You are currently viewing 12 coasts of Florida: the different regions of the Sunshine State (part 2 of 4)

Florida doesn’t have 12 actual coasts, only 2 (Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico). But the Sunshine State has 12 distinct coastal regions that were attributed a name, because it has the longest coastline in the continental U.S. (1,350 miles or 2,170 kilometers). This southern state is a lot more than just Miami Beach and Orlando the theme parks near Orlando, where most people go!

In part 2 today, we finish off the entire Atlantic coast with the 3 middle coasts that have great beaches (and they happen to share amazing beaches exactly at the point where they meet too).

 

Introduction to Florida and its 12 coasts

Read part 1 with the introduction.

 

Map of the 12 coasts of Florida

See full-size map

 

Coasts 1-3: Gold Coast, Emerald Coast, First Coast

Read part 1 with the first 3 Florida coasts at the 3 extremities of the state, including the southernmost and the northernmost on the Atlantic coast.

 

4: Treasure Coast

From Blowing Rocks Preserve to Sebastian Inlet State Park

 

Location of Florida’s Treasure Coast

Treasure Coast location (image credit: Flytrippers)

 

Overview of Florida’s Treasure Coast

The very first coast we covered was the Gold Coast (Miami area), so let’s go just north of there. The Treasure Coast borders the greater Miami area and was inspired by the Gold name: Treasure and Gold go together pretty well. But the origin is even more interesting.

The region is named after a Spanish treasure fleet of 11 boats lost here in 1715 during a hurricane. To this day, people are still looking for treasures in this area (on land and in the sea), as coins and artifacts sometimes still wash up on the shores of Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Jupiter Island (photo credit: Chase Baker)

 

While still being close to the warmer tropical climate of southern Florida, the Treasure Coast is a much more relaxed area with smaller towns and more nature than urban areas.

At the southern end is Jupiter Island. Half of it is in Palm Beach County, part of the Gold Coast. Some definitions include Palm Beach County in the Treasure Coast region instead, but with Miami having grown so much, Palm Beach County is so urbanized and very much part of the Miami metropolitan area.

From there all the way to the northern end of the Treasure Coast in Sebastian Inlet State Park, there are plenty of uncrowded beautiful beaches. Sebastian Inlet itself is beautiful, and that one, too, is split in 2: the other half is on the next coast, so I’ve included it there instead of here. 

Savannas Recreation Area in Fort Pierce (photo credit: Nick Nicholson)

 

Main cities on Florida’s Treasure Coast

Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach

Airports: Vero Beach (VRB), West Palm Beach (PBI)*, Melbourne (MLB)*

*Outside of the Treasure Coast but close enough that it’s worth comparing prices

 

Best beaches on Florida’s Treasure Coast

Blowing Rocks Preserve, Jupiter Island

Blowing Rocks Preserve (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Wabasso Beach (Vero Beach)

Wabasso Beach (photo credit: Indian River County | Official Website)

 

South Beach Park (Vero Beach)

South Beach Park (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach (photo credit: KRoark)

 

Fort Pierce Inlet Beach

Fort Pierce Inlet Beach (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Avalon State Park Beach (Fort Pierce)

Avalon State Park Beach (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Stuart Beach (Hutchinson Island)

Stuart Beach (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Ross Witham Beach (Hutchinson Island)

Ross Witham Beach (photo credit: Martin County | Official Website)

 

Indian River Beach (Jensen Beach)

Indian River Beach (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Other attractions on Florida’s Treasure Coast

Even if it’s a quieter area, there are many attractions on the Treasure Coast.

In keeping with the coast’s name, Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge is a unique spot that formally provided shelter and food to shipwrecked sailors.

House of Refuge Museum (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

You can even snorkel a shipwreck in Indian River. That city’s Treasure Museum also tells the story behind the coast’s name. There’s also the Elliott Museum in Stuart, which highlights art, history, and technology in the region. 

If you enjoy shopping and the quaintness of small towns, head to Hobe Sound for nice boutiques and galleries. The nearby Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and Nature Center is also great for nature lovers where you can canoe, hike, bike, fish, and take in the peaceful surroundings. 

Banyan trees in Hobe Sound (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

The Savannas Recreation Area pictured earlier is another great spot to enjoy nature.

While not on the Treasure Coast itself, it’s worth mentioning that just across the county line, the natural area around Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was the first location in the US east of the Pacific to be designated an Outstanding Natural Area by the government. The West Palm Beach area is full of activities too, if you want to drive a little further.

Despite being so close to a major metropolitan area, the Treasure Coast really is full of nature. You can explore the Indian River Lagoon just by the ocean, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the entire Northern Hemisphere (this one extends into the next coast too, but I included it here to compensate for the fact Sebastian Inlet is listed there).

Indian River Lagoon (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

5: Space Coast

From Sebastian Inlet State Park to Canaveral National Seashore

 

Location of Florida’s Space Coast

Space Coast location (image credit: Flytrippers)

 

Overview of Florida’s Space Coast

As we continue north, about in the middle of the state, we arrive on the Space Coast. It’s aptly named after the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, both found on Cape Canaveral in this region.

The National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA) operates the KSC and launches rockets and spaceships from here. Even the area code is space-themed: 3-2-1! This coastal area was chosen for the Space Center because it’s closer to the Equator than most of the country, because it has a low population density, and because the ocean acts as a debris catcher for NASA.

Kennedy Space Center (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Now, the thing I personally hate the most about one of Florida’s main cities, Orlando, is that they built it in the middle of the state! Yes, they have 2000+ kilometers of coastline and they had to put Orlando far from the coast! Insanity!

All this is to say that the Space Coast has the closest beaches for those who are in Orlando to visit the theme parks, or whatever other reason. It’s about 45 minutes away. 

The Canaveral National Seashore starts here and extends into the next coast, with secluded beaches without any development on the oceanfront. The Space Coast, like the next coast, is also pretty well-known for surfing, as it’s one of the best spots in Florida for this activity. 

Surfing near the Cocoa Beach Pier (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Main cities on Florida’s Space Coast

Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Palm Bay, Titusville

Airports: Melbourne (MLB), Orlando (MCO)*, Orlando-Sanford (SFB)*

*Outside of the Space Coast but close enough that it’s worth comparing prices

 

Best beaches on Florida’s Space Coast

Sebastian Inlet Beach

Sebastian Inlet Beach (photo credit: Space Coast Office of Tourism | Official Website)

 

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach (photo credit: Mikael Cho)

 

Playalinda Beach (Canaveral National Seashore)

Playalinda Beach (photo credit: Kelly Verdeck)

 

Cherie Down Park (Cape Canaveral)

Cherie Down Park (photo credit: Rusty Clark)

 

Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Canova Dog Park (Indian Harbour Beach)

Canova Dog Park (photo credit: Rusty Clark)

 

Indialantic Beach

Indialantic Beach (photo credit: Jason Dent)

 

Other attractions on Florida’s Space Coast

Aside from the beaches, the Space Coast has plenty of attractions to offer.

Start at the visitor’s center for the Kennedy Space Center to learn more about the NASA program, its history, and aeronautics in general. Time your visit with a rocket launch for an absolutely unique experience!

As mentioned, the Space Coast is one of the best places to surf in Florida. You can visit the world’s largest surf shop, the original Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, the city where you’ll also find the very pretty pier from this post’s cover image. 

Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

For kids, the Brevard Zoo has a lot of activities like ziplining or kayaking through animal exhibits. Orlando and its theme parks are a quick drive inland (about 1 hour away) too.

The Port Canaveral cruise port just surpassed the Port of Miami to become the world’s busiest, if you like that kind of vacationing.

If you want to discover the artistic and cultural side of the Space Coast, there are a few notable downtown districts to wander around: Cocoa Village, Historic Downtown Titusville, Downtown Melbourne, and Eau Gallie Arts District. That last one has the Outdoor Art Museum with 30 murals and sculptures, along with galleries, restaurants, and more!

 

There are really a lot of outdoor activities to do. You can see alligators on an airboat ride, go kayaking with manatees, or fishing with dolphins.

You can see sea turtles in a few places and in Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, there are a lot of birds to contemplate.

Merritt Island (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

6: Fun Coast

From Canaveral National Seashore to North Peninsula State Park

 

Location of Florida’s Fun Coast

Fun Coast location (image credit: Flytrippers)

 

Overview of Florida’s Fun Coast

Among the 12 coasts of Florida, the Fun Coast is among the ones where the name is not as widely used.

It’s sometimes called the Surf Coast and even sometimes included with the Space Coast we just saw, but it’s really its own distinct region. The Fun Coast is, in fact, the Daytona Beach area. So it’s sometimes just called Daytona or even the Halifax area, as they have the Halifax River there (not to be confused with the Nova Scotian capital).

Daytona was once the Spring Break capital of the USA, where a lot of people had a lot of fun. It’s still a fun place with one of the liveliest beaches, but it’s much more family-friendly now.

Daytona Beach (photo credit: Aditya Vyas)

 

The boardwalk and pier are very popular. Also, many people consider driving fun, and Daytona Beach is one of the only places you can drive directly on the beach! 

The Fun Coast area is pretty popular, notably because of the iconic NASCAR race there. Many biker events take place in Daytona Beach too.

As for its alternative name, the Surf Coast, well it’s simply that surfing is excellent here, just like the nearby Space Coast we just covered. And Daytona Beach is also pretty close to Orlando, for those who want to combine multiple destinations.

Vehicles on the beach in Daytona Beach (photo credit: Public Domain Pictures)

 

Main cities on Florida’s Fun Coast

Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach

Airports: Daytona Beach (DAB), Orlando (MCO)*, Orlando-Sanford (SFB)*, Melbourne (MLB)*, Jacksonville (JAX)*

*Outside of the Fun Coast but close enough that it’s worth comparing prices

 

Best beaches on Florida’s Fun Coast

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach (photo credit: Ravi Pinisetti)

 

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach (photo credit: Max Harlynking)

 

Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach (photo credit: Visit Florida | Official Website)

 

Bethune Beach

Bethune Beach (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Ponce Inlet Beach

Ponce Inlet Beach (photo credit: Jared)

 

Wilbur-by-the-Sea Beach

Wilbur-by-the-Sea Beach (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Other attractions on Florida’s Fun Coast

There are plenty of fun things to do on the Fun Coast.

Every year, one of NASCAR’s most important races, the Daytona 500, is hosted here at the Daytona Speedway. Many people flock to see the spectacle. It also has a nifty history museum about racing and NASCAR. 

The Daytona 500 (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

New Smyrna Beach is known for being one of the best places for surfing in Florida: it was actually once named in the top 20 surf towns in the entire world. It’s also the world’s shark bite capital, but these are rarely fatal, apparently. Probably adds to the thrill!

It kind of goes without saying since this is Florida we’re talking about, but like most regions, there are great options for golfing. The LPGA International course is highly rated.

To get a great ocean view, head towards the Atlantic Ocean to check out Ponce de Léon Lighthouse, the 3rd-tallest in the USA (the highest is in our itinerary on the beautiful Outer Banks coastal region in North Carolina).

The area surrounding the lighthouse has many activities to offer too, like the Marine Science Center. 

Ponce de Léon Lighthouse (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Speaking of museums, the Museum of Arts and Sciences is also among the most popular attractions. The area is full of history dating back to the years of plantations and seafaring. You can visit Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens for a tour of an old sugar mill plantation. 

And Tomoka State Park has great outdoor opportunities at the other end of the Fun Coast.

Lastly, Ocala National Forest is a quick drive inland (about 1 hour away) if you want something completely different in terms of outdoor activities (as is Orlando at about the same distance too).

Ocala National Forest (photo credit: USDA Forest Service | Official Website)

 

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Summary

Winter weather is here, and Florida is always warm (well, almost warm in the northern part). If you want an escape from the cold here in Canada, head to any one of these Florida coasts! You can pick based on your preferences: one of these 12 varied coastal regions will have what you’re looking for. Don’t miss the next part.

What would you like to know about these Florida coasts? Tell us in the comments below.

 

See the deals we spot: Cheap flights

Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks: Travel tips

Discover free travel: Travel rewards

 

Featured image: Cocoa Beach, on Florida’s Space Coast (photo credit: Florian Schneider)

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Andrew D'Amours

Andrew is the co-founder of Flytrippers. He is passionate about traveling the world but also, as a former management consultant, about the travel industry itself. He shares his experiences to help you save money on travel. As a very cost-conscious traveler, he loves finding deals and getting free travel thanks to travel rewards points... to help him visit every country in the world (current count: 71/193 Countries, 47/50 US States & 9/10 Canadian Provinces).

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Gina

    Hi , hopefully travelling to Orlando in may ( if vaccine requirement is lifted ) which two beaches from Orlando would you recommend to visit we have arranged a car hire thank you in advance

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      Hi, it depends on what you are looking for but all those on the Space Coast and Surf Coast are the closest. The most popular ones are definitely Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, and the Cape Canaveral National Seashore!

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