Family Vacations: Florida Beach Resorts

Funny, in a way, that most people flock to land-locked Orlando, in a state with so many prime beach areas. Have a look at a few of Florida's beach resorts, just a couple of hours drive from Orlando; many visitors -- especially from the UK-- combine a theme park family holiday with a beach resort.

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort: this giant 2400-acre resort is on the Emerald Coast in Northwest Florida, known for beautiful white-quartz sand. The Sandestin has a beach side, and a bay side; boogie boarding, sailing, kayaking, putting course; kids programs, golf academy, four golf courses; marina and picture-perfect Village.

Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island: this resort has Ritz Kids club, and goes all out for holiday festivities (July 4th, Thanksgiving, etc.). Location is on beautiful Amelia Island, which is a 20minute drive from Jacksonville. Amelia Island has nature walks, boat tours, beautifully restored Victorian town, historic fort.

Club Med Sandpiper: not on the beach, but on the St. Lucie river; plenty of watersports, though, and a sandy beach area, and the overall style of a Caribbean beach resort (all-inclusive, too).

Disney's Vero Beach Resort is in Southeast Florida on the "Treasure Coast", an area (named for treasure from shipwrecks) with beautiful beaches, surfing, coral reef in some areas, and revived downtowns. Disney's Vero Beach Resort -- in the style of "Old Florida" grand beach hotels-- has 71 acres on a barrier island.

The Breakers, Palm Beach: this landmark hotel has a 6000 sq. ft. Family Entertainment Center, 4 oceanside pools, 36 holes of golf, 140 acres, and 1/2 mile of private beach.

And two other great beach areas: the Space Coast; and St. Petersburg/ Clearwater Beach

See also: Top Orlando Resort Choices for Families

^{* photo of Disney's Vero Beach Resort courtesy of The Walt Disney Company.}