My husband and I are wanting to take our 3 girls (ages 3-9-11) to a nice beach this summer. We are thinking somewhere in Florida. We aren't interested in theme parks, we just want somewhere where we can lay on the beach/swim and relax. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! We are coming from Texas, if that helps.

You may want to try holden beach nc- it is absolutely beautiful not very commercialized and an fabulous place to just relax. Holden Beach is between Wilmington NC and Myrtle Beach SC

go to margate beach as there is no charge and there is the sea and a little kids pool connected to the sea and on weekends there are usually rides there which are pretty cheap

I like the following:
Santa Cruz
Pismo Beach
Venice Beach
Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro
Oceanside Beach
I went from "north to south".

I would recommend Cape San Blas, FL! It's in the Fl Panhandle about 50 miles SE of Panama City and couldn't be more different than Panama City. There is no traffic, no commercialism, no high rises and Dr. Beach rated them the #1 beach in America in 2002 (can only be #1 once every 10 year!). Barrier Dunes is a great complex out there for families...2 pool and right next to the state park! You can check it out at www (dot) TheCapeEscape (dot) com!

Thanks!

Georgia has beautiful beaches.
Especially Tybee Island - just 15 minutes from Savannah, GA which another great destination.
Tybee is one of the few real beach communities left.
Building heights are limited to 3 stories.

Tybee loves children.
Just built a new gym - has popular skateboard park which kids love.
The Tybee Marine Science has a hands-on exhibit of sea creatures for the children to enjoy.
Also has guided morning beach walks - kids cast net for sea treasures..... and learn about sea life.
Climb to the top of Tybee Lighthouse with them for awesome views. (you'll be breathless - they will not even be winded!)
Very safe neighorhoods - let them on their bikes.
My children have been going there since they were little and now as teens have no desire to go to the "party beaches" during spring break.
Summers here have become a way of life for us.

You should look into the Outer Banks of NC not only do they have wide open beautiful beaches but lots of accomidation types, Hotels are small and build codes don't give it the smooshed in feeling and tourist trap look. There are many private homes for rent by the week from small cottages to huge mansions. There is also many non beach things to do . For example the Wright Brothers Memorial where they first flew, They also have a very nice aquarium and the Lost Colony live show in the summer. Hope this helps.
Andy Grifith lives there.