Siesta Beach, America’s Best Beach 2011…

Dr. Beach aka Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research has announced the winner for America’s Best Beach 2011…….

Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida!

Siesta Beach has been a long time favorite for locals and visitors alike.
With it’s….

~99% pure quartz sand

~sparkling, clear shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico

~ and wide beaches

Is it any wonder that they won the honor of America’s Best Beach for 2011?

Siesta Key beach is hundreds of yards wide, attracting volleyball players, beachcombers and sun worshippers. Waves are normally measured in inches, and the beach gradually slopes into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, making it a safe area for children.

This beach park is complete with showers and bathrooms, snack bars, grills, picnic tables, shade trees and a large parking area (get there early, it fills up on summer weekends). Siesta Beach is a smokeless beach, earning extra points for cleanliness and environmental management.

While you’re there visit Siesta Village, north of Siesta beach. This mostly pedestrian village area is ideal for “People Watching” from sidewalk cafes. This adorable little village is filled with boutiques, shops, restaurants too!

Congratulations Siesta Beach!

For more info on Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, Florida…

Sarasota and Her Islands

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce

And make to sure to visit drbeach.org for all Best Beaches for 2011. Florida has a couple of other amazing, beautiful beaches on the list!

Florida Parks are a Great Idea for Your Next Visit!

Our Florida National Parks are home to some of the most amazing beaches, sand dunes, coral reefs, and mangroves. Throw in protected coastal wetlands, salt marshes, hardwood hammocks, historic forts, stories of pirates and explorers, endangered animals like the West Indian Manatee, Florida panther, wood stork and American crocodile, and you’ve got a recipe for a great Florida getaway.

Biscayne National Park: in Miami, Key Biscayne, and Homestead, Florida

Since 95% of the park is underwater, it is a wonderland for water lovers. There is fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving in Biscayne Bay and offshore at the living reefs, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Camp on both Elliot and Boca Chita Keys…boat required. The park offers boat trips to the islands in the winter and spring. If you want to keep your sea legs dry, take a glass-bottom boat tour.

Visit the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and learn about the 10,000 years of history here. There is even history under the water. The Maritime Heritage Trail has 6 shipwrecks Continue reading »

Bahia Honda State Park…

Bahia Honda State Park is an amazing slice of paradise in the Florida Keys! There you can enjoy: award winning beaches, fishing, hiking, snorkeling, boating, camping, snorkeling tours, nature trails and more.

Beaches:
Visit Sandspur…the award winner and the largest, Calusa…the smallest and gulfside, and
Loggerhead…shallow with an awesome sandbar nearby, great for kids and beginner snorkelers.

You can enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, snorkeling and kayaking right off these natural beaches. These pristine beauties with their soft sand and crystal clear waters are just the ticket for a day or a week of relaxation and fun!

Snorkeling:
If you are looking for great snorkeling Continue reading »