In your opinion what is the best beach in Florida and why?

[cati]

Would love some input on this. Not going to get to go on our Big vacation this year but thought we may be able to drive to Florida to one of the beaches. Would like one that you can swim (not a lot of rocks in the ocean).

Also if you stayed in a hotel/resort, please tell me about that also. Would like a nice pool also. Thanks.

 

[mommyseven]

Northwest Florida - Destin/Ft. Walton Beach

The sand is sugary white and fluffy. Due to the continental shelf there are no rocks or shells to make walking uncomfortable. The water is warm and a beautiful blue/green.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

I like Daytona because it has a nice boardwalk and I like being able to drive on the beach!

 

[Boots]

In the spring we always go to the Destin-Ft. Walton-Panama City Beach area because we love the white sand so much. We also like Gulf Shores, Alabama too. But then in the fall we always go to Myrtle Beach, SC becaus I love the ocean too. So if Florida is it and you want the ocean Daytona is it, but I prefer the Florida gulf.

 

[ScarlettO]

DESTIN! Emerald green water....sugar white sand....heavenly.

 

[FroggyinArk]

( not serious) Any beach in fla beats the he ck outta the ones in arkansas: hates that hes goingto miss going to ffla this summer and next fall when we go its going to be a rushed trip to attend sil wedding, she only in law we speak to so we have to attend, we are also only family here she still tallks to too. Maybe we'll get to spend a day at jacksonvile or atlantic beach, thoswe are a few miles from her house,

 

[Bonnie40]

Cati,

I don't know if you have kids or not, but we always make the time to spend a few days at Venice Beach which is just south of Sarasota (which is also nice) on the Gulf side. Venice Beach is a small community with a nice shopping area and it is known for it's fossilized sharks teeth which wash up on the sand. My kids just love the challenge of hunting for shark's teeth. There aren't alot of hotels and the one's on the beach are a bit pricey ($225/night) but they're nice. There's a Best Western right on the beach and one called Inn at the BEach.

Sounds though from the feedback so far, I just might try Destin myself!

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

I always liked Ormond, until DH went to AIT at Hurlbert Field (air force base). It's in Ft Walton/Destin. I was shocked that the beaches were so beautiful. They reminded me of the commercials of the Bahamas. Just don't go during red tide or you will be attacked by floating sea weed.

 

[ez]

but I'm biased!

 

[*Fantasia*]

Originally posted by mommyseven
Northwest Florida - Destin/Ft. Walton Beach

The sand is sugary white and fluffy. Due to the continental shelf there are no rocks or shells to make walking uncomfortable. The water is warm and a beautiful blue/green.

What is continental shelf? I never heard of that, maybe cause I don't go to the beach much. Once we move to Florida I surely would like to check out the beach in Destin/Ft. Walton

 

[Chris2597]

My favorite beach in Fl is Jupiter Beach and the surounding area. We love staying at the Jupiter Beach Resort. It is right on the beach, with a nice pool. The resort is secluded and the beach is beautiful. The area has numerous restaurants and shopping. The summer rates are reasonalbe, especially when compared to the winter rates. There is also a nice turtle rescue area in Juno Beach just a few miles away. You can tour the rescue site and they also have turtle tours of the beach. It is very interesting. I think they even have camps for the kids to learn about sea life.

 

[mommyseven]

Originally posted by *Fantasia*
What is continental shelf? I never heard of that, maybe cause I don't go to the beach much. Once we move to Florida I surely would like to check out the beach in Destin/Ft. Walton

It's a steep slope. Most shells do not make it over the slope and long shallow sea bed. Usually the very small or broken shells that can float will come ashore. It's not great for those who like to find shells, but it makes a nice clean beach. Areas of Panama City Beach do have quite a bit of shell.

 

[grinningghost]

Daytona - just because it's Daytona.

 

[jbthi]

Sanibel and Captiva Islands

 

[vettechick99]

My vote is the Seaside/Seagrove Beach area. Crowds are minimal, the water is amazing and the sand is perfection. The tide doesn't really go in or out much, so you don't have to move twice everyday.

But be warned that the undertows are bad some days. I was there last week and 4 out of 5 days was "dangerous aka don't even think of going in" level.

Seaside

 

[dennis99ss]

make it 2 for sanibel.

Try the sanibel inn, older hotels, but with fridge, and micro......plus a screened porch, to hear the waves at night. best shelling beach in the US.

Be sure to make it to Cheeseburger Cheeseburger, and try to find my picture

Also, the Bubble room(or is it just bubbles), if its still there

 

[MickeysMommy]

I'm by no means an expert, just puting my 2 cents in. We stayed in a Holiday Inn right on the beach in Cocoa Beach back in '98. And when I say right on the beach, I mean literally on the beach. It was the last part of our honeymoon and we stayed there for 4 days. We had a suite with a balcony on the beach. I think we maybe walked 5 feet and were on the beach. It was nice, fairly deserted and beautiful. Now, mind you, Cocoa Beach is NOT my favorite part of FL. I had never been and I thought it would be more along the lines of Vero Beach... Definitely, NOT!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by Bonnie40
Cati,

I don't know if you have kids or not, but we always make the time to spend a few days at Venice Beach which is just south of Sarasota (which is also nice) on the Gulf side. Venice Beach is a small community with a nice shopping area and it is known for it's fossilized sharks teeth which wash up on the sand. My kids just love the challenge of hunting for shark's teeth. There aren't alot of hotels and the one's on the beach are a bit pricey ($225/night) but they're nice. There's a Best Western right on the beach and one called Inn at the BEach.

Sounds though from the feedback so far, I just might try Destin myself!

Venice Beach...I live by there!!!!! Well, I live in Venice, but not on the Island. Would always go to Venice Beach...but I looooove the Jedis which is just north, where you can walk out, and watch the dolphins and sunset.

Though my favorite is Siesta Key Beach...soft white sand, and clear water...at least last time I went

 

[MickeysMommy]

*SORRY POSTED TWICE*

 

[Spinning]

we visit my mom in north Port Florida each winter and go to the jetties! I love Caspersan's beach. It isn't the prettiest but I love hunting shark's teeth! Could spend days looking for them and never get bored!
Siesta Key Beach is very nice but every time we go it is packed!