space Mountain at Disney's Magic Kingdom. If you can break away from the grip of Disney's "mighty mouse", it's just a hop-skip-and a-jump to the real downtown Orlando - where the locals live.

Right now Orlando proper is in the midst of a construction boom. Not long ago the skyline was simple. But look out today and you'll see construction cranes building luxury condos like the Vue at Lake Eola, the Paramount on Lake Eola, the Star Tower... in all, more than 3000 new units are planned here.

Just opened, the new "City Arts Factory" which will be an anchor for downtown arts, with galleries, a performance center, and a beautiful glass-blowing studio. And even with all the construction nearby, anyone venturing a visit will agree that Orlando is still, "The City Beautiful."

The current thinking of the city fathers is that when the construction is complete, the town's cozy feel will remain intact - thanks to the city's centerpiece - Lake Eola Park. Near by is the historic neighborhood of Thornton Park, where quaint homes, brick streets and majestic moss-covered oaks recall an earlier era.

A little of Orlando history is next... and no, it didn't begin with Uncle Walt.