Really Florida!

Seeing pictures of Florida beaches is the next best thing to being there, don’t you agree? While I don’t get to the beach as often as I’d like, it is a glorious experience — the water, the wind, the sound of the ocean and the sun relax you in some primeval way.

Beaches in the Sunshine State come in all shapes, sizes and colors — kind of like people! The waters are different in the various parts of the state, and even the sand has different hues and textures, depending where you are. Some beaches are crowded and lively; some are quiet and peaceful.

I grew up with the Central and North Florida beaches, but I’ve come to know and love the beaches in South Florida.

In South Florida and the Keys in particular, the waters are so clear and warm. I’m one of those people who generally doesn’t dip a toe into the ocean unless the water temperature is at least 78 degrees, and in the Keys, that’s most of the year.

One thing about South Florida and Keys beaches — they tend to be smaller than those in the Panhandle and farther north in the state. Most aren’t nearly as wide, and some are less than a mile in length (that would be the Keys).

I tend to like the quieter stretches of sand, because I love the sounds of the wind and the waves. Beach combing is also more interesting; less people trash to sift through.

Still, a more active beach has its merits, especially when you can rent beach toys — not to mention all the people-watching!

I’ll be posting more pictures of Florida beaches over the next few days — enjoy!

(Next up: North and Central Florida Beach photos.)