I am a Native Floridian and honestly, I won’t tell people my favorite beaches and fishing spots. Because I would be heart broken if they turned into a tourist spot. But there are a lot of GOOD beaches to visit. Cedar Key is a great place to go for a get away type place to go. Crystal River has a lot to offer vacationers. St. John’s river, Fort Desoto, many state parks that are largely natural while still well maintained… So many places to go. Skip the travel guide brochure and do some hiking into what you want. Bring a camera, Native Florida is unique and beautiful.

@caryn9561

3 ай бұрын

But you just told everyone on the world wide web haha.

@Captkid1

3 ай бұрын

@@caryn9561 No, I did not tell my favorite places or beaches. I told of some Nice places to go. My favorite beaches and fishing spot won’t come up on any google search. You just have to know or find them while exploring.

@immar1075

3 ай бұрын

I feel as you do and I came here hoping not to see my area of FL. Unfortunately it won't be long everything is growing so fast in FL.

@Captkid1

3 ай бұрын

@@immar1075 Yeah, over a million people a year moving here now from socially failed states. Unfortunately, it is almost for certain they will destroy Florida too. Makes me cringe when I look at California. I visited there back in the 80s. It wasn’t Florida, but it was nice. Now half my neighbors here are from California, escaping social deterioration. Keaton Beach area is filling up with New Yorkers escaping Social deterioration there. Folks from PA come here in droves too. Went down to a great fishing cove and natural beach the other day. It is down a winding, bumpy seven mile dirt road that after a storm requires a four wheel drive. The cove had several out of state mud boats just running back and forth thru the fishing area. They had twenty or so people on the beach drinking, being loud and arguing at times. Their 4 wheel drive truck had tore the beach all up trying to launch their boats (no boat ramp there) and there wasn’t a fish to be caught in the cove. A glimpse of the future ai suppose.

@immar1075

3 ай бұрын

@@Captkid1 I remember places like that. You could fish all day and not see another person. We better enjoy what we have while we have it.

All of those are the tourist traps I avoid as a resident vacationing. Thank you for pointing non residents in the right direction 😊😂

@jamesm2577

25 күн бұрын

Delray is only about 10 miles away so I've gone there to eat a few times but parking is all commercialized & it became too easy to get ticketed for the downtown area. morikami *is* a fairly cool place to visit at least once even if I thought it was in boca

Kinda tough watching this. We came to Florida in 1955 and lived in Jacksonville, Key Biscayne, West Hollywood, Coral Gables, Winter Haven, and Gainesville. My father's business took him all over and often we would get to travel with him to all these areas you mention and quite a few others. Florida was so much different back in those times and I can only be grateful that I could experience it that way.

@naturalPaths

Ай бұрын

We moved here in 1984 - very different from your entry. Still so very different from ‘84 till now.

I'm 67 years old now, when I was a teenager everyone you met who said they were from Florida, their parents were from New York, Massachusetts, or Michigan.

@DM-95

3 ай бұрын

Which is why most southerners don’t claim Florida as southern anymore. Very few Floridians. North Georgia (my home) is becoming the same way.

@brucefranklin6765

3 ай бұрын

I’m 65 and a 4th generation Floridian. My family was one of the first to settle in the Panhandle. We now have 6 generations!

@geekasauruswreks8789

2 ай бұрын

Old Floridian family member here. My family helped settle Kenansville, Fl. At the time St. Cloud, Fl didn't exist. My ancestors helped to settle St. Cloud and Kissimmee, too. The old cemetary in Kenansville belonged to my great great grandfather (...I think. I'm not exactly sure how many generations back.). He sold it to the county for $1 to give back to the communnity and they used it as a cemetary. Morbidly, I have a grave with my name on it because my family pays a very reduced fee to be buried there. If anyone is familiar with Saint Cloud, Fl (a not so small town now and I miss the old days of course) there's a neighboorhood there called Stevens' Plantation. That property belonged to my Great Aunt. She sold it off a few years before she died to a developer. In some ways it's a shame she sold it, but it was hers to do with as she wished. They called it Stevens' Plantation in honor of the family. I have no idea how many generations back we go as native Floridians, but it's quite a bit. I'm positive of at least seven generations including the current ones, but I know we go further back than that. One of my cousins paid for ancestory work. I need to meet up with her to discuss it. Life's just so busy! Old Floridian families are a dying breed. Many don't like how big our small towns have become. I'm thinking of moving myself. Partially because I've never lived outside of Florida but mostly because of how overcrowded it is. The cities and counties sell so much land to developers without making sure there's infrastructure to support that many people. Now traffic is horrible. Everything is crowded. It's a mess! I'm from St. Cloud, past tense. I lived there well into adulthood and I've watched it go from a city with two restaurants, one stop light, and the downtown area to a city that is almost unrecognizable as the place I grew up. I love the Ocala area, to be more accurate the area outside Ocala, but I think it's only a matter of time before it becomes over populated here as well. It's beautiful, though. I love my home state. There are so many things we have here that can be taken for granted but that can make for an amazing life. I don't begrudge the people who have decided to move here. I only wish the cities and counties would provide more infrastructure instead of just chasing the almighty dollar. Sorry for such a long comment. Apparently I had things to say. lol

@geekasauruswreks8789

2 ай бұрын

@@DM-95 we have a saying. Florida becomes more Southern the further North you travel. lol Not always the case, but the saying caught on for a reason.

@daleupthegrove6396

2 ай бұрын

I grew up in St. Cloud in the 60's and just recently moved back. Sure, a lot has changed but a lot has stayed the same. Downtown has the same buildings when I was a kid with only a very few changes. Yes the town has changed but so have I. Without change things just stagnate, the trick is to embrace it and turn it to your advantage.@@geekasauruswreks8789

Become a Park Ranger in the Florida park service, that way you can be on vacation everyday.

@himynameis6502

2 ай бұрын

Unfortunately it doesn’t pay a living wage. Especially living in Florida.

Tampa here. Great video. My favorite is Siesta Key, where the crystal fine sand squeaks between your toes !

@SunshineStateInsider

3 ай бұрын

Siesta Key is my favorite beach in Florida!

@TheRusschannel

3 ай бұрын

I Live by siesta Key and hate it.

@joseamor9319

3 ай бұрын

​@@TheRusschannelYOU SHOULD MOVE THEN!!

@mfhairstream6812

3 ай бұрын

@@TheRusschannel Maybe try move on the key. I would not want to live by siesta too

@willjam465

3 ай бұрын

Siesta Key has been a favorite for 35 about years.

Life-long Floridian here...just a note for those that may not know. "The Season" for Florida is different in the various parts of the state. I am sure there are some exceptions, but in general the busier season for mid to south Florida is the winter. Whereas summer is the busiest time in the Panhandle and the northern part of the Atlantic coast. North Florida can be quite cool by southern standards during the winter, so tourists tend to be from more northern locations during the winter. We have visited all the spots mentioned in the video and really prefer visiting during the 'off season'.

@villagaiac55

25 күн бұрын

even Key West water is freezing in January. Only the Norwegians got in.

@ChatGPT1111

7 күн бұрын

Life-long Floridian....but you're only 18 years old 😂😂😂

I'm a FL Native, and one place I love is New Smyrna Beach. Went there alot as a kid and it really hasn't changed that much. I also love Sanibel and the Keys!

@SunshineStateInsider

3 ай бұрын

I totally almost included New Smyrna! Only reason I I didn’t is because it’s a little close to Cocoa Beach and I wanted to spread them out a bit. 😃

@ChatGPT1111

3 ай бұрын

@@SunshineStateInsiderpeople who live in Cocoa Beach go to New Smyrna. Cocoa Beach is where the Orlando crazies go.

@richardjohnson8114

3 ай бұрын

New Smyrna is a top surfing destination.

@danip3270

3 ай бұрын

Please don’t add some of these. I’m not a native, but I’ve been here decades. I’m in Flagler, and there are already enough entitled tourists that flood into here. Not just the regular tourists, who are very welcome. There are a lot of tourists who come in, heavy drinking, road rage, trashing quiet beaches and parks, and insult/belligerent locals. I’ve seen nasty behavior at the beach that seems to get worse. I just wish tourists and newer locals would read a few of the rules….like no harassing manatees or letting dogs loose in areas they’re not permitted. We should all be respectful of where we visit.

@villagaiac55

25 күн бұрын

sharks!!

As an Atlantan, I can tell you Destin is NOT a secret here. Probably the most popular place we go.

@debbiet-t.3773

2 ай бұрын

And it’s just as much of a Tourist Trap as Panama City Beach & 30A etc, only it’s going to cost you an arm & a leg !!! Bring a TON of Money, you’re going to need it. Millionaires all live on 3O A !!!

@OceanSoul1969

Ай бұрын

Not a secret in Louisiana either!

We almost moved to Florida when i was a kid back in 97 or 98. My step dad almost took a job there, but he ended up not taking it at the last minute. I sometimes wonder how differently life would have turned out if wed moved. If nothing else, what a great place to spend your teenage years and early 20s!

@crashdsnowman1

9 күн бұрын

Florida has been in rapid decline since the 80s. Orlando was already a rat race by 88.

I'm a native Floridian and my favorite beach is on Casey Key. My parents always took us there on vacation. And we've always returned there just about every summer. It's also in Sarasota County and is like Anna Maria Island as it doesn't have high-rise condos. It's absolutely beautiful and not over run by people. Venice Beach is just south, and Siesta Key to the north.❤

@YvonneTheArtist

3 ай бұрын

Doesn’t that area have an issue with red tide and what about the pesticide spill in Tampa Bay? I always wonder where the cleanest water (and skies) are in Florida. I’ve been in FTL for two years and I’m not feeling “at home”.

@alabamagirl2725

3 ай бұрын

I am 55 and still love jumping off the little bridge. Been here since 74

Ocean Grill Vero Beach one of my Five Favorite restaurants

@Floridiots

Ай бұрын

The cajun prime rib is great.

I do and always have lived on the beach in Florida, just south of Clearwater Beach. I have a boat and any day on the water when it's warm is a blessing.

I live in Tampa and want to thank you for not mentioning my favorite local beach. The best beach for lots of space.

You forgot our MANY beautiful springs!

@1catmac

3 ай бұрын

??

@canolorenzo

3 ай бұрын

Don’t tell them. Let’s keep them secret.

Since RVing became the rage, Florida's best kept secret is just about any of its state parks, and those with campgrounds. I won't tell you my favorite, but I've yet to get the most coveted camping spot there which is right on the small river that runs through it ;) In the St Pete area, a trip up to Honeymoon Island to catch the ferry to Caledesi Island is a must. And any of the other successful downtown areas in that county - Gulfport, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor.

@KristaMiller

2 ай бұрын

Sounds like my hometown... Starts with an A, ends with an a? ;)

@bearball49

2 ай бұрын

I had roots in Dunedin. Visited my uncle there often. Raised spending summers with my grands in StPetersburg. I was there from 1958 on. Miss it so much. My spirit home. Can't afford it now. It has been about 15 years since I have been back.

Pass -a-grill beach is beautiful “ I was staying at the don cesar in 2019 and I had been to pass -a -grill 20 yrs previous and going back 20 yrs later nothing has changed which was so nice , such a lovely informative video thank you . Kind regards Philip essex uk 🇬🇧

@johnhoke6055

11 күн бұрын

Shhhhhhhh

@justinbartlett4711

6 күн бұрын

I really recommend not going out far swimming at pass a grille -- especially near the jetty. That current rips pretty hard.

@pennybaxter4

5 күн бұрын

@@justinbartlett4711 thanks very much for the info it’s much appreciated

20 years as a resident of the Tampa Bay Area and really, we staycation right here most of the time but our go to out-of-town vacation is absolutely St. Augustine.

Marco Island! Been going there annually for Labor Day since the 70’s. It’s changed a lot, but the beach is spectacular and wide with accommodations from high end hotels (JW Marriott comes to mind) to rentals. 😊

Blowing Rocks is super unique and awesome and on Jupiter Island

Interesting Insights! Great overview of Florida's coastal gems. Thanks for the tips on off-the-beaten-path spots!

We live close enough to the Cape that launches shake our house and set the dogs off. We prefer NSB over Cocoa for a town beach but the wild beaches on Cape/wildlife refuge property are the best in my opinion. No condos or houses. Just miles of coastal wilderness.

Thanks for this 🌻! It’s refreshing to see vacation spots in Florida that aren’t just the usual tourist destinations. Can’t wait to explore 🚤🌺.

I love your posts I always dreamed about living there. Thanks so much for your important post's

Tallahassee’n here! We love to day trip to St. George island ❤

@macjrc

3 ай бұрын

Why did you say this??? Wtf it completely sucks. Noseeums and sand fleas always biting and way too expensive.

@user-nv7bn5gg5m

3 ай бұрын

@@macjrc I said day trip dang! I like going for the 4th.. Give it a break!😩

@travelandeats8518

3 ай бұрын

My sis is in Tallahassee. Shout out tally. I love chubbies. Destin beach was dope

Yep, the secret is definitely out about Anna Maria Island, unfortunately. It happened in just that past 3 years or so too. It's not bad in the summer, but in the winter it's a nightmare now.

@Freebird-oo6oe

3 ай бұрын

Just like the rest of florida 😢

@Captkid1

3 ай бұрын

When I was a kid we would have Hobie Cat races a couple times a year. We would race from St. Pete Beach to Anna Maria Island. Sleep on the Beach, have a big bon fire party. Then race back the next day. It was a blast. Florida will never be like that again unless we preserve it.

@TheJeffcurran

2 ай бұрын

I've been wanting to go there, but yeah, the secret is out.

Absolutely loved this insider's guide 🌿! Thanks for showing us where Floridians truly enjoy their time off 🌴🌞.

Great to see a video that shows the local spots 🦩! Thanks for sharing these Florida vacation secrets 🙏🏼🏖️.

I'm from West Ga. and my wife is from coastal S.C. Of the places in this video, we've been to Destin and St. Augustine but just driven through Key Largo and Islamorada. We love Key West, Matlacha, Dunedin as well as the other places I mentioned. It broke our hearts to see Matlacha so devastated. I hope they are recovering.

@crashdsnowman1

9 күн бұрын

The Keys are so crowded during the tourist season (Nov-April) it is unreal now. Bumper to bumper traffic at 50 mph from key Largo all the way to KW(takes 2 hours to go100 miles). I can't tell you how many times I hear tourist say the beaches are nasty and there is nothing for kids to do in KW. Odd that they don't research a little before coming down here.

My first visit to Cocoa Beach was love at first sight. I have been there for several get aways over the past few years. Definitly my favorite. Thanks for sharing.

The Southwest coast of Florida is the best. Last year I brought my metal detector and was able to greatly expand my collection of roofing nails.

@BajaGirl302

Ай бұрын

😂👍

@crashdsnowman1

9 күн бұрын

I'll bet I have you beat in bottle caps.

Been to all these places, and all have their charm. St. Augustine is my favorite, followed by the Keys. Driving down from St. Augustine along A1A to Flagler Beach is really nice. Another great area is Panama City to Panacea along US 98. Apalachicola in particular is a great place to stay to check out he area.

DEL BOCA VISTA!! (Frank Costanza voice). 😄

Great video! Definitely gave me some ideas to consider for my next Florida trip. Ty!

And don’t forget visiting Fort Desota Beach THE NORTH BEACH. Can’t believe he didn’t mention this one or the shells! HE DIDN’T MENTION getting all the sea shells at Sanibel and Captiva- due to the way the current comes in during the winter storms you can get some cool shells. Just get up early, like really early or the visitors will scoop them up. Gulfport use to be really quiet and cool with cobblestone streets.

My favorite place is Morikami Gardens. Another fun place to visit is the Yellow and Green market in Hollywood.

This was incredibly helpful for avoiding the tourist traps 🐚. Thanks for sharing these gems! 🗺️❤️

Cocoa Beach here. Lots of great food and gorgeous beaches here. Your clip did not do us justice.

@jefflovesfishing2002

3 ай бұрын

Commercialized

@jefflovesfishing2002

3 ай бұрын

Tourist trap

@jefflovesfishing2002

3 ай бұрын

Fun to party there tho!

@crashdsnowman1

9 күн бұрын

So you want more tourist to make your spot crowded, I'm glad he didn't mention our location.

Thank you for the video! I learned a lot

Living in St.Iohns , we love St Augustine. Some great Dining and fun taverns to hang out at. Two other great places we love to hang out are Neptune Beach(north end of Jax beach) Great little area, small little beach town with hotels and homes, great restaurants and shopping and awesome beach. And Fernandina beach to the north corner of Florida is a beautiful old town, Victorian feel n vibe, with great local shopping, and also some excellent restaurants 😊😊

I used to live on St Simons Island , Ga right ON East Beach terrificisland to bting up my daughter who became a career CG helicopter pilot...I was a professor and administrator at the college on the mainland. We loved visiting St. Augustine...some lovely restaurants but is has been 25 years...the hop off transpotation was something we used even then. Fernadina was a short hop away....sleepy little village back then..very similar to the Ga. sea islands.

If you are fortunate enough to own a boat, just put in at Clearwater then head out of Tamps Bay. Turn left or right in the gulf and you will find pristine beaches with no one around. If near Ft Myers, boat over to Captiva or Sanabel. Beyond beautiful and secluded.

@latinaalma1947

2 ай бұрын

Yes....

I lived in Florida for 6 years. I always told the tourist to go to the larger beaches. I liked Fort De Soto, Indian Rocks, Dunedin Causeway/Honeymoon Island and the beach near New Port Richey. I can’t remember the name.

@brian7224

Ай бұрын

The one in Hudson is Sam's it is a restaurant / bar right on the intracoastal waterway. there is a small but quaint beach there...No waves...it is the gulf coast so there are none.Excellent food and fair prices and a hotel right across the street. Also in Crystal River on Fort Island Trail at the end is a nice beach with restroom and water accommodations and a public boat ramp to boot.

I'm a native and have been to all of these places. My fav is anywhere in the Keys. I'd live there if I could afford it! I AM one of the natives that enjoys long weekend vacations here. Nice video.

Great job, great vid thank you

Great video! Thank you ❤️

I used to go to Ana Maria in the early seventies. I don't remember all those houses and buildings. We just went to the beach and enjoyed the day.

Buddy you’re giving away all our secrets. Lol 😊

Born and raised central west Coast. Anna maria Island has mostly been bought up Russians and vacation investment groups it was a very nice local favorite

Thanks for this video!

Hubby and I lived near St Pete for a number of year to finish up my career with the Veterans hospital. Ft DeSoto and Paas-A-Grille are faves for sure! Thanks for all the information!

Great video. Thanks🏝️

We live by Anna Maria island and it is naturally beautiful. You can walk to so many shops and restaurants right in the heart of the island. The beach has been left very natural with a native trees and greenery. It’s very quiet and you won’t see amusement parks or rides anywhere. The beach is sprinkled with nicer restaurants and more casual places to grab a drink or quick meal. More souvenir shops and little specialty shops than clothing. There are plenty of picnic areas and restrooms in shaded areas and some cute begging squirrels running around. Haha. Getting a place to stay on the island has gotten very expensive in the last few years. That’s the only negative 🥴

Yep, that’s pretty much my list if you add Key West (one of my favorite spots). As a Miami Vice and Bird Cage fan I also like South Beach near Miami. Wherever you go make sure you try fish dip, hogfish, triple tail, grouper sandwiches and cuban sandwiches. Fond memories at Pass-a-Grille Hurricane restaurant rooftop bar. I also love Disney, but only when going with the grand kids.

I've lived in Florida all my life, 66 years. I've been to everywhere in Florida. I've seen it all. I think as for beaches, the best beaches are on the Central Florida Gulf Coast. Panama and Pensacola is nice as well.

11:11 I Love Sebastian inlet so much I named my Son after it… Shalom from a Native Floridian

This was a great video! ❤

Wow, so many gems! This is really going to inform my next trip. Thanks for sharing. Kudos for the smart text, friendly voiceover and amazing images.

I live in Venice on the island. I'm sad when more high rise condos get built but honestly it's about as built up as you can get now. It's still like a small town and quaint. Not many chains on the island. Low key and relaxing for the most part.

@ddesouz6

3 ай бұрын

I live in northern palm Beach County. It’s changed so much. I have friends in Venice and we’re considering moving there this summer. I miss the small town vibes. I’m looking for a nice place to raise my kiddos.

@tommack8650

Ай бұрын

Sshhhhh...

Dunedin State Park (Honeymoon Island) off alt.US19 near Clearwater is another good one! Shellfish collectors and Sand Dollar chasers go there.There is also a boat that can take you to the island to enjoy also...A must see!

Amazing you did not mention the Florida Keys. There are dozens of small islands, some with almost deserted beaches, and the weather is always warmer than anywhere else in the North American Continent. it can be hard to find accomodations, and it does take quite a trip to get there, even for Floridians. Amongst the many key islands, there are still hidden gems that I will not share, and some which do not even have vehicle access!

@crashdsnowman1

9 күн бұрын

Glad he didn't, it is crowded beyond belief now and the non locals try to go 80 in a 50 all the way to KW down US1. There are head on collisions almost every week from people trying to pass. Most tourist stop coming around Easter then start again around Thanksgiving.

We live in beautiful St. Augustine. Visit in September if you want to avoid tourists! ❤

I live near Gasparilla Sound and take my boat to Cayo Costa State Park, which only has one small ferry, so if you don't have a boat, you ain't going. You can regularly have a quarter mile of beach to yourself.

Punta Gorda Venice Nakomis are freaking beautiful, everybody should see Manasota Beach!

Bradenton beach coquina beach north lideo south lideo beaches mag. Magnificent! Siesta key. The west Coast is just special with the white white sand just enough wave & beautiful water with changing colors depending on the lighting & clouds

Great video. I'm gonna be an annoying animal person and say please don't collect shells. I'm a hermit crab enthusiast and can tell you that because of the lack of shells, hermit crab populations are suffering. Any spiral types without holes are useful to them and they're crucial for their survival. Please throw them back into the water or place them somewhere where they may be less likely to be found by tourists. There are also places like, Crustacean Plantation (located in the Florida Keys), where you can donate shells you already have for wild land hermit crabs. Most hermit crabs are strictly aquatic though, so tossing them back into the water is best. I love this video. I moved to Florida 6 years ago and finding places that are less "touristy" is always a wonderful thing.

Look beautiful sea and sky, the scenery is so joyful 😍

Really old video of Crab Island (Destin). The floating playgrounds haven’t been there for at least six years. The larger vending boats that used to be anchored there all summer are gone, too.

Im with you on that Anna Marie Island is Beautiful and very calm ,Seista key is Second as its close to everything!!! Dave Roberts Inverness Florida 💯🎯🔥

Love St. Augustine, whenever we've gone, we've stayed at St. Augustine Beach because the hotels are cheaper and more available it seems. Always have parked at the parking garage near old town in St. Augustine. Also seems whenever we've gone there's been a random pop up thunderstorm but that's ok :)

Hey you included my hometown! Awesome!

Miami south Beach looking out from about the 10th floor at Miami Lowe’s has that gorgeous turquoise water too. But the water is rougher. But get up early like 6-6:30 am and drink cup of joe AND then go back to bed.

i waited for it in your video...and you left it out! SIESTA KEY mate

I’m driving home from honeymoon Island I have to say it was absolutely beautiful and tons of parking also. I’m mad at myself for always going to the same old clear water beach spots lol

The local conchs say there are 2 seasons, tourist season and hurricane season. We play where it's tough for tourist to get to.

St. Pete beach is my #1 favorite beach for tourists! I like convenient stores and restaurants within walking distance ❤

Also the botanical garden which houses the Orchids. The International Orchid society.

I am a native Floridian, go visit Miami Beach most tourists don’t know about it. Also check out Daytona Beach and Key West too! That’s where locals go. Don’t forget about Disney World Beach too

@robsonptrainer

3 ай бұрын

It sounds a joke 🤨

@Captkid1

3 ай бұрын

Hahaha… Yeah. That really is the best places for tourist. Seriously, you may be joking, but I used to tell people about a nice secluded beach. White clean sand , clean water, pavilions, grills, showers & indoor bathrooms and hardly any people. But it is inside a state park and you CAN NOT drink on the beach, so very few tourist will go there. And it is in a dry county, so no bars or liquors stores either. I love it there. Half the time when I go, I have two miles of beautiful beach to myself. I don’t drink, so it isn’t an inconvenience to me. I suppose tourist have this mental anticipation of needing to drink while laying in the sun. I don’t know why, but tourist seem to be happiest on the “vacation” manicured beaches. Maybe because they want alcohol and seafood brought to them while they lay near the beach???

I take day trips to Sanibel, FMB, Bonita Beach, Boca Grande and take mini vacations on both coasts. I'd like to check out Destin, but there's no easy, quick way to get there from SWFL. This year I'm heading to Anna Maria, Madeira Beach and checking out the Pink Shell locally on FMB. And I always go during our off season which is summer.

Definitely got to add Hallandale Beach Florida, Beautiful beaches and Hotels, lounges, restaurants and Gulf Stream Park, Atlantic Village.

@willbygosh4887

3 ай бұрын

Too expensive!

@SuperAmin1950

Ай бұрын

I enjoy Hallandale Beach, I grew up there; my mom even spent 2 terms as mayor¡ 😅

@Moneypower572

Ай бұрын

@@SuperAmin1950 it’s the fast growing city in south Florida now definitely grow a lot.

@tommack8650

Ай бұрын

I grew up on beach at Keating Park c1970. Dad worked at Gulfstream. Dorians and Oceans Eleven on US1 👍

I have stayed at the ‘Tween Waters inn several times, in the historic old cabins. It saddened me deeply to hear about the devastation from the hurricane 🥺

You hit a lot of great cities! I love Destin, St. Augustine, Cape Coral, Key West, Fernandina Beach, Siesta Key, Venice, Miami, DelRay and Englewood. 😊🌴🌴🌴🌴🐢🦀🐊🌊🌴🌴🌊🐠🐠🐠

I am glad you missed my favorite beaches in Florida that will forever remain a secret.

@SunshineStateInsider

3 ай бұрын

Totally understood! 😉

@KristaMiller

2 ай бұрын

Is it ST GEORGE ISLAND, FL? ;) We were voted #1 BEACH by Dr. Beach in 2023! Most unique beach town in Florida... My family has been here for over 100 years!

@dawgdayz4884

2 ай бұрын

@@KristaMiller Spread out, it's a big world.

I’ve visted family in an area called Tarpon Springs. Beaches have the local feel to them. Not a lot of commercial activity.

From age 11 till age 27 I lived in two different vacation destinations. I know the feeling of weekend and summer crowds. Lake Arrowhead was a popular resort with a lot of celebrities and others who would come to ski in the winter and water ski and boat in the summer. Then living in San Diego was almost a year round weekend mess of tourists.

Panama City and Destin both get 4.5 million visitors per year. The Panhandle is cool from the late late fall, through winter, and into early spring. (water is cool then as well) So unlike south Florida, the tourist season in the Panhandle is late spring, summer, and early fall, but mostly summer. Panama City Beach has more nightlife, but also more chaos with students etc at college break times. Destin has more family friendly beaches, but has a lot to do in the day time and night that isn't nightclubs. Both are crowded in summer. Late September is a great time to visit the panhandle if you want to avoid crowds and still have awesome weather.

@chadm6981

4 күн бұрын

We live in Navarre, 24 miles west of Destin. So much more laid back but we have been becoming more popular in the last few years.

Great video!

FYI St. Augustine is awesome! We spent 3 days downtown before we even discovered the island!

Honeymoon Island is one of my favorites

My brother is looking at moving to Vero Beach area. Looks nice.

I'm in Florida 5 miles from the beach and haven't been in the ocean in about 2 years 😂😂

Great vid! 3rd gen Floridian here! Born&raised in Miami Lakes, went to part of middle and all high school in Deerfield Beach/Boca Raton. Went to college in Orlando at UCF. Moved to Pensacola/Alabama border for last several years. My brother lives in Bradenton now. One uncle lives in Deland, the other still lives in Cooper City, my grandparents lived in Jupiter. We've done tons of staycations all my life. 100% on St. Augustine. You absolutely have to go at least once, I like pairing it with Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach since they're only an hour'ish away. Not gonna give everything away, but my favorite lower Key, is Bahia Honda Key. Esp. if you can afford a boat or rental, snorkeling rivals anywhere out there. You nailed it with the lack of beaches in the Keys that's so surprising the first time you go. Totally seems like Siesta Key is on everyone's radar now. East of Destin, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, etc probably is some of the most gorgeous area of Florida, and I absolutely love doing the 30A drive along the beach. If I'd win the Lotto, def. have a house there. Slight bias, but Pensacola/Navarre are totally underrated areas. And if someone's read the whole thing, Lover's Key is the best secret hideaway in Florida.

We visited Saint Augustine a couple of weeks ago, and I was really surprised by the number of homeless people there -just sitting around in the areas where tourists walk about and shop.

I am from Sarasota and I'd drive to Key Largo after work on the way to Key West. I would have reservations at John Penecamp State Park to go either snorkeling or in the glass bottom boat. I'd visit Key West twice a year, it's a different atmosphere, like you left America and in the Caribbean. That was years ago.

No Siesta Key, Lido key, Longboat key… St. Armands Circle ⭕️…. ? Btw, you have a very pleasant voice to listen to, especially at 3:30am. Thank you for your excellent program!!

@bethlyons6395

2 ай бұрын

Yes you do your voice is very easy to listen to. You would be great as newscaster or talkshow host etc.

Parking in St Augustine is much easier than years before because they started pay parking. There is a parking garage right across the street from the Fort that is 3 stories high. As of 2024 it's 20 a day but worth it to not deal with roadside parking and meters. I've gone all year round and always found parking at this garage.

Thank you

Delray and Flagler beaches are awesome 😎 cocoa beach is very affordable too!😊

The keys are a must and so much to choose from

Been going to St. George island for over 30 years. Getting expensive but it’s the part of Florida time forgot.