5 Reasons Why You Need a Beach Vacation in Florida
Going on vacation is meant to be an effort to truly get away and relax. And you’re not entirely in the mood for deliberating where you want to go to get that total relaxation you crave, but it happens. Mainly because you want to have a vacation where you can satisfy everything you’d want to truly de-stress. With that in mind, it’s only natural that the best option available at any time is a beach vacation in Florida. While there are numerous reasons why you should book such a getaway, here are five of the most compelling for you to make a beach vacation in the Sunshine State an immediate priority.
The Beaches
It wouldn’t be a beach vacation without hitting the sands of Florida first and foremost would it? Florida is home to over 825 miles of sandy shorefront, which have been celebrated in films and songs all over the world. Each of these beach areas has their own distinctive appeal and culture to go with it, which can definitely enhance your vacation depending on what you’re looking to do.
If you want a jet-set appeal with a bit of glamour thrown in, nothing beats Miami Beach. It’s been a vibrant locale for decades of travelers over the decades. If you want to kick things up a notch and truly party Daytona Beach is high on the list for college students on spring break or those looking to just soak up that atmosphere. Another notable party beach area is Key West, with Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Historic State Park being the main attractions there. But if you’re aiming to have a more tranquil surf and sand experience, Fort Myers on the west coast offers that up especially for those traveling with families. Naples offers up quality beach time in combination with some chances to get a few rounds of golfing in nearby. And the Panama City area
Family Fun
As mentioned before, Florida beach vacations are great for all ages. If you’re traveling with family, there are quite a few beach spots where your children can enjoy themselves with nearby attractions that are not just Disney. The Florida Keys have a couple of family-friendly areas like Long Key with its vast state park with 60 campsites. Clearwater is an extremely popular beach for all age groups, found in the greater Tampa area.
Take Up Some Fishing
A Florida beach vacation can give you a chance to engage in a really fun activity for beginners and even the more seasoned professional – fishing. Dubbed as “the fishing capital of the world”, Florida allows for the opportunity to engage in all forms of the sport. Surf fishing is a popular thing to do, and every public beach in Florida allows for people to cast off from the shore. Some also like to fish with large cast netting, or even wade offshore to do some fly fishing. If you’re looking for a more extended outing, you can rent a boat and dive in for some spearfishing. These are highly popular for those staying close to Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Key Largo is one spot that attracts a substantial number of visitors with fishing on the brain due to its nice array of fish and mangrove forests to cast off from. Lastly, Destin on the Emerald Gulf Coast has the state’s largest flotilla of fishing boats eager to take anglers out to catch fish like tuna, marlin, and snapper among others.
Experience Florida’s Wildlife
One thing that Florida doesn’t often get recognized for but is still a huge part of its awesomeness is the bevy of natural wonders for travelers to experience. A beach vacation to the state will definitely help towards the discovery of these idyllic places for old and new visitors. For example, those heading to Jupiter will be in close proximity to Juno Beach Park and the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re aiming to see dolphins, there’s plenty of spots to do so at beaches in Florida. Sanibel Island is one popular destination, as is Panama City Beach where one can book a boat cruise to observe them frolicking in the waters offshore. Further east on the “Forgotten Coast” from Panama City is Mexico Beach, where one can enjoy the sight of loggerhead turtles in the sand and pelicans hunting for food. The area is also home to the endangered bald eagle and the osprey. Santa Rosa Beach has a national forest preserve that clocks in at 15,000 acres. Lastly, if you want to see the manatee in its natural environment, head to Anna Maria Island Beaches, Fort Myers Beach, and the Lee County Manatee Park.
Small Town Charm
Sometimes, you want your vacation to be devoid of large crowds and the hustle and bustle you’re used to in urban spaces. Luckily for you, Florida and its beaches are diverse enough that you have a great number of beaches that are surrounded by small towns offering that much sought after tranquility. Fort Walton Beach has a serene shorefront and is extremely family-friendly. St Augustine Beach is a historic charming beach town full of character.
Marco Island is the largest of the Ten Thousand group of barrier islands that are on the Gulf Coast and is a charming spot with seafood restaurants and local shops to check out for gifts. Venice Beach is a great choice for those who like to take long walks among the dunes and has a notable downtown area with some striking architecture. And the town of Seaside is dotted with brightly colored cottages in its beach community and has attractions like vintage bookstores and indie record stores among its boutiques to explore.
No matter the time of the year, a Florida beach vacation is a splendid choice. Any beach area that you may happen to visit will open up a world of true relaxation and fun for you and anyone you might be traveling with. Take some time to find your perfect Sunshine State getaway today. For more destination guides and travel tips, and reviews, check out Trip101.
This article was written and submitted by guest blogger, Neil Kleise.
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