Florida’s beaches are famous for their relaxed atmospheres, warm waters and good times. Located in northwestern Florida, the Alys Beach community sits on the Gulf of Mexico with its warm, calm waters and white sand beaches. Moderate temperatures last until late in the fall and arrive early each spring adds to the appeal of this stretch of beach. Check out this coastal community and see what an Alys Beach vacation rental is all about.

1. Alys Beach

Enjoy a luxury condo or upscale family home in the ritzy beach town of Alys Beach. While staying in the area, shop in some of your favorite stores as well as local boutiques and art galleries. One of the hottest spots in town is The Caliza Pool. As you walk into the main area, your imagination takes you to exclusive pools in million dollar homes with an infinity pool with a zero-degree entry and private cabanas, where you and your family can spend time together.

2. Panama City Beach

South of Alys Beach sits the popular spring break town of Panama City. Although it’s a haven for college students in April, by the time the summer arrives, it’s a something for everyone destination for families. Enjoy days on the beach, surfing, kayaking, splashing in the surf, and collecting seashells. Take the kids to the Gulf World Marine Park to see live shows with some of their favorite sea animals, and then, end the day with an up close and personal experience with a dolphin.

3. Rosemary Beach

If you and your kids need a little help building the perfect sandcastle, then choose a vacation rental in Rosemary Beach that has a local business that offers lessons in building sand castles. After mastering the art of sand castles, take the family to the Cowgirl Kitchen for a casual meal with Tex Mex offerings. In the downtown area, you can shop at the local boutiques and check out the art scene with stops at the local galleries.

4. Seacrest and Seacrest Beach

Northwest of Alys Beach, the beach community of Seacrest and Seacrest Beach welcomes your family. This planned beach town offers vacation rentals along the beach and single-family homes around the area. Take your family to Deer Park State Park for a day of hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. For a fun day, The Flippers Dolphin Tours and Boat Rentals can take you and your family out on the water to look for dolphins that populate the Gulf or some deep-sea fishing.

5. Seaside

The Seaside is a planned community that’s ready to meet all the needs of your family. Take a bike ride around the community, or spend a day at one of the community pools, splashing in the water. Enjoy dinner and stunning views, when you stop at Bud and Alley’s for the freshest seafood dinner you’ve ever had on the rooftop. For a day of hiking, fishing, and canoeing, hop in the car and drive over to the Eden Gardens State Park.

6. Fort Walton Beach

Find the best of both worlds when you choose a vacation rental at Fort Walton Beach. This town offers you a beach side community and an urban center within easy driving distance. Spend your days on the beach splashing in the water and soaking up the sun or travel into town to visit a museum, art gallery, or upscale shopping. Take your kids to see a show, featuring sharks, dolphins, and stingrays, at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

7. Destin

With its bustling harbor and sandy beaches, Destin makes it easy to access the water by boat or surfboard. Explore the protected sand dunes on raised wooden platforms at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, or let the kids enjoy swimming in fresh water at the Big Kahuna’s. This water park offers a lazy river, well-known tall water slides and a dedicated children’s area to protect your smallest family members.

8. Grayton Beach

Feel the days slowing down and the tension easing from your shoulders as soon as you arrive at Grayton Beach with its chill atmosphere. Days here include swimming, boating, surfing, fishing, and flying kites on the beach. Head out on to the ocean with Family Tradition Charters, where you can watch the dolphins frolicking in the water. Grayton Beach State Park is a 2,000-acre park that offers trails for hiking and biking while you explore the sand dunes.

9. Sandestin Area

Just west of Grayton Beach, the Sandestin area offers your family something for everyone. This area is a resort community that includes all the perks, such as community pools and tennis courts along with a tram system to get you around town easily. Golf lovers have their choice of four championship golf courses and a dedicated putting green to practice their swings. For the smallest members of your family, an afternoon of mini golf is just the thing for smiles and a good time.

10. Miramar Beach

Enjoy a life of luxury when you reserve a vacation rental on the beach in Miramar Beach. Hire one of the local companies to place a beach umbrella and chairs out on the sand for you each morning so you can enjoy your book on the beach. For an afternoon of adventure, The Track Destin has a go-kart track and mini golf.