Daytona Beach, Florida - Spring Break Beach

Daytona Beach, Florida having an identity crisis? Indeed - the place in our dreams has beaches miles long, all-day sunshine, and surf, but it's 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. Spring Break in Florida is now officially up north - in Panama City Beach. For some, that's good news. For others, not so good - low revenues. But for you as a beach lover, Daytona Beach, Florida, is one of the funnest beaches we've found on all our journeys. You can actually drive your car right on the sand here.

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! Remember those old black and white shows on TV with the cars racing along the ocean shore. It all started here. And continues!

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. Some locals cared only about the fun and money, with money taking a front seat. Others saw their precious Daytona going to the dogs.

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. What was nice about Daytona was you could expect pretty decent weather during Spring. Whereas Panama City is so far north, you can have some pretty chilly Spring Breaks. For you, this means when you plan a visit during the Spring months, you'll enjoy wonderful weather with low humidity and pleasant days.

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.

Another American beach takes top honors as the North Shore favorite. You might even catch a wave. Mokuleia Beach is... Next! >>

Cocoa Beach Florida

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. Besides, there's only so much madness you can take. Cocoa Beach will relax you - it did us. Here are the kiddos taking a break.

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.

We're off to Aruba in the Dutch Caribbean where Palm Beach reigns supreme! Next! >>

West Palm Beach Florida

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%.

Best times of year to visit the West Palm area, and really, anywhere in south Florida, is between the first snow up north (New York, Ohio Valley) and Easter. Humidity drops to a right tolerable percent. People get out of their homes and condos and walk. Beach walking is a big favorite here. Starting at around 8 AM until lunchtime, you'll find couples of all ages walking the strands of sand, weather permitting. Along the beach, shells and whatever else is memorable can be taken home, as long as it's not living. Best bet is just to leave it there and take a picture of it.

If you're into collecting shells, West Palm Beach has its share. Find out when the low tide time is and plan a day walking the beach then. Take some sandals that you can get wet and some sun block. The earlier the better because the locals know that low tide is the best time for shelling. On shallow sandy areas, look for sand dollars. Granted, you'll find live ones, too. Leave those and get the shells. Clean them up and they make good memories of your time here in West Palm Beach.

And after the shelling and walking, you can find a nice place to eat close to the beach all along West Palm. Pick the eatery with the most cars in the parking lot and you can't go wrong. If you want to hear a little history, just ask some of the locals about how their city has changed in the last 20 years or so. They'll tell you stories of progress and loss, but all in good humor because, well, you're in paradise - south Florida's West Palm Beach.

And the nightlife is simply world class! Find fun at the Improv Comedy Club right along Highway 1. Close by is Respectable Street Cafe and Rumbas's Night Club. For more dancing, check out Coco Bongo or Club 35 Sunset, all right there in central West Palm Beach. You can park and walk to each of these without a problem.

Let's fly off the East Coast and land in the Bahamas where we check out another unique beach - and it really IS pink! Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas - our Next stop! >>

South Beach - Miami, Florida

Finding the Best Beach takes us to the USA. 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 (or South Miami 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?

It doesn't hurt that the water is nearly crystal clear and medium shallow. Plus the waves are gentle, perfect to slip into after relaxing in the sun. Soft to the feet, and always a gentle breeze to keep you cool, South Beach, Miami, welcomes you with open arms.

A perfect place to people-watch, South Beach, Miami enjoys great weather. During the busy winter months you will go weeks with warm sun. South Beach, Miami is a popular Spring Break destination as well. Even so, the beach is very big so there's room for everyone.

You'll fit right in as the locals make you feel special. And the city rolls out the carpet as well, caring for the beach and surrounding area. Just note the strange, but curious lifeguard huts. Each one is more interesting than the next. Here you'll find that even the lifeguard stands are in style.

But 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.

Famous for winter vacations from the 1930's into the '50's, many of the "Art Deco" buildings are still standing. Not only that, you will find that they make up the soul of South Beach. When you see that style, you'll know you're here. Hotels that went for $18 a night are now $280. But bargains can still be found in the Florida haven on the sea.

Even today, many Americans and foreigners alike call South Beach home during the winter months. What brings them back is the wonderful hospitality, the gracious hotels, the beachwalk, and of course the beautiful beach.

Now, the beach in South Beach-Miami, Florida is man-made. But don't let that stop you. (So is Cancun!) It's huge and the sand is nice and soft. It hugs the Atlantic for miles and is the perfect place for joggers and walkers each morning, and afternoon. 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.

You will find 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. Each meal can be a new adventure. The restaurants along the strip are top notch. State Hwy A1A, behind Ocean Drive, has fair food as well. It's worth the walk to check it out. Many places stay open late to cater to the party crowd. And don't worry - there's a Starbucks at the end of Ocean Drive.

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.

Watch the cruise ships pull out through the channel as you relax on the beach. At night, if you're the partying type, just walk down Ocean Drive and take your pick.

If you're more reserved, there are a few places to choose as well. Plus, you can walk over to A1A and shop or dine the night away. Then to the hotel so you can re-energize for another day at this fantastic beach.

BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - tan, 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.

Next, let's travel across the globe to Poipu Beach. Some call it the best in the world. Check here! >>