If you want a really relaxing time on the beach and a few days away form Orlando head to Sanibel and Captive Islands. Here you can enjoy 5 miles of unspoiled beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, good fishing, many types of birds and of course its famous sea shells. You may have heard of the Sanibel Stoop this is named after the thousands of people who walk along Sanibel’s beaches with stooped shoulders looking for the most beautiful shells. Do look up if you are out shelling and you will see this famous Stoop!

There are many beaches you can visit:

Causeway Beaches are great for...

We recently spent a fantastic day at the amazing beaches of Fort de Soto. Situated on Florida’s stunning west coast this island is close to Tampa and Clearwater and only takes about 90 minutes to drive to from the Disney area.

Fort de Sota is open all year round and is approached via the Pinellas Bayway (SR682) this is a toll road, and in our opinion it is well worth the toll!

Over the years the beaches here have received many top accolades and in both 2008 and 2009 it was named America’s Top Beach.

There are plenty of recreational facilities and loads of car parking on the island, making access to the beaches very easy.

The first year we went to Florida we stayed for one week at Palm Beach. Whilst there we went to the Vero Beach area for the day as it was not too far away. My parents were quite tired this day so they decided just to stay on the beach whilst we explored. Apparently they had an afternoon stroll and were amazed at the size of the “mansions” along the beach.

Some of our party were keen to kayak so we went to Adventure Kayaking of Vero Beach which is owned and operated by a guy who grew up at Vero Beach. Adventure Kayaking has year-round, full-service kayak tours throughout Florida, including the Everglades, and the Bahamas. However apparently some of the best flat-water kayaking in the world is found in and around Vero Beach on the ...