Sun and sand are calling

Pro: Minutes from the party crowd on South Beach, Key Biscayne is made for the young and the young at heart. Kids will love the Miami Seaquarium and combing the beaches, while moms and dads will covet the proximity of Miami and South Beach. Jimbo’s Shrimp Shack on Virginia Key is a window into Miami’s vanishing past. Make a point of stopping in for a cold beer, killer smoked fish and one of the last bastions of old-weird Florida.

Con: Traffic across the Rickenbacker Causeway to these spotless beaches in Key Biscayne can be nerve-racking, especially on the weekends.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale combines the busy South Florida urban environment with a relaxed feel of a beach town. Located just north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale earned its place in history as a spring break hot spot. Its college party days are mostly history, and the city is now home to upscale and mid-range hotels catering to families and snowbirds. The W is a recent addition, though the seclusion of the Harbor Beach Marriott is hard to beat.

Pro: Hang with the locals in Fort Lauderdale’s notable beach watering holes, the Parrot and the Elbo Room. Teens and adults will love a quick trip to the Swap Shop or exploring Birch State Park. On your way to the airport, stop by Ernie’s BBQ for the best conch chowder this side of the Bahamas.

Con: Fort Lauderdale beaches are small in comparison with some of the more expansive Florida shores. Still, if you’re looking for a beach town experience with plenty of nightlife, Fort Lauderdale is hard to beat.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sebastian Inlet, halfway up Florida’s East Coast, is one of Florida natives’ best-kept secrets. Fishermen flock to Sebastian Inlet for surf fishing that rivals the hauls of offshore anglers. In the summer, fishermen can expect prize snook and redfish. In winter, mackerel appear in record numbers.

Pro: If you’re looking to surf, Sebastian Inlet is the best place to catch waves in the Sunshine State. Snorkeling is outstanding in Sebastian’s clear blue waters. It’s also the Florida beach spot to “rough it,” as camping is available inside the park at nearby Long Point Park, while the Pink Flamingo Cottages offer a rustic Florida experience for about $200 a week.

Con: Sebastian’s rugged nature isn’t for everybody.

Sanibel Island

Located just off the coast of Fort Myers, Sanibel is the beachcomber’s dream. With a population of less than 6,000, nearly two-thirds of the island is a protected wildlife preserve, and it is one of the most beautiful spots in the state.

Pro: Sanibel’s location makes the island a natural “scoop” for an endless variety of seashells. If you get weary of finding beach treasures, the island features more than 22 miles of paved bike paths. Visit the Mucky Duck Pub on Captiva for a fried grouper sandwich and a spectacular sunset, and consider lodging across the bridge in Fort Myers to save a few bucks.

Con: Not all beaches on Sanibel are accessible to tourists, and some beaches require temporary parking permits.

Fort Walton Beach

Nestled in the Panhandle’s Emerald Coast, Fort Walton is the perfect beach town getaway with cool, sugar-white sand that seems to stretch forever. The area’s 24 miles of beaches and dunes regularly rank high on the Clean Beach Council’s annual list of safest, cleanest beaches.

Pro: Fort Walton Beach caters to families. The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island and the Emerald Coast Science Center are favorites for kids. Fort Walton Beach is a destination that tweens and teens will love, with fishing at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and just enough beachfront bars to keep the adults happy.

Con: Beware the spring break collegiate invasion if you want to avoid mayhem and crowds.

Provided by Demand Studios