Florida's Atlantic coastline is 580 miles long, making it a major destination spot for beach lovers. While the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico side can be more tranquil, beaches along the Atlantic are known for their rougher seas and excellent surfing. If you're looking for a vacation on the Atlantic coast of Florida, you won't have to look too hard.
The Space Coast, named for its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, includes Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral and Satellite Beach. Canaveral National Seashore is known as Florida's longest beach, and provides plenty of opportunity for swimming, sand castle making and maybe even seeing a space launch. Port Canaveral is a fast-growing port where you'll find many cruise ships destined for exotic locales. Slightly farther south is Sebastian Inlet, a world-renowned area for surfing and home to some of the world's best surfers. It's also home to the Atlantic Ocean's largest surfing tournament, the Sebastian Inlet Pro contest.
When you think of Daytona, motorcycles and race cars might come to mind, but it's also the site of the "world's most famous beach." The city is home to spring break parties galore, as well as Biketoberfest, one of the world's largest motorcycle rallies and the Daytona 500. It's also home to one of the only Florida beaches where driving is allowed. Beaches in the area, including the famous Ormond and Daytona beaches, can be quite the party scene, especially during October and "Speedweeks" in January and February.
Once known as a hot spring break location, Ft. Lauderdale has worked to transform its image to a wholesome, family-friendly beach vacation destination. The city offers more than seven miles of beaches, with opportunities for fishing, jet skiing and plenty of other outdoor recreation. Hotels, shopping and cosmopolitan flair abound on the city's waterfront. If you want to get in a lap swim, check out the Ft. Lauderdale Aquatic complex, located just off the beach, which includes a 50-meter pool, water aerobics and swim lessons for kids.
With more than 15 miles of beaches, the city of Miami is truly a beach lover's paradise. The area is home to the famous South Beach, where the bold and beautiful come to strut their stuff, and Lummus Park Beach, the beach where topless sunbathing is allowed. For a slightly more laid-back experience, check out the North Shore State Recreation Area, or take the kids to enjoy the amusement park rides at the beach-side Crandon Park Beach.
