Beach bliss and tranquility: find your oasis in the Sunshine State
If you book flights to Florida you will be flying to an area than can boast of having around 600 miles of beaches. This is the ideal state for sun and sand worshippers. Some of the coastal spots in this densely populated peninsula are far from tranquil though but as long as you know where to look, you’ll be able to enjoy peace, quiet and total relaxation by the sea.
Anastasia State Park
Located on the east coast of the state, south of Jacksonville, Anastasia State Park is well worth checking out. This laidback spot has four miles of beautiful beach for you to explore. Covering 1,600 acres in total, the park is also home to a tidal salt marsh and a maritime, upland hammock.
While there, you can take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic, fish, windsurf, hike, boat, observe the local wildlife and more. You can also hire a bike to get around. The fact that all water vehicles must be non-motorized helps to preserve the relaxed atmosphere of this wide beach.
Key Biscayne
Heading south down the east coast past Miami, you’ll find Key Biscayne. Despite its close proximity to the bustling Miami Beach, this area benefits from plenty of peace and quiet, in part thanks to the fact that it is located between two major parks. Crandon Park, which lies to the north of the town and is a former coconut plantation and home to two miles of golden sands. To the south, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park benefits from a mile-long beach complete with a 19th century lighthouse.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Lying off the southern tip of Florida, the Sanibel and Captiva Islands are well worth checking out too. It may be the $6 toll to gain access to these islands but it does help to keep the crowds at bay and the beaches here are ideal for a relaxing escape. Sanibel in particular is renowned for its beautiful sandy spots and it features an abundance of shells. Some of the beaches benefit from picnic tables and showers, and there are plenty of activities on offer, including fishing, shelling and bird watching.
Bear in mind though, pets on Sanibel Island must be kept on a leash, while no pets are allowed on Captiva beaches. Also, it’s forbidden to drink alcohol on the beach from November through May.
Don Pedro Island State Park
On the west coast of the peninsula, the Don Pedro Island State Park is a real highlight. Reached by ferry or private boat, this secluded spot is the perfect place to unwind well away from the crowds. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to catch sight of endangered species such as gopher tortoises, American oystercatchers, bald eagles or West Indian manatees.
If you get bored of swimming, snorkeling, shelling and sunbathing, you can explore the park’s impressive nature trails.
All of these beaches make superb vacation spots and they prove that, even in the bustling Sunshine State, it’s possible to escape the crowds.
Images by Jonathan Goforth, Ines Hegedus-Garcia, Bruce Tuten and Karen Blaha used under creative commons license.