A sunset blaze of orange, yellow and crimson glistens in an undulating pattern on the Gulf. Your only companions on the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel are pelicans that splash down for dinner and sandpipers scurrying along the water’s edge. Isolated from the rigors of “real” life, you’ll lose…
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By Terry Tomalin My father hated sand. He said the fine granules of pulverized quartz ended up in his sleeping bag, food and the vodka martinis he enjoyed, shaken not stirred. As a result, the nine Tomalin children were denied what I have come to believe is the unalienable right of all American…
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By Kevin Mims As a full-time RV'er I can honestly say that Florida State Parks offer the best bang for the buck for outdoor recreation and camping in Florida. Some state park campgrounds are small and nestled deep in the woods while others are smack dab in the middle of the action. However you…
Read MoreBy VISIT FLORIDA staff The Sebastian River Area is one of Florida's authentic Treasure Coast communities on the Indian River Lagoon and is home to America's first National Wildlife Refuge Pelican Island. The Sebastian River Area is located on the central east coast of Florida in the northernmost…
Read MoreBy VISIT FLORIDA staff Cocoa Beach beaches, with 72 miles of sun-bronzed Atlantic shoreline, are known for their stellar waves. You'll find professional surfers practicing their moves throughout the beaches in Cocoa Beach, and maybe you'll be inspired to take a lesson. These are the perfect…
Read MoreBy VISIT FLORIDA staff Your Guide to Bradenton Beaches Editor's note: Beaches and parks are listed geographically from north to south. Overlooking the Gulf of America, Bradenton beaches are privy to some of Florida's most beautiful sunsets. Soft sand and wide expanses that are perfect for…
Read MoreBy Lauren Tjaden If you want to truly escape, you need the right kind of Florida beach. The kind of beach where it’s just you, Mother Nature, and perhaps some family or special friends. A beach where you can dangle your toes in the surf and let the rhythm of the waves work its magic while you kick…
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By Lauren Tjaden I love nature. I love the beach. I love destinations that aren’t cookie-cutter, that surprise me and enchant me. Which explains why I adore Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The sister barrier Islands are beautiful, with tangles of mangroves hugging the roads and a whopping 15 miles…
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By Bill Ward The pace noticeably slows on this Gulf retreat. Low-rise buildings, family-owned businesses. What to do in Anna Maria Island? Exhale. For the past 25 years, Peter Sokell and Graham Murrin have made an annual pilgrimage with their families from Devon, England, to tiny Anna Maria…
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By VISIT FLORIDA staff Your Guide to beaches near Port Charlotte, FL Editor's note: Port Charlotte beaches and parks are listed geographically from north to south. Beaches with this symbol have beach wheelchairs available, either provided as a courtesy, or available for (prearranged) rent and…
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