West Palm Beach - Spring Break - Family Beach

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

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

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

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

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.