Here are some favorite Florida places to go when you have a yen to YOLO, a sweet spot for surfing, or a penchant for paddling.
The sweet, subtropical barrier island of Sanibel is a paddler’s paradise, boasting sandy beaches, shallow creeks winding deep into mangrove forests and a bounty of beautiful birds.
Blessed with laminar winds, an abundance of flat, shallow water, a grassy set-up area and amenities like bathrooms and pavilions, Curry Hammock State Park in Marathon is an ideal place to launch into this adventure.
Swimming
Siesta Key Beach's sand is white quartz, its waters are shallow, crystal-clear and calm, and it has lifeguard and beach patrol coverage – perfect!
Blue Heron Bridge, north of West Palm Beach, is one of the Sunshine State’s best shore dive due to its wrecks, abundant marine critters, free parking and universal rave reviews.
Surfing & Skimboarding
Sebastian Inlet State Park boasts the best breaks, a rich history, competitions galore and produces a steady stream of surfing stars, making it not only the capital of Florida surfing, but the capital of East Coast surfing, as well. Bodyboarding and skimboarding provide other ways to play on the waves.
Kelly Park, nestled on the Banana River in Merritt Island, features shallow, protected waters and smooth breezes; it’s surrounded by land and offers restrooms.
Stand-up paddlers can float in the emerald Gulf waters or explore the stunningly beautiful coastal dune lake (Western Lake) at pristine Grayton Beach State Park in South Walton.
Crystal-clear, calm waters, a barrier reef brimming with life and an exotic island location (complete with a fort) make the Dry Tortugas an ideal destination to snag a glimpse of the underwater world. Getting to this island, sited almost 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by boat or seaplane, is half the fun. The trip is worth it!
