Vacation Spots In Florida

Everyone knows that Florida has beaches, but where do you go to do more than walk on sand or wade in water? If you’re into birdwatching, you’ll love Shell Key at St. Pete Beach. More than 90 acres of this 180-acre key is a bird sanctuary. While human visitors are allowed on the beaches, it is not evident. You won’t find any cars, telephone lines, buildings, or trash. You will find a variety of birdlife among the Australian pines and coconut palms and along the beautiful sandy beaches. If you love surfing, you’re best bet is Sebastian Inlet State Park south of Melbourne Beach on the east coast of Florida. This 3-mile stretch of beach boasts of consistent, hollow, and fast waves. Vero Beach is a haven for treasure hunters, who comb the sand for the illusive gold doubloon and other, more commonly found remnants of the Spanish fleet that shipwrecked along reefs of the east coast of Florida in 1715. Shells are a treasure to many, and Sanibel Island gives up more than 400 varieties of shells. If you want to participate in the Sanibel Shell Fair and Show in the spring, call 800-237-6444 or surf to www.FortMyers-Sanibel.com. Still searching . . . this time for shark teeth at Venice Beach (Sarasota). They are thousand of years old, and the size of a Chihuahua’s teeth. Rent metal mesh scoops, or bring your own to sift the sand for fossilized shark teeth. If you want to find larger shark teeth, you can try snorkeling along the ridge just offshore. If you really like snorkeling, the place to do it is Dry Tortugas, which consists of seven islands made of coral and sand. You’ll marvel at the colorful fish and living coral reefs. While you’re there, visit historic Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. Walker/browser/shopper types will love Hollywood Beach Boardwalk just south of Fort Lauderdale. Shops, hotels, game rooms, taverns, and an amphitheater line the 2.5-mile, concrete promenade. Enjoy live music as you stroll and gaze at the “Blue Wave” certified beach. Fort Pickens can be found on the Gulf of Mexico.

It was critical to American interests from the early 1800s through WWII. Notably, Union soldiers assigned to Fort Perkins countered Confederate attempts to make shipments Pensacola during the Civil War. You have a dog? Great! Florida has the ideal beach for old Four Paws and his two-legged buddies. Fort De Soto Park features undeveloped beaches where dogs may run free (supervised, of course). There is even an area with fire hydrants and garden hoses with spray nozzles for “freshening up.” Once Four Paws has been leashed, you and your pet can explore the old fort. Of course, if just want to walk on the sand or wade in the water, Florida has your beach, too–anywhere along the coast.