Top 99 Southern California Beaches

Matthias Clamer / Stone / Getty Images

BY TERRY WARD

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FLORIDA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA BEACHES LOCAL GETAWAYS

The Sunshine State doesn't want for pretty palm-lined stretches of sand.

But for a beach experience that takes you away from the usual postcard-worthy haunts, access your peripheral vision and set your sights on Florida's sublime spaces between.

Within easy reach of vacation meccas such as Miami's South Beach and the Gulf Coast's snowbird flocking grounds, including St. Petersburg Beach, our 5 picks give you a taste of a lesser-known, less crowded Florida.

Here, the nature is abundant and thriving. There are waves to be ridden, and a unique beach culture lives on in small seaside towns you might ordinarily pass by.

Paradise is located just off the coast of mainland Florida — and it's called Key West. As Jimmy Buffett crooned, Key West is the original changer of latitudes and attitudes, and 1 weekend here proves that he knew exactly what he was talking about. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is one of Florida's most beautiful spots, with wide stretches of sugary sand and tranquil waters. Visitors can rent snorkel gear or a 2-person glass-bottom kayak from the concession area. Or stick to dry land and rent a bike to navigate the single bike path that winds beside the Key West shipping channel, around the fort, through a rocky, secluded beach and to countless picnic spots.

For well over a century, Coronado's beaches have been its fortune, namely the seaside in front of the glamorous Hotel Del Coronado open since 1888. For non-hotel guests, the main beach, Coronado Central Beach, stretches 1.5 miles behind the great houses along Ocean Boulevard. Swimmers, bodysurfers, boogie boarders, sand sculptors, tide poolers and, from December through February, whale watchers all take to the sand and sea. North Beach attracts surfers in the morning, and at the extreme north is Dog Beach, where leashless canines can frolic in the surf.

The Del on Coronado Beach

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Marianela takes a tour of Hotel del Coronado -- prime beachfront property.

El Matador Beach

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If you've come to El Matador to savor the beach rather than get sucked into the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, then you're in luck -- there's blissfully little else to do here other than bask on Malibu's most glorious stretch of beach. The best way to enjoy your time is to check the tide schedule, pack a picnic lunch or sunset dinner, grab a blanket, and trek down to one of El Matador's hidden nooks and coves to enjoy the incredibly romantic atmosphere.

Venice Beach

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No beach in the world is like Venice Beach. Sure, other California beaches have sand, surf and sunshine. But they do not have a 3-ring urban street circus, complete with philosophizing artists, trash-talking hoopsters, preening weightlifters, barefoot sand sculptors and more. All of this frenetic activity happens on Ocean Front Walk, a 3/4-mile concrete boardwalk with stores, fast-food spots, flea markets and artists.

If you like a rush, try sand-tobogganing. Grab a special waxed board and lie or sit (forwards or backwards) as you sled down a massive dune. For the best ride on Earth, head to Moreton Island’s Mount Tempest, the world’s highest coastal sand pile, over 900 feet tall. Feeling extra brave? Try standing up and riding your edges like a surf or snowboard. It’s a lot harder than it looks.Source from http://www.travelchannel.com