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 […]
Sanibel Island is world-renowned as one of the best shelling destinations due to its east-west orientation that catches shells from the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches feature a gentle slope with an abundance of intact seashells of all varieties. Over 60% of the island is preserved as wildlife refuge, making it ideal for nature lovers […]
Amelia Island offers 13 miles of pristine beaches with abundant wildlife and natural beauty. The beaches range from bustling Main Beach Park to secluded stretches along the state park. Uniquely, Amelia Island offers horseback riding tours along the shoreline. The island combines luxury resorts with Old Florida charm in historic Fernandina Beach. The area is […]
Marco Island is the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, featuring beautiful crescent beaches with pearlescent sand and gentle waves. The island is known for excellent shelling and wildlife viewing, especially dolphins and bald eagles. South Marco Beach offers a wide public beach with gorgeous sunsets, while Tigertail Beach features a tidal lagoon that’s perfect […]
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 […]
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 […]
While not known for expansive beaches like other Florida destinations, Key West offers several beautiful beach spots with crystal clear waters. The most popular is Smathers Beach with palm trees and water sports rentals. Key West’s beaches are ideal for snorkeling and diving with vibrant coral reefs nearby. The island is famous for its sunset […]
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 […]
Holly Beach is one of Galveston’s most western public beach access points, offering a more natural experience than the island’s eastern beaches. The remote location results in fewer visitors, creating a sense of discovery and solitude rare on popular coastal areas. The beach allows vehicle access and overnight camping without permits, attracting those seeking a […]
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 […]