Florida Beach Vacations

Located in North Naples, Clam Pass extends across coastal dunes and mangrove forest. A beach concession stand offers beach equipment rentals such as windsurfers and kayaks, as well as food and drinks. There’s a free tram that transports visitors in the park.

With lovely sand and flat terrain, Clearwater Beach offers the perfect setting for a game of volleyball or paddleball, and the kids will love running around. In the evening, join locals and other visitors at Pier 60 to watch the sunset.

This public beach is famous for its quiet and secluded white sands and stunning blue waters. Its southernmost part offers plenty of opportunities for diving and snorkeling and is rich in marine life and coral formations.

Named after its clear, emerald-green water, this mile-long beach features white sands and is excellent for sunbathing and swimming. It’s also great for birdwatching, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing.

From sand volleyball courts and boardwalks to a picnic area and a concession stand for snacks, Venice Municipal Beach has it all. Keep your eyes peeled for shark teeth. For something different, stop at the Venice Area Audubon Rookery and watch the egrets and herons.

Florida’s national parks boast mangrove swamps, lagoons, and barrier islands. Visit the Big Cypress National Preserve to see manatees and wading birds, and even sharks giving birth. At Biscayne National Park, you can spot sponges, coral, and a vast population of lobsters.

All of Florida’s public beaches allow fishing, so grab your poles and cast nests and put your abilities to the test. At Jacksonville, be sure to get kingfish, which makes for a tasty meal. Stop at the Mosquito Lagoon and winch up speckled trout, snook, or red and black drum.

The Spanish ships that sunk along the gulf coast in the 18th century make Florida a hotspot for treasure hunters. Stop at Sebastian Inlet or Wabasso Beach and see if you’ll be lucky to go home with jewels, gold, or silver.

Pedaling through Florida’s beach towns may be the best way to see the sights and get closer to nature. Bicycle lanes, crosswalks, and slower speed limits make most beaches family-friendly places to bike. Popular biking destinations include Sanibel Island, Cedar Key, and South Beach, Miami.

Florida has scenic waterways suitable for watersports for all ages and skill levels. Paddleboard through mangroves and coastal dune lakes as you marvel at the native wildlife. Santa Rosa Beach, Destin, and St. Petersburg are some of the best paddleboarding destinations.

Bring casual attire. A few pairs of versatile jeans and shorts, T-shirts, and short-sleeved shirts will do. Some dressier items may come in handy if you’re planning on sampling some of Florida’s fine dining.

Carry a good pair of open-toed sandals for strolling on the beach. You’ll need light sneakers to wander through the streets of beach towns, while flip-flops are essential for relaxing by the poolside of your vacation rental.

If you plan to visit in late spring or fall when it’s usually rainy, arm yourself with an umbrella. Pack a jacket or light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces, as well as a hat and sunglasses when the sun gets hotter.

Carry a good camera with sufficient memory and battery power for making snapshots to show your friends back home.

For safety purposes, make copies of your passports and credit cards, and tuck away the originals and prints separately.