Five of Florida’s best beaches

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason, and with more coastline than any other American state, it offers some of the world’s finest beaches. The only problem for people going on their holidays in Florida is choosing which beaches to go to, here is my choice for five of the best beaches in Florida:

St George’s Island State Park – best for unspoilt beach

If your idea of beach paradise is nine miles of unspoilt, undeveloped dunes, head to the state park beaches on out-of-the-way St George’s Island. A spit of land enclosing Apalachicola Bay in South West Florida, near Tallahassee, the fine white sands of St George’s are relatively unmarked by human footprints. The perfect place to let a dog off the leash, this is the beach where you’ll rediscover yourself, with the sound of the waves lapping ashore to lull your thoughts.

Miami Beach – best for partying

Don your Horatio Caine shades and head to the original and best beach for bling and excess. Miami is the original party city and it has lost none of its edge today. People watching is the top sport here, and even if the cast of Jersey Shore isn’t on display, every second person looks like an aspiring model, film star or rapper. Head to the boutiques of So-Be (South Beach), to gear up for a night of celeb-style clubbing in one of the chic nightspots thronging the beachfront

Clearwater Beach – best for families

Just west of Tampa on Florida’s panhandle, Clearwater Beach is the place for families and couples seeking an active beach holiday. Been enjoying the beach volleyball at the London Olympics? See how your own spikes and lay-ups measure up to those of All-American gold medal heroines, Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings. For real daredevil show-offs, take a parasail out and burn up the waters of the bay. Alternately, emulate America’s literary idol, Ernest Hemingway, and head further out to sea on a fishing boat in search of the enigmatic giant marlin.


Key Biscayne – best for relaxing

For maximum relaxing time, the island resort of Key Biscayne, six miles south of Miami and reachable by car, is still hard to beat. Rig up a sun lounger and soak up some rays within dipping distance of the azure blue waters. For a spot of activity that won’t work up a sweat, there are miles of bike paths for a leisurely ride with family or friends, as well as one of the top municipal golf courses in the world.

Palm Beach – best for exclusive

A fifty mile stretch of sugary sand on the Atlantic coast, Palm Beach County’s most exclusive section, Palm Beach itself, has been the spot of choice for American aristocracy including the Vanderbilts, Kennedys and Rockefellers. But it’s not all exclusive. The John D. MacArthur state park is the ideal beach to picnic on, also offering a family friendly nature walk with rare plants and marine life to be spotted.