Really Florida!

Posts Tagged ‘Florida Keys’

Florida vacationing — we’re a popular place to visit, because there are so many vacation spots in Florida.  Lots to see and do, but the question is this — what do you like to do?

Florida Beaches

Most people I’ve met come to Florida for the sunshine and warm weather.  Beaches are a big draw, especially in Summer.  Popular beaches include Daytona Beach, Clearwater Beach and Cocoa Beach.  A popular Florida Panhandle spot is Panama City Beach, along with Destin and Ft. Walton.

Here’s where you can check out some of the best beaches in Florida.

Florida Keys

If you’re coming to visit some Florida vacation spots in the Keys, likely it’s because of the outdoors.  Snorkeling and diving the coral reefs are the top draw for the Florida Keys.  Fishing and boating in general (anything from power boats to kayaks) are also great reasons for Florida vacationing in the Keys.

But for those who like things a little livlier, there’s always Key West.  Duvall Street is a “must see” along with Mallory Square at sunset. 

And speaking of sunset, for those of you who like a spectaular view a Florida Keys sunset cruise is out of this world!

Disney World

You have to admit, Walt Disney World vacations are big for the young, and the young at heart.  And while the other big attractions like Universal Studios and Sea World are also very popular, it’s Disney that’s the main destination.

Here’s a hint — i f you want to “do Disney” right, stay at one of the Walt Disney World resorts.  In most cases it’s not all that more expensive than a hotel off the Disney grounds, but you get so much more staying on the Disney World property.

Florida Vacationing

There’s a lot to choose from for Florida vacationing — what I have listed here is just a tiny part of what the Sunshine State has to offer.

If I can make a suggestion, unless you have several weeks to stay in Florida, try to stick with one general area for your great Florida vacation.  For example, the Panhandle, Central Florida, Gulf Coast Florida, etc.  It’s varied enough within one general area for Florida vacationing.

So that’s a few ideas — hope it helps you some!

Florida vacation spots come in many forms.  We have beaches, attractions, parks and all kinds of outdoor fun.  Which are you thinking of for you Florida vacation?  Let’s take a look at best vacation spots in Florida.

Florida Attractions

One thing for sure, Florida has lots of attractions!  Pretty much no matter where you are in the state, there’s something within an hour or so.  And if attractions are what make your heart beat faster, you’ll want to visit Central Florida.

Of course there is Walt Disney World, the best known of them all.  But don’t forget SeaWorld, Universal Studios and the old favorites like Gatorland and Busch Gardens.

And then there are the “lost” attractions; the ones that have been around for a long time but aren’t as well-known.  These include Silver Springs, Weeki Wachee, the Fountain of Youth and the granddaddy of them all, MarineLand.

Florida Beach Vacations

When it comes to Florida beach vacations, your biggest problem will be deciding on one!  Here are a few of the best beaches in Florida  to start with.

Daytona Beach is billed as the “World’s Most Famous Beach”, and it does have all the classic components — a wide sandy beach, plenty of hotels, shopping and (of course), “beach toys” and tours.  People of all ages converge on this sunny spot on the Florida Atlantic coast.

There’s also Clearwater Beach, on Florida’s Central Gulf coast.  Once again, a wide sandy beach beckons, with plenty of hotels and local attractions.  The big difference between Clearwater and Daytona is the ocean.  Daytona has waves, while Clearwater seas tend to be very calm — perfect for swimming!

Destin Beach, on the Florida Emerald Coast once again features a sandy beach, with more of a ”sugar sand” than the other two.  The waters tend to be fairly calm and the waters more green than blue (yes, there is a reason this area of Florida is called the Emerald Coast).  On the Florida Panhandle, it’s more easily reached by those driving in from other states.

Florida Vacation Spots

If you’re into the great outdoors, especially water activities, you’ll want to think about a Florida Keys vacation.  The glorious crystal-clear waters in the Keys invites swimming, snorketing and diving.  And you’ll find the only living coral reef in the continental United States here!

Boating and fishing are big as well.  Boats range from kayaks and canoes to cruise ships and fishing charters.  Fishing is great from boats, bridges, docks and breakwaters.

And here are some more great Florida vacations for you to enjoy!

So there they are, some of the best Florida vacation spots.  Choose the places that call out to you!

Beaches in the Florida Keys aren’t as plentiful as you might imagine — the Keys are islands, right?  Yes, they are islands, but special ones which don’t have many beaches.

However, there are some wonderful stretches of sea and sand in the Florida Keys.  If you’re not expecting the wide beaches of NE Florida or the Panhandle, you’ll likely be pleased.

Let’s take a look at some of the beaches in the Florida Keys.

First Stop:  Harry Harris Park

Tavernier, located in the Upper Keys, has a beach at mile marker (MM) 92.5.  The beach itself is located inside Harry Harris Park.  Now remember, the beaches in the Florida Keys are small, and this is definitely…small.  But it is a beach!  If you have youngsters, this is a great beach because of the protected swimming area; no surf, and no large fish to nibble their toes.

Anne’s Beach

While there are places to play on the sand in the Florida Middle Keys, most of them are private beaches for resorts.  If you want a public beach, Anne’s Beach at mile marker (MM) 78 (kind of between the Upper and Middle Keys).  It’s not a long or wide beach, and there’s little surf, due to the calming effect of the offshore reef.  Still, the water is warm and clear and the sun shines brightly.  Anne’s Beach on Upper Matecumbe also features picnic areas and covered pavillions.

The Beach at Bahia Honda

This is a glorious Florida Keys beach, and worth the trip to the Lower Keys to see it.  It has a good-sized beach area, with plenty of room for walking.  Swimming and snorkeling are great here, and Bahia Honda is just what you’d expect from a tropical island beach — a slice of paradise.

(The photo you see here is Bahia Honda.)

The Key West Beaches

Smather’s Beach is the most famous of the Key West beaches, as well as the largest — a half mile long.  Still, there is plenty to do here.  From parasailing to snorkeling to volleyball, there is plenty going on.  And if you like just kicking back and watching the world go by, there’s a beach chair waiting!

Other beaches in Key West, Florida include Higgs Memorial, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach, as well as CB Harvey Rest Beach.

Here’s additional information on Key West beaches. 

Beach Trivia

 Well, I did warn you there there weren’t a lot of beaches in the Florida Keys, and here’s why.  The only living coral reef in the continental United States is offshore, and it protects the Keys from the wave action of the sometimes-storm Atlantic Ocean.

However, that wave action is what builds up beaches!  Add to it that the Keys are composed of limestone and coral, which aren’t the best beach-building materials, and you have few stretches of natural sand.

Still, most of the major resorts do have their own private beaches, so fear not; there just may be some sand closer than you think!