Delray is only about 10 miles away so I've gone there to eat a few times but parking is all commercialized & it became too easy to get ticketed for the downtown area. morikami *is* a fairly cool place to visit at least once even if I thought it was in boca
Kinda tough watching this. We came to Florida in 1955 and lived in Jacksonville, Key Biscayne, West Hollywood, Coral Gables, Winter Haven, and Gainesville. My father's business took him all over and often we would get to travel with him to all these areas you mention and quite a few others. Florida was so much different back in those times and I can only be grateful that I could experience it that way.
Same here. In 1965 we rented a cottage at PC Beach and there wasn't a hotel/motel/huge ugly condo buildilng/swimming pool/grocery store/or bar anywhere in sight. Only one little tourist shop. The State used to have covered picnic sites along Highway 98 right by the beach where anybody could stop and have a picnic. We could drive all the way to Pensacola passing by a few mom and pop beach hotels but not one single high-rise hotel or condo. I really miss those days.
America has grown up and some places are not what they were in days gone by. Still, I wouldn't live anywhere else in the world. I'm a South Carolinian who spent about four years in Pensacola with the Navy. Loved my time in Florida.
I used to live on St Simons Island , Ga right ON East Beach terrificisland to bting up my daughter who became a career CG helicopter pilot...I was a professor and administrator at the college on the mainland. We loved visiting St. Augustine...some lovely restaurants but is has been 25 years...the hop off transpotation was something we used even then. Fernadina was a short hop away....sleepy little village back then..very similar to the Ga. sea islands.
I do and always have lived on the beach in Florida, just south of Clearwater Beach. I have a boat and any day on the water when it's warm is a blessing.
I'm a FL Native, and one place I love is New Smyrna Beach. Went there alot as a kid and it really hasn't changed that much. I also love Sanibel and the Keys!
Please don’t add some of these. I’m not a native, but I’ve been here decades. I’m in Flagler, and there are already enough entitled tourists that flood into here. Not just the regular tourists, who are very welcome. There are a lot of tourists who come in, heavy drinking, road rage, trashing quiet beaches and parks, and insult/belligerent locals. I’ve seen nasty behavior at the beach that seems to get worse. I just wish tourists and newer locals would read a few of the rules….like no harassing manatees or letting dogs loose in areas they’re not permitted. We should all be respectful of where we visit.
I am a Native Floridian and honestly, I won’t tell people my favorite beaches and fishing spots. Because I would be heart broken if they turned into a tourist spot. But there are a lot of GOOD beaches to visit. Cedar Key is a great place to go for a get away type place to go. Crystal River has a lot to offer vacationers. St. John’s river, Fort Desoto, many state parks that are largely natural while still well maintained… So many places to go. Skip the travel guide brochure and do some hiking into what you want. Bring a camera, Native Florida is unique and beautiful.
@@caryn9561 No, I did not tell my favorite places or beaches. I told of some Nice places to go. My favorite beaches and fishing spot won’t come up on any google search. You just have to know or find them while exploring.
@@immar1075 Yeah, over a million people a year moving here now from socially failed states. Unfortunately, it is almost for certain they will destroy Florida too. Makes me cringe when I look at California. I visited there back in the 80s. It wasn’t Florida, but it was nice. Now half my neighbors here are from California, escaping social deterioration. Keaton Beach area is filling up with New Yorkers escaping Social deterioration there. Folks from PA come here in droves too. Went down to a great fishing cove and natural beach the other day. It is down a winding, bumpy seven mile dirt road that after a storm requires a four wheel drive. The cove had several out of state mud boats just running back and forth thru the fishing area. They had twenty or so people on the beach drinking, being loud and arguing at times. Their 4 wheel drive truck had tore the beach all up trying to launch their boats (no boat ramp there) and there wasn’t a fish to be caught in the cove. A glimpse of the future ai suppose.
Life-long Floridian here...just a note for those that may not know. "The Season" for Florida is different in the various parts of the state. I am sure there are some exceptions, but in general the busier season for mid to south Florida is the winter. Whereas summer is the busiest time in the Panhandle and the northern part of the Atlantic coast. North Florida can be quite cool by southern standards during the winter, so tourists tend to be from more northern locations during the winter. We have visited all the spots mentioned in the video and really prefer visiting during the 'off season'.
Im with you on that Anna Marie Island is Beautiful and very calm ,Seista key is Second as its close to everything!!! Dave Roberts Inverness Florida 💯🎯🔥
Since RVing became the rage, Florida's best kept secret is just about any of its state parks, and those with campgrounds. I won't tell you my favorite, but I've yet to get the most coveted camping spot there which is right on the small river that runs through it ;) In the St Pete area, a trip up to Honeymoon Island to catch the ferry to Caledesi Island is a must. And any of the other successful downtown areas in that county - Gulfport, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor.
I had roots in Dunedin. Visited my uncle there often. Raised spending summers with my grands in StPetersburg. I was there from 1958 on. Miss it so much. My spirit home. Can't afford it now. It has been about 15 years since I have been back.
I'm a native Floridian and my favorite beach is on Casey Key. My parents always took us there on vacation. And we've always returned there just about every summer. It's also in Sarasota County and is like Anna Maria Island as it doesn't have high-rise condos. It's absolutely beautiful and not over run by people. Venice Beach is just south, and Siesta Key to the north.❤
Doesn’t that area have an issue with red tide and what about the pesticide spill in Tampa Bay? I always wonder where the cleanest water (and skies) are in Florida. I’ve been in FTL for two years and I’m not feeling “at home”.
I'm 67 years old now, when I was a teenager everyone you met who said they were from Florida, their parents were from New York, Massachusetts, or Michigan.
Old Floridian family member here. My family helped settle Kenansville, Fl. At the time St. Cloud, Fl didn't exist. My ancestors helped to settle St. Cloud and Kissimmee, too. The old cemetary in Kenansville belonged to my great great grandfather (...I think. I'm not exactly sure how many generations back.). He sold it to the county for $1 to give back to the communnity and they used it as a cemetary. Morbidly, I have a grave with my name on it because my family pays a very reduced fee to be buried there. If anyone is familiar with Saint Cloud, Fl (a not so small town now and I miss the old days of course) there's a neighboorhood there called Stevens' Plantation. That property belonged to my Great Aunt. She sold it off a few years before she died to a developer. In some ways it's a shame she sold it, but it was hers to do with as she wished. They called it Stevens' Plantation in honor of the family. I have no idea how many generations back we go as native Floridians, but it's quite a bit. I'm positive of at least seven generations including the current ones, but I know we go further back than that. One of my cousins paid for ancestory work. I need to meet up with her to discuss it. Life's just so busy! Old Floridian families are a dying breed. Many don't like how big our small towns have become. I'm thinking of moving myself. Partially because I've never lived outside of Florida but mostly because of how overcrowded it is. The cities and counties sell so much land to developers without making sure there's infrastructure to support that many people. Now traffic is horrible. Everything is crowded. It's a mess! I'm from St. Cloud, past tense. I lived there well into adulthood and I've watched it go from a city with two restaurants, one stop light, and the downtown area to a city that is almost unrecognizable as the place I grew up. I love the Ocala area, to be more accurate the area outside Ocala, but I think it's only a matter of time before it becomes over populated here as well. It's beautiful, though. I love my home state. There are so many things we have here that can be taken for granted but that can make for an amazing life. I don't begrudge the people who have decided to move here. I only wish the cities and counties would provide more infrastructure instead of just chasing the almighty dollar. Sorry for such a long comment. Apparently I had things to say. lol
@@DM-right we have a saying. Florida becomes more Southern the further North you travel. lol Not always the case, but the saying caught on for a reason.
I grew up in St. Cloud in the 60's and just recently moved back. Sure, a lot has changed but a lot has stayed the same. Downtown has the same buildings when I was a kid with only a very few changes. Yes the town has changed but so have I. Without change things just stagnate, the trick is to embrace it and turn it to your advantage.@@geekasauruswreks8789
We live close enough to the Cape that launches shake our house and set the dogs off. We prefer NSB over Cocoa for a town beach but the wild beaches on Cape/wildlife refuge property are the best in my opinion. No condos or houses. Just miles of coastal wilderness.
20 years as a resident of the Tampa Bay Area and really, we staycation right here most of the time but our go to out-of-town vacation is absolutely St. Augustine.
We live in FL. We ARE on vaycay 365 days a year! We can go to the beach in 6 minutes. 🎉 We live about 45 miles south of Sarasota in a small beach town. We found Paradise! 🎉😊 🌴🌴🌴🌊🦀🐊🦀🐊😎🦋🌴🥰💙
Great video. I'm gonna be an annoying animal person and say please don't collect shells. I'm a hermit crab enthusiast and can tell you that because of the lack of shells, hermit crab populations are suffering. Any spiral types without holes are useful to them and they're crucial for their survival. Please throw them back into the water or place them somewhere where they may be less likely to be found by tourists. There are also places like, Crustacean Plantation (located in the Florida Keys), where you can donate shells you already have for wild land hermit crabs. Most hermit crabs are strictly aquatic though, so tossing them back into the water is best. I love this video. I moved to Florida 6 years ago and finding places that are less "touristy" is always a wonderful thing.
We live by Anna Maria island and it is naturally beautiful. You can walk to so many shops and restaurants right in the heart of the island. The beach has been left very natural with a native trees and greenery. It’s very quiet and you won’t see amusement parks or rides anywhere. The beach is sprinkled with nicer restaurants and more casual places to grab a drink or quick meal. More souvenir shops and little specialty shops than clothing. There are plenty of picnic areas and restrooms in shaded areas and some cute begging squirrels running around. Haha. Getting a place to stay on the island has gotten very expensive in the last few years. That’s the only negative 🥴
Marco Island! Been going there annually for Labor Day since the 70’s. It’s changed a lot, but the beach is spectacular and wide with accommodations from high end hotels (JW Marriott comes to mind) to rentals. 😊
And it’s just as much of a Tourist Trap as Panama City Beach & 30A etc, only it’s going to cost you an arm & a leg !!! Bring a TON of Money, you’re going to need it. Millionaires all live on 3O A !!!
No Siesta Key, Lido key, Longboat key… St. Armands Circle ⭕️…. ? Btw, you have a very pleasant voice to listen to, especially at 3:30am. Thank you for your excellent program!!
I’ve lived in Pensacola for 50 years. Occasionally, I go to the Keys for lobster diving, and occasionally go to Port Saint Joe for scallops, but I have no interest in visiting anywhere else in Florida. Pensacola has everything I love.
We almost moved to Florida when i was a kid back in 97 or 98. My step dad almost took a job there, but he ended up not taking it at the last minute. I sometimes wonder how differently life would have turned out if wed moved. If nothing else, what a great place to spend your teenage years and early 20s!
Been to all these places, and all have their charm. St. Augustine is my favorite, followed by the Keys. Driving down from St. Augustine along A1A to Flagler Beach is really nice. Another great area is Panama City to Panacea along US 98. Apalachicola in particular is a great place to stay to check out he area.
I'm a native and have been to all of these places. My fav is anywhere in the Keys. I'd live there if I could afford it! I AM one of the natives that enjoys long weekend vacations here. Nice video.
Living in St.Iohns , we love St Augustine. Some great Dining and fun taverns to hang out at. Two other great places we love to hang out are Neptune Beach(north end of Jax beach) Great little area, small little beach town with hotels and homes, great restaurants and shopping and awesome beach. And Fernandina beach to the north corner of Florida is a beautiful old town, Victorian feel n vibe, with great local shopping, and also some excellent restaurants 😊😊
I'm from West Ga. and my wife is from coastal S.C. Of the places in this video, we've been to Destin and St. Augustine but just driven through Key Largo and Islamorada. We love Key West, Matlacha, Dunedin as well as the other places I mentioned. It broke our hearts to see Matlacha so devastated. I hope they are recovering.
The Keys are so crowded during the tourist season (Nov-April) it is unreal now. Bumper to bumper traffic at 50 mph from key Largo all the way to KW(takes 2 hours to go100 miles). I can't tell you how many times I hear tourist say the beaches are nasty and there is nothing for kids to do in KW. Odd that they don't research a little before coming down here.
This list is perfect for tourists. I’d never betray the locations I treasure so much. The second UA-cam channels uncover lovely places, it gets ruined by ‘influencers’ who don’t care. Everything gets expensive and traffic gets unbearable.
My first visit to Cocoa Beach was love at first sight. I have been there for several get aways over the past few years. Definitly my favorite. Thanks for sharing.
Bradenton beach coquina beach north lideo south lideo beaches mag. Magnificent! Siesta key. The west Coast is just special with the white white sand just enough wave & beautiful water with changing colors depending on the lighting & clouds
Dunedin State Park (Honeymoon Island) off alt.US19 near Clearwater is another good one! Shellfish collectors and Sand Dollar chasers go there.There is also a boat that can take you to the island to enjoy also...A must see!
I live in Daytona, beachside, on the Halifax, 3 blocks to beach. Been on the beach 3 x's in last 5ish years, been here 13. We go to GA and SC mountains.
I was born in Dania Beach South Broward General, lived in Miami for 67 years, We are Retired and Living In Beautiful Historic High Springs Florida. Living in Florida we don’t have 4 Distinct Seasons, we basically have a subtropical climate, we can go Warm, Humid, “Buggy Season” and it can get Cold up in High Spring, to Deep Freeze where water pipes can burst, love your Channel. 🇺🇸👏
I live in Venice on the island. I'm sad when more high rise condos get built but honestly it's about as built up as you can get now. It's still like a small town and quaint. Not many chains on the island. Low key and relaxing for the most part.
I live in northern palm Beach County. It’s changed so much. I have friends in Venice and we’re considering moving there this summer. I miss the small town vibes. I’m looking for a nice place to raise my kiddos.
I grew up in St Pete and love the beach there…now live in Seattle but come down often on vacation. We got married at Pass a Grille Community church with reception at the Don Cesar so we usually go for reakfast or a drink on the beach when we are there. Love it!
You completely missed the quaint little towns in the panhandle like Mexico Beach (still recovering from hurricane Michael that most people have forgotten about) and Port St Joe. By the way, I’m a Floridian who lives in Panama Ciry.
Pass -a-grill beach is beautiful “ I was staying at the don cesar in 2019 and I had been to pass -a -grill 20 yrs previous and going back 20 yrs later nothing has changed which was so nice , such a lovely informative video thank you . Kind regards Philip essex uk 🇬🇧
I've lived in Florida all my life, 66 years. I've been to everywhere in Florida. I've seen it all. I think as for beaches, the best beaches are on the Central Florida Gulf Coast. Panama and Pensacola is nice as well.
You should seriously make a video of the beautiful state parks that have the clearest water I have ever seen in any place other than pools . These state parks like Rainbow springs and Ginnie springs have the clearest water and they're family friendly to say the least .
Amazing you did not mention the Florida Keys. There are dozens of small islands, some with almost deserted beaches, and the weather is always warmer than anywhere else in the North American Continent. it can be hard to find accomodations, and it does take quite a trip to get there, even for Floridians. Amongst the many key islands, there are still hidden gems that I will not share, and some which do not even have vehicle access!
Glad he didn't, it is crowded beyond belief now and the non locals try to go 80 in a 50 all the way to KW down US1. There are head on collisions almost every week from people trying to pass. Most tourist stop coming around Easter then start again around Thanksgiving.
Sanibel is still in rough shape almost two years after Ian. Only a few businesses have reopened. The beach around the lighthouse is completely gone and the gulf laps at the base. Plus traffic to the island and to get off the island is insane because of all the construction vehicles.
There has been a good deal of effort to replenish the beach near the lighthouse. We just returned from a week-long stay on Sanibel, and the beach around the lighthouse is wider than it was before Charlie, let alone Ian. I've been coming to Sanibel since 1974 (we own a *top notch* timeshare), and while the island has not recovered from Ian, there should be a good deal of activity before the snowbird season kicks in. Some places will not return (RIP DQ), but most of the familiar names along Periwinkle Way will be back by October.
Yep, the secret is definitely out about Anna Maria Island, unfortunately. It happened in just that past 3 years or so too. It's not bad in the summer, but in the winter it's a nightmare now.
When I was a kid we would have Hobie Cat races a couple times a year. We would race from St. Pete Beach to Anna Maria Island. Sleep on the Beach, have a big bon fire party. Then race back the next day. It was a blast. Florida will never be like that again unless we preserve it.
We own a condo on Little GasparillaIsland right next-door to Boca grande but only accessible by boat and ferry since there’s no bridges no cars. Very much old Florida as there’s no stores or restaurants either - bring everything in your cooler and enjoy the beach almost to yourself!
As a Native, to Florida we traveled a lot, never leaving Florida or the Coast of Georgia. Love Florida so much... truly paradise. We settled on Amelia island Florida to live the forever "Salt life". Now we never want to leave.. It's basically great people, amazing beaches, best fishing in Florida too. The history and nature here in NE Florida is just amazing.
Got to add Hallandale Beach Florida to this list beautiful beaches and, Gulf Stream Park the biggest Horse racing park in Florida, the Pegasus and Dragon Statue the second biggest statue in United States 🇺🇸, great restaurants and casinos, clubs, lounges, and your in between everything in South Florida.☀️
GO TO ANY SPRINGS NEAR ORLANDO, Most people come to florida for Disney, Well your also 30-40 minutes to some of the most epic crystal clear waters in the world. Visit the springs (silver springs)
We love visiting St Aug!!! St George St does get a little crowded, but thankfully there are lots of other attractions there. Parking isn't as bad as noted in the video if you're willing to use the public parking deck and do a little walking.
Wife and I LOVE to hit Turtle beach off Long boat key in Sarasota!!!!! We go to Sun Garden Cafe for some brunch and hit the beach after some great food, A MUST do for anyone looking for a quiet getaway!!!
I have made Florida my home since 1976. I love St Augustine, Cedar Key, and Micanopy for vaca get aways. My home is an hour north of Tampa. For small town old Florida, Brookville is still a great place to enjoy a slower pace to live and where people are very friendly and welcoming. While there, you must eat at Lauigis Restaurant for family run comfort cuisine. For artistic community lifestyle and flair, St Petersburg has many attractions, especially the Salvidor Dali Museum. Occasionally, we get crazy and mix with out of state tourist in Coco Beach, home of the Dinosaur and Ancient Antiques Museum, a must-see! Fine dining everywhere, especially if you love fresh sea food. Stick to rural areas to avoid heavy traffic and explore costal hyways like us595 along the Gulf of Mexico. When in Crystal River, you must visit the Crystal River Indian Mounds just north of Crystal River of us19. We have over 22 million residents, but we still have large areas of rural paradise. Beaches are fun, but many folks enjoy canoeing on the Weeki Wachee River, which is considered one of the best rivers in the US. This is why so many folks from up north move here.
We came in 56 and my dad in a couple of years moved us to New York because that was his dream. I finally got back here in 2018 and now the heat wave and excessive record-breaking heat is ironic but I gotta laugh Because now I'm with a much better man than my exhusband.
Is it ST GEORGE ISLAND, FL? ;) We were voted #1 BEACH by Dr. Beach in 2023! Most unique beach town in Florida... My family has been here for over 100 years!
Crab island Destin Florida is clear water very beautiful, ginnie springs, rainbow springs,those state parks with the clearest water you can swim in , hiking and camping. Devil's den , you have to make reservations and you can only be in for 1.5 hours but it's worth the visit .
love the list, ive been to half of those beaches and i also wont mention my favorite to anyone either but anne maria island is my favorite from your list, been there many times.
Hubby and I lived near St Pete for a number of year to finish up my career with the Veterans hospital. Ft DeSoto and Paas-A-Grille are faves for sure! Thanks for all the information!
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You didn't give Pensacola much of a mention. We have the best beaches in Florida and also the best canoeing just north in Santa Rosa County.
I lived in Florida for 6 years. I always told the tourist to go to the larger beaches. I liked Fort De Soto, Indian Rocks, Dunedin Causeway/Honeymoon Island and the beach near New Port Richey. I can’t remember the name.
The one in Hudson is Sam's it is a restaurant / bar right on the intracoastal waterway. there is a small but quaint beach there...No waves...it is the gulf coast so there are none.Excellent food and fair prices and a hotel right across the street. Also in Crystal River on Fort Island Trail at the end is a nice beach with restroom and water accommodations and a public boat ramp to boot.
I lived a mile from the shore of Delray Beach. I went snorkeling about 75 times a year and wh3n I wanted to go to an out of the way place I’d go west to lake okechobee and chat with the guys fishing on the dock and listen to their gator stories.
Miami south Beach looking out from about the 10th floor at Miami Lowe’s has that gorgeous turquoise water too. But the water is rougher. But get up early like 6-6:30 am and drink cup of joe AND then go back to bed.
3:00 I'll save you a LOT if time and frustration. Skip Sanibel and Captiva. Takes an hour just to get over the bridge these days. Super overcrowded. The whole charm of the place was small town Florida, laid back, slow pace, low prices. None of those exist anymore. If you have hours to kill, dont want to get out of the car and love sitting in traffic, by all means, GO!
Yep, that’s pretty much my list if you add Key West (one of my favorite spots). As a Miami Vice and Bird Cage fan I also like South Beach near Miami. Wherever you go make sure you try fish dip, hogfish, triple tail, grouper sandwiches and cuban sandwiches. Fond memories at Pass-a-Grille Hurricane restaurant rooftop bar. I also love Disney, but only when going with the grand kids.
Great vid! 3rd gen Floridian here! Born&raised in Miami Lakes, went to part of middle and all high school in Deerfield Beach/Boca Raton. Went to college in Orlando at UCF. Moved to Pensacola/Alabama border for last several years. My brother lives in Bradenton now. One uncle lives in Deland, the other still lives in Cooper City, my grandparents lived in Jupiter. We've done tons of staycations all my life. 100% on St. Augustine. You absolutely have to go at least once, I like pairing it with Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach since they're only an hour'ish away. Not gonna give everything away, but my favorite lower Key, is Bahia Honda Key. Esp. if you can afford a boat or rental, snorkeling rivals anywhere out there. You nailed it with the lack of beaches in the Keys that's so surprising the first time you go. Totally seems like Siesta Key is on everyone's radar now. East of Destin, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, etc probably is some of the most gorgeous area of Florida, and I absolutely love doing the 30A drive along the beach. If I'd win the Lotto, def. have a house there. Slight bias, but Pensacola/Navarre are totally underrated areas. And if someone's read the whole thing, Lover's Key is the best secret hideaway in Florida.
It’s interesting how everyone is so surprised the Keys have very few beaches…these islands are built on top of coral reefs so why would anyone be looking for sandy beaches here?😂
Born and raised central west Coast. Anna maria Island has mostly been bought up Russians and vacation investment groups it was a very nice local favorite
As a Native Floridian I never go to the beach, lol. I usually will be found at the springs paddle boarding with my family or boating on the different lake systems in Florida. But I enjoyed learning about the beach places people go. My parents took me to the Don Cesar resort when I was a kid along with many of the beaches you mentioned. I think I got tired of the beach when I was a kid and found inland waterways my go to.
Really old video of Crab Island (Destin). The floating playgrounds haven’t been there for at least six years. The larger vending boats that used to be anchored there all summer are gone, too.
The Southwest coast of Florida is the best. Last year I brought my metal detector and was able to greatly expand my collection of roofing nails.
😂👍
I'll bet I have you beat in bottle caps.
All of those are the tourist traps I avoid as a resident vacationing. Thank you for pointing non residents in the right direction 😊😂
Delray is only about 10 miles away so I've gone there to eat a few times but parking is all commercialized & it became too easy to get ticketed for the downtown area. morikami *is* a fairly cool place to visit at least once even if I thought it was in boca
I live in Vero Beach and it is far from a tourist trap.
@@edchaput3577 Same for 30A outside of Destin.
Kinda tough watching this. We came to Florida in 1955 and lived in Jacksonville, Key Biscayne, West Hollywood, Coral Gables, Winter Haven, and Gainesville. My father's business took him all over and often we would get to travel with him to all these areas you mention and quite a few others. Florida was so much different back in those times and I can only be grateful that I could experience it that way.
We moved here in 1984 - very different from your entry. Still so very different from ‘84 till now.
@@naturalPathsand you
Same here. In 1965 we rented a cottage at PC Beach and there wasn't a hotel/motel/huge ugly condo buildilng/swimming pool/grocery store/or bar anywhere in sight. Only one little tourist shop. The State used to have covered picnic sites along Highway 98 right by the beach where anybody could stop and have a picnic. We could drive all the way to Pensacola passing by a few mom and pop beach hotels but not one single high-rise hotel or condo. I really miss those days.
America has grown up and some places are not what they were in days gone by. Still, I wouldn't live anywhere else in the world. I'm a South Carolinian who spent about four years in Pensacola with the Navy. Loved my time in Florida.
@@elliebellie7816wtf is wrong with a grocery story?? 🤣
Ocean Grill Vero Beach one of my Five Favorite restaurants
The cajun prime rib is great.
I used to live on St Simons Island , Ga right ON East Beach terrificisland to bting up my daughter who became a career CG helicopter pilot...I was a professor and administrator at the college on the mainland. We loved visiting St. Augustine...some lovely restaurants but is has been 25 years...the hop off transpotation was something we used even then.
Fernadina was a short hop away....sleepy little village back then..very similar to the Ga. sea islands.
I do and always have lived on the beach in Florida, just south of Clearwater Beach. I have a boat and any day on the water when it's warm is a blessing.
Tampa here. Great video. My favorite is Siesta Key, where the crystal fine sand squeaks between your toes !
Siesta Key is my favorite beach in Florida!
I Live by siesta Key and hate it.
@@RussellD11YOU SHOULD MOVE THEN!!
@@RussellD11 Maybe try move on the key. I would not want to live by siesta too
Siesta Key has been a favorite for 35 about years.
I'm a FL Native, and one place I love is New Smyrna Beach. Went there alot as a kid and it really hasn't changed that much. I also love Sanibel and the Keys!
I totally almost included New Smyrna! Only reason I I didn’t is because it’s a little close to Cocoa Beach and I wanted to spread them out a bit. 😃
@@SunshineStateInsiderpeople who live in Cocoa Beach go to New Smyrna. Cocoa Beach is where the Orlando crazies go.
New Smyrna is a top surfing destination.
Please don’t add some of these. I’m not a native, but I’ve been here decades. I’m in Flagler, and there are already enough entitled tourists that flood into here. Not just the regular tourists, who are very welcome. There are a lot of tourists who come in, heavy drinking, road rage, trashing quiet beaches and parks, and insult/belligerent locals. I’ve seen nasty behavior at the beach that seems to get worse. I just wish tourists and newer locals would read a few of the rules….like no harassing manatees or letting dogs loose in areas they’re not permitted. We should all be respectful of where we visit.
sharks!!
I am a Native Floridian and honestly, I won’t tell people my favorite beaches and fishing spots. Because I would be heart broken if they turned into a tourist spot. But there are a lot of GOOD beaches to visit. Cedar Key is a great place to go for a get away type place to go. Crystal River has a lot to offer vacationers. St. John’s river, Fort Desoto, many state parks that are largely natural while still well maintained… So many places to go. Skip the travel guide brochure and do some hiking into what you want. Bring a camera, Native Florida is unique and beautiful.
But you just told everyone on the world wide web haha.
@@caryn9561 No, I did not tell my favorite places or beaches. I told of some Nice places to go. My favorite beaches and fishing spot won’t come up on any google search. You just have to know or find them while exploring.
I feel as you do and I came here hoping not to see my area of FL. Unfortunately it won't be long everything is growing so fast in FL.
@@immar1075 Yeah, over a million people a year moving here now from socially failed states. Unfortunately, it is almost for certain they will destroy Florida too. Makes me cringe when I look at California. I visited there back in the 80s. It wasn’t Florida, but it was nice. Now half my neighbors here are from California, escaping social deterioration. Keaton Beach area is filling up with New Yorkers escaping Social deterioration there. Folks from PA come here in droves too. Went down to a great fishing cove and natural beach the other day. It is down a winding, bumpy seven mile dirt road that after a storm requires a four wheel drive. The cove had several out of state mud boats just running back and forth thru the fishing area. They had twenty or so people on the beach drinking, being loud and arguing at times. Their 4 wheel drive truck had tore the beach all up trying to launch their boats (no boat ramp there) and there wasn’t a fish to be caught in the cove. A glimpse of the future ai suppose.
@@Captkid1 I remember places like that. You could fish all day and not see another person. We better enjoy what we have while we have it.
Not from Florida, but love Cocoa Beach, Flagler Beach, Sanibel Island, John's Pass, and St. Augustine is my absolute favorite place to visit.
Life-long Floridian here...just a note for those that may not know. "The Season" for Florida is different in the various parts of the state. I am sure there are some exceptions, but in general the busier season for mid to south Florida is the winter. Whereas summer is the busiest time in the Panhandle and the northern part of the Atlantic coast. North Florida can be quite cool by southern standards during the winter, so tourists tend to be from more northern locations during the winter. We have visited all the spots mentioned in the video and really prefer visiting during the 'off season'.
even Key West water is freezing in January. Only the Norwegians got in.
Life-long Floridian....but you're only 18 years old 😂😂😂
@@ChatGPT1111 Jesus I knew chatgpt was stupid sometimes but not this stupid... Apparently it doesn't know what life-long means 🤣
@@villagaiac55freezing? Water is 65f, dont think thats freezing bud in the KW.
Im with you on that Anna Marie Island is Beautiful and very calm ,Seista key is Second as its close to everything!!! Dave Roberts Inverness Florida 💯🎯🔥
Blowing Rocks is super unique and awesome and on Jupiter Island
Palm Beach is closer to the Gulf Stream than anywhere in the world. Why Jimmy Buffitt lived there. SHH!! Don,t tell anyone!!!
Since RVing became the rage, Florida's best kept secret is just about any of its state parks, and those with campgrounds. I won't tell you my favorite, but I've yet to get the most coveted camping spot there which is right on the small river that runs through it ;)
In the St Pete area, a trip up to Honeymoon Island to catch the ferry to Caledesi Island is a must. And any of the other successful downtown areas in that county - Gulfport, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor.
Sounds like my hometown... Starts with an A, ends with an a? ;)
I had roots in Dunedin. Visited my uncle there often. Raised spending summers with my grands in StPetersburg. I was there from 1958 on. Miss it so much. My spirit home. Can't afford it now. It has been about 15 years since I have been back.
I'm a native Floridian and my favorite beach is on Casey Key. My parents always took us there on vacation. And we've always returned there just about every summer. It's also in Sarasota County and is like Anna Maria Island as it doesn't have high-rise condos. It's absolutely beautiful and not over run by people. Venice Beach is just south, and Siesta Key to the north.❤
Doesn’t that area have an issue with red tide and what about the pesticide spill in Tampa Bay? I always wonder where the cleanest water (and skies) are in Florida. I’ve been in FTL for two years and I’m not feeling “at home”.
I am 55 and still love jumping off the little bridge. Been here since 74
I used to go to Ana Maria in the early seventies. I don't remember all those houses and buildings. We just went to the beach and enjoyed the day.
I'm 67 years old now, when I was a teenager everyone you met who said they were from Florida, their parents were from New York, Massachusetts, or Michigan.
Which is why most southerners don’t claim Florida as southern anymore. Very few Floridians. North Georgia (my home) is becoming the same way.
I’m 65 and a 4th generation Floridian. My family was one of the first to settle in the Panhandle. We now have 6 generations!
Old Floridian family member here. My family helped settle Kenansville, Fl. At the time St. Cloud, Fl didn't exist. My ancestors helped to settle St. Cloud and Kissimmee, too. The old cemetary in Kenansville belonged to my great great grandfather (...I think. I'm not exactly sure how many generations back.). He sold it to the county for $1 to give back to the communnity and they used it as a cemetary. Morbidly, I have a grave with my name on it because my family pays a very reduced fee to be buried there.
If anyone is familiar with Saint Cloud, Fl (a not so small town now and I miss the old days of course) there's a neighboorhood there called Stevens' Plantation. That property belonged to my Great Aunt. She sold it off a few years before she died to a developer. In some ways it's a shame she sold it, but it was hers to do with as she wished. They called it Stevens' Plantation in honor of the family.
I have no idea how many generations back we go as native Floridians, but it's quite a bit. I'm positive of at least seven generations including the current ones, but I know we go further back than that. One of my cousins paid for ancestory work. I need to meet up with her to discuss it. Life's just so busy!
Old Floridian families are a dying breed. Many don't like how big our small towns have become. I'm thinking of moving myself. Partially because I've never lived outside of Florida but mostly because of how overcrowded it is. The cities and counties sell so much land to developers without making sure there's infrastructure to support that many people. Now traffic is horrible. Everything is crowded. It's a mess!
I'm from St. Cloud, past tense. I lived there well into adulthood and I've watched it go from a city with two restaurants, one stop light, and the downtown area to a city that is almost unrecognizable as the place I grew up. I love the Ocala area, to be more accurate the area outside Ocala, but I think it's only a matter of time before it becomes over populated here as well. It's beautiful, though.
I love my home state. There are so many things we have here that can be taken for granted but that can make for an amazing life. I don't begrudge the people who have decided to move here. I only wish the cities and counties would provide more infrastructure instead of just chasing the almighty dollar. Sorry for such a long comment. Apparently I had things to say. lol
@@DM-right we have a saying. Florida becomes more Southern the further North you travel. lol Not always the case, but the saying caught on for a reason.
I grew up in St. Cloud in the 60's and just recently moved back. Sure, a lot has changed but a lot has stayed the same. Downtown has the same buildings when I was a kid with only a very few changes. Yes the town has changed but so have I. Without change things just stagnate, the trick is to embrace it and turn it to your advantage.@@geekasauruswreks8789
St. Pete beach is my #1 favorite beach for tourists! I like convenient stores and restaurants within walking distance ❤
We live close enough to the Cape that launches shake our house and set the dogs off. We prefer NSB over Cocoa for a town beach but the wild beaches on Cape/wildlife refuge property are the best in my opinion. No condos or houses. Just miles of coastal wilderness.
Thanks for this 🌻! It’s refreshing to see vacation spots in Florida that aren’t just the usual tourist destinations. Can’t wait to explore 🚤🌺.
20 years as a resident of the Tampa Bay Area and really, we staycation right here most of the time but our go to out-of-town vacation is absolutely St. Augustine.
DEL BOCA VISTA!! (Frank Costanza voice). 😄
🤣🤣🤣
Delboca vista ,,,😂😂😂😂😂 its actually delray beach and boca raton 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Serenity Now!
We live in FL. We ARE on vaycay 365 days a year! We can go to the beach in 6 minutes. 🎉
We live about 45 miles south of Sarasota in a small beach town. We found Paradise! 🎉😊 🌴🌴🌴🌊🦀🐊🦀🐊😎🦋🌴🥰💙
I live in Tampa and want to thank you for not mentioning my favorite local beach. The best beach for lots of space.
Great video. I'm gonna be an annoying animal person and say please don't collect shells. I'm a hermit crab enthusiast and can tell you that because of the lack of shells, hermit crab populations are suffering. Any spiral types without holes are useful to them and they're crucial for their survival. Please throw them back into the water or place them somewhere where they may be less likely to be found by tourists. There are also places like, Crustacean Plantation (located in the Florida Keys), where you can donate shells you already have for wild land hermit crabs. Most hermit crabs are strictly aquatic though, so tossing them back into the water is best.
I love this video. I moved to Florida 6 years ago and finding places that are less "touristy" is always a wonderful thing.
We live by Anna Maria island and it is naturally beautiful. You can walk to so many shops and restaurants right in the heart of the island. The beach has been left very natural with a native trees and greenery. It’s very quiet and you won’t see amusement parks or rides anywhere. The beach is sprinkled with nicer restaurants and more casual places to grab a drink or quick meal. More souvenir shops and little specialty shops than clothing. There are plenty of picnic areas and restrooms in shaded areas and some cute begging squirrels running around. Haha. Getting a place to stay on the island has gotten very expensive in the last few years. That’s the only negative 🥴
Marco Island! Been going there annually for Labor Day since the 70’s. It’s changed a lot, but the beach is spectacular and wide with accommodations from high end hotels (JW Marriott comes to mind) to rentals. 😊
This was incredibly helpful for avoiding the tourist traps 🐚. Thanks for sharing these gems! 🗺️❤️
Become a Park Ranger in the Florida park service, that way you can be on vacation everyday.
Unfortunately it doesn’t pay a living wage. Especially living in Florida.
And get paid 15$ an hour unable to afford rent.
Absolutely loved this insider's guide 🌿! Thanks for showing us where Floridians truly enjoy their time off 🌴🌞.
11:11 I Love Sebastian inlet so much I named my Son after it…
Shalom from a Native Floridian
Where is Shalom at?
As an Atlantan, I can tell you Destin is NOT a secret here. Probably the most popular place we go.
And it’s just as much of a Tourist Trap as Panama City Beach & 30A etc, only it’s going to cost you an arm & a leg !!! Bring a TON of Money, you’re going to need it. Millionaires all live on 3O A !!!
Not a secret in Louisiana either!
Stay yo weird ass away
@@OceanSoul1969stay out y’all can’t drive
We go to Destin every other year and hit Crab Island 2 times that week
Pass a grille is by far the most beautiful beach there is and I’ve been lucky to live there all my life. ❤️
Thank you for this video you saved my life I live here in Florida and is good to find these spots I am going to visit 3 of them thanks to you .
No Siesta Key, Lido key, Longboat key… St. Armands Circle ⭕️…. ? Btw, you have a very pleasant voice to listen to, especially at 3:30am. Thank you for your excellent program!!
Yes you do your voice is very easy to listen to. You would be great as newscaster or talkshow host etc.
We live in beautiful St. Augustine. Visit in September if you want to avoid tourists! ❤
I’ve lived in Pensacola for 50 years. Occasionally, I go to the Keys for lobster diving, and occasionally go to Port Saint Joe for scallops, but I have no interest in visiting anywhere else in Florida. Pensacola has everything I love.
Great to see a video that shows the local spots 🦩! Thanks for sharing these Florida vacation secrets 🙏🏼🏖️.
We almost moved to Florida when i was a kid back in 97 or 98. My step dad almost took a job there, but he ended up not taking it at the last minute. I sometimes wonder how differently life would have turned out if wed moved. If nothing else, what a great place to spend your teenage years and early 20s!
Florida has been in rapid decline since the 80s. Orlando was already a rat race by 88.
Been to all these places, and all have their charm. St. Augustine is my favorite, followed by the Keys. Driving down from St. Augustine along A1A to Flagler Beach is really nice. Another great area is Panama City to Panacea along US 98. Apalachicola in particular is a great place to stay to check out he area.
I'm a native and have been to all of these places. My fav is anywhere in the Keys. I'd live there if I could afford it! I AM one of the natives that enjoys long weekend vacations here. Nice video.
Living in St.Iohns , we love St Augustine. Some great Dining and fun taverns to hang out at. Two other great places we love to hang out are Neptune Beach(north end of Jax beach) Great little area, small little beach town with hotels and homes, great restaurants and shopping and awesome beach. And Fernandina beach to the north corner of Florida is a beautiful old town, Victorian feel n vibe, with great local shopping, and also some excellent restaurants 😊😊
I'm from West Ga. and my wife is from coastal S.C. Of the places in this video, we've been to Destin and St. Augustine but just driven through Key Largo and Islamorada. We love Key West, Matlacha, Dunedin as well as the other places I mentioned. It broke our hearts to see Matlacha so devastated. I hope they are recovering.
The Keys are so crowded during the tourist season (Nov-April) it is unreal now. Bumper to bumper traffic at 50 mph from key Largo all the way to KW(takes 2 hours to go100 miles). I can't tell you how many times I hear tourist say the beaches are nasty and there is nothing for kids to do in KW. Odd that they don't research a little before coming down here.
This list is perfect for tourists. I’d never betray the locations I treasure so much. The second UA-cam channels uncover lovely places, it gets ruined by ‘influencers’ who don’t care. Everything gets expensive and traffic gets unbearable.
My favorite place is Morikami Gardens. Another fun place to visit is the Yellow and Green market in Hollywood.
Places worth visiting -
Atlantic Side:
- Palm Beach
- Amelia Island
- Key Biscayne
- Key West
- St. Augustine
Gulf Side:
- Naples
- Anna Maria Island
- Rosemary Beach
- Seaside
Seaside is a planned community, much of it is not on the beach.
My first visit to Cocoa Beach was love at first sight. I have been there for several get aways over the past few years. Definitly my favorite. Thanks for sharing.
I'm telling you yo Florida is a great place to live or visit it truly is peaceful, great beach weather, too
Bradenton beach coquina beach north lideo south lideo beaches mag. Magnificent! Siesta key. The west Coast is just special with the white white sand just enough wave & beautiful water with changing colors depending on the lighting & clouds
Dunedin State Park (Honeymoon Island) off alt.US19 near Clearwater is another good one! Shellfish collectors and Sand Dollar chasers go there.There is also a boat that can take you to the island to enjoy also...A must see!
I live in Daytona, beachside, on the Halifax, 3 blocks to beach. Been on the beach 3 x's in last 5ish years, been here 13.
We go to GA and SC mountains.
Well narrated and covered most of the Beaches and Beach towns.Welk done.I have explored all those places.
You forgot our MANY beautiful springs!
??
Don’t tell them. Let’s keep them secret.
I was born in Dania Beach South Broward General, lived in Miami for 67 years, We are Retired and Living In Beautiful Historic High Springs Florida. Living in Florida we don’t have 4 Distinct Seasons, we basically have a subtropical climate, we can go Warm, Humid, “Buggy Season” and it can get Cold up in High Spring, to Deep Freeze where water pipes can burst, love your Channel. 🇺🇸👏
You are very lucky. ❤
I live in Venice on the island. I'm sad when more high rise condos get built but honestly it's about as built up as you can get now. It's still like a small town and quaint. Not many chains on the island. Low key and relaxing for the most part.
I live in northern palm Beach County. It’s changed so much. I have friends in Venice and we’re considering moving there this summer. I miss the small town vibes. I’m looking for a nice place to raise my kiddos.
Sshhhhh...
I’ve visted family in an area called Tarpon Springs. Beaches have the local feel to them. Not a lot of commercial activity.
Tarpon Springs gas yummy Greek food too!
Please dont tell them 😮😮😮😮
Interesting Insights! Great overview of Florida's coastal gems. Thanks for the tips on off-the-beaten-path spots!
I grew up in St Pete and love the beach there…now live in Seattle but come down often on vacation. We got married at Pass a Grille Community church with reception at the Don Cesar so we usually go for reakfast or a drink on the beach when we are there. Love it!
You completely missed the quaint little towns in the panhandle like Mexico Beach (still recovering from hurricane Michael that most people have forgotten about) and Port St Joe. By the way, I’m a Floridian who lives in Panama Ciry.
No need to ruin it and make it Miami.
Pass -a-grill beach is beautiful “ I was staying at the don cesar in 2019 and I had been to pass -a -grill 20 yrs previous and going back 20 yrs later nothing has changed which was so nice , such a lovely informative video thank you . Kind regards Philip essex uk 🇬🇧
Shhhhhhhh
I really recommend not going out far swimming at pass a grille -- especially near the jetty. That current rips pretty hard.
@@justinbartlett4711 thanks very much for the info it’s much appreciated
Punta Gorda Venice Nakomis are freaking beautiful, everybody should see Manasota Beach!
Great informational video, Florida is the place we grew up in. Videos like these are refreshing to see.
I've lived in Florida all my life, 66 years. I've been to everywhere in Florida. I've seen it all. I think as for beaches, the best beaches are on the Central Florida Gulf Coast. Panama and Pensacola is nice as well.
Perdido Key going towards the Alabama line is also very nice. Keep going towards Orange Beach, Alabama and it’s still beautiful.
You should seriously make a video of the beautiful state parks that have the clearest water I have ever seen in any place other than pools . These state parks like Rainbow springs and Ginnie springs have the clearest water and they're family friendly to say the least .
Cocoa Beach here. Lots of great food and gorgeous beaches here. Your clip did not do us justice.
Commercialized
Tourist trap
Fun to party there tho!
So you want more tourist to make your spot crowded, I'm glad he didn't mention our location.
Amazing you did not mention the Florida Keys. There are dozens of small islands, some with almost deserted beaches, and the weather is always warmer than anywhere else in the North American Continent. it can be hard to find accomodations, and it does take quite a trip to get there, even for Floridians. Amongst the many key islands, there are still hidden gems that I will not share, and some which do not even have vehicle access!
Glad he didn't, it is crowded beyond belief now and the non locals try to go 80 in a 50 all the way to KW down US1. There are head on collisions almost every week from people trying to pass. Most tourist stop coming around Easter then start again around Thanksgiving.
Sanibel Island is beautiful. Peanut Island is lovely too but def more touristy but so worth it.
Sanibel is still in rough shape almost two years after Ian. Only a few businesses have reopened. The beach around the lighthouse is completely gone and the gulf laps at the base. Plus traffic to the island and to get off the island is insane because of all the construction vehicles.
There has been a good deal of effort to replenish the beach near the lighthouse. We just returned from a week-long stay on Sanibel, and the beach around the lighthouse is wider than it was before Charlie, let alone Ian. I've been coming to Sanibel since 1974 (we own a *top notch* timeshare), and while the island has not recovered from Ian, there should be a good deal of activity before the snowbird season kicks in. Some places will not return (RIP DQ), but most of the familiar names along Periwinkle Way will be back by October.
Great video! Definitely gave me some ideas to consider for my next Florida trip. Ty!
I love your posts I always dreamed about living there. Thanks so much for your important post's
I live in Alabama but I’ve been to most of these in my life.
I’ve lived in Florida when I was in the navy.
I love it.
Yep, the secret is definitely out about Anna Maria Island, unfortunately. It happened in just that past 3 years or so too. It's not bad in the summer, but in the winter it's a nightmare now.
Just like the rest of florida 😢
When I was a kid we would have Hobie Cat races a couple times a year. We would race from St. Pete Beach to Anna Maria Island. Sleep on the Beach, have a big bon fire party. Then race back the next day. It was a blast. Florida will never be like that again unless we preserve it.
I've been wanting to go there, but yeah, the secret is out.
We own a condo on Little GasparillaIsland right next-door to Boca grande but only accessible by boat and ferry since there’s no bridges no cars. Very much old Florida as there’s no stores or restaurants either - bring everything in your cooler and enjoy the beach almost to yourself!
Tallahassee’n here! We love to day trip to St. George island ❤
Why did you say this??? Wtf it completely sucks. Noseeums and sand fleas always biting and way too expensive.
@@macjrc I said day trip dang! I like going for the 4th.. Give it a break!😩
My sis is in Tallahassee. Shout out tally. I love chubbies. Destin beach was dope
As a Native, to Florida we traveled a lot, never leaving Florida or the Coast of Georgia. Love Florida so much... truly paradise.
We settled on Amelia island Florida to live the forever "Salt life". Now we never want to leave.. It's basically great people, amazing beaches, best fishing in Florida too. The history and nature here in NE Florida is just amazing.
Got to add Hallandale Beach Florida to this list beautiful beaches and, Gulf Stream Park the biggest Horse racing park in Florida, the Pegasus and Dragon Statue the second biggest statue in United States 🇺🇸, great restaurants and casinos, clubs, lounges, and your in between everything in South Florida.☀️
Delray and Flagler beaches are awesome 😎 cocoa beach is very affordable too!😊
GO TO ANY SPRINGS NEAR ORLANDO, Most people come to florida for Disney, Well your also 30-40 minutes to some of the most epic crystal clear waters in the world. Visit the springs (silver springs)
We love visiting St Aug!!! St George St does get a little crowded, but thankfully there are lots of other attractions there. Parking isn't as bad as noted in the video if you're willing to use the public parking deck and do a little walking.
Buddy you’re giving away all our secrets. Lol 😊
Wife and I LOVE to hit Turtle beach off Long boat key in Sarasota!!!!! We go to Sun Garden Cafe for some brunch and hit the beach after some great food, A MUST do for anyone looking for a quiet getaway!!!
I have made Florida my home since 1976. I love St Augustine, Cedar Key, and Micanopy for vaca get aways. My home is an hour north of Tampa. For small town old Florida, Brookville is still a great place to enjoy a slower pace to live and where people are very friendly and welcoming. While there, you must eat at Lauigis Restaurant for family run comfort cuisine. For artistic community lifestyle and flair, St Petersburg has many attractions, especially the Salvidor Dali Museum. Occasionally, we get crazy and mix with out of state tourist in Coco Beach, home of the Dinosaur and Ancient Antiques Museum, a must-see! Fine dining everywhere, especially if you love fresh sea food. Stick to rural areas to avoid heavy traffic and explore costal hyways like us595 along the Gulf of Mexico. When in Crystal River, you must visit the Crystal River Indian Mounds just north of Crystal River of us19. We have over 22 million residents, but we still have large areas of rural paradise. Beaches are fun, but many folks enjoy canoeing on the Weeki Wachee River, which is considered one of the best rivers in the US. This is why so many folks from up north move here.
We came in 56 and my dad in a couple of years moved us to New York because that was his dream. I finally got back here in 2018 and now the heat wave and excessive record-breaking heat is ironic but I gotta laugh Because now I'm with a much better man than my exhusband.
I am glad you missed my favorite beaches in Florida that will forever remain a secret.
Totally understood! 😉
Is it ST GEORGE ISLAND, FL? ;) We were voted #1 BEACH by Dr. Beach in 2023! Most unique beach town in Florida... My family has been here for over 100 years!
@@KristaMiller Spread out, it's a big world.
Crab island Destin Florida is clear water very beautiful, ginnie springs, rainbow springs,those state parks with the clearest water you can swim in , hiking and camping. Devil's den , you have to make reservations and you can only be in for 1.5 hours but it's worth the visit .
love the list, ive been to half of those beaches and i also wont mention my favorite to anyone either but anne maria island is my favorite from your list, been there many times.
Also the botanical garden which houses the Orchids. The International Orchid society.
Hubby and I lived near St Pete for a number of year to finish up my career with the Veterans hospital. Ft DeSoto and Paas-A-Grille are faves for sure! Thanks for all the information!
You didn't give Pensacola much of a mention. We have the best beaches in Florida and also the best canoeing just north in Santa Rosa County.
Sshhhh. Ft Pickens, Flounders and Peg leg Petes.
I lived in Florida for 6 years. I always told the tourist to go to the larger beaches.
I liked Fort De Soto, Indian Rocks, Dunedin Causeway/Honeymoon Island and the beach near New Port Richey. I can’t remember the name.
The one in Hudson is Sam's it is a restaurant / bar right on the intracoastal waterway. there is a small but quaint beach there...No waves...it is the gulf coast so there are none.Excellent food and fair prices and a hotel right across the street. Also in Crystal River on Fort Island Trail at the end is a nice beach with restroom and water accommodations and a public boat ramp to boot.
I lived a mile from the shore of Delray Beach. I went snorkeling about 75 times a year and wh3n I wanted to go to an out of the way place I’d go west to lake okechobee and chat with the guys fishing on the dock and listen to their gator stories.
Miami south Beach looking out from about the 10th floor at Miami Lowe’s has that gorgeous turquoise water too. But the water is rougher. But get up early like 6-6:30 am and drink cup of joe AND then go back to bed.
3:00
I'll save you a LOT if time and frustration.
Skip Sanibel and Captiva.
Takes an hour just to get over the bridge these days.
Super overcrowded.
The whole charm of the place was small town Florida, laid back, slow pace, low prices.
None of those exist anymore.
If you have hours to kill, dont want to get out of the car and love sitting in traffic, by all means, GO!
Yep, that’s pretty much my list if you add Key West (one of my favorite spots). As a Miami Vice and Bird Cage fan I also like South Beach near Miami. Wherever you go make sure you try fish dip, hogfish, triple tail, grouper sandwiches and cuban sandwiches. Fond memories at Pass-a-Grille Hurricane restaurant rooftop bar. I also love Disney, but only when going with the grand kids.
Great vid! 3rd gen Floridian here! Born&raised in Miami Lakes, went to part of middle and all high school in Deerfield Beach/Boca Raton. Went to college in Orlando at UCF. Moved to Pensacola/Alabama border for last several years. My brother lives in Bradenton now. One uncle lives in Deland, the other still lives in Cooper City, my grandparents lived in Jupiter. We've done tons of staycations all my life.
100% on St. Augustine. You absolutely have to go at least once, I like pairing it with Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach since they're only an hour'ish away. Not gonna give everything away, but my favorite lower Key, is Bahia Honda Key. Esp. if you can afford a boat or rental, snorkeling rivals anywhere out there. You nailed it with the lack of beaches in the Keys that's so surprising the first time you go. Totally seems like Siesta Key is on everyone's radar now. East of Destin, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, etc probably is some of the most gorgeous area of Florida, and I absolutely love doing the 30A drive along the beach. If I'd win the Lotto, def. have a house there. Slight bias, but Pensacola/Navarre are totally underrated areas. And if someone's read the whole thing, Lover's Key is the best secret hideaway in Florida.
It’s interesting how everyone is so surprised the Keys have very few beaches…these islands are built on top of coral reefs so why would anyone be looking for sandy beaches here?😂
Born and raised central west Coast. Anna maria Island has mostly been bought up Russians and vacation investment groups it was a very nice local favorite
Definitely got to add Hallandale Beach Florida, Beautiful beaches and Hotels, lounges, restaurants and Gulf Stream Park, Atlantic Village.
Too expensive!
I enjoy Hallandale Beach, I grew up there; my mom even spent 2 terms as mayor¡ 😅
@@SuperAmin1950 it’s the fast growing city in south Florida now definitely grow a lot.
I grew up on beach at Keating Park c1970. Dad worked at Gulfstream. Dorians and Oceans Eleven on US1 👍
As a Native Floridian I never go to the beach, lol. I usually will be found at the springs paddle boarding with my family or boating on the different lake systems in Florida. But I enjoyed learning about the beach places people go. My parents took me to the Don Cesar resort when I was a kid along with many of the beaches you mentioned. I think I got tired of the beach when I was a kid and found inland waterways my go to.
Honeymoon Island is one of my favorites
I've lived in Florida for over 30 years and the last time I had an actual vacation was 25 years ago.
Really old video of Crab Island (Destin). The floating playgrounds haven’t been there for at least six years. The larger vending boats that used to be anchored there all summer are gone, too.