Surprise, surprise: Beach vacations are wildly popular. A survey of 1,100 American adults reveals that going to the beach is the top vacation activity (preferred by 29%), far surpassing other popular pastimes, such as camping and golfing. In fact, all over the world, 52% of adults plan to head out to the beach in the next 12 months. In the U.S., 69% say they will visit the Sunshine State and its beaches, also in the next 12 months. With beach vacations pretty much being a given, when is the best time — exactly — to do it?

The Early Bird Gets The Worm

When it comes to Florida beaches and vacation rentals, the challenge for nearly all American beach goers is beating the crowd. And one surefire way to do it is to visit Florida before everyone else — and that means visiting before school is out for the summer. With that in mind, late April and early May are among the best times to contact vacation concierge services about vacation rental properties, such as beach home rentals. During these times, air and water temperatures will be pleasantly hot, and beaches will be perfectly sunny.

For An Experience Unlike Any Other

On the other hand, if you don’t necessarily mind navigating through crowds, early July is one of the best times for renting a beach home. The reason? Celebrating the Fourth on the beach is a one-of-a-kind experience. Vacationers can watch professional firework displays go off over the water, and — for the more adventurous — it is, on most beaches, legal to set off small fireworks on your own.

What Are Your Other Options?

If you want warm water (75+ degrees) and sparse crowds on the beach, another option is to book vacation rentals during late September and early October. The crowd will be gone, and rates will be considerably cheaper. There is one thing to consider: This is hurricane season. You’re going to have to either take your chances, or book rentals as the date gets closer.

What are the best times to visit Florida beaches? Beat the crowd by visiting in late March or late September, or see the fireworks over the water on July 4.