I spent the month of January in 2023 turning 60! I called it Jilluary. Here are my thoughts on each of these 4 amazing beach towns I visited!
When it comes to beaches in Florida, there are plenty of options to choose from, each with its unique features and attractions. In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at four popular beaches in the Sunshine State: Indian Shores, Holmes Beach, Marathon, and Flagler Beach. Here’s what sets each of them apart:
Located on a barrier island on Florida’s west coast, Indian Shores is a quiet and peaceful beach known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. Unlike some of the more touristy beaches in Florida, Indian Shores offers a more relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for families or anyone looking for a quieter getaway. One of the highlights of this beach is the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve, a beautiful mangrove-lined estuary that’s home to a variety of wildlife. For me personally, there are a few too many mid rise condos and it felt like I was right on the busy beach front road. It’s perfect for families and tourists looking for lots to do. I like more of a laid back beach- but wow, those sunsets!
Holmes Beach is a small town located on Anna Maria Island, just off the Gulf coast of Florida. This beach is known for its beautiful white sand, crystal clear waters, and laid-back vibe. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. One of the unique features of Holmes Beach is the historic Bridge Street Pier, which offers great views of the bay and is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing. For me, it’s such a wonderful and laid back beach. The sunsets are stunning and the town has lots of good restaurants. If ONLY they allowed dogs on the beach. I love bringing my pup with me and spent my walks on the road vs on the beach (where I prefer)
Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. This beach offers a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and fishing. The waters off Marathon are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Marathon is also known for its laid-back island atmosphere and its vibrant arts and culture scene. Oh my goodness! I could spend months here at a time. This laid back town is my kind of place! My pup was welcome most everywhere (even at the Dolphin Research Center). Even though there are not miles of beaches here. The beaches are dog friendly and the views can not be beat! You can visit Key Colony’s sunset beach where they sing a goodnight song every night at sunset, Sombrero Beach is a public beach with great bathroom facilities and even sand volleyball courts and finally Coco Plum beach is the star of the sunrise! You should check out Marathon! Look for me at the Indigo Reef Resort!
Located on the east coast of Florida, Flagler Beach is a charming small town with a beautiful beach that stretches for six miles along the Atlantic coast. This beach is known for its soft sand, rolling waves, and uncrowded shoreline, making it a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Flagler Beach also has a lively downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. We stayed in the cutest mid century ranch right on the beach. The sunrises were beautiful and yes!!! It is a dog friendly beach! I’ll be back!
In conclusion, each of these beaches in Florida offers something unique and special to visitors. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a water sports adventure, or a lively beach town experience, there’s a Florida beach that’s perfect for you. What do you like the best? Laid back, busy beach town, sunrise, or sunset? We would love to know!
