Ocean Beach Park New London Connecticut
This half-mile, golden-sand beach with gentle tides provides great views of ferries and schooners sailing past the New London Ledge Lighthouse. Ocean Beach Park, located along the boardwalk, features a picnic area, playground, snack bar, mini-golf, arcade, and more. When you’ve had your fill of one of New England’s premier sugar sand beaches, take a dip in the Olympic-size pool. The onsite parking fee also includes admission for up to five guests, otherwise it’s $8 for walk-ups.
Best Beaches In Florida For 2022
The choices are many, yet the answer isnt so obvious: what are the best beaches in Florida and which is right for me?
Were two Floridians, one from South Florida and one from Central Florida, with years of experience exploring the best beaches in our home state.
Weve carefully selected our favorites: small island getaways, unspoiled stretches of sand, family friendly vacation spots, and city reprieves with State Parks and lively beachfront esplanades. Our list of Florida beaches has something for everyone, and we hope it helps you enjoy one of the best things to do in Florida: the beach!
And just imagine, by the end of this article, youll be one step closer to sinking your toes in the sand and cold drink in your hand as your worries melt away in the Florida sunshine.
From Miami to Jupiter, and everything in between, South Florida is the largest metro area in the Sunshine State featuring cities like Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach. Here are some of the best beaches in South Florida:
Siesta Key Beach Sarasota
This incredibly wide beach along the Gulf of Mexico has what it calls the worlds finest, whitest sand , and theres plenty of it to go around. It is not the drama-filled splash ground portrayed on MTVs popular reality show Siesta Key, but rather a kid-friendly expanse teeming with sand sculpture artists, hippies, and families basking in the sun.
You May Like: How To Buy A Vacation Home
Grayton Beach State Park
Sparkling white sands and emerald-green waters form the backdrop for this portal to a perfect beach vacation in Sunshine State. Walk along the shore or swim in the crystal-clear waters of the beach, tucked into the northwest corner of Florida in South Walton. The water temperatures may be cool for most to enjoy, but not a problem for those who like likes refreshing swims.
Grayton Beach is unique for its coastal dune lakes, a geological rarity found in only a few places on earth. One of these lakes, Western Lake, even has an ideal paddle trail to kayak or canoe. You can also do freshwater and saltwater fishing in its brackish waters, while nature enthusiasts can hike or bike the winding trails through the coastal forest. And the best is, that Grayton beach was upgraded with sand mats and ramps, so it is now one of the best wheelchair-accessible Florida beaches!
Affordable Florida Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation
Close your eyes and picture your happy place. What do you see? Sandy shores, a deep blue ocean, swaying palm trees? Can you hear the waves crashing and the seagulls calling? Are you already beginning to smell the salty surf and taste the pina colada? If your idea of a ticket to paradise means being knee deep in the water somewhere , congratulations because you’ve officially been granted membership to the Southern Beach Lovers Club. No, it’s not a real club. But yes, we do take our involvement rather seriously.
Being a Southern Beach Lover means taking annualif not biannualtrips to fuel our obsession. But it doesn’t mean cashing in our savings and jetting off to an exotic locale to do so. Whether we choose South Carolina’s Sea Islands, Georgia’s Golden Isles, or Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Southerners know the best beaches are right in our own backyard and don’t cost a fortune to visit.
Of course, you can’t discuss beach destinations without mentioning Florida. And for those looking for a beach vacation that won’t break the bank, Florida is the key or should we say Keys. The Sunshine State is home to dozens of tiny beach towns ready to welcome you for a weekend away. Think quaint cafes, colorful shops, and uninterrupted views with hardly a high-rise condo or $5 souvenir sign in sight. Here are 10 inexpensive Florida beach towns to consider for your next vacation.
Also Check: How Much Down Payment For A Vacation Home
You Wont Run Out Of Vacation Activities When You Visit Redington Beach Florida
If youre looking for the best place to vacation in Florida, Redington Beach is worth a trip. Youll love exploring the beautiful beaches and checking out the many vacation activities it has to offer. Its the perfect place to unwind and enjoy all that Florida has to offer.
If youre looking to rent vacation condos in Redington Shores, Florida, John Pass Condos can help! Weve been helping people with their dream vacation Florida stays since 1993. Contact us today to get on your way to the vacation of your dreams.
Coligny Beach Park Hilton Head South Carolina
Hilton Head isn’t just golf courses and candy-colored resorts. Its incredibly well-maintained beaches have made it a summer destination for people all over the southeast. The beautifully landscaped entrance to Coligny Beach welcomes you to its accessible location, made all the more popular by amenities that include showers, gazebos, benches, swings, free Wi-Fi, and a splash fountain to rinse off your sandy children. Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly matting leads to the water. Get there for sunrise, if you can, and keep an eye out for dolphins which are known to pass by its shores.
Read Also: Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Season 4 Episode 18
Jacksonville Zoo And Gardens
Looking to have a zoo visit while youre in Florida? Then Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens needs to be on your list. They are a part of the American Association for Zoo Keepers and have a focus on conservation, so you can be assured that youre supporting an ethical zoo.
They have over 2,000 animals to learn about and watch. But, they offer so many things to do besides that! One of their newer features is the Nature Agents activity where kids can have an interactive scavenger hunt through the zoo using a Smart Compass and a phone. While exploring, keep an eye out for the botanical gardens spread among the animal exhibits.
If you plan on staying in Florida for a while, teens can join the W.I.L.D. program and become ambassadors for the zoo. Anyone is welcome here, as they offer mobility and stroller rentals. General admission tickets will cost around $20 for kids and $25 for adults. They also have the total experience option for tickets, costing an extra $10.
370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens/ Flickr
Dry Tortugas National Park
A national park may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Florida Keys vacation, but you won’t want to miss Dry Tortugas National Park. It’s 99% underwater, which means the beaches it does have across its seven islands provide a stunning contrast between the pristine turquoise of the ocean and the sun-bleached white of the sand. The park is only accessible by seaplane or ferry, so you’ll need to camp if you want more than a day trip to this gorgeous spot.
Don’t Miss: Vacation Rental Websites By Owner
North Beach Tybee Island Georgia
Trade Spanish moss for grassy dunes at this coastal haven that’s perfect for a quiet getaway. Reachable in about 20 minutes by car or shuttle from Savannah, North Beach is a peaceful, family-friendly spot frequented by locals. The stunning 360-degree views from the top of the historical Tybee Island Lighthouse are well worth the climb, especially during sunrise and sunset. And when you get hungry, located between the beach and lighthouse, North Beach Bar and Grill is a casual, dog-friendly restaurant with a tasty menu and outdoor patio.
Stay At An All Inclusive
Anyone looking for an all-inclusive resort to spend their Florida Christmas vacation has many options throughout the state. One family-friendly option for those who love to be active is the Club Med Resort at Sandpiper Bay near Port St. Lucie.
Located along the St Lucie River, the resort is located in a lush tropical area where visitors can wander amidst the sun and surf and relax in a safe environment.
Guests can choose from seven different restaurants and bars like the Marketplace restaurant along the St. Lucie River or the Lucky Lime, a taqueria at the center of the resort. There are also bars like The Infinity bar near the adult-only pool, or the Slice Lounge, located near the theater.
And there is a lot to do for those who wish to do more than just bask in the Florida sun. There are three outdoor pools, tennis, golf, a spa, and much more. There are also a few academies where guests can learn to improve their tennis, beach volleyball, or trapeze skills. And there is an on-site Fitness Academy filled with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for fitness lovers. And there are daily activities offered such as Zumba, Pilates, and BODYPUMP.
And for those who want a bit of culture or socializing, there are day and night entertainments available. Those include parties, trapeze shows, dancing, fireworks, live performances, and more. The resort offers something for anyone looking for one of the best Christmas getaways in Florida.
You May Like: Luxury Vacation Homes San Diego
Barefoot Beach County Preserve Naples
An undeveloped barrier island is home to the stunning Barefoot Beach County Preserve, one of the best beaches in Naples. Not surprisingly, the sand here is soft enough to enjoy while walking without shoes, hence the name.
In this protected area covering 342 acres, visitors encounter a lovely array of indigenous creatures and vegetation in addition to the dune-lined sandy shore. Anglers will enjoy the ample fishing found in the surrounding tidal creeks and mangrove swamps.
It’s easy to get confused when locating the Barefoot Beach County Preserve. A very small section of the park is located right by Bonita Beach however, the main area of the park with all the amenities and wide-open space is actually located at the end of Barefoot Beach Blvd. Don’t be deterred by the large gate area that stretches across the road just drive right on through, past spectacular homes, until you reach the park gate at the end.
Best Beach Vacations In Florida You Wont Want To Miss
There you are, sitting in front of the computer Googling the best beach vacations in Florida.
Youre trying to figure out where to go for your next vacation, but deciding which beach to go to is overwhelming because they all sound the same.
All tourism sites scream, we have warm, sandy beaches!
To help, weve put together a list of the best Florida beach vacation destinations that include the highlights for each place.
In each section, youll find an overview of the destination, the best beaches to visit, awesome things to do, and where to stay.
Planning your beach vacation shouldnt be difficult. It should be fun!So, get ready to count down our favorite Florida beaches.
Ready to discover the best Florida beach vacations?
Lets go!
You May Like: Vacation Homes For Rent By Owner Florida Keys
Can I Rent Houses In Hillsboro Beach
Yes, of course. Vrbo has 2,132 Houses in Hillsboro Beach. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Hillsboro Beach include:
- Condos/Apartments: 1,881 rentals available
- Townhouses: 98 rentals available
- Villas: 169 rentals available
But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Cottages and more.
Best Family Vacations In Florida: St Augustine
A little over an hours drive from Jacksonville or Daytona Beach, St. Augustine is Americas oldest town with a very young spirit. Old cobblestoned streets are lined with galleries, restaurants and shops, and the magnificent beach surrounded by timeless dunes that is a mecca for sun-worshippers the city has attractions for any age or interest.
If you are trying to keep the kids happy, start your explorations at the Alligator Farm, where you can get close to the beasts or watch them from the zip-line high above the trees. Check out the Pirate Museum, where Treasure Hunt is a sure hit with the kids. The Castillo de San Marcos is like a trip to the past with soldiers dressed in period costumes and original cannons booming from time to time. If you are looking for active Florida beach vacations, there is so much to do and see in St. Augustine, you will just have to come back.
You May Like: Vacation Rentals Revelstoke British Columbia
Sanibel Island Beaches Sanibel Island
It’s easy to see why Sanibel Island was dubbed the “Shelling Capital of the World.” Each of its 15 miles of beaches are filled with unique shells that rolled in from the Gulf of Mexico. With so many beautiful beaches on Sanibel Island, it’s hard to pick just one.
Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park sits on the eastern tip of the island and features a historic operating lighthouse. Set around a point, the soft ivory beach faces both the Sanibel Causeway and the Gulf of Mexico. It boasts restrooms and a fishing pier.
Bowman’s Beach is more secluded than the rest and lacks the crowds you’d find at other, more popular beaches. You’ll find restrooms, picnic tables, and a children’s playground, but you’ll have to pack your own chairs and food.
On the west of the island lies beautiful Blind Pass Beach. Stretching from Sanibel Island into Captiva Island, this is one of the best beaches for shelling in Florida. It’s conveniently situated close to shops and restaurants.
South Beach Park Vero Beach
The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. As part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, the area draws treasure hunters who come and try their luck at finding the riches lost when early 18th-century Spanish ships sunk in a hurricane. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Recommended Reading: Vacation Rentals In Pensacola Area
Destin Beaches Voted Florida’s Best
The beach at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is part of a stretch of coastline in South Walton that is considered one of the worlds most beautiful. For one, the sand is nearly pure quartz crystal, the result of the wearing down of the Appalachian Mountains over time. Almost blindingly white, it is soft, fluffy and looks like sugar.
In an effort to provide enough space on our private beach for all guests to enjoy themselves while still following social distancing guidelines we are no longer permitting tents of any kind on our beach.
The largest full-service beachfront resort on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The Gulf of Mexico here boasts some of the countrys clearest water. Its crystal clarity allows sunlight to penetrate, and when the light reflects off the sand at the bottom, the effect is water that is a gorgeous, emerald-green color. Also, the water is calm and warm, which makes our resort particularly popular with families. As does the fact that our sand is known to make wonderful castles and sand sculptures.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
Located in southern Key West, this sun-soaked spot puts you halfway to the Caribbean. Here, you can picnic, swim, snorkel, paddle, fish, and even squeeze in a little history: Fort Taylor, a National Historic Monument, predates the Civil War and is worth checking out, especially on the third weekend of each month, when you can catch historical reenactments. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. until sundown, and admission costs $6 per vehicle.
Don’t Miss: Hilton Grand Vacations At Marbrisa
Things To Do In Florida At The End Of The Day
Florida is an amazing state known for its great weather, beaches, attractions, and culture and good vacation spots. Cities throughout the state have a variety of world class museums, sporting venues, and theme parks.
We love traveling throughout Florida and taking in the best of each of the cities we have reviewed. Whether you want to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios or grab a Cuban sandwich in Miami, you can find just about anything and plenty of fun places to vist in the Sunshine State.
****
Best Beaches In Florida You Must See
In a state surrounded by water on three sides, the number of beaches to choose from can be overwhelming, but weâve got you covered with a list of some of the best beaches in Florida.
With natural wonders in the Everglades, exhilarating theme parks, and exciting nightlife, itâs no wonder tourists flock to the Sunshine State, but the number one reason Florida has attracted people from all over the world is for the stateâs absolutely stunning beaches.
Where thereâs a will, thereâs a wave. No matter where you are in the state, some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida are no more than two hours away.
Going to the beach is one of the definitive summer must-dos! Since itâs summer all year round in the Sunshine State, here are some of the top Florida beaches to visit for a great vacation .
Recommended Reading: Vacation Rentals In Cartagena Colombia