Where to soak up the sun in Florida this spring

Sick and tired of the bitter winter cold at this point in the coldest season of them all? We hear you, so instead of waiting for summer to arrive in the fits and starts that defines spring in much of America and Canada, head down to soak up the sun in Florida instead.

Come on, you know you want to…

1) Smathers Beach, Key West

With spring break approaching, many young partiers are abandoning Daytona and Panama City Beach in favor of the devil may care attitude that Key West espouses. While the open air drinking of Duvall Street beckons after dark, it’s the day time social scene that Smathers Beach possesses that is attracting more people here every year.

While the water is a tad murky, the beach itself couldn’t be better, with powdery white sand, droopy palms, and a beach volleyball court that is in constant motion until the twilight fades fades after sunset, that weak point is easily overlooked.

Those seeking clear water and a quieter time during their visit can seek out the coarser beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, which offers a better experience on both counts.

2) South Beach, Miami

Seeking some urban panache to go with long, lazy days on your sun lounger? If so, then hitting up South Beach in the Miami area will fulfill this need, as its elaborate nightspots, trendy restaurants and exclusive boutiques will give you plenty else to do once laying in the sun and splashing around in the waves has lost its novelty.

Being an international city (in many quarters, it’s considered to be the unofficial capital of Latin America), there is no shortage of beautiful people strolling the sands, and the neighborhoods on Miami Beach island and on the mainland are filled with cultural diversity.

3) Siesta Key, near Sarasota

If the Gulf Coast is more along the lines of what you are looking for when your mind drifts to Florida’s beaches, then spending time on Siesta Key near Sarasota will make for a gratifying spring vacation for you and your travel companions.

The electric blue water here will excite your senses on first sight, and while it can get busy during peak season, the length of this natural wonder means your own slice paradise is only a healthy walk away.

Catamaran and kayak rentals are also available, so get out there into the aquamarine water and enjoy a warm Floridian day in early spring in the best way possible.