Where Are The Best Beaches For A Family Vacation In Florida?

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Coast or the Florida Keys, this is one state with plenty of beaches to choose from. It has 800 miles of coastline to be exact. Some beaches are so popular they are crowded with wall-to-wall beach towels. Other Florida beaches are idyllic and secluded for a chilled-out experience. Some have attractions within easy walking distance and others offer great beachfront hotels. With so much to choose from, the following are some of the best beaches for a family vacation in Florida.

Keep calm at Panama City Beach, Florida

With its 27 miles of idyllic white-sand beaches, Panama City Beach is a favorite for families with younger kids. In fact, the calm waters here are perfect for the little ones to splash around and have fun. Meanwhile, the family can enjoy tours to undeveloped Shell Island, or sail the Gulf of Mexico on sunset dolphin cruises. For parents seeking peace, the stretch of sand on St. Andrew’s State Park is perfect for a calm family experience. However, when looking for some action, the family can head to Pier Park for its shops, restaurants and IMAX movie theater.

Vero Beach for a lively family vacation

Vero Beach nestles on the Florida Treasure Coast and is a gem indeed. The town is one of those ideal places for a family vacation, with its oceanfront hotels. Meanwhile, once you arrive there, you can park your car for the duration, and use bikes and feet to get around town.  One perfect spot is the Costa d’Este Beach Resort and Spa which nestles on the beach. Here, beach cruiser bikes are readily available, as are sea kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, all included in the fee.

Meanwhile, oceanfront restaurants like The Lemon Tree, Waldo’s Restaurant and Mulligan’s Beach House are only steps away. Moreover, the coastline is named for the Spanish galleons that lost their loot along the coast during a 1715 hurricane. One great option for the kids is to rent a metal detector at Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum and hit the beach, looking for those golden doubloons.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Cocoa Beach is perfect for those kids (and parents) fascinated by the space race, as here you can watch rocket launches close by at Cape Canaveral. In fact, Cocoa Beach is a gateway to the Kennedy Space Center Complex where the kids can see rockets and other exciting, space-related things.

However, for those who love nature, the family can take a walk to see the sea turtle nesting mothers at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Alternatively, the maritime forest at Lori Wilson Park attracts plenty of birds to watch. Meanwhile, surf lessons are available on the beach for the older kids.  Moreover, Cocoa Beach Pier has plenty of shops and eateries to choose from.

These are just a few of Florida’s amazing beaches, many of which are perfect for a family vacation.