Low cost Seaside Holidays in Florida

Panama Metropolis Seaside

I landed in Panama Metropolis Seaside (PCB) slightly greater than 17 years in the past and all the time depend myself fortunate to name this place dwelling. With 300-plus days of sunshine annually, it is recognized to have among the world’s most lovely seashores, together with some inexpensive spots. And because of 100 seashore entry factors, it’s straightforward to spend a day paddleboarding the mild waves or constructing sandcastles.

Shell Island, the seven-mile barrier island simply off St. Andrews State Park on the east finish of PCB, gives a non-public oasis the place you possibly can gather moon snails, periwinkles, and olive shells—all native to the world. My household scuba dives and we spend our time underwater exploring the coral-encrusted shipwrecks, Goliath grouper, massive sea turtles, and faculties of angelfish. If you happen to want to remain on land, cheap mini-golf programs dot the seashore. Locals like me know to beeline for the meals trailer, Finns Island Model Grub, which serves wonderful fish tacos.

St. Augustine Seaside

When you’ve had your fill of inexpensive points of interest like taking the free ferry to Rattlesnake Island–dwelling to Fort Matanzas, a fortified watchtower constructed by the Spanish in 1740—head to the 42 miles of Atlantic Ocean-facing seashores.

St. Johns County Ocean Pier has a beachfront park with bocce ball courts, a playground, and a kids’s splash zone. I like to spend the day enjoyable on St. Augustine Seaside earlier than heading to Boat Drinks bar for arguably the most effective piña colada within the state. And that is saying lots—final summer time, I traveled the state prime to backside, making an attempt cocktails and assembly bartenders whereas writing a e-book referred to as, “Florida Cocktails.”

St. George Island

On the Forgotten Coast of Florida, life strikes slightly slower. There’s shelling, bird-watching, lighthouses value exploring, and among the greatest seashore stargazing at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. It’s widespread to catch sea turtles nesting at daybreak on the 22 miles of serene seashore in early summer time.

Comparatively untouched for the 30 years I have been coming right here, it typically ranks among the many prime seashores within the U.S. An ordinance limiting buildings above three tales has saved the high-rises and large manufacturers at bay.

While you get hungry, Paddy’s Uncooked Bar has a bushel of oyster preparations and a tasty shrimp salad sandwich with simply the correct amount of mayo and dill. Cease by Aunt Ebby’s Ice Cream after a day on the sand; I’ve been taking my youngsters there since they had been infants.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville has 22 miles of public, pet-friendly seashores dotted with surf retailers, boutiques, eating places serving Mayport shrimp, and magical spots like Boneyard Seaside. Identified for having among the largest waves on the East Coast, it is also a surfer’s paradise. Guests and locals alike can take classes with Saltwater Cowgirls, a crew of girls instructors.

Simply do not go away with out tasting some Mayport shrimp—Jacksonville’s seashores have a number of stops on the Mayport Shrimp Path, or you possibly can swing by one of many many fish camps for recent, native seafood. Journey author Carrie McLaren, born and raised right here, loves TacoLu on Seaside Boulevard. She says, “My household stops right here for tacos, margaritas, and the road corn after a day on the seashore.”

New Smyrna Seaside

A bit over an hour from Orlando’s theme parks and half-hour from Daytona’s high-octane actions, New Smyrna Seaside gives small-town vibes with lengthy swaths of shoreline, swooping Florida shorebirds, historical past museums, and households on seashore cruisers pedaling the sand. With 17 miles of sandy seashores and North America’s most numerous estuary, the Indian River Lagoon, there are many budget-conscious actions for guests.

E-book an affordable two-hour pontoon boat tour up the Indian River Lagoon. Guided by a conservationist from the Marine Discovery Heart, you may have an opportunity to identify the elusive manatee, leaping mullet, and pink-hued roseate spoonbill. It’s also possible to go fishing, and drop off your catch at JB’s Fish Camp, the place they’ll cook dinner it to order for simply $15 and serve it alongside fries and coleslaw.

Stuart

North of Palm Seaside County, Stuart proves a South Florida escape could be executed on a price range. A county-wide four-story constructing top restriction means no towering buildings spoil the 22-plus miles of uncrowded seashores. Talking of seashores, they’re all public, with free parking and rolling seashore wheelchairs for guests with mobility wants.

Past the sand, greater than 115,000 acres of sprawling parks and conservation land supply numerous exploration alternatives, together with free guided eco excursions, like sea turtle seashore walks, kayak journeys, birding excursions, and extra.

Key Largo

For a lot of, a Florida Keys trip ends in Key West, however that is not essentially essentially the most inexpensive choice within the archipelago. Only a couple hours north sits Key Largo, the most important of the Florida Keys and residential to a number of seashores.

It’s a extra budget-friendly choice, plus it has the nation’s first underwater park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the place admission begins at $4.50. Take in the solar on Far Seaside, or swim to remnants of an early Spanish shipwreck 100 ft offshore at Cannon Seaside.

For vacationers on the lookout for inexpensive eating, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, the longest-running restaurant in Key Largo, has fueled a lot of my private dive journeys.

Hollywood Seaside

Positioned between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood gives a price range seashore trip tamer than its siblings to the north and south. The whole lot is inside strolling distance, and I by no means go away with out a cease at Le Tub for one among their toasted coconut piña coladas.

There’s one thing a few boardwalk, or Broadwalk on this case, that makes a seashore notably enticing. The two.5-mile pedestrian lane right here is paved with bricks reasonably than wooden, therefore it is title, Broadwalk.

Take within the dramatic ocean vistas plus out of doors cafes, farmers markets, juice bars, and ice cream retailers whereas strolling or curler skating (my most popular mode of transportation) the trail. Two parks supply slightly respite from the summer time warmth—paddleball is common on the historic Garfield Avenue courts, and the youngsters’s water playground at Charnow Park has a whimsical dolphin fountain for teenagers of all ages (like me) to play in.

Pensacola Seaside

Pensacola Seaside is dwelling to one of many longest stretches of federally protected seashore within the U.S., Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore. With 40 miles of sentimental, white-sand seashores and emerald waters, a super afternoon right here would possibly embrace swimming, snorkeling, and sandcastle constructing. If you happen to go to on a Tuesday between April and October, proficient native musicians present the soundtrack to your seashore getaway.

Pensacola can be dwelling to the primary cease on the Nice Florida Birding and Wildlife Path, so do not forget to pack your binoculars.

Pensacola additionally contains Perdido Key, dwelling of the Flora-Bama Yacht Membership—one among my favourite locations to spend a lazy afternoon on the seashore. From the Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney lyrics painted on the partitions to the memorabilia left by musicians passing by to the unobstructed view of the sand and sea, it is a should for anybody touring to Florida. Order one among their legendary Bushwackers and sink into island life.

Manasota Key

This barrier island, between Tampa and Fort Myers, may be the least talked about slice of paradise within the Sunshine State. Go for the seashores stuffed with shark enamel ripe for gathering, however keep for the Hermitage Artist Retreat, a multidisciplinary collective providing free and low-cost public occasions.

The island can be dwelling to nature preserves, like Lemon Bay Aquatic Protect, which has numerous ecosystems for mountaineering, bird-watching, and exploring mangroves. There’s parasailing, tarpon fishing, dolphin excursions, and extra to loved. And for those who discover a inexperienced sea grape leaf whereas exploring, add a stamp and mail it as if it had been a postcard for the vacation spot—it is a little-known, time-honored custom on Manasota Key.