Florida is famous for its sunny skies, palm trees, and endless coastline. However, many people don’t realize that Florida’s coastlines are divided into distinct regions, each with its unique personality, history, and attractions. So if you are planning a trip to Florida, you must visit these coasts.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys a good beach day, you will get a great experience. From the serene and secluded shores of the Forgotten Coast to the vibrant nightlife of the Gold Coast, Florida offers something for everyone. Here’s a look at the 12 coasts of Florida that you need to explore.
Forgotten Coast
As the name suggests, the Forgotten Coast is a less explored and unspoiled stretch of coastline located in Florida’s Panhandle, running from Mexico Beach to the St. Marks River. Unlike some of the state’s more commercialized beach areas, it is known for its natural beauty, historic charm, and slower pace of life. The beaches along the Forgotten Coast are quiet and uncrowded, which makes them perfect for sunbathing or beachcombing. If you like water activities, Apalachicola Bay is especially famous for its oysters and offers excellent opportunities for both inshore and offshore fishing.
You can also visit the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge to see a variety of bird species, sea turtles, and even the occasional red wolf. If you want to enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, and hiking, Bald Point State Park would be a perfect spot for you.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About the Florida Panhandle
Sun Coast
The Sun Coast is a radiant stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its sunny skies, sparkling waters, and vibrant communities. It features some of the most popular beaches in the U.S. like Clearwater Beach where visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or renting jet skis and paddleboards. If you are a history lover, you will love The Dali Museum as it houses an extensive collection of works by Salvador Dalí. You can also go to the Ringling Museum of Art if you want to explore European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
For families, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a good spot to enjoy thrilling roller coasters with up-close animal encounters or the Florida Aquarium where you can get interactive exhibits and a chance to see marine life up close. If you want to enjoy dining and nightlife, Downtown St. Petersburg is a hotspot for fun with a variety of restaurants, bars, and craft breweries. You can enjoy waterfront dining, visit trendy rooftop bars, or explore local art galleries during the monthly “St. Pete Second Saturday ArtWalk.”
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Lee Island Coast
The Lee Island Coast is a captivating region in Southwest Florida, known for its pristine beaches, barrier islands, and laid-back atmosphere. This Florida coast is perfect for those looking to unwind, explore nature, and indulge in outdoor activities. If you like fishing, boating, and water activities like sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, you should consider exploring Pine Island Sound. The Captiva Island is another good spot for relaxing on the beach, dining at waterfront restaurants, or taking a sunset cruise.
There are other activities like wildlife watching you can do on this coast. Whether you’re exploring the mangroves, paddling through estuaries, or hiking in nature reserves, you’ll encounter a wide range of animals, including manatees, dolphins, alligators, and numerous bird species. If you want to get some cultural exploration, the Lee Island Coast offers attractions like the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum where you can get insight into the area’s history and unique local culture.
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First Coast
Located in the northeastern part of Florida, First Coast has fun places like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Amelia Island. If you like history, you should visit St. Augustine as the city is filled with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and centuries-old landmarks. For families, Jacksonville Beach is perfect for sunbathing, surfing, or simply relaxing by the ocean. The beach also hosts festivals and events throughout the year.
The Riverside Arts Market is another good spot to get local artisans, food vendors, and live entertainment under the Fuller Warren Bridge. If you like water activities, you can visit the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve as it offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and learning about the local ecosystem.
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Emerald Coast
As the name suggests, Emerald Coast is known for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sandy beaches. This beautiful stretch of coastline includes popular destinations like Destin where you can get opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. The beach is ideal for families and offers a range of water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. If you want to try deep-sea fishing, you can explore Destin Harbor. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, you can try your hand at catching grouper, snapper, or even marlin.
If you want a more relaxed fishing experience, you can head to the Okaloosa Island Pier. It’s a great spot for catching fish like pompano, mackerel, and redfish. For activities like snorkeling and diving, the clear waters of the Emerald Coast make it an excellent destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can also explore underwater reefs, see colorful fish, and even dive into shipwrecks.
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Nature Coast
Nature Coast is one of the most peaceful Florida coasts, where you can relax, rewind, and get in touch with nature. The crystal-clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River or the Chassahowitzka River are perfect for spotting manatees, otters, and a variety of bird species. The Gulf waters off the Nature Coast are rich with marine life, which means you can catch species like redfish, snook, and tarpon.
The Nature Coast is renowned for its fresh seafood, so you can also enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish, shrimp, or the famous Cedar Key clams at one of the local restaurants.
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Cultural Coast
The Cultural Coast is centered around Sarasota and is known for its rich arts and cultural scene. Since it’s home to various art galleries and museums, you can explore works from local artists to international masters. You can also spend your days wandering through exhibits, attending art shows, and even participating in art workshops. While culture is at the forefront, the beaches here are also spectacular.
Siesta Key Beach, known for its powdery white sand, is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the sunset. If you’re with your family, you can visit the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to explore exhibits on local sea creatures, watch sharks swim, and even participate in eco-tours.
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Paradise Coast
Located in Southwest Florida, the Paradise Coast is known for its luxurious and quiet environment. If you want a spot for sunbathing, swimming, and watching the sunset, you can go to Naples Beach. You can also visit Marco Island Beaches as they offer various fun activities like shelling, birdwatching, and kayaking.
The Paradise Coast is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. With over 90 golf courses in the area, you can enjoy playing on courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. If you’re an art lover, the Naples Art Association is a perfect place as it offers exhibitions, art classes, and workshops for those interested in the local arts scene.
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Space Coast
The Space Coast offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. The name comes for its connection to space exploration but there’s much more to enjoy beyond rocket launches. If you want to experience sandy shores, great surf, and a laid-back vibe, Cocoa Beach would be a great spot. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing and you can also enjoy fishing, dining, and watching the waves.
One of the main attractions of this coast is the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors can tour NASA’s launch facilities, view historic spacecraft, and even meet real astronauts. For those who love nature, the Canaveral National Seashore offers pristine, undeveloped beaches and diverse wildlife, which makes it a perfect spot for hiking, bird-watching, and kayaking.
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Ten Thousand Islands
The Ten Thousand Islands are a remote, wild region in Southwest Florida, stretching between Marco Island and Everglades City. Since they are surrounded by wilderness, people who seek adventure, wildlife, and solitude can get an amazing experience. The maze of mangrove tunnels and waterways in the Ten Thousand Islands makes it a paradise for kayaking and canoeing. It is also home to a wide range of wildlife, so you will find an abundance of species, including herons, egrets, and ospreys.
For those looking to immerse themselves fully in nature, the Ten Thousand Islands offer backcountry camping opportunities. Chickee huts, raised wooden platforms built over the water, provide a unique camping experience amidst the mangroves. If you’re confused about your itinerary, you can start your journey from Goodland. It is a charming place where you can get fresh seafood along with other guided activities.
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Gold Coast
The Gold Coast of Florida encompasses cities like Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Miami and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, luxurious lifestyle, and stunning beaches. Whether you’re lounging on the soft sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, swimming in the turquoise waters of South Beach, or exploring the quieter stretches of Boca Raton, you will find plenty of ways to enjoy. If you want some thrill, you can go jet skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing, or take a boat tour along the coast.
This coast is famous for its nightlife. So if you like partying, you can go to South Beach as it is a hub of activity with its world-renowned nightclubs, rooftop bars, and trendy restaurants.
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Treasure Coast
The Treasure Coast is a charming and less-commercialized stretch of Florida’s eastern shoreline. It features peaceful and beautiful beaches, which makes it perfect to spend quality time with your friends and families. One of them is Vero Beach where you can find spots to swim, boat, and enjoy other water activities. The McKee Botanical Garden is another spot to explore tropical plants, water features, and sculptures. If you love art, you will love the Vero Beach Museum of Art as it features an impressive collection of American and international art, as well as its rotating exhibitions and sculpture garden.
Nature lovers can visit The St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park and the Indian River Lagoon for birdwatching, hiking, and observing local wildlife, including manatees and dolphins. If you like to try new foods, various waterfront restaurants in towns like Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie provide delicious meals with a view.
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Conclusion
These coastlines in Florida are more than just endless stretches of sand and surf. Each of the 12 coasts offers a unique experience, reflecting the state’s varied landscapes, histories, and lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep dive into local culture, Florida’s coasts have it all. So if you’re planning your next vacation or simply daydreaming of sandy shores, don’t forget to add these to your itinerary. Always remember, for any moving-related inquiries, Emerald Coast Moving is here to help you every step of the way.
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