Florida has become a truly international vacation destination. Gorgeous and exotic beaches, tropical weather, 365 days of summer and, of course, the Atlantic ocean (the second largest of the world’s oceanic divisions) attract hordes of tourists from around the world.
Florida beaches have been ranked among the best beaches by Surfrider Foundation, USA Today and Travel Channel. Some of the most popular and picturesque Florida’s beaches are listed below.
Topless Beaches: Lummus Beach, South Beach Miami
South Beach is one of the most popular beaches not just in the USA, but in the world. The beach is very big. South Beach Miami is man-made. It is a great place for swimming. South Beach is one of the best places to party in the world. The Beach is located on Ocean Drive, across the street from many of Miami Beach’s famous nightclubs and restaurants. Lummus beach is a place for sun-worshipers who want to avoid tan lines on their bodies. Toplessness is legal here.
Fun & Party Beaches: Crandon Park Beach
Crandon Beach Park is a former coconut plantation. With 3 miles (about 5km) of oceanfront beach, 493 acres (about 2 sq. km) of park, 3 parking lots, a public 18-hole championship golf course, several soccer and softball fields, Crandon is like a theme park on the sand. It is consistently named among the Top 10 beaches in the USA. Besides the sand and quiet ocean, Crandon offers picnic areas, carousels, roller rink, beachfront playground, etc.
Surfing Beach: Sebastian Inlet
Sebastian Inlet is known around the world as the premiere surfing location of the entire US East Coast. It is a wild beach. On Sebastian Inlet the ocean is often rough for swimming. Waves are very powerful here and can get quite tall – that is why this beach is highly popular with surfers. Sebastian Inlet is also a place for fishing.
Shell-Hunting Beach: Bal Harbour Beach
Bal Harbour Beach is a wide and clean beach with dunes. Here, the main street – Collins Avenue – becomes a wide boulevard, lined with gracious palm trees and greenery. Bal Harbour Beach is a place with plenty of colorful shells. Swimming, sunbathing and windsurfing are activities of choice on Bal Harbour beach. However, there are no lifeguard on duty on Bal Harbour beach. The beach is almost private, except for the two public access points.
Shelling Beach: Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is located off the coats of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers, Florida. It measures roughly 12 miles (19 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide. Sanibel beaches are considered some of the most beautiful in the world with great shelling and sunbathing. Sanibel Island has white sand beaches and clear water.
Family Beaches: Siesta Key & Panama City Beach
Florida Trend Magazine has named Siesta Beach ‘The Best Beach in the State of Florida’. It is also famous for its white sand. At the ‘Great International White Sand Beach Challenge’ held in 1987, it was recognized as the beach with the ‘whitest and finest sand in the world’. Siesta Beach’s sand is 99% quartz. It stays cool year round.
Panama’ s City Beach slogan is ‘The World Most Beautiful Beaches’. It lives up to its title with the unique white sandy beaches of Northwest Florida. The Travel Channel names Panama City Beach the best family beach; it brims with attractions and activities tailored to families. Panama City Beach is suitable for kids of all ages.
Florida’s beaches are some of the most popular attractions the ‘Sunny State’ has to offer to any traveler or tourist.
