Florida A1A stretches the whole length of the state’s Atlantic coast. But the can’t-miss part is this 30 miles in Northeast Florida. Here are the best stops along that route, some you might miss without our tips.
Beaches in Florida
Honeymoon Island: A natural beach with comforts
Honeymoon Island is an unusual combo: It’s accessible, with first-rate concessions, and yet it’s a big, natural beach where you can get away from people and see wildlife. And you have to love how it got its name.
Lovers Key State Park: Great beach plus kayaking, manatees & birds
It’s not the best known destination in southwest Florida, but there are a lot reasons that make Lovers Key State Park so lovable: A 2.5 mile beach lined with natural vegetation that is perfect for beachcombing and bird watching, and mangrove-lined waterways that are draws for both manatees and kayakers.
Caladesi Island: Kayak to a wild beach
Caladesi Island State Park, off the coast of Clearwater and Dunedin, has been called the best beach in America. What’s even better? Kayaking to Caladesi and seeing wonderful wildlife along the way.
Naples beach: Discover hidden Clam Pass Park, where you ride the tide
Clam Pass Park in Naples is a beach hidden behind a posh resort. It’s special: Tides in the little pass float you in and out of a lagoon like ia lazy river ride.
Beach horseback riding in Florida: Where to check this off your bucket list
If riding a horse through sand and surf is your dream, here are a half dozen places in Florida that can make that dream come true. Riding opportunities are located on both coasts as well as in northern and southern Florida.
Egmont Key: 5 things I love about this wild island
Egmont Key is romantic, remote and historic. Located in the mouth of Tampa Bay, accessible only by boat, it is home to an intriguing fort, gopher tortoises, beautiful beaches and more. But be prepared before you go.
Anna Maria Island: Things to do in Old Florida beach town
Visiting here, I found myself amazed that places like Anna Maria Island survive — a low-rise beach town with quaint cottages and a spectacular beach. No, you won’t have it all to yourself, but it’s still a special spot to discover.
Anastasia State Park seduces with a stunning beach, cozy campground
Anastasia State Park is a stone’s throw from historic St. Augustine and offers 139 cozy campsites on a four-mile-long pristine beach that shimmers in the Florida sun.
Surf fishing picks up with the fall mullet run
Surf fishing is a terrific family outing — or a quiet escape to get away alone. Be prepared with our popular checklist and how-to guide. (Photo by Jerry Lower, The Coastal Star)
