Beach 101

Floridians believe that their state is truly the best-dressed. After all, along her coasts she's dressed in silky white sand that trails beautifully for more than 1,100 miles. Awash with colorful creatures, warm water and sunshine, the beach is undeniably Florida's siren song. It's the reason many Floridians live here and, of course, the perfect place for you to get to know the Sunshine State. Once you're here, you'll discover all that's fun and fascinating beyond that captivating first impression.

Florida's beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful. From the jewel-green waters of northwest Florida to the coral-dotted lagoons of the Keys, our shoreline offers visitors soft sands, sparkling waters and sun-kissed skies. It's no wonder that Florida's beaches are consistently rated among the best in the country, capturing votes from Southern Living Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and The Travel Channel along with famous "Dr. Beach" and the Clean Beaches Council.

No matter where you are in Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from the beach. Read on to learn about sensational sands around the state.


HIT THE BEACH

In the great Florida Northwest, the water is compared to emeralds and the sand is as snow-white as sand can get, and so clean it even squeaks! The sun shines bright, too, even though these beaches can get cool in winter and are most popular in spring and summer. This awesome stretch begins in the west at Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach, extending along the Gulf of Mexico to Navarre Beach/Destin/Fort Walton Beach, the Beaches of South Walton, Panama City Beach, Cape San Blas and St. George Island.

In north central Florida, coastline at the aptly named Big Bend is characterized by marsh, with a few secluded beach areas frequented mostly by locals. Scenic spots include Lighthouse Point, Alligator Point, Shell Point and Keaton Beach (famous for scalloping). A bit further south, a few pristine beaches, accessible only by boat, are found within the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge.

Into Northeast territory, St. Augustine's Anastasia Island typifies the splashy surf and wide, firm beaches of the upper Atlantic, loved by sailboarders and surfers. Around Amelia Island, rolling dunes and sugar-white sand define the sometimes wild, sometimes family-friendly shoreline. Flagler Beach is a lovely, quiet, family beach spot.

Once you reach the central east coast, you'll find a surfer (or two) on every wave around Sebastian Inlet and Cocoa Beach. To the north, Canaveral National Seashore protects pristine beachfront for miles. Seclusion-lovers and sea turtles are the greatest fans of these dune-covered sands. New Smyrna Beach is quaint and old fashioned, while the hard-packed sands of famous Daytona Beach are full of fun and activity, welcoming you and your car.

Heritage Highlights

North of Clearwater, west off U.S. 19, on Alt. U.S. 19 explore Tarpon Springs, a thriving Greek village with a fascinating history. As the largest natural sponge market in the world today, it still carries the distinct influence of Greek immigrants from the early 1900s. A trip to the Sponge Docks allows you to taste authentic Greek cuisine, take in a sight-seeing cruise down the Anclote River, and visit the aquarium or sponge museum. The Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce, 11 E. Orange St., can provide visitor information. Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Fri., they also have information available down on the sponge docks. Call (727)-937-6109.

If you thought downtown St. Petersburg was quiet, think again! Downtown St. Pete is alive with excitement. Here, art is as much a part of life as the beach and the Buccaneers.

Nature Trek

There are lots of opportunities here to get wet, or not. Start your day on the uninhabited barrier island of Caladesi, north of Dunedin. After taking the ferry (no bridges or cars) from nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, at the extreme west end of Curlew Rd. (S.R. 586), you can explore this pristine island on two feet or rent a canoe or kayak and cruise by paddle. The majority of the world's population of loggerhead turtles nest along this part of the coast so if you see an area marked off by bright yellow tape, steer clear. Inside are precious baby loggerheads, just waiting to hatch and embark on their journey. Open 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Call (727) 469-5942. End the day watching the sunset on Clearwater Beach.


Culture Quest

If you thought downtown St. Petersburg was quiet, think again! Downtown "St. Pete" is alive with excitement! Here, art is as much a part of life as the beach and the Buccaneers. There are so many great restaurants, shops, nightclubs, galleries, museums in a beautiful waterfront setting, you'll want to stay a while.

The most sensational museum of note is the Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. South. "The only difference between myself and a madman is that I am not mad!" the surrealist once proclaimed. Madman? No, but a true genius at redefining reality. The world's most comprehensive museum on Dali includes paintings, watercolors, graphics, sculptures and photographs. Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Mon. - Sat., (open until 8 p.m., Thurs.); Noon - 5:30 p.m., Sun.; call (727) 823-3767.

While downtown, also visit The Florida Holocaust Memorial Museum, 55 Fifth St. South, for a truly moving and profound experience. The nation's third largest Holocaust Memorial Museum features an extensive permanent collection and traveling exhibits.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables was the result of the efforts of George Merrick, who dreamed of creating a small community close to the rapidly expanding City of Miami. Merrick sold the citrus groves he had inherited to investors and began developing the area in 1921. By 1924 the area had over 600 homes, churches and businesses.

Many buildings and districts of Coral Gables are meticulously preserved as historic landmarks, offering a glimpse at Merrick's grand vision. The Coral Gables City Hall and Douglas Road Entrance are two vestiges of Coral Gables' interesting history, reflecting the Mediterranean style that dominates the city.

The area has a wealth of culinary cuisine, jazz cafes, and scenic walks perfect for after-dinner strolls. The Village of Merrick Park is a Mediterranean-style village featuring a fashionable collection of 115 luxury boutiques and restaurants set amid a delightful tropical garden. Fairchild Tropical Garden includes 83-acres of tropical plants from around the world, conservatory, museum, rainforest, garden shop, cafe and narrated tram tours. Coral Gables is a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoyable entertainment right outside the city limits of Miami.

Fort Lauderdale

The big city of Fort Lauderdale boasts a variety of cultural, historical, and social activities. In the downtown area along the New River, points of interest include the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Museum of Arts, and the historic Stranahan House (all within walking distance of each other). Fort Lauderdale's beaches are, of course, a popular draw. Stroll, bike, or skate along Atlantic Boulevard and the Beach Promenade, or take part in the many watersports available, such as kite surfing. Fort Lauderdale is also known as the "Venice of America," due to its extensive canal system. A water taxi tour along the inland canals will give you easy and inexpensive access to major points throughout the city, as well as allow you a glimpse of the rich and famous along what's known as "Millionaire's Row."