Best Family Beaches for Fun & Sun!

Clearwater Beach:
When kids want a break from the soft powdery sand and surf at Clearwater Beach they can enjoy an awesome playground right on the beach (home to the worlds largest sandbox)! The family will enjoy the musicians, street performers and crafters selling their wares nightly at Pier 60’s Sunset Celebration.

Take the family on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, or a dolphin watching trip on the Little Toot(my nephew’s favorite). These boat trips are offered at the Clearwater Municipal Marina right across the street from the beach. The marina is also home to the Seascreamer..the world’s largest speedboat.

Caladesi Island & Honeymoon Island State Park:
in Dunedin, Florida is a must see when you’re in the area. Take the ferry to Caladesi Island (#1 on America’s Best Beaches for 2008 & #2 for 2007) from Honeymoon Island State Park (another beauty) and enjoy shelling, nature trails, canoeing and kayaking. Even though it’s completely natural there is a concession stand, bathhouse and picnic pavilions. If you bring your own boat you can dock overnight in the 108 slip marina.

Read more about these treasures at Florida State Parks. There is a fee for parking and the ferry ride, just check the park website for current rates. It’s a great adventure for your next Florida family vacation!

St.Pete Beach:
is also one of the best family beaches on the West Coast and home to the Tradewinds Island Grand Resort . It is one of the most fun-filled places to take a family beach vacation.  The resort has many activities for kids like a family dive-in movie, glow in the dark volleyball, an awesome Kids Only Club, and water sports for all ages. You can even call Beaker the Pelican for a tuck in. Really Cool!  The restaurants are all great there and of course the sunsets (my fave) are breathtaking. We had tons of fun on our recent stay there!

Cocoa Beach Florida:
If you and your family are looking for a break from your “theme park” vacation, then Cocoa Beach may be just the ticket. Cocoa Beach is better known as Orlando’s Beach and also the Surfing Capital of the East Coast. It is one of the best family beaches near Orlando, about a 45 minute drive.

And with its historic landmark Pier (800ft long) right on the beach, there is plenty of fishing to be done. The pier offers rod & reel rentals and you can dine and shop right over the Atlantic Ocean! The pier is also host to many events like the Boardwalk Bash, Beach Fest, Surfing contest, Lifeguard contest and more.

Kids from ages 8 to 18 can go to “school” at places like Ron Jon Surf School. They also offer hotel discounts to all their surf school clients. Pretty cool, huh? Kids have fun surfing and Mom and Dad save a few bucks while on a Florida family beach vacation!

Bahia Honda State Park:

Located in the Florida Keys, is another one of our state treasures. It has an award winning beach which is unique in the Keys. Enjoy the balmy sea breezes, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters as you camp right on the beach. Make sure you call for reservations, as those spots are always requested first.
The park also rents cabins, which are nice for those of us who like a little more luxury than a tent (that would be me).  Don’t let me discourage you though; even I have slept in a tent! It’s something you must experience at least once with your family.

If you are looking for great snorkeling on your Florida beach vacation, then you are in the right place. You can snorkel right off the beach or take a snorkeling tour to Looe Key Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Looe Key was named after the H.M.S. Looe that sank in 1744 and remains on the ocean floor today. Snorkeling is great for Florida vacations with kids of all ages as long as they can swim.  My kids learned early and it opened their eyes to a whole new world, one right under their boogie boards!

Enjoy Florida vacations on the best family beaches!