Florida's St. Joseph Peninsula National Parks at Cape San Blas has been named Best Beach in America by some top authorities. The beach was recognized for its clear waters, stunning sand dunes and secluded location in Northwest Florida.

Three other Florida beaches received top-ten rankings in the 2002 survey. Fort De Soto Park at Tierra Verdeand Caledesi Island National Parks at Dunedin, both near St. Petersburg made the top ten list, as did Cape Florida State Park near Miami.

Florida Beaches
Fort De Soto, a historic fort built during the Spanish-American War is located on Mullet Key, the largest of the five islands which make up this unique area. The National Parks consist of 900 unspoiled acres, seven miles of beaches, two fishing piers, picnic and camping areas, a small history museum and a 2,000-foot barrier-free nature trail for guests with disabilities. Toll on bridges to the park is 85 cents. Fort De Soto Park also has a 4.2-mile recreation trail, a 2.25-mile recreational canoe trail and a 1-mile nature trail. The 12-foot-wide asphalt recreation trail connects the campground with the North and East Beach Swim Centers and the historic fort. Canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals are available at the canoe trailhead. The nature trail in the Arrowhead Picnic area provides a glimpse of some of the native fauna and flora.

Beach Vacations
One of the few remaining large undeveloped barrier islands on Florida's Gulf Coast, Caladesi is only accessible by boat. It is an ideal habitat for swimming, shelling, fishing, picnics, skin and scuba diving and nature study. The national parks also have a 3-mile nature trail winding through the island's interior. The parks are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. A ferry departs hourly from nearby Honeymoon Island. Docks are available on the island for private boats. A snack bar and shelters are also available.

Florida Beaches -Key Biscayne�
Visitors to Key Biscayne's beaches inCape Florida National Parks can lie back in a hammock and listen to the rustle of palm fronds in the ocean breeze, stroll along the sandy shore of the Atlantic, charter a deep-sea fishing boat, ride a jet ski, or simply relax with a good book on the white sand beaches under the shade of a chickee hut. Technically one of the first islands in the Florida Keys archipelago, Key Biscayne is a secluded paradise and natural refuge that sits just a few miles east of downtown Miami. A peaceful getaway for both tourists and locals, it is one of the best places to go in Greater Miami for tennis, golf, sunbathing, swimming, boating, bicycling, fishing and windsurfing.

Florida beaches have been awarded the Top Beach in America ranking three times in the past. Bahia Honda State Park, Grayton Beach State Park and St. Andrews National Parks received top honors in 1992, 1994 and 1995, respectively. Panama Beach in Panama City, Florida has been one of the most popular beach vacations for spring break.
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Sebastian Inlet State Park
This park offers calm inlet swimming and some of the best wind surfing in the state on the ocean side of the National Parks. Situated on the tips of two barrier islands, the park is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the Indian River Lagoon to the west and the Sebastian Inlet flows between the two.

It is a favorite spot for beach vacations, picnicking, swimming, surfing, fishing, shrimping, clamming, crabbing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching, camping and enjoying nature. S. of Cocoa Beach.

Deerfield Beach
Jet Skiing, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing or angling off the 24-hour fishing pier are just some of the activities you can enjoy at this virtually undeveloped beach. The nearby Deerfield Island National Park is accessible by boat. Directions: I-95 to Hillsboro Blvd. Exit. East to AIA, left to pier.

Pompano Beach
With its three-and-a-half mile beach, the Intracoastal Waterway and its canals, Pompano Beach is an outstanding sport fishing area. This family-oriented beach also has a playground in the sand for children, as well as a fishing pier and restaurant. Directions: I-95 to Atlantic Blvd. East to Pompano Beach.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is one of the last remaining spots in South Florida for shore diving. A simple stroll from the beach by Anlin's Pier into the warm Atlantic waters will take you to a natural reef that is accessible to scuba divers and snorkelers. Directions: I-95 to Commercial Blvd. Exit east to El Mar Drive.

Fort Lauderdale
A white wave wall along a landscaped brick-paved promenade provides spectacular views of the sapphire water and golden sand. In-line skating, jogging, bicycling or just people watching and sunbathing are common activities at this popular beach. Directions: I-95 to Sunrise Blvd. East on Sunrise Blvd to A1A. Turn right, heading south. You'll find many beach rentals and hotels on the beaches.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Formerly the estate of the Chicago lawyer of the same name, this beach offers three and a half miles of pristine shoreline and nearly 180 acres of lush gardens in the center of Fort Lauderdale. Nature Trails, camping, bike paths and canoeing are just some of the activities on beach vacations here.

John U. Lloyd Beach National Park, Hollywood
Lloyd Beach has two boat ramps with easy access to the ocean through the Port Everglades Inlet. Snorkeling offers views of tropical fish while nature trails offers glimpses of beautiful birds and animals. Concessions available.

Dania Beach Vacations
Dania Beach is easily accessible and conveniently located just one mile from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. This family-friendly beach has unique Seminole "chickee huts" for shade, playgrounds on the sand and tours of SeaTech's submarine, a Florida Atlantic University Ocean Engineering program. Directions:I-95 to 595 East. Take Dania exit before airport to Federal Hwy (US1). Head south to Dania Beach Blvd. First right over Intracoastal Bridge.

Hollywood Beach
Aside from the crystal-blue ocean, Hollywood, Florida Beach is best known for its Broadwalk, a 27-foot wide thoroughfare with its own cycle path, that parallels two miles of palm-fringed beach. The Broadwalk boasts boutiques, outdoor cafes with a French flair and nightlife under the stars. North Hollywood Beach is a haven for shell seekers and families in search of quieter amenities. Directions: I-95 to Sheridan St. Head east to A1A. Turn right, heading south to Hollywood Beach. You'll find many beach rentals and hotels on the beaches.

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Images and information of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Area Convention Visitors Bureau and Official Tourism for the State of Florida.