Beaches Seashells and Egg Cases at Sanibel Island Sanibel Island is home to more than 330 species of mollusks. Along the white sand beach that is thickly carpeted with shells washed ashore from southern seas, keep an eye out for horse conch, Florida’s state shell, lightning whelk, and the beloved Atlantic kitten paw. The coveted junonia is also a rare fi nd. Treasure-hunting tips: Bowman’s Beach is easy to access with large parking facilities. Time your shelling to low tides and post-storms. It is illegal to take live shells from Sanibel Island. ð Sanibel Island City Beach, Secret Beach By Chelle Koster Walton Search { Beaches } at VISITFLORIDA.com Love your Florida beach with a side of city? Or prefer peaceful and hidden discoveries? Find the perfect balance at these ve destinations. PHOTOS: MELISSA VINCENT; VISIT ST. PETE/CLEARWATER; GREG M C CRACKEN/FLORIDA STATE PARKS Cayo Costa State Park Daytona Beach Opal Sands, Clearwater Beach Daytona Beach is renowned for its wide shore, amusement rides, and shopping and dining at Ocean Walk Shoppes. On the ip side in New Smyrna Beach, there is the all-natural Canaveral National Seashore at Apollo Beach, and a little farther south, Klondike Beach, accessible only on foot. St. Petersburg/Clearwater The new Opal Sands hotel and the recently renovated Pier 60 have made Clearwater Beach shine. A half-hour away in Dunedin, Honeymoon Island State Park and its unbridged sidekick Caladesi Island State Park are wild in the classic sense with an abundance of wildlife. Fort Myers Beach Times Square takes a beachy tone here. The pedestrian beach hub lies at the heart of a scene lively with beach bars, shops and a shing pier. To nd its more laidback counterpart, board a boat to Cayo Costa State Park, where birds and shells outnumber people, and tents and cabins replace resorts. Panama City Beach With its sophisticated Pier Park shopping and entertainment hub, Panama City Beach has stretched its metro appeal. For something more secluded, head to St. Andrews State Park, where nature prevails. Escape further on a day boat shuttle to castaway Shell Island, also part of the park. Miami Arguably Florida’s most metropolitan beach, chic South Beach is always buzzing. Families may opt for nearby Matheson Hammock County Park’s shallow, calm waters or local secret Atoll Pool Beach in Coral Gables. OFFICIAL FLORIDA VACATION GUIDE 4 41
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