Whether you're hoping to bike, jog, fish, dine al fresco or listen to live music, there are beaches in Florida with boardwalk activities that suit just about everyone -- from the laid back to the "let's go!" There are two Atlantic beach boardwalks and two Gulf beach boardwalks in this sunny state to choose from.

Kid-Friendly

If you fancy a bird's eye beach view from a 100-foot Ferris wheel, want to get behind the wheel of a go-cart or just feel like lounging to the tunes of a live band at an outdoor band shell, then consider making a trip to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk off of Ocean Avenue. As the only beach boardwalk in Florida that offers an amusement area (operated by Boardwalk Amusements) with rides and games, there is something to entertain kids of all ages. Night owls will especially appreciate that the rides and games at Boardwalk Amusements are open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Diner's Delight

In the Times Square boardwalk area on Fort Myers Beach visitors will find a stretch of colorful brick pavers that lead to a selection of Gulf-side restaurants and beachside bars. Outdoor diners can grab a blackened grouper sandwich at The Beach Pierside Grill or Green Hornet burrito at La Ola Surfside Restaurant. Parking for Times Square visitors is available at Lynn Hall Park for $2 per hour -- just be sure to arrive early during the spring months since the parking spaces fill up quickly.

Angler's Advantage

Drive 30 miles west of Tampa to Madeira Beach and you'll find John's Pass Historic Fishing Village and Boardwalk off Gulf Boulevard. With both Hubbard's Marina and Don's Dock located right off of the boardwalk, there are plenty of options for those who seek an angling adventure. Half-day or full-day fishing trips on a large party boat can be booked through Hubbard's Marina, while private fishing charters can be arranged at either Don's Dock or through Hubbard's Marina.

Athletic Ambitions

Those who appreciate sea breezes and sunshine while they engage in outdoor activities will be drawn to the two and a half-mile boardwalk on Hollywood Beach. Just a 15-minute drive north from Fort Lauderdale, this beach boardwalk is technically referred to as the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Active types will particularly appreciate the brick-paved route that runs parallel to both the beach and Route A1A. Daily bike rentals are offered by nearby companies such as The Bike Shack and Hollywood Bike Rentals.

About the Author

Debbie Hanson is an outdoor sports and travel writer who holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Western Illinois University. She has produced articles, web copy and blog posts for clients such as TakeMeFishing.org and Game & Fish Online. Hanson is also a member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association.

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