Florida beaches that you must visit

The sun kissed shores of southern Florida frequently rank amongst the best beaches in the USA and for a good reason. Conveniently located near all tourist attractions of Florida, Florida beaches are within an easy reach for anyone wishing to enjoy a beach holiday.  Many of the finest sands are found only a short distance from the major cities. Many of these beaches are within easy-reach from the Florida cities that could be your hub for your next family vacation.

1. Daytona Beach: Daytona Beach, Florida is about 60 miles from Orlando and gives you a unique experience with rough surf and drive-on beach. Originally a spring break destination, this popular beach vacation now caters to one and all. Whether you are in mood to surf and soak or build some great sand castles or chill-out with a pop or ice cream, you can do it all. Best yet, you can rent beach chairs or purchase sunglasses and sunscreen right on the beach from the vendors. If you are into jet skiing, you can join the many jet skii's that buzz around or test your surfing or kite flying skills.
   After a busy day in the water and on the beach, you can enjoy some local flavors at one of the many restaurants. Local eateries and restaurants serve fried fish sandwiches, spiced peel and eat shrimp, clams, oysters, crab legs and homemade seafood gumbo. If seafood isn't your favorite you can also get chicken, hamburgers and an array of specialty salads.
2. Cocoa Beach: If you are looking for an affordable beach vacation, Cocoa Beach, Florida is your destination. Located on Florida's Space Coast, (named after the Kennedy Space Center), this popular vacation destination is about an hour drive from Orlando, Florida. Known for best of 'Sun and Fun', this town offer seemingly endless stretch of sand and unlimited fun. Some of the popular activities you can engage in this beach town include deep sea fishing, parasailing, casinos aboard cruise ship, and eco-tours that get you up close and personal with Florida's awesome wildlife.
   Whether you are planning a family beach vacation, leisure travel, a business trip, a weekend getaway, or just a day at the beach, you'll find everything you need in Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast area to make your stay one to remember.
3. New Smyrna: One of Orlando's closet beaches, New Smyrna features a historic district, plus shops, marinas and restaurant. New Smyrna Beach is about one hour from Orlando and you can soak-up some sun on the beach, go on bird watching, surfing, and fishing or enjoy a round of golf.
4. St Petersburg and Clear Water: Florida's west coast beaches are where you want to be! Close to everything, yet miles away. A beautiful peninsula located on Florida's West coast, the area is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and by Tampa Bay to the east. There is 35 miles of white-sand beaches on some 20 barrier islands. Located just 30 minutes to Busch Gardens in Tampa and 90 minutes to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
5. Miami's South Beach: For most visitors to the Miami area South Beach springs to mind as the classic image of long hot Floridian summers and toned tanned physiques playing volleyball or jogging on the boardwalk. Despite the reputation, it has to be said that South beach thoroughly lives up to the hype forming as it does the central point of a lively scene, just a stone’s throw away from some of Miami's swankiest hotels and hippest nightclubs it remains a hub of activity by day and night.
6. Miami's North Beach: North Beach is the largest singles stretch that together with the several others make up the more than seven miles of beach that can be found around Miami. It has a pleasant boardwalk offering easy access to all parts of the beach and is ideal for families as it has safe shallow waters and is protected by lifeguards – it is also a popular spot to rent jet skis.
7. Miami's Crandon Park Beach: Another favorite for those sharing their holidays with small children is Crandon Park Beach. Also in Key Biscayne it offers more than three miles of gentle sheltered beaches protected by 13 lifeguard towers and facilities that included children’s playgrounds and picnic areas to help make sure that every member of the family can relax and enjoy.
8. Miami's Haulover beach: At the other end of the scale is Haulover beach, the only public beach in Miami with a 'clothing optional' policy. Located on Miami Beach between the Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbor this is the perfect place to wave goodbye to those strap marks and go au natural – perhaps not the best option for kids though.

If you are looking for rental accommodations in Florida while visiting any of the beaches, you can consider staying at Emerald Island Resort and be in the close proximity of all attractions and activities that Orlando area or other Florida destinations have to offer.