Four Elements of Florida Beaches

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Ron Jon Surf Shop in Orlando

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Florida offers a veritable smorgasbord of wiggle-your-toes-in-the-sand experiences.

With 1,100 miles of coastline, Florida offers a veritable smorgasbord of wiggle-your-toes-in-the-sand experiences. While exploring the state’s vast and varied beach options, however, my focus remained on four specific elements: Sand, surf, sky and skin. Concentrating on this quartet of components – which I personally deem to be key factors for fun-in-the-sun pleasure – would simplify my search for premium beach adventures.

Or so I thought.Florida’s expansive geography presented me with a formidable number of appealing choices.


SAND

Connoisseurs of sand will agree that Florida’s northwest Gulf Coast features Mother Nature’s designer product line. Just be sure to don sunglasses before stepping onto any one of the pristine beaches that stretch across the Emerald Coast of Okaloosa County and beyond. However, you may need to take them off momentarily to rub your eyes in disbelief. The sands are so dazzlingly white that it’s possible to mistake dunes for snowdrifts.

The distinguishing characteristics of northern Gulf sands are not limited to their visual appeal, though – as if the breathtaking beauty of alabaster beaches set against vibrant green waters weren’t enough of a lure for me. You can actually hear the difference: The sugary shores emit an audible “squeak” as you walk across them.

Sand this special was an eon or two in the making. Formed from quartz particles washed from the Appalachian Mountains and carried by the Apalachicola River to the Gulf of Mexico, the granules were gradually pulverized into tiny, oval-shaped grains. The uniform size and shape of these ultra-fine granules give them a powdery finish that’s remarkably soft – so it’s little wonder that Okaloosa Island plays host to the popular Emerald Coast Volleyball Week in April.

The gleaming sands are also a superb medium for creative expression. During the Fiesta Sand Sculpture Contest, held every June, Pensacola Beach is transformed into an astonishing – if temporary – art gallery.

Since parks are abundant throughout the region, it’s easy to heed the call of nature. For example, Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach is an idyllic, protected environment where endangered plants and animals thrive. Morning beachcombers here should keep an eye out for tracks of giant sea turtles that clamber ashore at night to lay their eggs.

Henderson Beach State Park, in the heart of Destin, balances natural beauty with visitor-friendly amenities like air-conditioned and heated bathhouses. Shady campsites located behind wind-swept dunes provide vacationers with easy access to the beach, where watching the surf at sunset is a favorite way to end the day.

The character of the Emerald Coast is decidedly Southern and totally laid-back. Although Destin has evolved from rustic fishing village to popular tourist destination, the town still retains a quaint, unpretentious charm. Since the community has been dubbed “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” finding phenomenal seafood restaurants with a relaxed, flip-flop friendly ambiance is a cinch. And you don’t even need to leave the beach. The Back Porch in Destin allows you to sample the local aquatic specialties while taking in magnificent beachfront views – all to a soothing soundtrack of crashing waves. Don’t miss the amberjack, a full-flavored fish that can stand up to assertive Cajun-style seasoning.

Beachside fun continues even after the sun goes down. Travel along the picturesque coastal highway from Destin to Fort Walton Beach – which passes through a section of Gulf Islands National Seashore – and you’ll discover an assortment of energetic late-night beach clubs by the boardwalk. Fort Walton Beach offers plenty of family entertainment, too. If you get tired of frolicking in the surf at Beasley Park, the Gulfarium is only a short hop away. My favorite aspect of this beachfront marine show aquarium – the oldest of its kind in the world – is a meet-and-greet dolphin opportunity that lets you see and experience these magnificent animals up close and personal.


SURF

“Surf’s up” is definitely the theme of Cocoa Beach, a quintessential beach town that buzzes with a youthful, upbeat energy. It’s a place of endless summer where life centers on the quest for the next great wave.

Considered the surfing capital of the east coast since the early 1960s, Cocoa Beach has been the early training ground for several superstars of the sport – including 10-time world champion Kelly Slater.

What attracts hordes of surfing enthusiasts, though, are not just the waves. It’s the whole surf-dedicated culture of the town, which is home to the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum. This fascinating collection of boards, memorabilia and vintage photos is located at the Ron Jon Surf Shop, a two-acre complex that resembles an enormous castle – decked out in vibrant beach colors.

The flagship store of this world-famed retail behemoth offers so much more than mere sporting equipment – though, of course, the selection of fiberglass and foam surfboards is staggering. There’s a full line of apparel for every member of the family, plus every kind of beach-flavored accessory and souvenir imaginable. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the emporium is a non-stop source of entertainment that periodically adds live bands and surfing celebrity autograph signings to the mix of attractions.

Ron Jon also handles a full spectrum of sporting equipment rentals, including bikes and kayaks. In addition, they partner with the Ron Jon's Surf School by Craig Carroll.

The surf at Cocoa Beach usually remains waist- to thigh-high (waves are measured in body height rather than feet), making it a perfect place for beginners. Advanced surfers seeking bigger thrills – and waves – head for nearby Sebastian Inlet State Park. Watching well-practiced athletes “hanging ten” in the crashing shoulder- to head-high surf is a vicarious pleasure for people willing to enjoy surfing through their optic nerves.


SKY

When you want to count on perfect beach weather, St. Petersburg/Clearwater practically issues a guarantee: This area averages an amazing 361 days of sunshine a year. And with 35 miles of exquisite sands that stretch along a chain of Gulf barrier islands, there’s an endless selection of beach experiences awaiting visitors. Whether you crave solitude or socializing, there’s a place under the sun that’s just right for you.

Those who enjoy the bustle of a busy beach town will relish the lively atmosphere of Treasure Island, a family- oriented community. Kite flying, a popular local hobby, keeps skies here filled with brilliant colors and fantastic shapes.

Clearwater Beach is another lively destination that offers a full spectrum of sand and surf activities for every member of the family. The amenable seaside town even turns sunset into a daily celebration. When magnificent blue skies are tinged with glorious hues, Pier 60 lights up and the party begins. Along with live music and street performers, you’ll find local artisans displaying handcrafted treasures.

The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort is located only a short beach ramble away from the nightly shindig. I had just one small – and quite enviable – problem with this superb hotel. The sunset view from the balcony of my sky-high room was so breathtaking that I hated to tear myself away and join the party.

Dedicated fishermen should note that the action on the pier continues long after the skies have grown dark. Round-the-clock fishing is available at the tip of the pier, and locals report that the biggest, best catches are made in the wee hours.

With 1,136 pristine acres and seven miles of waterfront, including almost three miles of beautiful white, sandy beaches, Fort De Soto Park is a not-to-be-missed attraction. In addition to a special “paws playground” where pets can enjoy an off-leash romp in the surf, the park’s North Beach gets bragging rights to a prestigious “#1 Beach in America” rating for 2005 by “Dr. Beach” and America's Top Beach of 2009 by TripAdvisor. One unusual feature of the immense beach is a permanent shallow tidal pond – a safe distance from the shore – which functions as a tot-friendly wading pool.

To get away from it all, take the ferry from Fort De Soto Park to Egmont Key. This 440-acre wildlife refuge served as a fort during the Spanish-American War, and the majestic ruins that remain are fun to explore. The real highlight, though, is the gloriously remote beach. Pack plenty of food and water since this is an all-natural, concession-free park – which also means there are no restrooms or showers – and watch for dolphins and sea turtles on the entertaining, narrated ferry ride.

Another secluded beach escape – with restrooms – is Caladesi Island. Hop the ferry from Honeymoon Island, and spend time swimming in clear waters and roaming soft sands. Shelling is spectacular, and a cluster of sand dollars and a massive fighting conch were among my best finds. While lunching on the wide porch of the park’s little restaurant, I showed my finds to an inquisitive six-year-old girl. She then showed me her shells – a collection impressive enough to be a museum exhibit. It was easier for her to see them in the sand, I reasoned, since she was closer to the ground. But it clearly supports my assertion that there’s something for everyone. Just bring a bucket to carry it all home.

Deep blue water laps the broad shoreline, and candy-colored lifeguard stations add a festive touch to the scenery. The most striking sights, though, are the throngs of gorgeous sun gods and goddesses that congregate in this playground of the rich and famous.