Florida Beaches

Click Photo to Enlarge Photo © Lisa McKown - Dreamstime.com

OK, so it’s not the Riviera or Waikiki, but if you’re looking for a little fun in the sun close to home, then Florida beaches are the direction to point the family SUV. They don’t call this the 'sunshine state' for nothin’.

"No, for the last time, we’re not going to Disney World, we’re going to the beach."

If you get away with that one Mr. Family Guy you’re a parental genius. Better plan on both. For a family friendly spot by the sea head for Florida's Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast. Here you'll find miles and miles of shimmering sand and plenty of activities to keep the ‘little pirates’ occupied. Or further down the coast stop at Siesta Key, one of the most popular seaside retreats in the USA; having all those beach essentials: volleyball courts, snack bars and free parking for the family chariot.

On the other hand, if that land-yacht you drive is emblazoned with peace signs and festooned with window curtains, then head for nostalgia laden Fort Lauderdale. Don’t expect to find many students though. They moved spring break to Cancun decades ago. But if you just want to relax with your sixties sweetie and recall those special moments when wet t-shirts were really ‘rad’, then this is the perfect Florida beach for you.

If it's 21st Century fun you want, head for Miami’s South Beach where a new-wave retro-culture has taken hold. Even after the sun goes down it sizzles because this party central never shuts down. But to really spring forward into the new century, head a few miles up the coast to Haulover, the only officially sanctioned naturist beach in South Florida. Here you can frolic with other free spirited souls who have found the perfect solution to that age-old lament: "But I haven't got a thing to wear!"