Gasparilla Island State Park features pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico with the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse as its centerpiece. The island has a fascinating history tied to the phosphate industry and wealthy winter residents including the du Pont family. The waters around Boca Grande Pass are known as the ‘Tarpon Capital of […]
Florida Beaches
Jupiter Beach
Jupiter Beach offers 3.4 miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline with sections specifically designated as dog-friendly, rare for Florida beaches. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, built in 1860, provides a stunning landmark and offers tours and museum exhibits. The beach is known for excellent water clarity and is popular for snorkeling around the nearshore reef system. The […]
Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach offers a charming alternative to nearby Daytona Beach with a quieter atmosphere while still allowing beach driving in designated areas. The beach town has significant historical interest as the ‘Birthplace of Speed’ where early automobile speed records were set on the hard-packed sands. The Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail provides a 30-mile scenic […]
Blind Pass Beach
Blind Pass Beach sits at the narrow pass between Sanibel and Captiva Islands, creating unique currents that make it one of the best shelling locations in an area already famous for shells. The pass offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly during tidal changes. The beach has a more natural, less developed feel than other beaches in […]
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park occupies the southern third of Key Biscayne with over a mile of Atlantic beachfront consistently ranked among Florida’s best beaches. The historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825, is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County and offers tours and spectacular views from the top. The park features diverse […]
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Blowing Rocks Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, features the largest Anastasia limestone shoreline on the Atlantic coast. During high tide and rough seas, waves crash against the rocks and force plumes of saltwater up to 50 feet in the air – a spectacular natural display. The preserve has restored native Florida coastal habitats including […]
Vanderbilt Beach
Vanderbilt Beach is a popular North Naples beach with excellent facilities and proximity to luxury resorts including the Ritz-Carlton Naples. The beach features fine white sand, clear Gulf waters, and typically calm conditions ideal for swimming. The Vanderbilt Beach Concession provides food, beverage, and beach equipment rentals. Vanderbilt Lagoon on the eastern side offers kayak […]
Cayo Costa State Park
Accessible only by boat or ferry, Cayo Costa State Park encompasses an unspoiled barrier island with nine miles of pristine beaches and 2,500 acres of wilderness. The park is renowned for exceptional shelling with numerous rare specimens found along its shores. Primitive cabins and tent camping sites offer an authentic island wilderness experience. The interior […]
Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park encompasses four barrier islands with two and a half miles of pristine white sand beaches accessible by boardwalk or tram. Once only accessible by boat (hence the name, as only lovers would make the effort to reach it), the park now offers easy access to secluded beach areas. The park features […]
South Walton Beaches
South Walton encompasses 16 distinct beach neighborhoods along Highway 30A including Seaside, Watercolor, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach. The area is known for pristine beaches with brilliant white sand and turquoise waters alongside New Urbanist planned communities with distinctive architectural styles. The rare coastal dune lakes are a unique ecological feature found in few places […]