5 Greatest Southwest Florida & Florida Keys Seashores You Must Go to

Condé Nast Traveler has not too long ago come out with their “Greatest Seashores” in Florida, listing. Not shocking however southwest Florida and the Florida Keys are nicely represented! Are you picturing your self soaking within the sunshine, whereas basking within the wake of pristine turquoise waters?  Nicely, right here you go!

Bowmans Seaside, Sanibel Island

This family-friendly seaside is well accessible but surprisingly uncrowded, making it one among Sanibel Island’s best-kept secrets and techniques. It delivers every little thing the island is known for: breathtaking sunsets, incredible shelling, and delicate surf. As well as, its location makes it top-of-the-line seashores in Florida for energetic water sports activities, together with windsurfing, crusing, and canoeing through the western inland waterways. Our favourite solution to take pleasure in it? A easy, barefoot stroll throughout the white sand to admire the Gulf and fill our pockets with seashells and different treasures. It’s an ideal spot to your subsequent Florida getaway.

Marco Island Seaside, Marco Island

Marco Island’s western edge is outlined by beautiful, large, white-sand seashores good for lengthy walks and accumulating shells.

At low tide, you possibly can wade out to the uncovered sandbars to hunt for sand {dollars} and different sea treasures. The north finish of the island options Tigertail Seaside Park, identified for its calm tidal lagoon—an excellent spot for paddleboarding.

Touring a littler farther south, you will uncover extra beautiful sandy shores complemented by iconic resorts because the Hilton Marco Island Seaside Resort and Spa and the spectacular JW Marriott Marco Island Seaside Resort. 

Photograph Credit score: Andy Morffew from Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK, CC BY 2.0, through Wikimedia Commons

Nature lovers will admire the considerable seabird exercise, as Marco Island is an important nesting floor for species like least terns and black skimmers.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo

Past the kitschy roadside points of interest, Key Largo holds a shocking pure secret: a quieter world of mangroves, clear shallows, and the one dwelling coral barrier reef within the continental US. Whereas the reef is not a seaside, strictly talking. The park does in actual fact have quite a lot of seashores. If you happen to enterprise to Canon Seaside, you possibly can swim/snorkel out to  the stays of Spanish shipwreck about 100 toes out.

Photograph Credit score: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, through Wikimedia Commons

This reef is the primary draw at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This marine sanctuary stretches three miles offshore and runs for about 25 miles alongside the Atlantic coast, making it an ideal spot for exploration.

Whether or not you are an skilled diver or a first-time snorkeler, the park presents loads of methods to get into the water. You’ll be able to wade into the waist-deep waters at Far Seaside for a easy take a look at the marine life, or be a part of one of many park’s each day snorkeling journeys or dive excursions to see the reef up shut. Anticipate to identify every little thing from technicolor parrotfish to stingrays. If you happen to enterprise a bit farther, you will additionally discover the enduring Christ of the Abyss statue, situated simply outdoors the park’s boundary within the bigger Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary.

Bahia Honda, Florida Keys

Whereas the Florida Keys are well-known for his or her shimmering waters, really nice seashores are surprisingly arduous to search out. That is why Bahia Honda State Park is such a revelation—it is simply top-of-the-line seashores within the US.

Photograph Credit score: Daniel Di Palma, CC BY-SA 4.0, through Wikimedia Commons

Positioned at mile marker 37, about 35 miles north of Key West, on the Abroad Freeway, this 524-acre park sits the place the Atlantic meets the Gulf, giving it among the most interesting stretches of sand within the Keys. Providing every little thing from full of life and secluded seaside areas to top-notch alternatives for fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Don’t depart with out seeing the dramatic, elevated stays of Henry Flagler’s abroad railroad towering above the panorama. Bahia Honda proves the purpose: sure, a world-class seaside exists within the Florida Keys.

Backyard Key, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park

To achieve the unimaginable Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, you need to decide to an unique journey by both seaplane or ferry. As soon as there, you will discover the spectacular, circa-1846 Fort Jefferson, a historic coastal fortress that dominates the primary island.

Photograph Credit score: State Library and Archives of Florida, Public area, through Wikimedia Commons

Nevertheless, the nice and cozy waters surrounding this remoted park are the star attraction. The park presents excellent snorkeling amongst a vibrant inhabitants of seahorses, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Adventurous guests ought to head towards the west moat wall, a primary spot for viewing moray eels and nurse sharks.

Given the distant location, make sure to deliver your individual water and sunscreen, because the park has very restricted shade and companies.

Whether or not you are visiting the SW Florida coast or planning a visit to the Southernmost Island oasis of Key West, Key West Categorical is the image good begin to your Staycation / Trip!  

Hero Picture Photograph Credit score: Giuseppe Milo, CC BY 3.0, through Wikimedia Commons