Florida

Boasting some of the best beaches in America, the white-sand barrier island beaches range from pristine hideaways to wide sandy beaches.

With friends or family, you'll never be short of things to do. For seaside excitement, John's Pass Village and Boardwalk and St. Petersburg's BayWalk offer shops galleries and restaurants - even a 20 screen cinema complex.

When it comes to the sea, from boating, to dolphin-watching, it's always a source of adventure. On land, there are plenty of museums and sanctuaries worth visiting - try the Salvador Dali Museum and the Brooker Creek Preserve.

Head off the beaten track to explore the award-winning beaches of Caladesi Island and Fort De Soto Park, America's number one beach in 2005. Wander along one of the trails winding through a luxuriant pine and oak forest, then freshen up with a dip on an isolated beach.

The jewel of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater beaches, Clearwater Beach is a sparkling white belt of sand, with a friendly town attached to it, making it a great base to explore the coast from.

Don't miss Sand Key Park, with its tall palm trees framing a beautiful coastal vista. This is a good place for dolphin-spotting too. Other things to see in Clearwater include the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where injured marine mammals including dolphins are rescued and rehabilitated.

And of course don't forget to sit on the beach and watch the sun set into the Gulf of Mexico at least once. It's free entertainment every night.