With around 1,200 miles of coastline, Florida is a must-visit destination for people who love beach vacations. Florida beaches have something for everyone, whether you are seeking a family-friendly beach for the children to play, a beach with adrenaline-pumping pastimes, or a place to party the night away.

South Beach, Miami

Probably the best-known beach in Florida is South Beach in Miami, and South Beach stereotypes are to be found aplenty in the location of Lummus Park, along Ocean Drive. It’s great for people watching, models doing photoshoots and celebrity sightings. At night, it becomes a hot spot for activity with restaurants, nightclubs, dance clubs, bars and all-night parties.

Florida is a great location for a taste of beach paradise. South Beach is hugely popular with beachgoers because of its smooth white sand. Activities include Jetskis, powerboat rides, surfing, swimming and kayaking in the Atlantic Ocean, and volleyball. Greater Miami is less than ten miles away with galleries, museums and theaters. Admire the art deco architecture on Ocean Drive on the southern tip of Miami Beach.

Fort Lauderdale

About 40 miles north of South Beach, the wide stretches of white sand and palm trees of Fort Lauderdale are far less chaotic than Miami. Nicknamed the ‘’Venice of America’’, Fort Lauderdale is the ideal beach paradise for beach and nature lovers. Sawgrass Recreation Park is nearby, home to alligators and other animals, and visitors can enjoy a river cruise to tour the city.

What to pack for a beach holiday

For a beach holiday you will need swimsuits, beach towels, sun hats and sunscreen, sunglasses, a waterproof/sand-proof pouch to keep valuables safe on the beach, a cool bag for drinks and snacks, safety jackets or armbands for children, a bat and ball and a book or magazines.

Packing for a beach party

If you plan on going straight from the beach to the party, bring something loose to wear over your swimwear. Choose something simple that won’t crease or show damp patches if your bikini hasn’t dried – something you can put on with no fuss. Instead of a sun dress or maxi dress, wear a sarong, beach wrap, kaftan, jumpsuit, loose cotton trousers, or even shorts and a strappy sun-top. If you want to change out of your swimwear and look your best with some cool, comfortable and flattering underwear, have a look at the largest selection of all lingerie stores at Lingerie Diva for some ideas and inspiration.

Wear sandals or flip-flops, and take something warm for later in the evening. Choose simple jewelry and accessories that won’t break your heart if they got lost in the sand or sea. Take a beach towel, a bottle of water, and a handbag for valuables. Take some after-sun with you if you are going straight from the beach. Pack a compact mirror and some waterproof makeup, and keep it casual, bright and fun.

After sampling the beaches on the Atlantic coast of Florida, why not try the beach paradise of Siesta Beach, Siesta Key on the Gulf of Mexico? Siesta Key boasts arguably the world’s finest white sand, which is quartz crystal and always cool under foot. Watch the sunset over the Gulf on this beautiful, tranquil beach – the perfect end to your Florida beach vacation.

Ft Lauderdale by Daniel Dudek-Corrigan on Flickr.