In 2018 it was hit pretty hard by Hurricane Michael and is still recovering but that doesnt mean its lost any joy to visit. Located off the southern coast of Texas on the worlds longest barrier island, the town of South Padre Island is known for its calm waters and scenic beaches. Best known for: vibrant nightlife and scenic beachesBeach address: South Padre Island, TX 78597. Corpus Christi has amazing seafood, waterfront sea wall and the USS Lexington a war ship. Thefamous neighbors ClearwaterBeachto the north and St Pete Beach to the south are lined with giant buildings, andIndian Rocks Beachremains one of thefew Florida Gulf beaches with an OldFlorida vibe. Best known for: shelling, kayaking and natureAddress: Tigertail Beach: 430 Hernando Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145. Walk the long boardwalk through the mangroves atClam Pass Beach Parkor take the free tram to arrive at the beachside concession. Indian Rocks Beach is one of my favorite US Gulf Coast beaches because commercial development has mostly bypassedit. made better by the fact that you can then hop in your car and motor into town for a bite to eat or a different kind of fun. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. you should consider visiting one of the fabulous car-friendly beaches found along the Atlantic coast! Floridas car-friendly beaches are located along the Atlantic coast. Bring a shovel and some floormats with you to help you dig out of the sand if you get stuck. Florida Gulf Coast Scenic Drive Travel | Scenic Pathways The weekends fill up especially fast! Home to a daily festival of entertainers and artisans, theres never a dull moment! Driving, say, a Toyota 4Runner over a sea turtle nest is likely to kill the nest. One of the best Gulf of Mexico beaches, Orange Beach has something for every vacation type! Spend your time lounging on the beach, building sandcastles, fishing from the pier or watching wildlife. Best known for: sunshine and cultureAddress: Smathers Beach: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040. The drive: 13 minutes. Because of the low number of tourists to the area, its also one of the best cheap Gulf Coast beach vacations on the list. Length: 28.5 miles. The area's biggest attractions are still its natural ones. Unfortunately, it can also bear some dryer sand,which can lead to inexperienced beachgoers getting stuck. If you love history, visit Fort Gaines, front-and-center in the Battle of Mobile Bay fought during the Civil War. This is the perfect beach getaway because of how quiet it is. Sarasota is a year-round vacation destination with a string of eight stunning islands tucked away on the Gulf Coast. "logo": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/themes/sage/public/images/logo.svg" Things to do in Indian Rocks Beachinclude relaxing on the beaches, celebratingnightly sunsets and enjoying fresh Florida Gulf cuisine. With the beautiful beaches and cool waters, youll find tourists and locals alike enjoying the island from spring to fall. Sodo you know where youre heading yet? Pro tip: book your accommodations early. Surfers do tend to be attacked more frequently than swimmers because sharks find, . During the winter season, there were about three local restaurants that we could go to, and now I couldnt even count how many there are. 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Before the 1920s, these two barrier islands formed one large island known as Hog Island. There are a couple of places where residents with special tags can drive onto the beach, but very few people and no non-residents qualify to drive on the beach in those areas. Arrivals toOrlando International Airport positioned smack in the middle of the state can take advantage of beaches on both coasts. HAPPEN. If you intend to make beach driving a regular hobby, Volusia County offers. Phone +1 727-469-5918. Gulfport Beach is rarely crowded because of its size and the parking is free! Today, the district is known for its shopping and restaurants, but dial back a century or so, and this area was known as the Wall Street of the Southwest. Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods, Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport. Consistently ranked in the top spot as the most beautiful beach in the United States, Siesta Key is the ultimate beach escape. Love the Google Map so much! | Contact Us. Along with the famousbeaches on Marco Island, the island is known for world-class golf courses, shopping, and nearby Everglades National Park. Updated: Jun 25, 2023 / 08:55 AM EDT. Southwest Florida International AirportFort Myers (Medium-Hub) About23 milestoSanibel Island, part of the barrier islands that make upFort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods, with a three-mile-long scenic causeway connecting the mainland to Sanibel, known for its biking, sailing, and birding. fall in love with AMI. Whether youre planning an epic road trip or youre flying to the Gulf Coast, you really cant go wrong with any of these fabulous vacation spots. Like most Florida Gulf Coast beaches, Indian Rocks Beach is a year-round destination, with peak season in February through Spring Break. TheNaples Municipal Beachat the iconic Naples Pier is excellent and within walking distance of most downtown restaurants and accommodations. Locals call it Mad beach, the Madeira Beach along the Gulf Coast in Florida is another underrated beach destination. Floridas car-friendly beaches are located along the Atlantic coast. Follow any other posted rules or instructions. The best time of year to vacation at Miramar Beach is May through September for warm weather and sunshine. WebThe drive: 13 minutes. drivers today can enjoy motoring along the same sandy expanses as early race-car drivers. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport(Small-Hub) 14 milesto Bradenton Beach onAnna Maria Islandon the Gulf Coast, with its popular stretch of sugar-sand beaches, strip of shops, bike rentals, kayaking and paddle boarding. Shared with the Perdido Key State Park, its beauty is in the white sand dunes an amazing views of the goals Gulf Coast turquoise blues. 1:39. Top 5 Florida Beaches You Can Drive On - MouseEars TV Fort Pierce, Florida, is not a fort. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. In theory, you can drive any kind of car onto Daytona Beach. Because of its remote location, there arent many services available, but its a perfect day trip or camping adventure. St. Armands Circle is the perfect place for people watching, complete with boutiques, restaurants, bars, and more. In theory, you can drive any kind of car onto Daytona Beach. beaches Great post makes me wanna hop on a flight now. For another reminder of Galvestons wealthy past, check out the Strand. Recommended by Katy of A Rambling Unicorn, Best known for: shelling and relaxing beachesBeach address: 4150 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. You can also ride your motorcycle or golf cart on the beach! Nashville man dies after drowning incident at Florida beach - WSMV 11 people have died in rip currents in less than two weeks along Boasting a small-town charm without chain restaurants, streetlights and traffic lights, Sanibel Island is home to 15 miles of beach and over 250 kinds of shells. "headline": "13 Best Beaches on Florida\u0026#8217;s Gulf Coast", With top-notch entertainment, scenery, restaurants and adventure, Panama City Beach is the perfect vacation spot along the Gulf. Florida Beaches Near Airports: Straight From Plane to Sand Floridas beaches have always been iconic. Panama City is truly one of the best Gulf Coast beach towns, and one youll love! +Things To Do. The most popular drive-on beaches are Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine. Vehicle traffic often damaged delicate beach grasses and dunes, which caused problems with erosion and destruction of the beaches we treasure. With nearly 100 public access points, this picturesque beach is perfect for relaxing on its soft quartz sand, playing a volleyball game, or swimming in its Gulf waters. While there arent any hotels on the peninsula, there are tons of vacation home available to rent on the beach or bayside or just in between. And in October, theres no better place than the beach. Not only do you get to drive your car onto the beach which is perfect for unloading your gear, fishing, surfing, flying kites, and other fun activities but you get to hang out near some of Floridas most interesting and fun cities. Come to Mustang Island Texas for a mix of relaxation, casual entertainment and excellent food. [x-cloak]{display:none!important}. However, wet sand can become anon-Newtonian fluidthat gets stiffer with force but lets heavy objects sink through the surface. Its family friendly during the day, and the whole area comes alive at night, too. Some mornings Belleme stops by the beach to take pictures of the sunrise before heading to work, having clocked the distance so he wont be late. I love that pink sunset photo for St. George Island. Basically, you can turn and drive almost as normal on wet sand, but if you park, you may sink. By Dalia Colon Hi, I'm Cindy. You should also check to ensure your vehicle is not leaking oil, transmission fluid, or other unsavory liquids onto the nice white sand. the presence of cars, RVs, and their lights can cause sea turtles to abandon nesting efforts or disorient hatchlings. 11 Beaches to Drive on And Fish From - Road & Track This unique barrier island is home to two protected areas, including the Cape St. George Island State Reserve to the west and St. George Island State Park to the east. In addition. You can go on the roof of our parking garage and see the ocean, said Steve Belleme, business development manager at theFort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. At over 3000 feet long, this is the islands largest beach. In this part of coastal Texas, one of the most popular beach activities is driving on the beach. With a quaint small town vibe, this town north of Clearwater offers not one but two amazing state park beaches to visit Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park. Recommended by Megan of Red Around the World, Best known for: white sand and gorgeous sunsetsAddress: 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, One of my favorite beaches in all of the US also happens to be one of the best vacation spots in the Gulf Coast! Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach, and Crescent Beach are the most popular along the barrier island, offering tranquil waters that provide a safe spot for swimming and snorkeling. Fort Myers Beach has the perfect combination of sun-kissed beaches and historic landmarks, family-friendly attractions and natural landscapes. Best known for: impeccable white quartz sandAddress: 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242. Just south of Daytona Beach is the city of New Smyrna Beach, which has a beautiful sandy beach of the same name. WebFamily & nature define this community. During the spring, the temperatures are in the perfect mid-70s and there is little chance for rain. Very wet sand, like that found near the shoreline, can be very muddy and difficult to drive through. Pro tip: Youll want to book your accommodations early though, as lodging is extremely limited. { With 27 miles of coastline in the area, Panama City Beach will wow hearts and make you want to book a return trip. The spectacular beaches around St. Augustine permit beach driving from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 2 to the end of September. You can fly into Pensacola, Florida and drive about an hour west to get to Gulf Shores. With the best weather does come the highest prices. Can You Surf All Year Round In Florida? You should park perpendicular to the beach. So while you could easily bring your Toyota Yaris or even your old restored Pinto onto the beach, you should be sure that your car is in good working order and has good tires. And of Floridas 19 commercial airports four are so-called Large Hub airports the most of any state in the country. 19 Best Beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast | PlanetWare Take a stroll along the Pensacola Beach Pier to indulge in fresh seafood and capture gorgeous sunset views. This tiny island at the tip of the Florida Keys sure packs a punch! Of course theres water activities such as fishing, parasailing and dolphin cruising. So the next time youre thinking of going to the beach in Florida, consider hopping into the car and driving all the way to the ocean. Phenomenal Florida is owned and operated by Rees Enterprises LLC. While Galveston is known for its family-friendly beaches and fishing trips, there is plenty more to discover about Galveston off the sand. If you want a party beach, look elsewhere. So what are hurricanes like in Florida? Visitors here can also enjoy the concessions, a nature trail, or even spend the night in the marina if you own a boat. which can lead to inexperienced beachgoers getting stuck. Padre Island, Texas. Wheelchair Accessible Beaches in Florida. Best known for: Perfect sand and laid-back atmosphereAddress: 2396 Scenic Hwy 98, Miramar Beach, FL 32550. To drive on Daytona Beach, youll need to pay a $20 fee. Seasides amphitheater, shopping and dining districts, beach access and weekly farmers market have made it attractive for visitors. Posted on Published: February 7, 2023- Last updated: February 8, 2023. A Gulf Coast gem, St. Pete Beach offers a solid stretch of undeveloped beach. The giant seaweed blob that has been piling up on beaches on So fun! Away from the water, head for a hike at Bay Bluffs park, dinner and shopping in downtown Pensacola, brush up on your history at Fort Barrancas, check out the uncle sandys macabre bird park, or even watch the famous Blue Angels fly! The beaches along 30-A feature clear, emerald-hued waters and soft, white sand. 3333 Gulf Coast Drive, Hernando Beach, FL 34607 - MLS and many people say that being able to drive onto the beach and set up camp with your vehicle is a super-fun Florida experience. Can you drive on the beach in Florida?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'phenomenalflorida_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',150,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-phenomenalflorida_com-medrectangle-3-0'); You can drive on some beaches in Florida. These homes can be viewed while dolphin watching on a boat excursion. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. While theres plenty of memories to be made for couples and families, keep in mind theres not a lot going for nightlife in the area, so large friends groups or bachelor/bachelorette parties should look at other options on this list of best beaches on the Gulf Coast. Florida ramps up mosquito control efforts due to 4 cases of locally Download the app and efficiently time arrivals and not wait too long. Captiva Island, several miles north, is known as one of the nations most romantic beaches for its beauty and tranquility. Pro tip: although the parking lot is large and the beach is wide, come early to snag a spot closest to the water. Favorite activities include fishing, surfing, kiteboarding, dolphin watching and beach strolling. Vehicle traffic often damaged delicate beach grasses and dunes, which caused problems with erosion and destruction of the beaches we treasure. More fun things to do in Galveston include birdwatching at Galveston Island State Park, exploring Moody Gardens with your favorite kids, renting bikes to ride along the seawall and visiting the Galveston Pleasure Pier. For more info, see mydisclosures. The Florida Department of Health has issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory after four locally contracted cases of malaria were reported along the Gulf Coast south of Tampa. Dauphin Island is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, history, and its proximity to the lovely small city of Mobile. Couples loveAnna Maria Island, a sweet beach cottage town thats ideal for a B&B weekend and a beachfront candlelight dinner. However, there are some big festivals in the summer including a 4th of July festival and the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo that draw crowds. "image": { The crisp, white sand beaches of Florida, the high-adventure beaches in Texas or anything in between, this list has your next vacation destination! However, the tides and other factors affect which beachheads are open to motorists. Home to St. George Island State Park, St. George Island is a 28-mile-long barrier island that lacks chain restaurants and high-rise hotels. WebIf you prefer a Gulf coast beach, Clearwater Beach is the closest, less than two hours While 30-A is still a two-lane road, visitors flock to the surrounding areas such as Alys Beach, with its avant-gardeDigital Graffiti Festivalin May, and the increasingly popular community ofSeaside, which Shamel said has everything going on.. And sitting on the edge of the Everglades,Marco Islandhas an Old Florida feel with its colorful, pretty resorts, laid back vibe and palm tree-dotted coastline. Driving on the beach sounds like a lot of fun, but fun is rarely free. Check the small public library across the street for $1 paperbacks and free magazines to read on the beach. Enjoy the long list of activities here, whether you want to join water sports fun, head out for a dose of culture at the nearby Dali Museum, or admire the lush foliage at the Florida Botanical Gardens. The Miami area boasts16 beaches, including the world-famous South Beach, called Americas Party Beach. Most beaches in Florida do not permit vehicles on the beach. In Dunedin, take a day away from the beach to shop in the franchise-free downtown area. Some of the best beaches in Florida, Alabama, Texas and Mississippi are up next, Best known for: small town feel, bright white sandBeach address: Holmes Beach: 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. And the restaurant scene? The sand in this part of the Gulf Coast isnt the bright white sand along other parts of the coast instead its firmer tan sand that is perfect for beach walks, volleyball and driving. } The possibilities are endless in Clearwater! Is Orlando, Florida A Good Place To Live? Siesta Key Beach is family friendly, but the Village on Siesta Key has decent nightlife. Rapid acceleration or spinning of your tires will cause them to crater and dig in, and you will find yourself stuck in the sand. 3265 Gulf Coast Drive. Dune Allen features gorgeous beaches along with coastal dune lakes, miles of nature trails, and is a outdoor lovers paradise. One of the most popular things to do in this area is ride aqua bikes, which are basically just bikes that you can ride that float above the water dash what a unique experience! Find peace at Louisianas coast. Wet sand can be treacherous. The Best Beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast - Southern Living Heres what you should know to stay safe. Located on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque Home to 27 miles of sugar-white beaches, family-friendly attractions, and charming beachfront hotels, Panama City Beach, has much more to offer than its Spring Break reputation. "@type": "ImageObject", Located on the southernmost tip of the island, the park offers large beachfront pavilions with food and beach rental concessions. Gulf Coast Drive Unfortunately, it can also bear some dryer sand. Another Florida beauty makes list of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast! Of course, all great beach vacation destinations should offer more than a great beach. About 17 miles of beach are open to motorists. What a list! It also is illegal in Panama City Beach to get in the Gulf when double red The right spot for you likely depends on your vacation style, time of year youre planning the trip and your vacation budget. 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698, USA. There are a few bars and restaurants on Perdido Key, or you can venture over to Pensacola or Orange Beach for a lot more options. A Street in Best time to Blue Mountain Beach. Unfortunately, New Smyrna Beach does not have quite as much beach to drive on as Daytona Beach: the driving zone encompasses a stretch of somewhere around two miles from Beachway Ave down to 27th Ave. is super popular with surfers and fishermen; therefore, it can be a busy stretch of beach.
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