Gulf of Mexico

Nokomis Beach, Casey Key, Florida

Nokomis Beach

Nokomis Beach is a quiet, peaceful public beach on Casey Key. The beaches and seashore are stunningly beautiful, but are less developed than other beaches in Sarasota County, like Siesta Key. Location Nokomis Beach is located at 115 S Casey Key Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275. <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;”…

Rip current warning sign

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…

Navarre Beach, Florida, beach umbrellas, as seen from a beachfront hotel.

Navarre Beach

Navarre is a hidden gem, with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Beaches in Navarre are quieter and less crowded than other Florida beaches so it feels like a peaceful getaway. Navarre offers a blend of beauty, relaxation, nature and adventure.

Beautiful sandy beaches in the Florida Panhandle town of Apalachicola with beach house vacation rentals in the background

Apalachicola

Apalachicola is a small town in the Florida panhandle, on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast. Apalachicola is known for its interesting history, fresh seafood and pristine natural surroundings on the Apalachicola River. Apalachicola is a nice day trip from Tallahassee, which is located approximately 75 miles to the northeast. Apalachicola is a very small town,…

Madeira Beach, Florida

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…

Seaside, Florida town sign

Seaside

Seaside is a small beach town in the Florida panhandle, on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Seaside is known for its white-sand beaches, beautiful turquoise water and charming small-town feel. It’s also famous for being the birthplace of New Urbanism and for being the filming location for The Truman Show. Seaside has charming…

Town of Longboat Key sign

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,…

Beautiful white sand beach and clear water in Naples, Florida

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…

Beach access, Treasure Island, Florida

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, Florida

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, Florida. A wooden boardwalk gives access to the beach, one of the best beaches in Florida.

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…

Aerial view of beaches at Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is a beautiful beachfront state park and campground in the Florida panhandle.  The park protects approximately 2,187 acres, including delicate dune lakes, pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, and a variety of natural ecosystems. What is Grayton Beach known for? Grayton Beach State Park. is known for its: Grayton Beach…

swimming with manatees in florida

Crystal River

Crystal River is a small waterfront city on Florida’s central Gulf coast.  Crystal River is known for its nature, beautiful natural springs, manatee tours, cute historic downtown area and water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Location The city of Crystal River is located on Florida’s gulf coast in western central Florida.  The small city…

A welcome sign on the beach in Mexico Beach, Florida

Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach is a quiet beachside town in the Florida Panhandle. It is a hidden gem and a last remnant of “Old Florida” in a region known as the Emerald Coast. Mexico Beach is known for its laid-back lifestyle, white sand beaches, clear waters and abundant wildlife.  Mexico Beach has a small-town feel and a…

Warm Mineral Springs in Florida with shade trees and lawn furniture

Warm Mineral Springs

Warm Mineral Springs is a natural hot spring, inside an ancient sinkhole. The sinkhole is filled with warm, mineral-rich, geothermally heated water. The mineral-rich water is the main attraction for most visitors because it’s thought to have numerous health benefits. My family and I love visiting Warm Mineral Springs! My favorite thing is the fascinating…

Aerial View of Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is a barrier island in southwest Florida, on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast.  Anna Maria Island is very long and narrow. It’s approximately 7 miles long, measured from north to south. The island is only about a mile wide in its widest point, and is only a few blocks wide in some…

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Florida.  Famous for white sand beaches and turquoise waters, it spans 385 acres and has more than 4 miles of beaches for visitors to enjoy.  In addition to its pristine beaches, Honeymoon Island State Park has several miles of unspoiled wilderness with…

The swimming beach at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs, Florida

Beaches in Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is famous for its historic sponge docks and Greek culture. But, the beaches in Tarpon Springs are also very nice, and are worth visiting! In fact, Tarpon Springs’ beach at Fred Howard Park is the northernmost beach in Pinellas County’s mainland. It marks the first of many beautiful beaches along Florida’s central Gulf…