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In florida..

i am visiting florida for the first time this summer.

18 years ago, March 20th 2006 No: 1 Msg: #4586 Delete Edit

saab
sanam

N Posts: 1

i am visiting florida for the first time this summer. i would like to know the best place for beaches. we will be there for 5 days . any advice would be helpful as i dont know which are the best beaches in florida!!

thanks in advance,

sanam
Reply to this

18 years ago, March 28th 2006 No: 2 Msg: #4713 Delete Edit

Lauterbrunnen
Jake Dunlap

N Posts: 14

In my hometown of Pensacola, the main beach (appropriately named "Pensacola Beach") is famous for the white sands. The temperature is perfect beach weather in the summer as well.

One down side though.... The area was hit fairly hard by the recent hurricanes, so the local architecture and such is pretty badly damaged, but the beach itself is perfect. Reply to this

18 years ago, March 29th 2006 No: 3 Msg: #4739 Delete Edit

nstickney4529
nicole lopez

N Posts: 1

I am no Floridian, however I've vacationed there a few times and here are some suggestions:

My favorite beach is on Bahia Honda Key. Bahi Honda key is somewhere near the middle of the keys - halfway to key west. It is an absolutely beautiful beach, very secluded, it's part of a state or national park, and it's in a small fishing village/town. I had visited Key West for a week in college, but our drive back we spotted this beach and endedup staying 2 extra nights just to enjoy this fabulous beach. Great seafood at the local restaurants.

Also, I've gone kayaking in the Everglades. There are alligators and manatees, many bird species, etc. It is inexpensive and there are several access points. http://www.nps.gov/ever/pphtml/activities.html

Also, I have never been there, but St. Augustine is a very early American town founded by Spanish explorers in the 1500's or so. I'm a city planner and St. Augustine was mentioned in several courses.

A lot of people like Miami - great nightlife, very diverse, etc.

If you go at the right time, you can experience the sea turtle nesting season. I have seen this several times. We always stayed on the east coast of the state, 50 miles or so south of West Palm Beach area, and I've seen the turtles lay eggs several times. This is in late Aug/early Sept. If you are on the beaches at this time you will see caution tape or other markings to keep people off of the sea turtle nests. You'd want to get a beach hotel, as they only emerge from the ocean at night.

Finally, I've been to key west during the off season and it is interesting as there are wild chickens and roosters all over, great sunsets, and decent snorkeling for the area. It's a neat little town - it's touristy but definitely has it's own personality as long as you stray from the beaten path. Very laid back and the bed and breakfasts are very nice. The beaches in key west are not nice, though.

Just avoid the really touristy beach towns (like daytona beach) as many are overdeveloped with souvenier shops, strip malls, and shabby hotels. Reply to this

18 years ago, April 18th 2006 No: 4 Msg: #5160 Delete Edit

Cotten
Susan Cotten

B Posts: 1

I am a native of FL...if you are interested in the beach scene, it depends on how active you want to get.
The East Coast is rougher in terms of waves, and more densely poplulated. The West Coast and Panhandle are a bit more laid back, think "retired" rather than party central. HOwever, the west coast such as Ft Myers, Sarasota, St Pete have the white sand beaches and gorgeous sunset moments. If you are really into laid back, Try St Pete Beach. Downtown with cafes and shops is close, and The Hurricane restaurant is right on the beach and makes the best rumrunners. Climb to the top bar at Sunset and enjoy.
The Keys are fantastic..a tour of all the keys is best if you have the time. End in Key West and since summer is the off season, it should be cheaper at the B&B's and less crowded. Reply to this

18 years ago, April 18th 2006 No: 5 Msg: #5184 Delete Edit

mdewber1
Buzz Kill

N Posts: 6

I am younger and I personally like Destin and Panama City Beach. Both beaches are more crowed and have plenty of things to see and place to eat. My favorite place to in Panama City is Captain Anderson's. Greastest seafood place ever. At night they never calm down, so if you are not looking for a crowded place, this is probably not the best place.

Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals Reply to this

18 years ago, April 20th 2006 No: 6 Msg: #5215 Delete Edit

Chelfie14
Michelle Hatmaker

B Posts: 4

I'm a central Floridian. I go to college elsewhere and have noticed most of the people from here go to Destin in the panhandle. However, my family and I prefer the Sarasota area. We've been in Sarasota/Casey Key/Nokomis/Venice Beach alot. I love Annamaria Island down there too, right by Bradenton. Now, east coast, I'd say Saint Augustine is a neat place too. Alot of people go to Palm Beach/Deerfield Beach and Daytona. However, Daytona is nasty. Cars are allowed to drive onto the sand and peh..

Cocoa Beach, home to the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop is also cool. And St. John's Pass, near Treasure Island Beach was another vacation spot in my youth. Let's see...St. Pete and Tampa aren't really that great to me, but most people like Clearwater. Now, if you want more South, usually you see people in the Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples areas. Miami-things will be expensive there. Reply to this