Florida West Coast Beaches

Horseshoe Beach, Florida

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Horseshoe Beach is an island located on the Gulf, about two hours south of Tallahassee. It’s coined as “Florida’s Last Frontier,” a motto that holds true.

There are no police officers, no traffic lights and everyone gets around in golf carts, occasionally stopping in the road to wave to neighbors and chit chat about their daily goings-on. We had to drive from the main road about 24 miles to get to this beach and then 24 miles back. The town is a living, breathing character. Completely void of any commercial stores, chains or franchises, it is humbly built off the back of the residents.

This is one of the most interesting beaches we have visited on our Florida Beach Trips.  The area was beautiful sitting on the Gulf with small boats out fishing and others enjoying the tranquility of this beach.  Like a postcard, the small fishing town is wrapped by the Gulf and the fishermen make their way through the channels and various canals that cut through people’s backyards.

How many people have heard of this beach?  Very few is our bet. We are glad we made the trip to see this remote beach.

 

St. Pete Beach, Florida

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St. Pete Beach is a coastal city in Pinellas County , Florida. It is famous for its status as a tourist destination. St. Pete Beach was formed from the towns of Pass-A-Grill, Belle Vista, St. Petersburg Beach and unincorporated Pinellas County.  For many years it called St. Petersburg Beach but the name change by voters shorten it to St. Pete Beach.  This is a wonderful Gulf Beach area to visit.  We love the Morean Art Center which features the Chihula Collection of blown glass.

Siesta Key Beach, Florida

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Siesta Key is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. It’s known for its sandy beaches.  Siesta Beach, near the shops and cafes of Siesta Key Village, has shallow waters, a playground and tennis courts. We spent  a few nights at The Capri Lodge which is outstanding and we found some wonderful places to dine in the evening.  Claytons Siesta Grill  and Ophelia’s on the Bay are our two favorites.   There is plenty of shopping in both Siesta Key and Sarasota.