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Agreed about the gulf coast of Florida - especially nice south of the Tampa area.



My favorite in the area is Siesta Key near Sarasota. Dr. Stephen Leatherman who wrote America's Best Beaches rates in the top ficve for walking beaches. The sand is incredible. White powder almost like talcum powder. It doesn't get hot in sun amd fells so soft when you lay on it.

http://www.petrix.com/beaches/walking.html

If you don't mind not staying on the beach, another choice is Fort Desoto in St. Pete.
This took the top of his rankings last year.

http://www.petrix.com/beaches/best.html

Ft. DeSoto is an island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The island is undeveloped and there are miles of uncrowded beaches across the island. You pay a toll for the car to cross the bridge to the island, but that's it.

Be careful where you stay if you go there. St. Pete beach is ok, but parts of South St. Pete are... um.. crime friendly. The locals named a gym after a crack dealer who was shot by the police. You get the idea. Things are fine near the beach. Stay away from Tropicana field. Downtown St. Pete and the pier are fine during the day.

BTW, the water temps in the Gulf are now heading for the upper 80's.

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/egof.html

We like to go out in the late afternoon and stay past sunset. Just plop a lawn chair down IN the water and let the waves wash over you and watch the sunset over the water. The waves are little, only 12-18 inches. It's a great way to end a day. (And your wife will think it's so romantic.)

Richard