Last-Minute USA, Caribbean, and Mexico Travel Deals - Feb. 2012

The State of Florida spans over 58,000 square miles, has a coastline of 1,197 statute miles, and a sandy beach coastline of 1,200 miles. The exact number of beaches is unknown because some of the beaches are private beaches. Below are the best of the best when it comes to Florida Beaches. Don’t forget to book cheap flights to Florida in advance to save on the best airfares.

Best White Sand Beach in Florida
Siesta Key Public Beach - A few minutes away from downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key has some of the softest, finest white sand you will find anywhere. The water is shallow and good for swimming, and the beach is also protected by lifeguards so you can swim with some peace of mind. Parking by the beach is free, and the nearby Siesta Village has plenty of activities. Sarasota has good, affordable lodging options and some to check out include Hotel Indigo and Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

Best Glamorous Beach in Florida
South Beach, Florida - A well known backdrop in several Hollywood films and TV shows like Scarface, Burn Notice, South Beach, and of course Miami Vice. There are accommodations right on the beach but since the area has an active nightlife, you’re better off staying somewhere else if you want quieter surroundings.

Best Beach for Snorkeling
Crescent Beach, Siesta Key - This outcropping of flat limestone rock allows visitors to indulge in some of the best snorkeling in the country. While the surrounding neighborhood does not permit parking, there are plenty of areas nearby where you can score inexpensive parking. Other good snorkeling spots in the Florida Panhandle include Pensacola Beach and St. Andrews Jetties. Biscayne National Park in south Florida is also a good snorkeling venue.

Best Beach for Finding Seashells
Sanibel Beach - Located on a island off the West Coast of Florida near Naples, Sanibel is the best place in the state to find seashells of several varieties. Home to over 400 species of shells, Sanibel offers a great place for families to engage in outdoor activities, from biking, bird watching, boating and snorkeling. Both Sanibel and the nearby Captiva Islands offer fine dining options of every variety from American, Italian to French.

Best Beach for Bird Watching
Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola - While nature is part of almost every beach visit, especially if you’re into swimming and snorkeling, the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola boasts several species of birds that include terns, snowy plovers, black skimmers and others. You can not go wrong on the Northwest shore of Florida’s Gulf Coast which offers several beautiful white beaches. A few notable parks are nearby and these include Grayton Beach State Park and St. George Island State Park. These beaches also have campgrounds available.

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The Bahamas: Located a hop, skip and a flight (or cruise) from Florida and they’re only 50 miles off the shore. This 700-island archipelago offers several opportunities for travelers who want to do a budget Caribbean vacation. An inexpensive way to travel to the Bahamas include cruises that leave from Miami, although airfare to the Bahamas is relatively cheap too, especially if you’re departing from Florida. A good value hotel is the Pineapple Fields and the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort priced at reasonable rates. (Provided by Cheapoair)