If you're looking for a little something unexpected, try Lovers Key State Park near Fort Myers Beach, Florida. This is not your typical Florida beach, not even close. Sure, you'll find the white sandy beaches typical of the beautiful Gulf Coast. But at Lovers Key State Park, there's so much more, and there's definitely something for everyone.

If you just like to lounge on the sand, head to the main beach. Go through the main entrance and take the tram or walk the scenic boardwalks over the intercoastal waterways to find a beautiful, unspoiled piece of beach. Pack a cooler of essentials, or hit the concessions before you head over. Add a few accessories for a little bit of beach glamour and you're good to go.

Perhaps you'd prefer a more active day? Lovers Key has plenty of options for you, both on land and water. This park is a favorite for kayakers, with its beautiful, peaceful shoreline and abundance of wildlife such as dolphins, manatee, and an amazing range of shore and wading birds. Pack your camera and binoculars because you could spot American Bald Eagles, Osprey, or the beautiful pink roseate spoonbill.

Looking to stay on land? You can rent bikes for the day or just a few hours at the concession stand. Don't forget your watch because it's easy to lose track of time once you've found your quiet piece of Florida's paradise.

No matter how you choose to spend your time at Lovers Key State Park, just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it. You'll be glad you did.

Florida's Gold Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, and some of the best shopping, too. If you're taking A1A south along the east coast, make sure you go past Jupiter Inlet, one of Florida's lines of demarcation. This one has nothing to do with the sand, and everything to do with the water. North of Jupiter Inlet, the Gulf Stream is 10 to 15 miles off-shore; south, it's only 2 to 3 miles from the beach. Not only does that mean warmer water and weather, it also means clear blue-green water. But where in Palm Beach County should a beach-goer go?

The county bought up a lot of beach, making it free and accessible to the public, and put in amenities like picnic tables, restrooms and lifeguards. If you're too close to the city, you might just get sucked inland - which you'll want to avoid if you hate traffic, because it's a mess here. Try heading down to Juno, where you can enjoy both Juno Beach Park and Loggerhead Park.

Juno Beach has a 300 foot beach with lifeguards, showers and picnic shelters. It also has a 990 foot fishing pier with a bait shop and a snack bar. It's a great place to enjoy warm shallow water, while the fishing is far from the beach. Carry your gear in a beach-to-town tote like the Spree 2 from Element. Dress your feet for the beach in these darling Sandi Thong Sandals from Gabriella Rocha.

If you get tired of Juno Beach, just down the road is Loggerhead Park. Along with a developed 900 foot beach with lifeguards and picnic facilities that include grills, it has nature trails and a marine life center where you can meet the famous loggerhead turtles of the area. If it's possible to have enough beach time, slip into this cute sundress from Hype and head into Palm Beach for some serious shopping.

Palm Beach County has everything from Shakespeare by the Sea to chi-chi boutiques to stretches of soft sand and whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here.

One of Florida's best beaches has got to be St. Pete. It has four miles of some of the most amazing white sand you're ever likely to see, and if you want more than just a suntan, there are plenty of things to do in and around St. Pete.

St. Pete is on the Gulf Coast side of a peninsula with Tampa Bay on the other. It's an easy drive to most of Florida's theme parks, but once you hit the beach, you won't want to leave. The most popular tourist times are summer and fall, so if you like a beach to yourself, plan accordingly. And if the crowds do get too intense, just head down the shore to Pass-a-Grille Beach, and enjoy the quiet end of St. Pete.

If you're beaching it, you may want to consider taking a boat trip for dolphin viewing; several are offered. Take the Shell Creek Shuttle to ride around the area instead of driving, and be green by reducing your carbon footprint along this pristine beach. You can go from the "glittering pink palace" (as described at www.floridasbeach.com ) of Don Cesar, along with hotels and inns both new and old, and down the peninsula to the Pass-A-Grille historic district and its restaurants, inns, and funky little shops.

Planning a day trip? Ladies, stay sexy in a two piece tankini top with a bikini bottom from Zoot Sports, and bring along the matching recovery dress so you can go straight from the beach to a restaurant. Guys, stay cool and stylish in these ultra-cool trunks from KR3W, with their Galaxy t-shirt if the sun gets too intense.

Really, St. Pete's is too good for just one day. Pack a jacket like this one by KR3W for men, or this by Patagoniafor women, because the beach can get cool in the evening. Watch the sunset with your favorite drink from the upper deck of Crabby Bill's, then take an evening stroll before you settle in for the night.