Captiva Island is known for its extraordinary sunset views and exceptional shelling opportunities, particularly for larger specimens like conch and whelk shells. The beaches have a secluded, romantic atmosphere with limited public access points maintaining their pristine condition. The island has a quirky, artistic vibe with colorful restaurants and shops. Legend has it that Captiva […]
Beaches for Bird Watching
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island offers four miles of pristine beaches and a rare virgin slash pine forest. The park features both Gulf swimming beaches and a dog-friendly beach area. It’s a paradise for nature lovers with osprey nests, abundant shorebirds, and occasional dolphin sightings. The Osprey Trail provides hiking through native Florida landscape with opportunities to spot […]
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach offers the clearest, most natural beach experience in Key West. Unlike the artificially created beaches on the island, this beach features natural coral and limestone shoreline with excellent snorkeling opportunities right offshore. The historic Civil War-era fort provides historical interest with daily tours. The park hosts the best sunset views in […]
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is an unspoiled barrier island with a laid-back, Old Florida feel. The beaches feature powdery white sand and turquoise waters with no high-rise buildings to obstruct views. The island has three distinct communities (Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach) and is known for excellent shelling, bird watching, and spectacular sunsets. A […]
Magnolia Beach
Magnolia Beach is a unique “shell beach” composed primarily of crushed shells rather than sand, creating a striking white shoreline along Matagorda Bay. This free beach allows camping directly on the shore with no permits required, making it popular with budget travelers and RV enthusiasts. The calm, shallow waters of the protected bay are ideal […]
Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach is part of Canaveral National Seashore, featuring 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic shoreline. The beach is known for excellent surfing conditions and as a prime viewing location for rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center. The protected status means the beach remains natural and pristine with abundant wildlife including sea turtles and migratory […]
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda offers the best natural beaches in the Florida Keys with crystal clear waters and fine white sand – rare for the rocky Keys. The park features two major beach areas: Sandspur Beach and Calusa Beach, with excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities. The old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge provides a scenic backdrop and historic […]
Caladesi Island State Park
Accessible only by boat or ferry, Caladesi Island remains one of Florida’s last untouched barrier islands. The beach features pristine white sand, blue-green waters, and natural coastal environments without development. Visitors can kayak through mangrove forests on the three-mile kayak trail, hike the interior island trail, or enjoy the peaceful shoreline. The island was once […]
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach combines beautiful Atlantic shoreline with rich historical context in America’s oldest city. The wide, white sand beach features a fishing pier, splash park, and pavilion with regular events and concerts. Cars are allowed on designated sections, making the beach accessible for everyone. The beach town has a relaxed vibe with local restaurants […]
Grayton Beach State Park
Grayton Beach State Park features consistently ranked among America’s most beautiful beaches with sugar-white sand and emerald green water. The park is unique for its rare coastal dune lakes, a natural phenomenon found in few places worldwide where freshwater lakes intermittently connect with the Gulf of Mexico. A 4.5-mile hiking trail winds through a coastal […]