If you're thinking about a beach vacation and have small children, safety is probably a big factor in your choice. Large waves and powerful undertows can be dangerous for anyone, but especially for young children. Why not select a destination where the kids can safely play in the water? And what if you can find one of these beaches that also has dazzling white sand and crystal-clear water?

Yes, Virginia, there is such a place! Actually, there are three such locales, and they're all located on Florida's panhandle: St. Joe Beach, Beacon Hill, and Mexico Beach. All three towns are part of the "redneck Riviera."

These three communities are side by side, and it's difficult to know where one stops and another begins. All three are small and friendly, with a laid-back atmosphere. They have a small-town feel, with no crowds, no amusement parks, and no high rises.

The sand here is spectacular. It's soft and powdery, and it really is snow white. It doesn't get scorching hot in the blazing sun like many beaches do, so it won't burn tender little feet.

The water here is amazing, too. It's clean and clear, with very gentle surf. The waters are protected by the arm of St. Joseph Peninsula, so there's no undertow or dangerous rip tides. The water remains shallow for a long distance, and there are no drop-offs or trenches. Because of all these, the three beaches mentioned are some of the safest in Florida.

While these are quiet towns, you'll find plenty of places to eat and lodge, both at very reasonable prices. Condominiums, private homes, cottages, villas, townhouses, campgrounds, and hotels offer a wide range of prices and amenities. Many of the vacation rentals are oceanfront, right on the beach. They range from simple and inexpensive to truly luxurious beachfront homes. Restaurants include pubs, oyster bars, seafood houses, pizzerias, family-style cafes, barbecue shacks, and fine dining.

Kids and adults can enjoy swimming, boating, crabbing, sight-seeing, fishing, snorkeling, and beach activities like volleyball, frisbee, and sandcastle-building. Horseback riding stables are located nearby, too. A great way to spend the day is by renting a pontoon boat and touring St. Joseph Bay, a clear, shallow body of water rich in marine life. If scalloping is in season, catch your dinner!

If the kids want something more exciting, head just up Highway 98 to Panama City, a vibrant locale with water parks, amusement parks, pulsating bars and nightlife, numerous shopping malls and outlets, and lots of crowds. Then, at the end of the day, you can return to the peace and quiet of the "old Florida."