The Best Beach Hotels in Florida !

Florida has many gorgeous places, and there is no doubt: Redondo Beach is one of the best beaches around. Here you can have a great day at the beach, and then have a nice walk to the Redondo Beach Pier, where you will find many local restaurants with delightful cuisine. After you have had your supper, you can go shopping at local shops, or you can go fishing. The beach pier is open 24 hours a day, so it is not a problem if you want to watch the sunrise, and then go surfing in the morning.

As for lodging, there is something for everyone at Redondo Beach: there are luxury resorts and charming, small motels and inns. But you can be sure you will stay up in the evening: this is because Brixton South Bay comes alive after sunset. You will be able to hear the best live music in town, and with some luck, you will be able to catch some really famous rock band. The restaurants and bars are open all night, so if you get hungry or thirsty, you can refresh yourself.

The Crown Plaza and Marina Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Redondo Beach. The hotel can be found on the pacific coast, near King Harbor and the beautiful Redondo Municipal Pier. This hotel captures the spirit of Redondo Beach to perfection, and you can have gorgeous views from the hotel room. There is a great sandy beach just outside the hotel, and this is where you will be able to catch a bus or boat to Los Angeles, Catilina Island and the beach communities of El Segundo, Torrance, Hermosa Beach and Gardena.

Another great place to stay is the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club. This hotel has luxurious waterfront accommodations, viewing King Harbor, with breathtaking scenes from sunsets, sailboats to dolphins and pelicans. The hotel was completely restored and refurbished not long ago, so you will be able to wonder at the new, ocean-inspired theme for the lobby, and upgraded guest rooms and baths.

For those who are looking for a cheaper place to stay, Best Western Redondo Beach Inn can be a great opportunity. The inn is only 9 miles south from Los Angeles International Airport and the beach is also within walking distance. Because of its great location, the Best Western Redondo Beach Inn is hugely popular among business and leisure travelers.

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Gulf of Mexico Beach

Vacationing in the Gulf of Mexico offers many activities, amenities and choices of accommodations as well as destinations. One of the most popular destination choices in the Gulf is Sanibel Island in Florida. With the many condominiums available on the island, you can literally stay within just a few steps of the beautiful beaches and clear, crystal waters of the Gulf. Finding a Gulf of Mexico beach accommodation in Sanibel is as simple as going online and booking your room.

Whether you are planning a family vacation or an intimate getaway, you will find that the choices for accommodations on Sanibel Island are virtually endless. From one bedroom apartments to fully stocked condos, there are many places to stay and many places to see once you arrive.

Restaurants in the area offer a full selection of cuisine from the traditional seafood to steaks. Grocery stores are also located easily where you can shop and cook your own food, allowing more money in your budget to engage in a variety of the offered activities. If you love shelling, then Sanibel Island is the perfect choice. There are a wide variety of seashells located on the island, which have led to its world renowned reputation for shelling.

Biking, boating, fishing and a wide choice of other activities are also available. Of course you could spend your time completely on the Gulf of Mexico beach, lazing in the beautiful sunshine and taking in all the beautiful scenery around you. Whatever your taste with regards to daily activities, you are sure to find something to please your every whim on Sanibel Island.

Sanibel and Captiva are barrier islands that are connected to the Florida mainland by a causeway that reaches from Fort Myers to San Carlos Bay. This lovely three mile long causeway offers a wonderful chance to take in all the beauty that surrounds the area.

Once you have settled in your condominium, hotel room or apartment, be sure to head straight to the beach. The beautiful beaches in this area offer clean sand and crystal clear waters that are simply hard to find anywhere else on earth.

If you are dreaming of a tropical vacation, then a Gulf of Mexico beach vacation is the perfect choice. From the many amenities to the wonderful wildlife found in the area, Sanibel Beach provides you with a wonderful destination filled with good food, exciting activities and some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world.

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Florida Hotels on Beach !

Florida is one of the largest states in the US. It is situated in the southeast corner of the country, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. This state is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and so hospitality is one of its major revenue generators. Florida hotels range from the economical ones to elegant five-star hotels.

Florida is home to not only many beaches and parks, but also to the globally famous Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando. Thus, this city has a lot to offer to people of all age groups. One visiting Florida should be ready to spend a lot of time there, and therefore opt for the cheaper hotels, as one is expected to spend most of the time outdoors, returning to the hotel only to sleep.

The wide range of Florida hotels have various tourist packages to offer. They have coupon booklets, whereby one can get discounts when visiting places like Disney World, water parks and beaches. Apart from that, some of the hotels also offer complete tour packages, whereby one can avail of discounts at hotels belonging to a particular chain.

It is almost next to impossible to get a complete feel of Florida in a short trip. Ideally, one should spend at least three weeks to see most of Florida, if not all of it. But in order to get the best experience, the Florida hotels offer tour packages, taking one to the popular tourist destinations the includes the best of beaches, parks, Disney World and Universal Studios, as well as certain heritage places and small cities that preserve Florida's cultural history.

The local travel agents usually do bookings at Florida hotels. These agents also ensure that you get the best tour packages within your budget. No matter what the grade of hotel, each one is well maintained, providing a visitor with the best staying experience.

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Best Beaches in Florida - Clearwater Beach Hotels

Long considered one of the Best Beaches, Florida's Clearwater Beach is perhaps the busiest on the gulf coast. It is 3 miles long and broad, and you can walk from one end to the other. Its soft, powdery white quartz sand attracts locals, tourists and its fair share of spring breakers. Watersports like jet skiing, parasailing and water biking are popular. Clearwater Beach has something for everyone. Dinner cruises and Pirate Cruises are a fun diversion and if you must bring your laptop, there's free Wi-Fi access.

Two favorite Clearwater Beach restaurants are Bob Heilman's Beachcomber and Bobby's Bistro & Wine Bar located next door to one another on Mandalay Avenue in North Clearwater Beach. The Beachcomber is a Clearwater Beach tradition since 1948. A free bottle of wine with dinner for two from their world class wine cellar is yours with a certificate from The Florida Beach Book.

A favorite Clearwater Beach hotel is the Sandpearl Resort. There are plenty of affordable Clearwater Beach motels, inns and condos to choose from as well. The southern end of Clearwater Bch is chock full of hotels, restaurants and resorts. There's nightlife, shopping and plenty to do. Pier 60 is an event in and of itself! Every night at Sunset join the party (modeled after Key West's sunset event) with entertainers, artists and craftspeople.

Clearwater Beach is located in Pinellas County which is home to Clearwater, the county seat, St. Petersburg & Tarpon Springs. The county is located on a narrow 280 square mile peninsula with the Gulf on one side and Tampa Bay on the other. It is one of three counties that make up "Greater Tampa Bay."

Pinellas County offers 35 miles of white-sand bchs on 20 barrier islands. 1 or 2 of them frequently wind up on noteworthy Best Beach Lists!

Want to check out the area but tired of walking? Just hop on the trolley and it will take you there! From north to south and all the stops in between, from Clearwater Bch to Pass-A-Grille in St. Pete Bch, the trolley stops at every beach and town in between.

Here are some specifics on Clearwater Beach from The Florida Beach Book, along with a few others in the county:

Clearwater Beach

Location: west on U.S. 60. The municipal bch is located on the southern half of Clearwater Bch between the Clearwater Pass jetty to the south and Avalon Ave. to the north.

Hours: 24 hours

Parking: metered lots/streets, $.75-$2.00/hour

Amenities: 3 miles of white sand, concessions, showers, restrooms, cabana, umbrella and watercraft rentals, volleyball courts, showers, playground, Pier 60 fishing pier, picnic shelters, grills

Activities: swimming, volleyball, fishing, sunbathing, walking, shelling, surfing

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: Pier 60 is open 24 hours and is located ½ mile north of Clearwater Pass."Sunsets at Pier 60" are every evening, starting two hours before sunset. Modeled after Mallory Square in Key West, you can join local artists, craftspeople and performers at this famous landmark. Pier 60 has restaurants, shopping and concessions on and around it as well as bait and tackle shop and rod rentals.

Beach Walk is a winding beachside promenade with lush landscaping, artistic touches and clear views to Clearwater's award-winning bch and the water beyond, a place where bicyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians all have safe and convenient access and where visitors and locals can socialize, dine, play games, or simply enjoy the spectacular sun and surf.

Fort De Soto Park

Location: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: free

Amenities: this park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. It has over 7 miles of waterfront, including almost three miles of the finest white sand bch in the United States, an 800-foot-long boat launching facility with eleven floating docks and a 238-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a camp store. Two large swim centers including a food concession area located at the North Bch Swim Center. It has two fishing piers with food and bait concessions. Restrooms, picnic shelters, snack bar, recreation trail, nature trails, canoe trail and a dog park complete the picture!

Activities: swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, walking, biking, in-line skating

Pets: yes, in designated areas

Of Special Interest: Fort De Soto Park was named America's Top Bch for the second consecutive year (2009) by TripAdvisor. Citing a "spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear water and a laid-back atmosphere," the popular online travel network put the park's North Beach at the top of its annual best-of list. In 2005 Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. "Dr. Beach," named Fort De Soto the nation's #1 Bch.

Pass-a-Grille Beach

Location: 1000 Pass-a-Grille Way, Pass-a-Grille

Parking: metered $1-$1.25/hour

Amenities: 1 mile long, concessions, playground, picnic areas, restrooms and showers. Handicapped accessible & handicapped wheechairs 

Activities: swimming, fishing, walking, sunbathing

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: Relax and take in beautiful sunsets, and discover the historic charm of this Old Florida fishing community. You won't find any high rise hotels, just a wide open bch. Located on the southern tip of Long Key, Pass-A-Grille features restaurants, small inns and eclectic shops. Historic 8th Avenue contains the oldest dwellings on the Pinellas bchs, and one of the largest Historic Districts on the Gulf Coast.

Treasure Island Park

Location: 10400 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: metered $1-$1.25/hour

Amenities: 2 miles long, concessions, handicapped accessibility & handicapped wheelchairs, picnic areas, restrooms, showers, volleyball courts

Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, jet skiing, volleyball, surfing, sunset watching

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: On a two mile stretch of this large bch, visitors can fly kites, rent jet skis, or play on one of the dozens of volleyball courts. Accommodations of all sizes and price ranges dot the bch, and nearby bistros provide a great place to recharge. Treasure Island's wide bch and family friendly accommodations have made it a prime vacation destination for multiple generations.

Treasure Island Beach (Access)

Location: 100th Avenue & Gulf Blvd.

Hours:sunrise to sunset

Parking: metered $1-$1.25/hour

Amenities: restrooms and showers, biking/jogging path

Activities: swimming, sunbathing, biking, jogging, walking, surfing

Pets: no

John's Pass Beach and Park

Location: Gulf Blvd. @129th St., Madeira Beach

Hours: 6 AM to midnight

Parking: metered, $1/hour

Amenities: 500 feet of beachfront, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, jetty, handicapped access

Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing

Pets: No

Of Special Interest: on Sand Key, which is 14 miles long and extends from John's Pass to Clearwater Pass.

Kitty Stuart Park

Location: Gulf Blvd. @ 140th-141st Avenues, Madeira Beach

Parking: limited metered, $1/hour

Amenities: shower, picnic table

Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing

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Florida: The Sunshine State - A Great Romantic Getaway

When you think of Florida, you will think of beautiful sandy beaches, Palm tress, lots of entertainment, ocean views, boating, spectacular million dollars homes and more. It was on the month of April when I went for my first Florida vacation. The weather I would say at that time was the best and fabulous weather. It was the right temperature for me. During March through May is spring break time, so many of the students go to Florida for their spring break vacation, so if you don't want too much crowd in a beach, you much choose the place wisely. You don't want to spend all of your vacation in the most crowded place.

During the months of June through August will be a warmer months. For some people, this is the best time to go out relaxing by the Florida beaches and pools and just enjoy. Many people go for a Florida summer vacations during these times, so don't be surprise if you see more people on the beaches, restaurants and points of attractions. But if you came from the cold weather place, then you will enjoy the warm weather in this time of year in Florida.

August through October is hurricane season in Florida so you also take into consideration when booking your vacation. Make sure to watch for the weather forecast. From November through February is the holiday season so there are plenty of Florida travelers too. Some may go for a vacation during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and of course Valentines Day. Lots of people want to stay away from the cold weather for a while.

Florida is a great place for family travel, for romance, and for adventure. There are so many places to choose from depending on what you want to do. There are many romantic Florida beaches to visit such as The Florida Keys, Miami Florida, Clearwater Beach Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Destin Florida Beach, Anastasia State Park, St Pete Beach and more. These beaches line the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. I would prefer the Atlantic Ocean side. But there are so many things to do at the Gulf side too.

Aside from the beach vacation, lots of people also visit Orlando where the theme parks are. Orlando is the home of the Walt Disney World, Sea World, and the Universal Studio. There are so much fun and excitement going on in these places. This is the place I go during my vacation. I had to visit Disney World and The Magic Kingdom. From there we went to the Busch Gardens. I haven't got a chance to see Universal Studio and Sea world though. You may want to check list of Hotels closer to where you want to go. For people who want more of Florida besides theme parks and beaches, there are plenty of places to go and things to do like boating in the Gulf of Mexico, ride airboat, canoeing, and fishing, hiking and camping. Have a nice and enjoyable vacation in the Sunshine State of Florida!

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Vilano Beach - North Florida's Best Kept Secret

As Spring brightens into Summer, it's not unusual to see a stream of luggage-laden cars rolling down Interstate 95 for some fun in the sun. Each year sees thousands on thousands of tourists heading to Florida, maybe for a trip to Disney World or any of the Atlantic Coast's beautiful beaches. Others may opt for a more cultural experience with a vacation in St. Augustine. While Old City offers a charm and high level of hospitality that is definitely unmatched, she hides a secret that is certain to charm visitors into an extended stay. Just a short drive from the central business and tourist district is beautiful Vilano Beach.

Once a luxury destination for the well-to-do of the early twentieth century, Vilano Beach sits on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, two miles from St. Augustine and near the Tolomato River. Where the area once boasted a large Mediterranean villa resort for sun-hungry northern tourists, Vilano stands today as a vibrant residential beach community, yet there is still much for visitors to enjoy in between sightseeing in St. Augustine and Jacksonville.

The prime advantage to spending time in Vilano Beach as opposed to central and southern Florida destinations is...well, the beach! Unlike Daytona and Cocoa Beach, the crowds aren't quite as large, leaving you with more breathing and sunbathing room. The temperatures maintain a year-round warmth as well, so there's never a bad time to spread out the blanket and sit for a spell.

And food? The Vilano area happens to boast some of the best seafood restaurants in the region. Get your fill of local catch and raw bar specialties at favorites like Salt Water Cowboys, Cap's on the Water, Kingfish Grill, and The Reef. You'll enjoy an unspoiled waterfront view as you dine, and if you come at the right time you may get to try the tastiest delicacies from the Florida waters - succulent tiger shrimp, wahoo, and even alligator tail!

If you want the excitement of a Florida vacation without the sensation of feeling packing in with other out-of-towners, Vilano Beach offers a few lodging alternatives to the skyscraper beach hotels of Daytona. You will find some hotels along A1A and near the waterways, but Vilano is best known for their comfortable vacation rentals. This is the perfect solution for an extended Florida vacation which gives you good access to St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Daytona, and Orlando. The possibilities for day trips are endless, but Vilano offers so much serenity you may just want to stay here.

The next time you think Florida, think Vilano Beach for a relaxing trip you'll never forget.

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Your Florida Summer Beach Vacation - What to Bring & How to Pack For the Best Family Fun in the Sun!

My family's first beach vacation was in 1997.  We went to Mexico Beach, a town in the Florida Panhandle.  Even in our Dodge Caravan, known as "the mom-mobile," we pulled out of the driveway packed to the gills.  Since that first trip, we have headed on beach vacations more times than I can count.  Here are my tips learned in 10-plus years of packing for vacations in Cape San Blas, Florida, to help you avoid the hassles and be a smart beach vacation packer!

CLOTHING:   Create a checklist of clothing to bring.  Now reduce that by half, and that is what should actually go in the suitcase!  Seriously, depending on the destination and your planned activities, a Spartan approach is fine.  Bathing suits, shorts, a cover-up, jeans or slacks for cooler evenings  t-shirts or summer blouses, a sundress for ladies and aloha shirt for men, and you're good to go.    As for shoes, flip-flops, Tevas, boat shoes or running shoes for the athletic types.  Dress shoes are only worn by, well, tourists.  Except for hotels, most Florida beach vacation rentals provide a washer and dryer, so plan to wash things out to lighten the load if you're tight on space.

LINENS AND TOWELS: If your rental doesn't supply them, make everyone responsible for finding room in their suitcase for their share.  If like me you have a teen-aged diva, make her fit extra bath towels for her hair in her suitcase.  Leave super-plush towels behind.  In the Florida humidity, they'll stay damp all week.  Opt for thinner towels and nothing you'll cry over if stained with suntan lotion or left behind.  In Cape San Blas vacation rentals, beach towels are a less common amenity.  Have each person be responsible for theirs.  One  per person is plenty.  Hang them up each night or throw them in the washer and dryer.

BEACH CHAIRS, TOYS, ETC.:  Consult your rental company, since what is guaranteed varies.  Are beach chairs provided?  If so, how many?  What about beach carts, floats, skim boards, boogie boards and kites?   Many times you arrive at your vacation rental and find everything you need there, left behind by someone who didn't want to drag it home.  If there is a beach store near your rental, weigh the savings of bringing from home versus waiting until you arrive to make any purchases.  Beach chairs take up a lot of room.  Don't take them unless you have to!  With any items you do decide to take along, divide things up in as many suitcases as possible.

TOILETRIES, MEDICATION, FIRST AID AND PET SUPPLIES:  Do a check-list of needed medications and refill prescriptions well in advance so you have plenty of required drugs to pack for the trip.  Many places provide "hotel amenities," but don't count on those getting you through the week.   Have everybody take a supply of personal toiletries in their suitcase.

Nobody wants to think about a jellyfish sting or other injury, but they happen.  Check with the rental company and see if the home has a first aid kit.  If not provided or the company is unsure, pack essentials -- pain reliever, something for upset stomachs, hydrogen peroxide, band-aids, neosporin, and benadryl for allergic reactions.   Important note:  Beach vacations often mean bringing your kids' friends along.  Be sure you have a signed medical authorization for each minor and a copy of their insurance card!

For the pets, most pet-friendly vacation rentals require your dog to have current flea treatment.  Also bring proof of rabies vaccinations.  Find out where the nearest vet is and their contact information.  Don't wait to be dealing with a crisis and have no idea who to call.

RAINY DAY KIT:  Ours is simple.  We bring a jigsaw puzzle.  Find out if the unit has games, puzzles, cards, movies.  If not, be sure to bring items or make plans for when beach activities are unavailable due to weather.

SUN PRODUCTS:  Go to your favorite discount store and stock up on suntan lotion (we like the spray kind, and you can never bring enough).  Select waterproof and maximum SPF.  Don't become a cliche.  Growing up I have seen hundreds of visitors underestimate the Florida sun and fry themselves on their first day at the beach.  Don't ruin your vacation!  Chap-stick is a must too.  Sunglasses for everybody, hats and/or visors.  Bring something for sunburn since somebody always gets too much sun.  

GROCERIES AND OTHER SUPPLIES:  If you have family members with allergies and special needs, definitely pack what they need.  We have gone both ways on things like toilet paper and paper towels, but  I find the little we save dragging these items to the beach isn't worth it.  We hit the Piggly Wiggly in Port St. Joe the day we arrive or first thing the next morning.  Stopping in your unit first to do inventory helps you make wiser purchases.  At the Cape, town is 20 minutes away.  You want to plan your shopping trips and not spend your whole vacation driving!  Your rental agent and their website is a great resource.  They should list suppliers for groceries, fresh seafood, etc.   If this is your first trip, shop with the mindset of "less is more."  We see so much food go to waste on check-out day from folks who overestimated what they needed.  Also, find out what is supplied in your rental, whether a grill, a crock pot, blender or crab pot.  When you're cooking for your family, you want to be sure the kitchen supplies available work with your menu!

BEFORE YOU GO:  Review the checklist and be sure you eyeballed everyone's suitcase.  Moms are the ones who realize your son has forgotten his retainer (or even his toothbrush) and your husband didn't pack a any underwear, but he has golf clubs and 14 fishing poles.

Once you leave home, if you forgot it, you probably don't need it or you can buy it when you get there.  Remember, this is a beach vacation and it's supposed to be fun and relaxing!  You've planned, you've prepared, and now you deserve to kick back, soak up the sun, read a good book and watch the dolphins and the pelicans from your deck.  If you followed these simple rules, you'll actually have a book, your sunglasses, suntan lotion and your beach towel, too.  Enjoy your vacation at one of Florida's fabulous beaches!

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