Beaches ➋ Adventure & Exploration Adrenaline junkies, take note of South Walton’s streak of 16 sugar-white beaches, the perfect launching pad for adventure. Rent a hydrobike at Santa Rosa Beach and navigate the surf like never before, go stand up paddleboarding at Grayton Beach or, for real thrills, cruise along Miramar Beach in a Klear Kanoo. Be a part of Cocoa Beach’s storied surf history with a high-energy lesson from Sandy Beach Surfi ng, or try your hand—and legs—at wind or kite surfi ng. Prefer to be underwater? The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Shipwreck Trail is the ideal dive scenario with nine historic wrecks on the route. Key West Eco-Tours o ers sailing, snorkeling and kayaking excursions, while Key Largo’s Dolphins Plus plunges you right into their habitat. ➌ Family Friendly Bringing your kids to the beach? Fort Myers’ shallow shore has no undertow, making it perfect for kids. Where to stay? Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina caters to the whole family. EXPERIENCE A TIME LAPSE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES Scan this page with your phone to watch a time-lapse video overview of northwest Florida beaches. Download the free Layar App. See full instructions on pg. 12. What's Your Ideal Beach Scene? By Lauren Tjaden Search { Beaches } at VISITFLORIDA.com This questionnaire will help you fi nd a beach with the vibe you’re looking for. Complete the sentences with the choices that best describe you. I WANT MY BEACH GETAWAY TO FEATURE: A . Dining, shopping and nightlife– everything from breweries to boutiques. B. Great restaurants with local flavors and creative cuisine. C. Experiences that immerse me in the outdoors and nature. IF YOU GOT: MOSTLY A’S, YOU’RE A NIGHT OWL To say a sleepy destination isn’t your style is an understatement. You want your beach to come with plentiful nightlife, whether it’s a band and beer at a local dive, live music at a swanky club, or laid-back cocktails at a beach bar. Consider a visit to: Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Daytona Beach, St. Pete Beach or Pensacola Beach MOSTLY B’S, YOU’RE A FABULOUS FOODIE You believe a vacation should leave a good taste in your mouth, literally. Whether it’s flaky pastries at a café, casual beach fare in a bistro or fine dining in an oceanfront restaurant, Florida beaches offer a smorgasbord of diverse choices. Consider a visit to: Delray Beach, Naples, Siesta Key/Sarasota, Holmes Beach or South Walton MOSTLY C’S, YOU’RE NATURALLY PERFECT The beach is host to an abundance of wildlife and that’s what you find most beautiful about it. Whether it’s dolphins arcing out of the waves, shells scattered across the sand or ospreys overhead, the sights and sounds of nature are what soothe your soul. Consider a visit to: St. George Island, Cape San Blas, Boca Grande, or Sanibel and Captiva islands WHAT MOST APPEALS TO ME IS: A. A vibrant, fun destination with live music and dancing. B. A city I can appreciate for its food as well as its beaches. C. A pristine beach without high-rises or chain restaurants. PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: PETER W. CROSS; PATRICK FARRELL; VISIT SOUTH WALTON MY IDEA OF A GREAT DAY AT THE BEACH IS: A. Soaking up rays and when the sun goes down, enjoying a bustling nightlife scene. B. Starting the day with a rich espresso, discovering a tiny café with amazing grouper sandwiches and toasting the sunset from a table overlooking the beach. C. Going on a dolphin eco-tour, hunting for seashells and watching a bald eagle search for fish. OF THE FOLLOWING THREE ACTIVITIES, I’D MOST LIKE TO: A. Go to a lively concert on the beach. B. Dine on the water at an award-winning restaurant. C. Watch a mother sea turtle nest on the beach at night. Tie-breaker: If you’re torn between beach scenes, try the Florida Beach Finder on VISITFLORIDA.com to find an even more precise match. OFFICIAL VISITOR’S GUIDE 4 17
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