Vacation On Florida Beaches

By Author: unknownmem
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Lake Tarpon, the "Jewel of Pinellas County" is located about 10 miles West of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs Florida. This 2,500 acre lake provides recreation and enjoyment for thousands in the Tampa Bay area.
Florida is known as the Sunshine State – the southern tip of Florida is only 62 miles from the Tropic of Cancer giving it a real tropical climate. Florida has a great climate all-year round with an average annual temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit and 95% days of sunshine so you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities. The winters are mild and the summer very hot.
Of course most people come to Florida to enjoy the beautiful beaches. In this respect we are very fortunate because the Gulf Coast has many of the best beaches in America including the famous Clearwater Beach which has an amazing stretch of white sand. It’s Pier 60 has free entertainment each evening and activities for children.
Many local beaches have recently received top awards: Fodor’s Travel Publications, America’s largest travel publisher, named Clearwater Beach one of the East Coast’s 7 Best ...
... Family Beaches.
Clearwater Beach was referred to as a “a gem for families” with “gorgeous white sand, attentive lifeguards, shallow waters that are clear and warm, a pier, and plenty showers and restrooms.”
Expert Dr Beach names Caladesi Island as Best USA Beach 2008 (it was second in 2006 and 2007).
TripAdvisor’s 2009 list of the top ten beaches in the U.S. has Fort De Soto Park as best beach in the USA for the second consecutive year, while Honeymoon Island State Park ranked ninth.
Fred Howard Park and Beach: This 150-acre county park located west of Florida Avenue in Tarpon Springs features a mile-long causeway connecting the offshore swimming area and the mainland. The park is open 7 a.m. to sunset offering barbecue grills, sheltered pavilions, children’s playgrounds, public restrooms and beach showers. The area is popular for windsurfing and fishing. Link to official site for Fred Howard Park.
Sunset Beach: Located at the west end of Gulf Road in Tarpon Springs, is a favorite with locals for picnics, swimming and boat launching. It has barbecue grills, sheltered picnic tables, bicycle stands and public restrooms. Hours are from sunrise to 10 p.m.
Honeymoon Island: This state park features sunbathing, shelling, swimming, fishing, picnic pavilions, bathhouses and a park concession building. The Caladesi Island ferry departs from Honeymoon Island. Like Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island is one of the state’s few undisturbed barrier islands. The Island also features two bird observation areas, a pet beach and two nature trails. Link to official site for Honeymoon Island
Caladesi Island: Rated “No 1 beach in North America.” This award came in 2008. In 2006 and 2007 it was rated 2nd best beach in the USA. To get to the 600 acre island you have to get a boat across so the island is free of traffic. The boat leaves from Honeymoon Island state park – also well worth a visit in it’s own right. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. There are dunes and a 3 mile stretch of sand which is so good you feel like you could be on a Pacific island. Rent an umbrella and two chairs for $20. Look for shells, hire a kayak or walk the 3 mile nature trail. Ferry leaves every 30 minutes from 10am. Link to official site for Caladesi Island.
Clearwater Beach: This island is the most popular of all the area’s many beaches, especially with families. Clearwater Beach offers just about every water and beach activity imaginable. Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach features a family recreation complex on Clearwater’s expansive beach with covered playgrounds, fishing and concessions. The Sunsets at Pier 60 festival features music, entertainment and a beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunset throughout the year. Link to official site for Clearwater Beach.
Crystal Beach : This is very close to our apartments. Although called Crystal Beach this isn’t the place to go with the children as there are plenty of big family-friendly beaches nearby – this is really just a spot to watch the sunset and the birds. There are benches and boats docked.