Best Beaches in Florida

Cocoa Beach is the centrepiece of Florida's famous Space Coast. Located on the east coast, it's the closest seaside resort to Orlando and the theme parks, making it an ideal destination for escaping the rides and larger-than-life cartoon characters. At Cocoa Beach, you'll find plenty of space to relax and unwind on the wide sandy beach or take part in water activities, after all the area is considered the surfing capital of the east coast. Speaking of space, you won't be able to ignore the region's links with the US space programme. The Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex is less than 30 minutes away and the beach is a must-see destination for watching rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is an essential part of your visit. Take time to enjoy the many bars and restaurants and explore the specialist shops. Take time to enjoy the many bars and restaurants and explore the specialist shops. Be amazed at the end of the pier by the fishermen trying their luck and the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

On the east coast of Florida, just north of Fort Lauderdale, lies the little gem of Deerfield Beach. Its calm, relaxed atmosphere is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle and hype of its busier neighbours, such as Miami Beach or Fort Lauderdale. As well as the pristine beach, the area is famous for its kilometre-long promenade: the perfect place to relax in the shade of a palm tree and watch the world go by, all against the backdrop of the stunning Atlantic Ocean. Part of the promenade is devoted to the very large international fishing pier. Take time to watch the experienced fishermen go about their hobby, or hire rods and reels to try your luck. It's a great way to relax, and after you've finished, why not pop into one of the adjacent restaurants for some freshly caught seafood.

Delightful Clearwater Beach, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the United States, lies just west of Tampa. Visitors are drawn to this family-friendly area by its laid-back attitude and, of course, the stretch of soft white sand bathed in crystal-clear seas. All the usual water sports activities are available and the charming seafront promenade is home to shops selling all the beach essentials, as well as numerous family restaurants where younger guests can have fun while they eat. One of the most popular areas of the beach is Pier 60. Home to many craft stalls, Pier 60 is the ideal place to find fun activities to keep little minds and hands occupied. In the centre of the area is a beach play area; after 6pm, the pier comes alive with street performers; and on Friday and Saturday nights, there's even an open-air cinema, where you can relax and watch great films under the stars.

The beaches of Naples are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world and are the perfect complement to this beautiful city. Numerous boardwalks provide access to the beach across the dunes from many points in the city. They are the perfect complement to the charming, picturesque promenades, where you can discover breathtaking historic architecture, trendy boutiques and restaurants. The seafront is also the perfect place for water-based activities. There are many boat trips where you can watch dolphins, collect shells or enjoy a romantic sunset while savouring a delicious dinner. One of the most popular choices is to cruise along the luxurious waterfront properties, offering a different perspective on how Naples' wealthy spend their time and money.

Pensacola Beach is an eight-mile stretch of powdery white sand on Santa Rosa Island in north-west Florida. The area has all the facilities you'd expect from a quality beach: lifeguards, showers and changing rooms, water and beach activities and more. But we think there are other things you'll enjoy too. The Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is home to pleasant shops, great restaurants and bars offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Take time to visit the Shell Amphitheatre, where you can enjoy shows and concerts throughout the year. For something a little different, hop aboard a bay cruise to see the area from a totally different perspective. We also recommend the P Morgan Park and Botanical Garden, where relaxation and tranquillity are guaranteed amongst the colourful shrubs and plants. Have some family fun at UFO's Mini Golf, Ice Cream & Arcade; as the name suggests, as well as an eighteen-hole cosmic-themed mini-golf course, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favourite snacks and drinks. Finally, the Pensacola Beach Pier is not to be missed (at 1,471 feet long, you won't want to miss it). There are shops to explore, views to admire or why not hire a rod or two and join the other anglers trying to catch mackerel, lake trout or flounder?

Siesta Key Beach is a strip of pristine white sand to the west of a narrow 'barrier island', itself located in West Florida, just south of Sarasota. The beach is beautiful, with powdery sand, gently lapping turquoise seas and a gentle breeze that keeps it relatively cool throughout the year; no wonder it has twice been voted the best beach in the USA. The beach is supervised by qualified lifeguards to ensure your safety. It's ideal for seaside or in-water activities and there are plenty of facilities where you can hire equipment, including beach and water toys, as well as the usual sun loungers and parasols. If you arrive early enough, you can even take part in one of the free yoga sessions on the beach, which take place almost every day.

Part of the world-famous Miami Beach area, South Beach is the perfect combination of white sand, gently swaying palm trees and art deco architecture. Away from the sun, sea and sand, most people head for Lincoln Road. This kilometre-long pedestrian zone is home to upmarket shops, boutiques and excellent restaurants. Take time to relax and enjoy the street entertainment or watch the beautiful people go about their business from a street bar. Just off Lincoln Road is Española Way, a charming mix of quaint shops and restaurants reflecting the best of Spanish and French culture.

Fort Lauderdale Beach, just north of Miami, offers a quieter alternative to the party atmosphere of the city itself. It has the same white sands and crystal-clear waters as Miami Beach, but is less crowded and offers a quieter alternative. That said, it's a destination for families who want to do more than sunbathe and swim. There are plenty of water-based activities on offer, as well as free facilities such as volleyball and basketball courts, toilets, showers, playgrounds and barbecue areas with tables and grills.

South of Naples, in the Gulf of Mexico, lies Marco Island, Florida's longest island. This family-friendly destination offers miles of pristine beaches and warm seas. It is also renowned for its superb golf courses and excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Marco Island has two beaches, Tigertail Beach and South Beach, both of which offer the usual activities and rental options, including jet skis, kayaks and paddle boards. South Beach is the busiest, especially at weekends. A popular beach activity is shell collecting when the tide goes out. There's even a dedicated shell collecting excursion on the island, which takes you to nearby Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, where you'll spend 45 minutes exploring a private beach, with a great chance of adding some rare shells to your collection.

On the Gulf Coast of north-west Florida lies family favourite Panama City Beach, visited by over six million people every year. The incredibly pure white sand is made up of quartz crystals washed down from the Appalachians and eroded into fine sand by the tides of the Gulf of Mexico. With a subtropical climate and 320 days of sunshine a year, it's no wonder that this country is one of America's favourite seaside destinations. In addition to the central beach area, Panama City Beach is bordered by two state parks, St Andrews and Camp Helen. Together, these parks cover 1,260 acres and offer the opportunity to explore forests, sand dunes and marshes. They are criss-crossed by hiking trails, have a lagoon swimming area, beaches and campsites.