Beach Camping in Florida

Tent camping on the beach in Florida, Everglades National Park

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 … Read more

Beach Photo Shoots

Beach photo shoot tips from Florida photographer

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 … Read more

Sea Turtles in Florida

Nesting sea turtles Florida

5 species of sea turtles in Florida: All of Florida’s sea turtle species are endangered or threatened. Sea turtles and their nests are protected by law, including the Endangered Species Act. It’s illegal to harass or disturb sea turtles, nests or hatchlings. To report someone disturbing a sea turtle nest or an injured, dead or … Read more

Rip Currents

Rip current warning sign

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 … Read more

Florida Beach Guide to Red Tide

Florida Beaches with Red Tide

The most recent red tide map is included below, along with a list of beaches and locations affected by red tide, when applicable. Note: This map is automatically updated and will show the latest red tide status in Florida. If you notice a problem with this map please let us know. At this time red … Read more

Disappearing Island

disappearing island florida, near new smyrna beach and the ponce inlet

Disappearing Island is a large, popular sandbar in Florida’s Ponce Inlet, near New Smyrna Beach. Why is it called Disappearing Island? Disappearing Island got its name because it “disappears” at high tide, and is only visible during low tides. During high tide, the Disappearing Island sandbar is submerged underwater.  The water level and depth varies … Read more

Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

dog friendly beach 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 … Read more

Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park in the Florida Panhandle

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 … Read more

Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach, Florida

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 … Read more

Longboat Key

Town of Longboat Key sign

Longboat Key is a beautiful barrier island and small beach town on Florida’s west coast.  Longboat Key is known for its uncrowded white sand beaches, resorts, and upscale beach town living. The island of Longboat Key is long and skinny, like most barrier islands in Florida. It’s about a mile wide at its widest point, … Read more

The Best Beaches in the Florida Panhandle

Aerial view of clear water and white sand beach in the Florida Panhandle at Pensacola Beach

There are about 150 miles of almost continuous beaches in the Florida panhandle.  White sand beaches and crystal clear water stretch almost continuously from Port St. Joe to Perdido Key at the Alabama state line. The beaches keep going after that, but we’re only talking about Florida’s panhandle beaches. What is the best beach in … Read more

The Best Atlantic Coast Beaches in Florida

South Beach on Florida's atlantic coast with white and and clear water

Florida’s Atlantic coast is 400 miles long, not including the Florida Keys.  There are endless sandy beaches for most of those 400 miles, which stretch from Amelia Island in the north to the Key Largo bridge in the south. Florida’s east coast beaches vary a lot.  Here are our picks for the best beaches on … Read more

Naples

Beautiful white sand beach and clear water in Naples, Florida

Note: Naples was heavily affected by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Some attractions, including the Naples Pier, may be partially closed. Naples has also been heavily affected by the 2023 red tide outbreak, affecting beaches on Florida’s Gulf coast. Naples is an upscale beach town and coastal city in Southwest Florida.  Naples is known for its … Read more

Peanut Island, Florida

A beach on Peanut Island, Florida

Peanut Island, Florida Peanut Island is a small island in Florida’s Lake Worth Lagoon. It’s located in a beautiful area, between Riviera Beach, Singer Island and Palm Beach. Read about other things to do in Palm Beach County Peanut Island is a county park, and is open to the public. Admission is free, although there … Read more

Treasure Island

Beach access, Treasure Island, Florida

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 … Read more

St. Pete Beach

St Pete Beach, Florida

St. Pete Beach is a small beach town on Florida’s central Gulf Coast. St. Beach Beach is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and convenient access to downtown St. Petersburg. It is also conveniently located near Clearwater Beach and many other beach destinations in Pinellas County.  Location St. Pete Beach is located on a … Read more

Pass-a-Grille Beach

Pass a Grille Beach, Florida. A wooden boardwalk gives access to the beach, one of the best beaches in Florida.

Pass-a-Grille beach is my favorite beach near St Pete! The sand is soft, white and excellent. The water is often crystal-clear. The town is super cute, and it has a perfect laid-back beach town vibe. There are some things that could be better about Pass-a-Grille, but overall it’s an excellent beach. Pass-a-Grille Beach is one … Read more

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

The Anclote Key Lighthouse in Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Anclote Key Preserve State Park is an undeveloped island, nature preserve and state park in Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico Coast. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is known for its pristine white sand beaches, excellent shelling, historical lighthouse, clear waters and diverse wildlife. The park is also known as one of the best destinations for … Read more