Florida Gulf Beaches Knowledge Base
Why are Florida's Gulf Coast beaches so much better-looking than beaches on the AL, MS, and TX Gulf Coasts? I first thought it was the composition of the sand, as I was directly comparing Gulf Coast beaches in Northwest Florida such as those in Pensacola, Destin, and Panama City (which all have sugary-white sand), to the beach at South Padre Island, Texas (which has darker beige sand). But then I looked at photos of beaches near Northwest Florida but in the adjacent states of Alabama and Mississippi -- Dauphin Island/Mobile and Gulf Shores in Alabama and Biloxi in Mississippi. Those beaches have the same nice white sand that the Florida beaches do but the water colour is different. In Northwest Florida, the water is a tropical emerald blue-green colour, as you'd find in the Carribean or the Bahamas, while the water in Alabama and Mississippi (and Texas) is mostly a dull, dark blue-brownish colour. It seems like the proverbial God has blessed Florida with better beaches than the other Gulf Coast states, even when these other states' beaches are just miles away from the beautiful ones in Florida. What's the deal? The muddy Mississippi River empties out southeastward in Louisiana west of all the beaches in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida, so I'm not sure it greatly affects those beaches, and South Padre Island in Texas is far, far south of the Mississippi River's mouth (and away from the direction that it empties out), so it would seem unlikely that the river would have much impact on the colour of the water in Texas. South Padre Island is even Texas's most beautiful beach (which still doesn't compare to those in Northwest Florida), with beaches farther north on the state's Gulf Coast such as Port Aransas and Galveston being uglier and browner. Why have Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi been shafted when it comes to beach beauty while Florida has taken all the blessings? Obviously, this has to do with Mother Nature, but Nature seems to have been very unfair to all the Gulf Coast states but Florida, if we are to judge.
Florida Beaches: Gulf side or Atlantic? We will be staying in disney world for a week but want to drive to a beach for one day. Where is the best place to go? Family -oriented? Clean? We wouldn't mind making a 2 hour drive.
Beaches along Gulf of Mexico in Florida? I was hoping someone could tell me about the beaches on the Gulf side in Florida. I am looking for clear water and white sand. Any recommendations? Is there a specific area that is really nice?
Know of any great beaches on the Gulf Coast of Florida? I live in Jacksonville and want to take my 5 year old out of town for the weekend. I'm fairly new to FL and haven't explored the gulf side of the state yet. I hear there are very beautiful beaches out there but I don't know of any off hand. Where are the great beaches that would make for a good place to take a young boy who loves to play in the water? Nightlife not important, obviously... looking for something more family oriented.
Good family, fun, Florida gulf beach vacation spot? We have always taken our summer vacations to the beaches in the carolinas. Can anyone recommend a fla gulf coast beach area that would be a good place for kids? We're looking for events, water sports, safe, etc...reasonably priced too. thanks for any suggestions! Also, if you can share info on what the actual beaches (shore & water) are like down there, that'd be great...thanks!
Will The Florida Gulf Coast Be RUINED By The Oil Spill? I am planning on moving to the Tampa Bay/ St. Petersburg area of Florida after college. I'm kinda upset now because a huge part of wanting to moving to Florida is to be near the beautiful beaches Florida has to offer. Will the oil stain the white sand beaches brown or whatever color the oil is? If so, will it ever return to being its crisp clean white it is now? (I haven't been to the florida gulf coast yet, and really want to-a friend of mine just moved to the same area and I'm going to visit him sometime soon)
What is a good Gulf side Florida beach? My family is going on vacation in a week and we still haven't decided on which beach we want to visit. My aunt suggested Clearwater, but we don't want to travel that far south. We plan to leave from Orlando, spend a day at the beach, and then drive to our hotel in Marion, so somewhere in between those two cities would be best. Multiple suggestions are welcome, since who knows whether or not we will beat the tarballs there. :( Thanks!
Florida Gulf Beach Wedding? Where is the best places to have a beach wedding in Florida? I'm really focusing on the pan-handle (north Gulf side).
Gulf Coast Florida beach vs Myrtle Beach for young children? I am looking for a nice beach which would be good for young children. We would also like to go somewhere near activities for Kindergarten aged children. Any suggestions? We are trying to decide between Myrtle Beach or some beach on the Gulf Coast.
What side of Florida has the best beaches? My family and I are going to be taking a vacation in spring to Florida. Gulf coast or Atlantic coast. Atlantic being beaches around Daytona. which ones are better. (Beaches west of Panama City please)
suggestions for Florida's east coast beaches - family vacation? We're planning our family vacation for March 2011, and want to go to an east coast Florida beach. What are the nicest, most relaxing ones? We're a family of 4 with 2 teenagers, and are looking for a relaxing, easy-going vacation along the Florida coast with beautiful, blue water and beaches with medium crowds. Did Disney last year, had a blast, but just want to relax this year and enjoy the cool ocean breezes. Prefer to do a beach on the Gulf coast part of the state, but it seems like the oil spill may have reached there already. Any suggestions?
Where is the best beach on the Florida Gulf in late March? My boyfriend and I are heading for an impromtu spring break trip, and we are planning on sleeping in our jeep and packing food because we don't have a lot of money. We want to at least be at a decent, clean, pretty, and most importantly warm beach, that isn't partied out or over crowded with college students. Thanks :)
What gulf side beach of florida is best? My freinds and I (20 and 21 year olds) are taking a weekend trip to some beach on floridas gulf side but im not sure where yet. Were going in mid june when all the colleges get out. We want to party but not get to outta hand cuz we got a few ppl who are not 21 yet. Any suggestions?
Anyone know of a gulf side of Florida beach vacation that is more adult friendly than kid friendly? My wife and I are looking for a cheap place to vacation in Florida...on the beach. We don't like to do anything or see anything...we just want to lay on the beach and do nothing. We went to Coco Beach last year and had fun, but want a gulf side of Florida trip this year. She wears thongs (and sometimes topless but not manditory) and I like to have a few drinks on the beach. We were thinking about Fort Myers, but they do not allow alcohol on the beach. Any help?
what is best family beach in florida on gulf coast? We are taking two small kids to the beach in florida in may. We are looking for a clean, family, beach that isnt run down. any suggestions? also, i dont want anything on the lower half of florida due to having to drive so far.
Beaches on Gulf Coast side of Florida...? Is there a beach on the gulf coast side of Florida with crystal clear water like the bahamas? Is there a beach with a great pavilion / board walk that is family oriented???
Best beach in Florida on gulf coast to stay at? My family went to Panama City Beach last year and stayed at Edgewater Beach Resort in the Golf Villas. We really enjoyed it there, but were wondering if there are any other beaches kind of near to that that are nicer with Villa's or Suites in the Hotel. Our price range is up to about $230, must have at least 1 bedroom. On the beach or right across the street would be great. So, any advice? =] thanks, tara
Which beaches in the gulf coast have not been contaminated by the oil yet? Every summer, My family and I go to a beach in Alabama, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida on the Gulf Coast and I'm from New Orleans. We were going to Pensacola Beach, but found out that the oil balls or something have been spotted there so can you help me find a different vacation spot, please? 10 points for best answer!
What are the quieter, more secluded beaches in the Gulf Coast (FL) w/ beachfront house rentals? For honeymoon? Looking for a house rental for our honeymoon (July 8-15) on a more secluded beach (privacy) in the Gulf Coast, preferably the Florida panhandle. We want somewhere that is not too touristy and crowded. We definitely want a house, NOT a condo or townhouse and would prefer beachfront rather than further back on the land... Being further back would be alright as long as we have a good oceanview from the house. I have found a lot of places further south in Florida's Gulf Coast, but we wanted to see if we could find anything ranging from Pensacola Beach to St. Joseph Bay or maybe a little further (not too far... we're driving from Tennessee). OR if you know of any other places like I described that aren't in Florida (definitely beach... not lakes, rivers, etc.) that we could drive to from Tennessee, please suggest them!!! We're open to all ideas!! Thank you.
Where are the best honeymoon spots on the Florida Gulf Coast? My fiance has never been to the beach! I'm not sure how that happened, but my new goal is to make an amazing honeymoon vacation in Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. If you can include a city, a place to stay, and overall price in your answers it would be greatly appreciated.
St.Petersburg, Florida, Beaches? We're planning to go for a week-long trip to the St.Petersburg, Florida, area this coming week. I would like to go to a nice beach that's family friendly to experience the Gulf Coast beaches without too much going on and without too many crowds. I've heard good things about Fort De Soto. Any suggestions, or comments on Fort De Soto beach?
Which is the best beach on the gulf side of Florida? I am going on vacay in August and I was planning on going to the gulf side. I want to stay somewhere pretty and relaxing, but fun too. Which beach has maybe a boardwalk or lots of stores/gift shops? I was looking at Clearwater, Treasure Island, Madeira beach... any suggestions?
I need a vacation rental home on Florida Gulf Coast!? I've been searching forever and can't find anything. Maybe you guys could? I kinda have strict criteria though :/ Has to be on Florida Gulf Coast and near a beach. Has to have a pool Has to accommodate 9-10 people Has to be under $1400 Has to be available August 1st- August 8th Preferably on/near Anna Maria Island but it's not required If you guys could find one It'd be very appreciated :)
Any recommendations for an AFFORDABLE Florida Gulf Coast vacation? We moved from Miami to Houston a few years ago and would like to find a gulf coast resort somewhere mid-point between those two locations to meet up with our family. Does anyone have any recommendations for an affordable resort/hotel/rental preferably on the beach somewhere in the pan handle vicinity? We've looked at Destin which seems a little pricey. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
What beach should I go to in Florida on the gulf side for R&R with kids (ages 9 and 11)? I am planning to go this summer with husband and kids - we would like to visit Busch Gardens one day and then spend the rest of the week at the beach relaxing, so we would like to stay on the gulf side - I'm looking for peace and quiet - not a party atmosphere. What's the best place for this? Also, I heard something about June being storm season? Is this true? Should I not go in June?
Advice on vacation to Florida Gulf coast? My husband, 2yo daughter and I are looking to possibly go to gulf coast in the summer. But I have no idea where the best location there would be for us. There are so many areas to choose from & I really don't know Florida that well. Like I said we are traveling with our 2 year old so we are looking for an area that would have other activies besides just beach things that a 2 yo would enjoy. Can someone give me some nice areas in the GC that would have something for us all to enjoy. Thanks
Where can we stay in Florida that has beach chairs/umbrellas/cabanas and beverage service on the beach? My boyfriend and I are planning a long weekend at a Florida beach in late September. Looking for a hotel/resort on the Gulf side (prettier beaches) where we can sit under an umbrella on the beach and have someone deliver tropical drinks to us (or at least have an outside bar we could walk up to). We'd like to keep it around $150/night. It doesn't sound that difficult, but we haven't had much luck finding a location that fits the bill. Any suggestions?
What is the best city on the gulf coast of Florida to move to? I am a 24 year old male looking to relocate from Chicago to Florida. I'm looking to move on the gulf coast and want to move somewhere that is affordable (I'll be renting), has night life to offer, somewhat near the beach, and has decent employment opportunities. Anyone have any suggestions?
How to calculate feet per second (help please)? Theres this question on my hw: In the 2003 Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon in Clearwater, the fastest runner completed the 26.2-mile race in 2hrs 51min 27sec. What was this runners speed in feet per second? Can anyone explain to me how to get this answer? What do I have to do to find the speed in feet per second?
What is an ideal gulf coast florida town to live in.? We are getting tired of the long cold winters and would like to live in Florida half the year. We are in our early 50's my husband is a builder and we are very athletic we would like a place with bike paths, fishing/boating,long beaches for walking, and affordable. We have heard prices have come down in Florida so we are looking for a real deal! We shall be working and playing while living part time in Fl.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers