Florida Beaches
Florida boasts over 800 miles of fabulous coastline with crystal clear water and glorious sandy beaches lined with palm trees. Although we are in Central Florida close to Orlando, some of the best beaches are within just an hours drive – but remember they can get busy at weekends so go mid-week if you can.
EAST COAST – ATLANTIC BEACHES
DAYTONA
Daytona is one of the USA’s most famous beaches with 23 miles of wide sandy beach. The tide goes out a long way making it great for kids to play. The beach has seen many land speed attempts, including Sir Malcolm Cambell reaching 276mph with Bluebird in 1935. You can drive along and park on the beach and there are sunbeds and various equipment available for hire. Daytona is home to ‘Race Week’ and the Daytona 500 in February and ‘Bike Week’ in March so can get very busy.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH
Just a little further south from Daytona, New Smyrna Beach is a 17 mile stretch of white sandy beaches. The south end of the beach has no car zone and is a conservation area and Smyrna Dunes Park at the north end is great for surfing. Smyrna Dunes Park also has three miles of elevated boardwalks winding along a coastal nature preserve. There have been minor shark attacks here but the waters are patrolled and considered to be safe.
CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE
Located in between between New Smyrna Beach and Titusville, this is one of Florida’s most undeveloped beach fronts. It extends for around 25 miles and has dunes, lagoons, salt marshes and flatlands with very few crowds. The park, located on a barrier island, was created on January 3, 1975, by an act of Congress. Three government agencies collaborate to ensure an equal balance between the technical space programme, wildlife management and public recreation. The only amenities along this stretch are located at Appolo and Playalinda Beaches. Take snacks and drink as there are no facilities at all.
COCOA BEACH
Cocoa beach is one of the many islands that straggle the east coast and is a laid back beach with lovely soft sand. The Cocoa Beach Pier juts out over 800 feet over the ocean and new offerings coming February 2023 at the Pier will bring a brand-new souvenir shop, upscale waterfront dining with a sushi bar, customizable grab-and-go options and a new daiquiri bar. Cocoa village is on the mainland about ten minutes drive from the beaches. It is a lovely quaint and picturesque village with a selection of shops, boutiques and restaurants. This is a lovely location to waste a couple of hours.
SATELLITE BEACH
The largest beachside community in South Brevard, Satellite Beach lines the low rise condo’s along the beach front and the Pelican Beach area attracts sun worshipers. The shallow waters are ideal for children and there is also a playground and Samson’s Island Nature Park.
PALM BEACH
One of America’s most elite and fashionable resorts popular with the rich and famous. The lovely beaches and coastal waters are ideal for swimming, surfing and sailing.
WEST COAST – GULF BEACHES
CLEARWATER
Clearwater beach is a narrow island separating Clearwater Harbour from the Gulf of Mexico and is reached via a long intercoastal highway bridge. It draws visitors year-round for jet-skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddle boarding in its calm waters, you can often see Dolphins playing in the sea. Cyclists and rollerbladers glide along a winding beachfront promenade lined with casual seafood restaurants and cafes. The landmark Pier 60 is the centre point of beach activities and is great for sunsets. There are also plenty of seafront restaurants. It is also a favourite of the yachting community cruising along the coast.
ST PETERSBURG
Just a short drive south from Clearwater St Pete’s boasts four miles of glorious white sandy beach. Snorkelling, wind surfing and other water sports are plentiful here too. Many of the restaurants serve locally caught fresh seafood and there is ample shopping in the town centre.
SARASOTA
Known as the Queen of the Gulf Coast. Expanse of white sand known for beach bars & clear waters, with swimming, kayaking & surf break There are museums and numerous gardens that flourish in this sub tropical climate. For plentiful shopping, dining and entertainment head for the elegant St Armands Circle.