So far we've only been to Cocoa and St. Augustine. We love the beach so we're hoping to try out a few new ones this spring/summer. What's your favorite?
We like Panama City Beach, especially the beach in the state park east of the town - Can't remember the park's name, but there's only one. The beaches of Clearwater, St. Pete are nice, too. Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Indian Rocks Beach are our favourites in that area.
I loe the Gulf Coast beaches much better than the Atlantic. The white powder sand is unbelievable. Destin is my favorite. It isn't as touristy as Panama City, but still has quite a bit to do other than the beach.
Definately West coast over East coast. Some suggestions are Anna Maria Island (our fav, beachhouse for 18 years).... or Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key... or down south more in Marco Island.
We love the Destin area (panhandle)for it's sugar white beaches. Also love Marco Island, Amelia Island, St. Pete area, and Ft. Lauderdale. We are huge beach lovers if you can't tell!
Sanibel Island - it is the shelling capital of the world! We love finding all the fantastic shells while doing the Sanibel Stoop. We also like the cute beach cottages we have stayed in that are right on the beach, the sunsets, quaint shops and great restaurants. Pets are allowed on the beaches and we have had great times there with our dog!
Always on the top 10 beaches in the US list... every year in a row. The thing is, there isn't much really to do in Sarasota, it just makes for a nice and relaxing vacation. Longboat Key to the north is just as nice, albeit much more expensive than Crescent.
Second choice would be Sanibel Island... but that's even quieter than Sarasota!
No comparison to Panama City even... Cocoa Beach - yuck
The only place you will get that white sand and clear water will be the Destin area. Siesta Key also has white sand, but I have heard several say that Destin still beats it.
sandestin.com
I had told my sister for a long time that this is where she should go. She and her family finally drove down there. ( I had not even heard about their spur of the moment trip) And, the first thing she does is call me on her cell, so excited!!! "Guess where we are!!! You were right!!!"