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WHEN IT comes to epic beach holidays, there’s nowhere quite like Florida. With over 800 miles of sand spread along its Atlantic and Gulf Coast shores, this sun-drenched playground has a beach for every mood. And it couldn’t be easier to explore, with British Airways.
Choose from sandy shores with water sports, dolphin-watching and family facilities. Or go for a quieter stretch marked only by turtle tracks and seashells. After all, it’s your dream holiday, so pick a beach break that suits you.
We do like to be beside the seaside and Florida’s fantastic beaches have everything you need for the perfect sun-soaked holiday
Family favourite
Catch some rays
... St Petersburg
is a record holder
for sunshine
James LitsTon
Of all Florida’s many beaches, sun-soaked St Pete is a guaranteed hit. It holds the world record for most sunny days in a row!
Laid-back and low-key, this is a place for lounging on sugar-white sands and occasionally mixing things up with fun day tours – a dolphin-spotting boat trip into the Gulf of Mexico, or dip into downtown St Petersburg’s attractions.
The beach scene a few miles up the coast at Clearwater Beach is especially family friendly. Here the sand is so fine that it squeaks when you walk on it, and you’ll find miniature golf and other amusements, plus sunset celebrations to round off each perfect day.
On the flip side ... dolphin-watching off the Emerald Coast
Dolphins are also a feature of the beaches on Florida’s Panhandle: the northwest stretch of the state that takes you to the Alabama border. There are no prizes for guessing why this region is known as the Emerald Coast – the Gulf of Mexico waters are a mesmerising shade of green. Set against dazzling white sand, it’s a sight you will never forget.
Much of this coastline is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is dotted with charming towns from Pensacola to Panama City. For an active and lively beach experience, Panama City Beach is the perfect destination with its dining, shopping, arcades, and amusements. Or you could try Fort Walton for water sports and Cedar Key for its galleries.
A road trip is the best way to explore this beautiful region. By-pass the interstate and follow the scenic coastal highway for endless sea views, soaking up southern hospitality along the way.
Emerald cities
Beach and boujee
... Naples is known
for its high-end
shopping and dining
There’s a strong sense of small-town charm to be found at the southern end of the Gulf Coast, too, where Naples sinks its toes into platinum sands.
This elegant beach town is ideal for a fancy escape, as it’s filled with cultural attractions and fine restaurants. It also has some of Florida’s best golf courses.
A popular destination for wintering “snowbirds” (people who avoid the freezing months in the northern US) since the 1890s, Naples was the seasonal home of industrialists, celebrities and Hollywood legend Greta Garbo. Today, it is known for its seven miles of gleaming sands, pretty waterways and luxury accommodation.
Naples Pier, the beach’s main landmark, is a favourite spot for fishing by day, or come back later to watch the sun sink below the shimmering horizon. For other distractions, splash some cash at Venetian Village or the shops on posh Fifth Avenue.
sophistication
Seaside
Feeling shellfish ...
visit Sanibel Island
and collect some fantastic seashells
Sitting pretty between the mainland and the Gulf of Mexico is a chain of barrier islands with some of the region’s most beautiful beaches. From bustling Estero to sleepier Sanibel and wild Cayo Costa, each has its own personality – but all are family-friendly and affordable.
Sanibel and Captiva beaches are also well known for their seashells. Collecting shells is so popular that a local saying – doing the “Sanibel stoop” – describes how people crouch to pick up nature’s scattered treasures. (Florida loves its natural wonders, so it’s good to look rather than take.) By day, you can also trace the tracks on these beaches where turtles have crawled ashore at night to lay their eggs, too, while leaving them to go safely about their business after dark.
The area’s laid-back lifestyle and natural beauty have inspired artists to settle here and open galleries and studios. Admire their work, then hit downtown Fort Myers’ lively River District for its colourful Art Walk and Music Walk events.
seashells
She sells
Praise the board
... surfers will be
in their element
at Cocoa Beach
Rocked by rolling ocean swells, the Atlantic seaboard is generally more wavy than the Gulf Coast. Daytona, Jacksonville and Flagler Beach all have notable breaks, but the most surf-worthy waves pound the shoreline at New Smyrna and Cocoa Beach. These two east coast hotspots are the go-to places for surfer vibes – in fact, Cocoa Beach is known as Florida’s “Surf City”.
Aside from being the home of Ron Jon Surf Shop – the biggest in the world – Cocoa Beach’s charms extend to parasailing, kite surfing or peddling a customised “beach bike”. You can also hit the 245m-long pier for first-rate dining and great views; or take a break from the beach and reach for the stars at Kennedy Space Center.
And with this being among the closest shorelines to Orlando, Cocoa Beach is ideal for anyone keen to amp up their beach break with a visit to a theme park.
Surf’s up
Welcome to Miami ... the city’s South Beach district has something
for everyone
As well as having bigger waves, the Atlantic Coast’s beaches have golden sand and an urban vibe. Leading the pack is Miami, whose South Beach district is world class. Here you’ll find landmark hotels, buzzing bars, late nights and lazy days, plus incredible restaurants and lively Latin flair.
Soak it all up along Ocean Drive, the hub of the art deco district; or find a more relaxed scene in fashionable Mid Beach. Choose from high-end hotels and appealing options across the price brackets (including some art deco gems) along Collins and Washington Avenues. For pool parties, hotels such as SLS South Beach and W South Beach get lively by day; or settle back amid more refined vibes at the likes of The Betsy or, in North Beach, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. Whether you choose to see or be seen, Miami has it all.
and glitz
Glamour
TRAVEL WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS TO THE SUNSHINE STATE
With direct flights to Miami, Orlando and Tampa British Airways have the state covered. All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, include 23kg baggage allowance per person and offer access to a 24-hour holiday helpline.
You can also secure your holiday with low deposits.
For more information, and to book your Florida holiday, visit ba.com/florida