The 3 Best Florida Beaches
Living in Florida affords you an opportunity to experience a range of beaches. Some might argue that once you’ve seen one Florida beach, you’ve seen them all.
I strongly disagree!
Originally, I am from New Jersey, so the only beach I experienced growing up was in Atlantic City. The lights of the casinos, and the salt water taffy, definitely made up for the frigid, brown water of the ocean.
When I relocated to Florida, the beach on State Road A1A in Fort Lauderdale was the place to see and be seen, in relative safety. Alongside the beach were stores, night clubs, and my favorite, Primanti Bros, a pizzeria specializing in extra large, hand-tossed New York-style pizza, open 24 hours a day. If you timed it right, you could watch the sunrise while eating a fresh-from-the-oven slice, while digging your toes into the sand.
After more than twenty years living in Florida, I have found the 3 best beaches in the state!
The 3 Best Beaches in Florida
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Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach is located in Pinellas County on the Gulf Coast of Florida. This hidden jewel features fine sand and crystal clear water. According to the city’s webpage, the name originates from a legend in which a Native American chief was healed from a sulfur spring surrounded by the rocks.
If you go:
Spend the whole day there so you can be sure to see the exquisite sunsets. Pick a viewing spot on the jetty. Don’t forget to bring a camera!
2. New Smyrna Beach
My favorite place to see a sunrise is on New Smyrna Beach. It is located fifteen minutes south of Daytona Beach on the Atlantic Ocean side of Florida. If you like driving on the beach without the crowds, you will not be disappointed.
If you go:
Try to get there before the sun rises so you won’t miss the Tequila Sunrise skies. Don’t forget your camera! *Learn from my mistake and bring extra batteries. There’s nothing worse than missing the perfect image because your battery dies mid-shoot. I was still able to capture some pretty great images.
3. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is a famous Spring Break destination for college students and bikers. Travel there at your own peril if you choose to go there at that time. Visitors love driving on the beach, playing in the water and at the boardwalk amusement park, or enjoying dinner and a movie beachside.
If you go:
Exchange the traffic and crowds for the quieter, more serene beach parking spot about a mile north of the bruhaha.
Honestly, any beach is a good beach. Still, these are my top 3! Are these beaches on your list? What other Florida beaches round out your top 3?