A Guide to Florida’s Beaches
North East
An interesting fact about North East Florida is that it is commonly referred to as the “First Coast.” This part of Florida is one of the first places in the United States where Europeans settled. The shores of this region were exploited greatly during those first settlements, and one of the most unique factors exploited was the type of shells and sand that could be found along the shores. St.Augustine, the oldest town in the United States, offers tourists visits to the Old Spanish forts that were constructed using a type of material called Coquina. The Spanish Settlers used this shell material to build their forts because not only was it durable, but because it absorbed the impact of cannon balls very well. Coquina rock, which is a limestone that consists primarily of shell fragments, is abundant in this part of Florida because of the steep continental shelf that exists along the Atlantic border in this region. When seashells from the ocean are carried toward the continental shelf, they become broken, and eventually smashed. For this reason, a walk along the shores of Eastern Florida will prove to be somewhat dissatisfying to avid shell collectors.
The Northeastern shores of Florida can provide some of the most peaceful beach excursions in the world. A trip along the A1A coastal byway will provide non-stop shopping for those interested in finding the less crowded beaches in Northeastern Florida. The popular cities and towns of Florida, such as Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine, will have beaches that are not only a little crowded, but have small entrance or parking fees. A couple miles to the north or south of these more densely populated areas will unveil the more serene and scenic beaches, blanketed with the characteristic red sand and soft swells.
Fernandina Beach is located on a barrier island called, Amelia Island, about thirty minutes from Jacksonville. This beach requires a small fee, but it is well worth the small fee to experience the white sand and huge dunes. This beach is fairly uncrowded and is less commercial then many of the beaches located in tourists areas.
Central East
The central east coast of Florida is a faster paced area that encompasses quite a deal of commercialism and tourism. The beaches in this part of Florida are similar to those just to the north, but vacationers will note a fairly big difference in local surroundings, and in the population of beach-goers. You will have a bit more difficulty finding the quiet beaches in this region, but there are a few jewels in this area. While Cocoa Beach is incredibly crowded, which can be a plus for a family hoping to find a more social experience, New Smyrna beach offers some of the cleanest and untouched beaches in the United States. For those interested in water sports, New Smyrna Beach prides itself in being one of the biggest providers of water sports. Another aspect of New Smyrna beach that makes it so alluring are the rock ledges that are located about 45 miles off shore. These ledges are far enough off shore that they curtail the possibility of dangerous undercurrents. For that reason, New Smyrna offers a very safe swimming experience.
South
The most famous of Florida’s southern beaches is South Beach in Miami Beach. South Beach has been equated to the ‘Eastern Hollywood’ due to its scantily clad inhabitants, and its 24/7 party-like nature. There are dozens of nightclubs that line the shores of South beach. Beware that South Beach really is not a family friendly escapade. Many of the sunbathers like to get the all over tan by going topless, and as far as after swimming activities go, most of them are geared toward the adult who enjoys a little bite with his or her drink.
The beach atmosphere is a bit crowded in South Beach, but the water is just as clear as most Atlantic beaches. The sand is semi-fine, with few shells or other debris, which makes it fine for long walks, beach lounging, and other beach activities.
Key West boasts some incredible beaches. There are beaches with small entrance fees, such as Bahia Honda beach, but those beaches have shallow clear water, soft white sand, and beautiful tropical backgrounds. They are great for the entire family. A drive around some of the local communities will bring you to several fairly nice beaches that have not entrance fees.
Central West
The western coast of Florida is fairly different then the Eastern Coast. There are more industrial areas, so save for a few areas; many of the beaches will be a bit slower than Atlantic beaches. Also, because the western coast in comprised of the Gulf of Mexico, the water is usually calmer and less clear then the Atlantic beaches, and the slopes are usually much less steep than they are in the Atlantic. The scenery along the western coast is also quite diverse. The scenery is somewhat less tropical, and it is not unusual to see a wider variety of vegetation along the dunes.
A nice place to visit is Fort Desoto Park in Tampa Bay. Fort Desoto Park is comprised of five keys (Mullet, Madelaine, St. Jean, St. Christopher, and Bonne Fortune) that culminate in the county park of 900 acres of beaches and natural scenery.
Northwest (Panhandle)
Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beaches are the most highly acclaimed beaches in Western Florida. The sand at these beaches is unusually soft and white, and the slope of the beach is rather shallow, providing a nice wading experience for the entire family. Beaches along the Panhandle are diverse with respect to crowds. Some beaches, particularly the ones closest to the cities such as Pensacola and Panama, are usually more densely populated and more robust. A drive along the coastline will uncover some quieter beaches. One interesting note about the Panhandle beaches is that in contrast to most of the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, the water is much more clear.
There are several keys and barrier islands that stretch from as far west as Mississippi to visit in the Panhandle. Wetlands and estuaries near the beach regions can make for unique, and peaceful tours for the entire family.
In conclusion, Florida has over 660 miles of beaches that span across wetlands, populated cities, the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico. It is difficult to summarize the variety of beaches that Florida has to offer, but invariably, it has a beach for just about anyone.
