When most Americans are craving fun in the sun, Florida is the place to be. This is certainly true during spring break when certain unnamed groups of people may or may not be going wild, but it is also true throughout the rest of the year. From the super soft sands on the Gulf of Mexico side all the way around the coast to the rolling waves on the Atlantic side, Florida has some truly great beaches. Below are five of the best!
Panama City Beach
Panama City beach is a 27 mile stretch of sand, surf and fun. Every year over six million people visit Panama City beach. Many dolphin aficionados visit this beach because it is known to have more bottlenose dolphins than any other beach in the entire world. Lucky Fisherman also flock to Panama City beach because they can find Red Snappers, Pompanos, Mackerels, Blue Marlins, Cobia and Trout in the fertile waters just off the coast. The beach also boasts the one and only deepwater diving museum in the United States. Pro tip: This beach is not actually in the country of Panama, and it has no world famous canals.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach” and stretches 23 furious miles. The beach is open 24 hours a day. Depending on how high the tide is on any given day, visitors are allowed to park their cars on the beach. On most Tuesdays you will actually see Nascar legend Jeff Gordon parking his actual race car right out on the sand (not really). It is important to note that Daytona Beach is very handicap friendly. Visitors that have disabilities can reserve a free surf chair, which will help them get around on the beach. Between May 15th and October 31st every year, Daytona Beach hosts an influx of sea turtles, but there is an influx of beach combers all year long.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is one of the most affordable vacation destinations in Florida. Visitors to this beach often take an eco tour or go deep sea fishing. Parasailing is also a popular activity at Cocoa Beach, while the favored cereal is Cocoa Puffs. There are many places to dine right on the beach, ranging from casual to upscale, but seeing as though the beach shares its name with such a delightful breakfast food, why go to a restaurant? When it comes to night life, many visitors to Cocoa Beach check out the beach side cafes and jazz clubs, but others just enjoy the sand and the surf.
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Meyers Beach is a great destination for anyone who likes to stay active. Visitors can rent a jet ski or a fishing boat and get out and explore the open ocean. The beach also boasts casino boats, movie theaters and bowling alleys to round out a full slate of exciting options. Some of the restaurants on Fort Myers Beach enable diners to see the Gulf of Mexico coastline or Estero Bay while they eat, which reminds you that your dinner may have been swimming only a few hours earlier!
Pensacola Beach
Pictured in featured image – Pensacola Beach boasts activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and deep sea fishing, but the free live concerts that are held on the beach are the real draw. If you are a real thrill seeker you can rent a high speed wave runner while your favorite band cranks out some sweet tunes. This is a rad beach, don’t doubt it for a second.
What? South Beach didn’t make the list? No, it didn’t. But that’s ok, it’s still a killer beach that you should check out.
