For a family group, what are the very best 3 beaches in the whole of Florida?

[cornishfrogboy]

Bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' question this one and I am very interested in other people's experiences, but many, many threads ask about various Beach options during Florida vacations. This might help. We are connoisseurs of beaches living in West Cornwall and not easily impressed with some of the best beaches in the world on our doorstep! We are not keen on 'overdeveloped'.

We have driven all the way round from Mobile Alabama , round the Gulf, down to Key West and all the way up the Atlantic Coast to Daytona at various times. Obviously I have not been on all the beaches, particularly between South of Venice and North of Naples and am keen to see other people's impressions. I feel sure others can help.

Our list is in conjunction with the views of our boys, now 15 and 11.

1. Pensacola Beach by Margaritaville. Whitest sand, vast space and beautiful area. Nice surf. Downside is that it is a very long way from Orlando and you really need to do it in conjunction with something else. Like the US Naval Aviation Museum..
2. Casperson, just South of Venice. Unspoilt, not the best sand with lots of shells, Boardwalk behind it, loads of birds... and Fossilised Sharks Teeth! You need a sieve and patience. The locals will tell you where to go and even help you out with a few teeth to start with! It would be no1 if I only asked my children.
3. Destin Beach directly in front of Henderson State Park.. as opposed to the main part of Destin. Big, unspoilt, great backdrop and amazing sand.

Honourable mention.. Holmes beach, Anna Maria.

[Hooray4Disney]

Fort Desoto - to swim out to the sandbank and find sand dollars and shells amazing. The pelicans are really great to watch also. Beautiful quiet beaches.

Beach 1.

[MarkUKinOrlando]

Clearwater has just been voted best beach in America. While not my favourite, it is a great place.