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Florida's Best Beaches |
| Sunday, September 07, 2008 |
Enjoy our Finest Beaches
Our Favorite Beaches
The Focus: Unique Flavor and Style
As a natural born Floridian, with 40+ years of a fun-and-sun beach play, it was an honor that Fun-Florida-Getaways asked for my help in selecting some of the top beaches in Florida. I grew up as a child playing and loving the beaches around my home near Lido Beach. Having lived in Sarasota, Bradenton, Ft. Myers, Miami, Key West, Ft. Lauderdale, to name a few, I felt my years of loving and exploring the beaches all over Florida are worthy of this honor.
While the most recognized beach venues are typically very nice and worthy of the popularity...it is the uniqueness and local flavor that adds the spice to a special place in the sand. The selections that follow all promise relaxation, variety, great views, and beachside getaways that are special, one-of-a-kind, and will have you coming back for more!
Pancake Breakfast on the Beach
It's Holmes Beach
That's right, a wonderfully prepared all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast for about six bucks, right along the Gulf waters. Have coffee, breakfast, read the paper and then take a magnificent walk on this nice Manatee County shoreline. Located on Anna Maria Island, not too far from Bradenton, you get the a top beach with great water and sunset views to cherish.
The area has so many neat things to see and do...Anna Maria Island is a great area to explore on bikes, has two first class piers for fishing, with some super beach pubs, cafes, and shopping spots. If you get a chance, this is a fantastic must-do Florida beach. Expect a laid-back beach town feel, to relax and enjoy. (more)
Show me the Waves!
Cocoa Beach
Treat yourself to a wonderful weekend or day trip and enjoy the big waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Here you get to swim right along side the local surfers and a enjoy a fantastic wide-stretch of sandy beach. It is Cocoa Beach, home to the great beach gear shopping at Ron John's Surf Shop and the beach proclaimed as the as Florida's surfing capital.
Right in the middle of Cocoa Beach is the always fun to see and do Cocoa Beach Pier which juts way out over the ocean. This wonderful landmark is great to dine or drink cocktails, all the while absorbing the picturesque coastline and the surfers below, day or night! This is a great little beach town to getaway and enjoy beach side bars with live music, excellent dining, shopping, and nearly every water sport you can think of. Cocoa Beach is a great outdoor playground! (more)
A Top-10 Beach
Fort Desoto's North Beach
Down on the south side of Pinellas County you will find a beach treasure that is yours for the taking. It is absolutely a wonderful beach zone named North Beach. This beach park is part of St. Petersburg's Fort Desoto Park, a monster beach park that is actually made up of a group of connecting islands that extend out into the Gulf.
This beach park is so rare, as much of the area is preserved and so very natural. The combination of the white sand, tall trees, and gorgeous water gives North Beach a special appeal. Martha Jackson was sunning comfortably and stated, "We come back at least monthly. My kids love the playgrounds and rafting on the water. We take long walks and just really enjoy the views". North Beach has been highly awarded by many TV, newspapers, and magazines as being a top-10 U.S. beach.
Nearly ever sort of beach activity is here to enjoy as well. The park's 20+ boat ramps helps make this a boating bonanza. You can bring or rent kayaks and enjoy the calm bayside water. There are miles of paved trails for you biking and rollerblading. Fort Desoto's picnic facilities are well maintained and abundant. It is a hot spot for fishing, with two nice piers to cast from. The park even has a lot of nature trails to enjoy. So you have plenty of options, all with spectacular views. (more)
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Florida Beach Guide
∴ Visitor Comments
∴ Top Things Beach
∴ Beach Safety Tips
∴ Understanding the UV Index
∴ Beach News
∴ More Florida Fun
Florida Beach Questions or Comments
Beach Cleanup
 Q: You have a great beach list, and just love the photos. My name is Joan Rodgers of Fort Myers Beach, and I would like to get involved with some beach programs. Do you have any suggestions on places or sites that I could go to and learn a bit more on what is going on with maintaining our wonderful beach resources?
Thank you, Joan Rodgers (Ft. Myers Beach Resident)
A: Congratulations on your efforts. Head right to the source of the beach plan, here. You will be landing at the Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems, which is the big cheese organization under the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Way to go Joan! Would love to know what a few of your favorite beaches are.
Daytona Beach Activities
 Just really liked our Daytona Beach itinerary, as the area has great attractions, beaches, shopping, and professional golf courses. We enjoyed our weekend vacation getaway so much, we are returning to enjoy the Bike Week fun. The city really pushes discount hotels and motels, oceanfront, with great views and quick access to Daytona Beach activities.
Bob Beckley, Maitland Florida
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Top Things Beach
Know Your Beach Winners
| Beach Phrase |
Know Your Beach Winners |
| Beach Band |
The Beach Boys are one of the most legendary rock groups of their era, and the winner of the Best Beach Band Award. The Beach Boys' first Capitol single, "Surfin Safari", was released in June 1962 and became their first Top 40 hit. |
| Beach Camping Parks |
Beach Camping Parks are one of the most fun and least expensive ways of enjoying weekends or other holidays. Listed as part of our "Must Do Fun in Florida" list, it is a blast to enjoy yourself at a Florida Beach Camping Park. Our top pick is Fort Desoto Beach Campground, just the perfect place to stay along the water. |
| Beach Diet |
Years after its debut in April 2003, "The South Beach Diet" remains one of the country's best-selling diet books of all time. The South Beach Diet involves cutting down radically on a particular food group, the enemy being carbs. The winner is Miami South Beach from First Street to 30th Street. |
| Bikini Beach |
While the bikini was born way back in 1946, the result is bikini beach ended up at clearwater beach. It is a top-10 beach, with great sand, water, and beach bars. But known as Bikini Beach in Florida, this is the best beach in which to sample the most fashionable mix of bikinis. (go) |
| Dog Beach |
The winner here is Honeymoon Island State Park, it is a dog beach paradise. A wonderful white-sandy beach overlooking a beautiful top-10 beach, Caladesi Island. With a dog washing shower and wonderful views of boats cruising out to the Gulf, this is a doggie beach treasure. (go) |
| Kid's Beach |
Kids change over time, but one thing that hasn't changed is that children love the beach. A kid friendly beach is clean, safe, has life guards, shade trees, and a nice playground. Throw in a beach where the kids can have blueberry pancakes! Yes, that is why holmes beach wins our "2006 Best Kid Beach Award". (go) |
| Sunset Beach |
It is a celebration here, yes, a daily Sunset Celebration tradition. At Clearwater Beach there is nothing quite like watching the sunset from the beach sand or up on pier 60. It captures the senses with waves splashing along the shore, couples embracing, all eyes on the horizon. The best sunset beach is here, and it is a celebration everyday at Clearwater Beach. (go)
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| Topless Beaches |
You mean topless first-rate beaches where bikini tops are optional. Well in Florida we vote for Miami's South Beach which is arguably the best topless beach in the U.S., thanks to the party atmosphere that attracts the beautiful topless women and men too! |
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Beach Safety Tips
Rip Currents
Beware of rip currents, which are strong currents of water that rush quickly out to sea. It is a seaward moving current that circulates water back to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. These currents can swiftly sweep unwary beach waders off their feet and out to sea. Rip currents may appear as moving or choppy water. Any time you see shoreline debris or beach foam floating out to sea, you may have seen some degree of a rip current. If caught in a rip current, first, don't panic. Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current, then head for the beach.
Sun Prevention Tips
| Seek Shade |
Staying under cover is a good way to protect yourself from the sun. Remember the shadow rule: Watch Your Shadow. No Shadow, Seek Shade! |
| Limit Time in the Midday Sun |
The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, limit exposure to the sun during these hours. |
| Always Use Sunscreen |
Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher and use a lot wherever your skin is showing. Reapply every 2 hours when working or playing outdoors. Even waterproof sunscreen can come off when you towel off, sweat, or spend extended periods of time in the water. |
| Wear a Hat |
A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection to your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck - areas particularly prone to overexposure to the sun. |
| Wear Sunglasses that Block 99-100% of UV Radiation |
Sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damage. Check the label when buying sunglasses. |
| Avoid Sunlamps and Tanning Parlors |
The light source from sun-beds and sunlamps damages the skin and unprotected eyes. It's a good idea to avoid artificial sources of UV light. |
| Watch for the UV Index |
The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and EPA, the UV Index is issued daily in selected cities across the United States. |
| Cover Up |
Wearing tightly woven, loose-fitting, and full-length clothing is a good way to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. |
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Understanding the UV Index
Know Your UV Index
What is the UV index? You hear it everyday during the summer in Florida. Answer: It is a measure of sunburn danger! The ultraviolet index was developed by the National Weather Service and the EPA to give the public a daily forecast of the amount of skin-damaging UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
• 2 or less: Low
• 3 to 5: Moderate
• 6 to 7: High
• 8 to 10: Very High
• 11+ Extreme
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Don't Get Burned!
Just plan ahead, as the amount of UV you receive depends on you and your outdoor timing. What matters is both the strength of the almighty sun's rays (as measured by the UV Index) and the amount of time you spend under the sun light. Don't get burned, just reduce your time in the sun. The middle of the day is the worst and the time to seek shade, particularly between 11am to 4pm each day.
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Florida Beach News
Ever been on a coastal vacation in the Gulf States? This drilling will make us into a 3rd world country. Black inky oil will wash up on california and florida beaches. We will ruin our already dying oceans and for WHAT? ARE YOU PEOPLE INSANE? THERE IS CLEAN ENERGY ON THE WAY - WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS??????????????????????????????
For tropical paradise just a hop and skip away from crowded Southbeach or Miami, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida is exactly what you're looking for. This subtropical paradise is a favorite vacation spot for Floridians as well as visitors from across the United States and abroad - read on to find out more!
Pompano Beach Vacation Florida
Ocean Reef Resorts, a leading vacation rental and real estate firm specializing in Florida’s Emerald Coast including Fort Walton Beach, Destin, The Beaches of South Walton and Panama City Beach have announced the launch of their new website: www.OceanReefResorts.com.
Why choose a beach vacation in Florida? One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from the beach!Florida is also easy to get to, the temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your money and that's just for starters. So whether you are looking for a family vacation
Family travel to the Florida Keys is a great way to bring the family together.With upwards of 1700 islands, the Florida Keys has become one of the main vacation destinations for beach bums, cultural junkies and amateur fishers from across the country.
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