Florida has some of the most beautiful and best beaches in the country. In a recent rating of the nation’s top 10 beaches, three of them are here in Florida, the Sunshine State.
Off the Gulf Coast of Florida, roughly about two hours from Orlando, you’ll find Fort De Soto Park’s North Beach. It is relatively unheard of by most Floridians but it is just a few minutes from St. Petersburg. The park consists of five interconnected islands on a peninsula and has seven miles of fantastic beach. Ranked number 1 Beach in America in 2005, here you’ll find shelling and relaxing on some of the country’s best sand beaches. The park has many amenities on offer including canoeing, kayaking, trial hiking, waterfront campsites, 2 fishing piers, a leash free dog park and a 105 year old Spanish American War fort. If you wish to launch your jet ski or boat, you can do it from the park’s ramp. You can circle the peninsula by boat or even rent a jet ski or power boat when you enter the park.
Also two hours from Orlando, you’ll find Caladesi Island State Park, ranked number 4 in the country. Along the gulf coast shore and just north of Clearwater Beach, Caladesi is only accessible by boat or ferry. It is one of the few undisturbed barrier islands left in the state of Florida. Opportunities to view wildlife are a plus. The islands are surrounded by West Indian manatees and bottlenose dolphins. If you enjoy bird watching, here you’ll find blue heron and snowy egrets. Shelling, skimming, fishing, kayaking and a three mile nature trail are all available. You can even watch the kids run free in the playground while you enjoy a picnic in the shade.
While a four hour journey from Orlando, Cape Florida State Park, is wonderful for visiting and can make a great weekend escape. It is located on Key Biscayne. This state park is ranked number 8 in the country, and it boasts a 109 step historic lighthouse, which was built in 1825 and is the oldest structure still standing in Miami-Dade County. It offers a great view of the mile long Atlantic view. Enjoy a meal at the Boater’s Grill or bring your own lunch and picnic at one of the 18 pavilions, all with great views of the ocean and Biscayne Bay. Canoeing, Kayaking, Bicycling and hiking are all available as well as nature trails and walks.
Off the Gulf Coast of Florida, roughly about two hours from Orlando, you’ll find Fort De Soto Park’s North Beach. It is relatively unheard of by most Floridians but it is just a few minutes from St. Petersburg. The park consists of five interconnected islands on a peninsula and has seven miles of fantastic beach. Ranked number 1 Beach in America in 2005, here you’ll find shelling and relaxing on some of the country’s best sand beaches. The park has many amenities on offer including canoeing, kayaking, trial hiking, waterfront campsites, 2 fishing piers, a leash free dog park and a 105 year old Spanish American War fort. If you wish to launch your jet ski or boat, you can do it from the park’s ramp. You can circle the peninsula by boat or even rent a jet ski or power boat when you enter the park.
Also two hours from Orlando, you’ll find Caladesi Island State Park, ranked number 4 in the country. Along the gulf coast shore and just north of Clearwater Beach, Caladesi is only accessible by boat or ferry. It is one of the few undisturbed barrier islands left in the state of Florida. Opportunities to view wildlife are a plus. The islands are surrounded by West Indian manatees and bottlenose dolphins. If you enjoy bird watching, here you’ll find blue heron and snowy egrets. Shelling, skimming, fishing, kayaking and a three mile nature trail are all available. You can even watch the kids run free in the playground while you enjoy a picnic in the shade.
While a four hour journey from Orlando, Cape Florida State Park, is wonderful for visiting and can make a great weekend escape. It is located on Key Biscayne. This state park is ranked number 8 in the country, and it boasts a 109 step historic lighthouse, which was built in 1825 and is the oldest structure still standing in Miami-Dade County. It offers a great view of the mile long Atlantic view. Enjoy a meal at the Boater’s Grill or bring your own lunch and picnic at one of the 18 pavilions, all with great views of the ocean and Biscayne Bay. Canoeing, Kayaking, Bicycling and hiking are all available as well as nature trails and walks.