Look in Florida. The Florida peninsula claims white, sugar sand beaches, one right after the other. Some of the finest ones are at Sanibel and Captiva Islands. These islands are 126 miles south of Tampa. You get to them both by driving a three-mile causeway from the Florida mainland. Sanibel Island's Bowman's Beach is a great family vacation spot. You can walk for miles finding shells, so take a bucket to put them in. Or take time for to tour the Ding Darling National Wildlife Reserve. You and the kids will enjoy it. If you stay through the day, be prepared for a sunset that will take your breath away. Just west of Sanibel is Captiva Island. Both of these barrier islands were discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, and visitors have flocked to them both ever since. You can see hundreds of shells at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel.Captiva Island is known for romantic get-aways at resorts or even camping spots.
Visit Destin, Florida. Leonard Destin, a New England fisherman named the town in the 1840's. Destin has since become known as the world's luckiest fishing village in the panhandle of Florida. Charter boats are available for those who want to test their fishing abilities. Head to Destin Commons for free concerts on the first Friday of every month. Find restaurants in Destin to satisfy every appetite and shop at the Silver Sands Factory Stores with more than 100 shops in it.
Travel west to Alabama and find Orange Beach or neighboring Gulf Shores. In August you will find the "Thunder on the Gulf" power boat races at Orange Beach. Accommodations of all kinds can be found at Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, but renting a condo overlooking the emerald water and white beach is the way to go. Don't miss Dauphin Island in Alabama about 35 miles from Mobile on state highway 193. Let Dauphin Island cruises show you around or hike to the lighthouse.
Texas offers miles of coastline. Galveston and South Padre Island are certainly the most famous, but a less crowded beach is on Mustang Island just 30 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi. Take the JFK Causeway or the Port Aransas Ferry to Port Aransas, on the the northern tip of the island and the only town on Mustang Island. Part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail goes through Mustang Island, so birders, be prepared for a treat. The Houston-Bay area has the Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Avenue. Experience part carnival, part seaside resort and a 96-foot-tall wooden board bullet roller coaster. At each of these beach communities, you will enjoy sea breezes, sandy beaches and gracious Southern hospitality.
