Beaches

Beach Camping in Florida

Beach Camping in Florida

Camping on the beach in Florida is usually prohibited. It’s almost never possible to pitch a tent on the sand, except for a few specific locations around the state. However, there are numerous places for beachfront campgrounds, including both private campgrounds, state parks, national parks and county parks. Note: Be warned! Where primitive beach camping…

Sand Sculpting

Sand Sculpting

Sand sculpture competitions in Florida are amazing, and are worth visiting! The Basics of Sand Sculpting There are a number of sand sculpting events in Florida, spread around the state. They are usually in the fall, winter and spring. Most of the festivals last for 1-2 weeks, and have festivals around the events. Activities and…

Beach Photo Shoots

Beach Photo Shoots

Beach photos are always my favorite souvenirs.  Here are some of my tips to get the best results from a beach photo shoot – whether you take your own photos, or while working with a photographer. Professional photo shoots  Whenever possible, I think it’s a great investment to hire a professional photographer to take beach…

Shark Attacks in Florida

Shark Attacks in Florida

The risk of shark attacks in Florida is extremely low. The risk of shark attack in Florida is essentially non-existent, compared to many other common risks, including: The list goes on. Of the very few bites that do occur, most are accidental, and they are almost never fatal. Most bites are because of mistaken activity….

Rip Currents

Rip Currents

Rip currents in Florida are serious. They’re one of the biggest dangers at Florida beaches, and are a leading cause of beach drownings and emergency rescues. Thankfully, the dangers of rip currents can be reduced with simple knowledge: What is a rip current? Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water, which flow away…

Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach

Navarre is a hidden gem, with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Beaches in Navarre are quieter and less crowded than other Florida beaches so it feels like a peaceful getaway. Navarre offers a blend of beauty, relaxation, nature and adventure.

Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

Although there are hundreds of miles of beaches in Florida, dog-friendly beaches are pretty rare. This map shows some dog beaches I’ve found, which are scattered around the state.  Dog Beach Rules Dog rules vary widely for beaches that allow dogs.  Some beaches allow dogs to be off-leash, while others allow only leashed dogs, usually…

Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park is a beautiful state park in the Florida Panhandle.  The state park protects more than 4,000 acres of pristine Florida nature, and a variety of wildlife and natural habitats. Bald Point State Park offers a mix outdoor activities and experiences, including beaches, boating, paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, bird-watching, wildlife viewing and…

Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach is a small beach town on Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico coast.  Madeira Beach is known for its long, beautiful sandy beaches and its most popular attraction, Johns Pass Village. Johns Pass Village is a lively waterfront boardwalk with a variety of shops, restaurants, activities, boat tours and more. It’s also the site…

Seaside

Seaside

Seaside is a small beach town in the Florida panhandle, on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Seaside is known for its white-sand beaches, beautiful turquoise water and charming small-town feel. It’s also famous for being the birthplace of New Urbanism and for being the filming location for The Truman Show. Seaside has charming…

Treasure Island

Treasure Island

Treasure Island is a small beach town in Pinellas County, Florida. Treasure Island is a popular tourist destination known for its retro style, long white sandy beaches and convenient location near St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. Treasure Island is also known for having a more residential, laid-back feel than other nearby beach towns, and for…

The Best Beaches in Key West

The Best Beaches in Key West

Beaches in Key West aren’t the best. If you want a great beach trip, you might consider going somewhere else in Florida. But, there are a few good beaches in Key West. They’re not great, but they’re worth visiting if you have realistic expectations. Here are all of the beaches in Key West, along with…

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a busy beach town on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Daytona is known for its crowded beaches, party vibes, festivals and motorsports.  Note: The terms “Daytona Beach” and “Daytona” refer to the same city. Daytona Beach is also known for being one of the few beaches in Florida where you can drive…

Beaches in Tarpon Springs

Beaches in Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is famous for its historic sponge docks and Greek culture. But, the beaches in Tarpon Springs are also very nice, and are worth visiting! In fact, Tarpon Springs’ beach at Fred Howard Park is the northernmost beach in Pinellas County’s mainland. It marks the first of many beautiful beaches along Florida’s central Gulf…

Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park is a beautiful state park, and one of the best things to do near Miami.  Oleta River State Park offers a wide variety of activities, ranging from relaxing beach days to heart-pumping mountain biking adventures. Oleta River State Park is an extremely popular spot in Miami for both visitors and locals,…

Crab Island

Crab Island

Crab Island is a large underwater sandbar located north of the Destin Bridge in Destin, Florida.  The sandbar is located just east of Santa Rosa Island, and at the mouth of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Crab Island is located within the boundaries of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The sandbar is a beautiful spot, and is…

Passage Key (Anna Maria)

Passage Key (Anna Maria)

Passage Key is an uninhabited island at the mouth of Tampa Bay.  The island is protected as a national wildlife refuge, and is closed to public access. Note: All of Passage Key closed to protect nesting wildlife. Trespassing on Passage Key is illegal. Visitors should remain well away from the beaches to avoid illegal trespassing. …