http://www.visitflorida.com/beaches/ Florida's beaches are ranked as some of the best in the country for beauty, accessibility and facilities. Families, couples and singles on the move enjoy year-round sunshine, glittering white sand and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/chic-beaches-coastal-towns-with-a-touch-of-class http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/chic-beaches-coastal-towns-with-a-touch-of-class If you're looking for a beach town where you can shop, dine and delight in nightlife, check out these sweet shores. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-sports http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-sports Where to go when you have a yen to YOLO, a sweet spot for surfing or a penchant for paddling. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-break-from-the-ordinary-in-indian-river-county http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-break-from-the-ordinary-in-indian-river-county As a gentle breeze touches my skin, I catch my breath while taking in the beauty of the pristine beaches of Indian River County. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/plush-poolside-experiences http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/plush-poolside-experiences Poolside fun and relaxation merge into one luxurious experience at these unique pools around Florida. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/do-the-beach-a-little-differently http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/do-the-beach-a-little-differently Unique Beach Activities in the Sunshine State. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-safe-haven-for-sea-turtles http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-safe-haven-for-sea-turtles Fort Lauderdale's beaches are nesting nirvana for turtles - and local programs allow visitors to see this annual ritual first-hand. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/bradenton-has-something-to-brag-about http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/bradenton-has-something-to-brag-about Let there be no doubt about it...Bradenton's islands are among the finest in the world. In the Conde Nast Traveler 2010 Readers' Choice Awards, Longboat Key was ranked the No. 2 island in all of North America. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/chill-out-on-the-emerald-coast http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/chill-out-on-the-emerald-coast It's time to ditch winter's icy grip and give new meaning to the words "Chill Out." Picture an incredible white-sand beach with sunlight sparkling off emerald-green waves. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-town-charm-in-martin-county http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-town-charm-in-martin-county Every beach has its vibe. And Martin County's intimate downtowns and natural beaches keep it low-key. Pearls like Stuart and Jensen Beach epitomize this charm where inspiring waters crash into golden sands. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/somewhere-beyond-the-sea-experience-the-paradise-coast http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/somewhere-beyond-the-sea-experience-the-paradise-coast Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades blend coastline with sophistication: 30 miles of beaches and fine dining, art galleries and boutiques. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/fall-into-a-getaway-like-no-other-in-greater-fort-lauderdale http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/fall-into-a-getaway-like-no-other-in-greater-fort-lauderdale Discover the eight great beaches that make up Greater Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of beautiful sands. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-north-florida-secret http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-north-florida-secret Explore this quintessential Northeast Florida beach town and its neighbors from the comfy seat of a beach cruiser. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/the-hollywood-bonus-plan http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/the-hollywood-bonus-plan Cruise in to South Florida for a big event, stay for Hollywood's award-winning beaches and family-friendly Broadwalk. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/help-preserve-floridas-beaches http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/help-preserve-floridas-beaches Help preserve Florida's beach ecosystems and wildlife. You'll have fun, and the sea turtles will thank you! http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/fab-and-free-on-the-emerald-coast http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/fab-and-free-on-the-emerald-coast There's no better free attraction than the Emerald Coast's beaches, but you'll find tons of low- or no-cost fun off the beach too – if you know just where to look. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/battle-of-the-beach-sands http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/battle-of-the-beach-sands A beach is a beach, right? Not in Florida! Depending on where you go, the sands will look dark, white or even orange. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/A-REAL.-FUN.-BEACH. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/A-REAL.-FUN.-BEACH. Classic family fun has evolved with the times in Panama City Beach. See it for yourself this summer. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/longboat-by-boat http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/longboat-by-boat A two-hour tour with Captain Kim reveals an island best seen by the seaside. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/need-more-beach http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/need-more-beach Do you need more sand and sun in your life? Check out the top five reasons why life's a beach in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/celebrate-pensacola-then-and-now http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/celebrate-pensacola-then-and-now Join in the year-long 450th historic celebration for fun both on and off the beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/sun-soaked-beaches-of-greater-fort-lauderdale http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/sun-soaked-beaches-of-greater-fort-lauderdale Discover an ocean's worth of entertainment, outdoor fun and history on Fort Lauderdale's distinctive beaches. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-hikes http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-hikes These coastal walks offer an up-close look at natural Florida and feature some prime places where you can enjoy a sunrise or sunset. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/floridas-unexpected-shores http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/floridas-unexpected-shores White, black, even orange? Yes, the sands of Florida's beaches are all of these colors and more. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/frisbees-to-fossils http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/frisbees-to-fossils Beach bums and history buffs find plenty to like about Bradenton area beaches. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/green-by-nature http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/green-by-nature Mother Nature plays the starring role on the Emerald Coast, where greening is more than a buzzword. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/pcb-vacation-style http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/pcb-vacation-style Settle into a sun-soaked, activity-filled getaway in Panama City Beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/round-the-clock-in-hollywood http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/round-the-clock-in-hollywood Historic Hollywood brims over with culture and entertainment, day and night. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/sand-sea-and-butterflies http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/sand-sea-and-butterflies Follow the migrating monarchs to the tranquil, white-sand coast of Navarre Beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/warm-up-on-the-water http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/warm-up-on-the-water It may be winter, but cooler weather doesn't freeze opportunities for outdoor fun on Florida's Emerald Coast. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/down-the-garden-path http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/down-the-garden-path Outdoor pursuits center around sand, shells and stunning scenery on Sanibel Island. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/easy-being-green http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/easy-being-green Luxury meets green living at TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-captivating-spot http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-captivating-spot Find rest, relaxation and recreation at Captiva Island's 'Tween Waters Inn. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/steps-from-the-sand http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/steps-from-the-sand There's no need to stray far from your beach towel to savor these 10 great Hollywood activities. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/holiday-by-the-sea http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/holiday-by-the-sea Delight in a healthy dose of holiday cheer in Delray Beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-hopping http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-hopping Beyond blue waves and golden sands, discover a distinctive vibe at each of Greater Fort Lauderdale's beaches. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beyond-the-broadwalk http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beyond-the-broadwalk Make a splash in Hollywood, where water-centric activities dominate your itinerary. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/find-your-beach http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/find-your-beach So close to big city excitement, yet so tranquil and pristine, explore St. Petersburg/ Clearwater's award-winning beaches and beach parks. http://visitflorida.com/articles/a-different-daytona-beach http://visitflorida.com/articles/a-different-daytona-beach You know the Daytona Beach scene, right? Driving on the beach, Sky-Riding the Pier, surfing and reveling in hot days and a hotter nightlife. But how about this Daytona: cool temperatures, secluded beach spots, historic secrets and water sports, both eco and derring-do? If you haven't met this Daytona persona, fall's the perfect time to get acquainted... http://visitflorida.com/articles/celebrated-beach http://visitflorida.com/articles/celebrated-beach Having played starring roles in films for decades, the beaches of Miami and Fort Lauderdale possess star power, along with their more lauded solar power. And in the midst of these beach "celebrities" rises Trump International Beach Resort, where you don't have to claim fame to be treated like a star or dig your toes into its wide apron of toasty sands... http://visitflorida.com/articles/the-ultimate-summer-beach http://visitflorida.com/articles/the-ultimate-summer-beach Think warm summer sunshine and sand so white and soft it sparkles, squeaks and rolls like ski moguls. Think spacious suite with a view of water like liquid gemstones. Think fresh seafood and shops straight off the sand. It's Panama City Beach, home to live-in-your-swimsuit summer getaways and White Sale savings. http://visitflorida.com/articles/caladesi-calling http://visitflorida.com/articles/caladesi-calling The secluded sandy shores, translucent blue waters and palm fronds waving in the light sea breeze call me back to Caladesi Island State Park when I hear that it was chosen as America's #1 Beach 2008 by Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach), who calls the island in the St. Pete/Clearwater area his "favorite getaway beach". http://visitflorida.com/articles/luxury-hits-the-beach-in-fort-lauderdale http://visitflorida.com/articles/luxury-hits-the-beach-in-fort-lauderdale Long a popular destination with yachting enthusiasts and pleasure seekers, Greater Fort Lauderdale – especially its magnificently restored beachfront – has become one of the nation's leading luxury destinations, thanks to opulent new resorts and swank restaurants. Here, your beach chic experience extends beyond the shoreline. http://visitflorida.com/articles/naples-beach-paradise http://visitflorida.com/articles/naples-beach-paradise With Florida flaunting two of the most stunning coastlines in the world, it took plenty of confidence for the communities of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades to name their personal stretch of coastline the "Paradise Coast." But their confidence is well deserved. Let me introduce you to this magical coastline, my paradise. http://visitflorida.com/articles/savoring-floridas-gulf-islands http://visitflorida.com/articles/savoring-floridas-gulf-islands It's easy to fall in love with the many flavors of Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and the mainland areas of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Most restaurants are locally owned, offering tastes you won't find anywhere else, and the tropical setting is ideal for the many culinary events held here. http://visitflorida.com/articles/coastal-character http://visitflorida.com/articles/coastal-character My father's eyes lit up like fireworks at the thought of spending a long weekend in Pensacola Beach. It wasn't long before he had his trusted Hobie Cat sailboat tacked to the back of a borrowed truck. With enough scuba gear to satisfy a Navy SEAL and a cooler full of sandwiches stacked in the cab, we were off to the beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/seven-bits-of-beach-heaven http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/seven-bits-of-beach-heaven In St. Petersburg/Clearwater, you'll find a collection of Gulf-front communities with their own distinctive feel – from buzzing beach activity on award-winning shores to blessed quiet among Old Florida cottages. Here's a look at seven of my favorites, from north to south. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-bonding-in-destin http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-bonding-in-destin We were prepared to go the distance to get a little closer. So three girlfriends and I packed up the SUV and headed to the northwest corner of the state for some much-needed girl time on the sublime Emerald Coast. We settled in at TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/paradise-on-st.-pete-beach http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/paradise-on-st.-pete-beach Two white swans cross our path as my son and I paddle the narrow waterway winding through the Island Grand Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach. Up ahead I see sunlight dancing on a sparkling blue pool while my son spots a giant three-story inflated slide resting on the white sandy beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/quiet-harbor http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/quiet-harbor On a sunny afternoon at The Cove On Ormond Beach, a central east Florida resort on the Atlantic Ocean, children on tubes zoomed down a two-story water slide. A father in Bermuda shorts flipped burgers on a grill. Dozens of resort guests, including myself, lounged around the oceanfront pool. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-perfect http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/beach-perfect What makes the perfect beach, besides silky sand, turquoise water and near-constant sun? A perfect beach is where everything comes to you – where you don't have to work at keeping you, your partner and your kids entertained. The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Northwest Florida fits the bill. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/culinary-heaven-meets-the-coast http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/culinary-heaven-meets-the-coast An award-winning culinary team sets up shop in a first-class resort resting on a famous stretch of Atlantic coastline – a surprisingly short distance from Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. It's the Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort, and it's at the center of it all. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/daytona-beaches-hit-the-gold-standard http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/daytona-beaches-hit-the-gold-standard Many NASCAR drivers have taken home gold after speeding around that famous track, but there's another gold standard in Daytona: the beaches. Twenty-three miles of them to be exact. Take a surfing lesson, go swimming, stroll the shore, cruise the beach in your car or just chill. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/gateway-to-the-gulf http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/gateway-to-the-gulf If you're looking for a gateway to the Gulf's manifold charms, Bradenton area beaches will afford you passage onto parasails and kayaks, as well as into volleyball games. And whether you linger beachside or prefer to get wet, the area is the home base for Gulf-inspired activities of all kinds. http://visitflorida.com/articles/timeless-fun-in-panama-city-beach http://visitflorida.com/articles/timeless-fun-in-panama-city-beach In northwest Florida's Panama City Beach, there are plenty of ways to be entertained and to find your own fun, both on and off the beach. And you can enjoy it all at your own pace, whether that's laidback or action-packed. Which makes coming here a true escape. http://visitflorida.com/articles/caladesi-island-pristine-perfection http://visitflorida.com/articles/caladesi-island-pristine-perfection The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area's Caladesi Island State Park, one of Florida's few remaining undeveloped barrier islands, is the ideal place for angling, kayaking, birding or hiking. Or just relaxing. Its soft white sand invites you to sink in, to rest a while – and you won't want to pass it up. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/naples-the-finer-side-of-island-life http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/naples-the-finer-side-of-island-life Hours after sinking my toes into the sugar-sand beaches of Naples, I'm sitting in a posh restaurant on Fifth Avenue South, sipping a glass of wine and indulging in the fine life. Here, it's big city life meets the beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/sunny-treasures-of-sand-and-sea http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/sunny-treasures-of-sand-and-sea Much as Marco Polo had sought adventure and riches in Xanadu, our writer seeks beauty and relaxation in Fort Lauderdale. Join him on his exploration of the "Venice of America" and uncover treasures both on and off the beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/fort-de-soto-fortified-with-fun http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/fort-de-soto-fortified-with-fun Ever wonder where the local families go for a fabulous beach? In St. Petersburg, they go to Fort De Soto Park, recently ranked "America's #1 Beach." http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/martin-county-beaches-a-to-z http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/martin-county-beaches-a-to-z Martin County, on the east coast, has some of Florida's most beautiful and natural barrier island beaches. Some are relaxing and quiet, others are family friendly and full of kids. Find the beach that's right for you. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/the-new-daytona-beach http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/the-new-daytona-beach Daytona Beach ups the ante with families with exciting top-of-the-line attractions, new beachfront parks and upgraded resorts that offer kid-friendly amenities. If you haven't been here in awhile, you're in for a big surprise. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/fort-myers-beach-on-the-flip-side http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/fort-myers-beach-on-the-flip-side The ivory-tower sanctuary of DiamondHead Beach Resort rises like a bookmark between the frivolity and sophisticated beach indulgence that is Fort Myers Beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/rockin-around-the-clock-in-panama-city-beach http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/rockin-around-the-clock-in-panama-city-beach Wind your watches and get ready, get set, and go for an around-the-clock review of the best the family-friendly beach town of Panama City Beach has to offer. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/sandy-feet-welcome http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/sandy-feet-welcome Always wanted your own beach house? TOPS'L Beach and Racquet Resort in Northwest Florida is the perfect solution, with all the amenities and none of the hassles. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/castaway-for-a-day http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/castaway-for-a-day As an alternative to a Tahiti vacation my husband, James, and I sought to find our fantasy island closer to home – the keys and islands of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area. We began with one of the most celebrated islands in the area, Caladesi Island, which regularly ranks among the nation's best beaches. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-beach-for-each http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-beach-for-each Crystal clear waters, sugar-white sand and sun-kissed skies… getaways to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel are as pleasure-filled as any cruise or Caribbean isle.