Florida Beaches

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Florida Beaches

Sarasota: Home of the Ringling Brothers

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The city of Sarasota (population of 53,326), has a lot going for it. Apart from its beaches that are renowned nationwide, it is also the home port of the “Ringling brothers” – arguably the most famous circus the world has ever known.

The city itself is the seat of Sarasota County and is located at the southern end of the Tampa Bay Area, which includes the famed Sarasota Bay area as well as several barrier islands located between the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Indeed, these barrier islands (referred to in local parlance as ’Kays’) draw tourists from all over the world for the pristine whiteness of their sandy beaches.   

Siesta Beach

The most popular kays that separate the gulf of Mexico with Sarasota Bay are Lido and Siesta kay. The latter is so-called because tourists who visit that beach find the gentle sound of the sea washing on to the sand so soothing that it lulls them to sleep.  In 2011 Dr. Beach  (Dr. Stephen Leatherman) of the renowned ‘Dr. Beach’ evaluation website went so far as to award Siesta Key as the nation’s #1 beach.

Dr. Beach stated “Siesta Beach in Sarasota boasts that it has the finest and whitest sand in the world, and I cannot argue with this claim; the powdery sand is nearly pure quartz crystal.  The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers.”

Pre-history

The Sarasota beach and bay areas have been inhibited since prehistory (around 15,000 years or so according to conservative estimates) and are rich with archeological digs and regularly draw both enthusiasts and scientists who pick through the large mounds of shells and fish bones our ancestors left behind, to understand the lives and times of that bygone era.

Circus Sarasota

Among the things to do when you travel to Sarasota, quite unlike other Florida Beaches, is the opportunity to visit Sarasota’s own Circus.  Indeed Sarasota has been associated with circuses since the 1800s when the famous Ringling family made it their home. Circus Sarasota not only performs exciting shows in the big ring but offers special classes at their Sailor Circus and Humor Academies to both young and old alike. So famous is Circus Sarasota that it will feature at the Smithsonian Folk life festival next year.  

Crowley Natural Center

The Crowley Nature Center is a 190-acre farm established way back in the 1870s.  You can take a trip through time there and get to see not only Florida’s natural flora and fauna but also pioneer buildings that depict life as the first American settlers lived it.

The Ringling Circus Museum

No visit to Sarasota can ever be complete without a visit to the monuments created by its most famous residents,The Ringlings. The Ringling Circus Museum was established in 1948 and has everything from the cannon that used to propel “Airwonders” to the posters and glitterati of those halcyon days.

Florida Jungle Gardens

One of Sarasota’s oldest attractions; these gardens were established back in 1939 and to this day they play host to almost 200 species of animals, birds, and reptiles, from macaws to unorthodox primates to full-sized alligators.  If hand feeding wild pink flamingos catches your imagination, don’t miss a trip to the Florida Jungle Gardens.

If it’s a relaxing vacation you are looking for, then Sarasota’s beaches, museums and gardens should form a definite part of your travel itinerary.

Follow our blog for more fun-filled Florida vacation ideas. Tell us in the comments below about any other adventures not to miss when visiting the West Coast of Florida in Sarasota County.

The State of Beautiful Beaches and Sunshine

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Surrounded on three sides by water and comprising of dozens of tiny islands, if there is one thing Florida has no shortage of, it’s exotic beaches.

Whether you are the daredevil kind and crave jumping into the water on your surfboard to meet and ride those massive Atlantic waves, or just like relaxing along the beachside, digging your toes into the soft white sand as the waves crash near your feet, Florida Beaches has it all and more.

Make sure to at least check out one of these stops on your next vacation or staycation in the Sunshine State.

Here’s a taste of the best beaches Florida is known for:

Sanibel Island

One of the ten most popular islands of Florida, other than the scorching hot sand, the beaches here are famous for one thing: seashells. In fact, the island has one of the most abundant collections of seashells in the world in all colors, shapes, and sizes. There’s even an entire museum here dedicated to them.

Clearwater Beach

Usually, things named as such have nothing to do with their literal meaning. However, in this case, it does live up to its name. This Florida beach has gotten its reputation from its clear blue waters and pearly white sands, lined with palm trees. It’s the perfect setting for taking a stroll with the love of your life, and maybe getting down on one knee to pop the big question. 

Delray Beach

There is a reason why this charming village by the city continues to attract more and more tourists each year. If you are looking for a retreat, this is your place to go to. With its countless spas, luxury hotels, five star restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, it’s the perfect place to escape from your monotonous life for a while. 

Siesta Key


The Siesta Key comprises of miles upon miles of sandy white beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There are tons of water activities to take part in, from simple snorkeling and kayaking, to the more extreme fly boarding and kite surfing. And don’t worry if you have never tried any of these before. Both equipment and lessons are available.

Key West

Often hailed as the paradise of Florida, it is “the” beach among beaches. Key West is the textbook definition of an exotic beach. Rent a bike and off you go. There are thousands of spots to explore along the beach alone. Just don’t blame us if the beauty of the place constantly takes your breath away.

South Beach

South Beach is perhaps the liveliest beach in all of Florida. It’s the state’s 24/7 nightlife capital. So if you are big on partying and dancing the night away; Miami is where you can party like a rock star.

Beaches are one of the best things the state of Florida has to offer, and if you haven’t been to any of the above places, you haven’t seen Florida at all, which is a problem that needs to be remedied this instant.

So get up and experience some of the best beaches that America, and perhaps the world, has to offer.

And while you are there, don’t forget to get some souvenirs to take back home to your loved ones. Follow our blog for more info about the beaches of Florida. Tell us about your favorite beach you’ve visited in Florida.

Your Dream Vacation to Florida Awaits You

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Looking for the perfect Florida vacation?

Of course you are. Who isn’t!

We all need a break from the tiring day-to-day chores and escape into a world of clear blue skies, crystal clear beaches that stretch for miles, luxury oceanfront hotels, and lush landscapes (yes, just like in the movies).

So if you are looking for an exciting vacation for yourself and for your family, you should definitely consider visiting Florida this year.

Home to Miami Beach, Florida hosts an exciting environment that offers everything for people of any age or interest. From cultural events to museums to fine dining restaurants, just name your activities of interest and you’ll find them all in Florida.

Museums, bars, cafés, zoos, jungles, beachfront hotels – it’s like a package that consists of everything that you have always wanted for your dream Miami vacation. Not to mention the mesmerizing white grainy, sandy beaches that offer an experience second to none.  

Yes, please!

We are referring to the famous Beaches of Miami Beach, Florida. The warm water and the beach activities will further enhance your vacation experience.

Also, if you are on the lookout for trendy restaurants and shops that offer exquisite clothing trends, then Miami Beach is definitely the city for you.

We are sure you’ll also find a few celebrities here as well while you are drinking your favorite beer or eating those yummy Cuban sandwiches.

And when you get tired and it’s time to get some rest, you get a room in a luxurious and comforting hotel that will provide you with services that you are bound to remember for a long time.

Some of these hotels will also offer you breathtaking views of the sunsets and the scenic beauty of endless beaches and ocean water.

Select Miami Beach hotels hold a number of surprises of their own. From exclusive drinks to delicacies that will leave your mouth watering for more, these premiere hotels offer a range of food items that will leave you licking your fingers and coming back for more.

If you are traveling with your family then Florida offers activities that will make your family vacation even better. From shopping malls to safari’s and Everglades airboat rides, it offers something for everyone. 

If you are a lover of wildlife, then you need to visit any Florida State Park, like the Everglades, even theme parks such as SeaWorld Orlando and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

If you are a fan of theme parks and are not easily scared of roller coasters (we all are to some degree though), then there are a number of parks that will provide you with thrilling experiences and memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Just to name a few, The Magic Kingdom Park, The Disney Hollywood Studios, and Universal Studios are some places that you should check out.

So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags. Florida awaits!

Follow our blog for more vacation planning tips and ideas. Tell us about your adventures in Florida in the comments below.

Florida Beaches That You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

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Yeah, we got this straight: According to USA today, Gulf Island Seashore and Clearwater beach among others were the winners of the “Best Florida Beach” contest.

But, do you know Florida has 1,200 miles of sandy shorelines?

And, instead of squeezing yourself next to other beachgoers on the most crowded beaches, why not pick your haul and head to your own quiet sandy paradise?

Here are some of the beaches that Floridians want to keep a secret forever.

Sunny Isles Beach

People won’t believe that some of the most concealed beaches in Florida are often in front of their plain sights, and yet they’re somehow missed. Sunny Isles is a 2 mile-long expanse of white sand sitting peacefully between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

If you are opting for it, you will be surprised by exotic places to stay at, like Acqualina and Trump Resort for instance. For the tourists who like it rough, the facility of paddling kayak is also available. This can take them miles towards exciting mangrove swamps. Amidst shaded picnic tables and beach services, the adventure of manatees and dolphins often kicks off from here.

Delray Beach

When the Florida locals want a beach that is vibrant but not overrun with tourists, they set out for Delray Beach located between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. This beach is often the destination for people who like to live the ‘village-by-the-sea’ life. Easily accessible from the East Atlantic Avenue, Delray offers historic neighborhoods along with several boutiques, ice-cream parlors, sidewalk cafes and much more.

St. George Island

St George’s Island is a 28-mile-long shore of shimmering white sand,  engulfed by tall pine trees. It’s situated on the green waters of Panama City out of the Gulf of Mexico. If you are a quiet and peace loving person, you would especially love this beach. It has a general store, a couple of restaurants and cottages. Tourists who travel solo also rent one of the several inns provided to explore the beach which has a wild state park as well. George’s Island is the perfect place to hang out for a week without any kind of usual seaside commotion.  

Caladesi Island Beach

This Caladesi Island State Park consists of a large three miles of undeveloped beach. This Island beach is located near the city of Clearwater, to the west of Dunedin, Florida.

Because it’s a short ferry ride away from Dunedin, it’s mostly left uncrowned covered with all the tranquility wildlife has to offer.  Famed researcher “Dr. Beach” (Stephen Leatherman) has often given multiple awards to Caladesi Island, one of them labeling it as ‘America’s Best Beach’.

So, after reading this blog, which Florida Beaches are you going to hit this time? Comment below and let us know what you think about this covert list.