Florida Beaches

Florida Beach Guides, Information and More.

Beach Camping in Florida

Beach Camping in Florida

Camping on the beach in Florida is usually prohibited. It’s almost never possible to pitch a tent on the sand, except for a few specific locations around the state. However, there are numerous places for beachfront campgrounds, including both private campgrounds, state parks, national parks and county parks. Note: Be warned! Where primitive beach camping…

Sand Sculpting

Sand Sculpting

Sand sculpture competitions in Florida are amazing, and are worth visiting! The Basics of Sand Sculpting There are a number of sand sculpting events in Florida, spread around the state. They are usually in the fall, winter and spring. Most of the festivals last for 1-2 weeks, and have festivals around the events. Activities and…

Beach Photo Shoots

Beach Photo Shoots

Beach photos are always my favorite souvenirs.  Here are some of my tips to get the best results from a beach photo shoot – whether you take your own photos, or while working with a photographer. Professional photo shoots  Whenever possible, I think it’s a great investment to hire a professional photographer to take beach…

Shark Attacks in Florida

Shark Attacks in Florida

The risk of shark attacks in Florida is extremely low. The risk of shark attack in Florida is essentially non-existent, compared to many other common risks, including: The list goes on. Of the very few bites that do occur, most are accidental, and they are almost never fatal. Most bites are because of mistaken activity….

Sea Turtles in Florida

Sea Turtles in Florida

5 species of sea turtles in Florida: All of Florida’s sea turtle species are endangered or threatened. Sea turtles and their nests are protected by law, including the Endangered Species Act. It’s illegal to harass or disturb sea turtles, nests or hatchlings. To report someone disturbing a sea turtle nest or an injured, dead or…

Rip Currents

Rip Currents

Rip currents in Florida are serious. They’re one of the biggest dangers at Florida beaches, and are a leading cause of beach drownings and emergency rescues. Thankfully, the dangers of rip currents can be reduced with simple knowledge: What is a rip current? Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water, which flow away…

Disappearing Island

Disappearing Island

Disappearing Island is a large, popular sandbar in Florida’s Ponce Inlet, near New Smyrna Beach. Why is it called Disappearing Island? Disappearing Island got its name because it “disappears” at high tide, and is only visible during low tides. During high tide, the Disappearing Island sandbar is submerged underwater.  The water level and depth varies…

Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

Although there are hundreds of miles of beaches in Florida, dog-friendly beaches are pretty rare. This map shows some dog beaches I’ve found, which are scattered around the state.  Dog Beach Rules Dog rules vary widely for beaches that allow dogs.  Some beaches allow dogs to be off-leash, while others allow only leashed dogs, usually…

Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park is a beautiful state park in the Florida Panhandle.  The state park protects more than 4,000 acres of pristine Florida nature, and a variety of wildlife and natural habitats. Bald Point State Park offers a mix outdoor activities and experiences, including beaches, boating, paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, bird-watching, wildlife viewing and…

Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach is a small beach town on Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico coast.  Madeira Beach is known for its long, beautiful sandy beaches and its most popular attraction, Johns Pass Village. Johns Pass Village is a lively waterfront boardwalk with a variety of shops, restaurants, activities, boat tours and more. It’s also the site…

Longboat Key

Longboat Key

Longboat Key is a beautiful barrier island and small beach town on Florida’s west coast.  Longboat Key is known for its uncrowded white sand beaches, resorts, and upscale beach town living. The island of Longboat Key is long and skinny, like most barrier islands in Florida. It’s about a mile wide at its widest point,…

Naples

Naples

Note: Naples was heavily affected by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Some attractions, including the Naples Pier, may be partially closed. Naples has also been heavily affected by the 2023 red tide outbreak, affecting beaches on Florida’s Gulf coast. Naples is an upscale beach town and coastal city in Southwest Florida.  Naples is known for its…

Treasure Island

Treasure Island

Treasure Island is a small beach town in Pinellas County, Florida. Treasure Island is a popular tourist destination known for its retro style, long white sandy beaches and convenient location near St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. Treasure Island is also known for having a more residential, laid-back feel than other nearby beach towns, and for…

St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach is a small beach town on Florida’s central Gulf Coast. St. Beach Beach is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and convenient access to downtown St. Petersburg. It is also conveniently located near Clearwater Beach and many other beach destinations in Pinellas County.  Location St. Pete Beach is located on a…

Pass-a-Grille Beach

Pass-a-Grille Beach

Pass-a-Grille beach is my favorite beach near St Pete! The sand is soft, white and excellent. The water is often crystal-clear. The town is super cute, and it has a perfect laid-back beach town vibe. There are some things that could be better about Pass-a-Grille, but overall it’s an excellent beach. Pass-a-Grille Beach is one…

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Anclote Key Preserve State Park is an undeveloped island, nature preserve and state park in Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico Coast. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is known for its pristine white sand beaches, excellent shelling, historical lighthouse, clear waters and diverse wildlife. The park is also known as one of the best destinations for…