At this time of the year, Italians are starting to think about summer holidays, and many write to me why they choose Miami as their destination. Miami is a beautiful city, the sea and palm trees the mojito and salsa dancing. Very nice. But coming here, traveling twelve hours or maybe more without then visiting the Gulf of Mexico is really a shame.
What is worth seeing?
August is the month in which Italians are forced to travel and it is not the ideal time to come to Florida: sticky heat and frequent rains must be taken into account, but if you visit seaside cities, the story changes completely. The Florida Keys, for example Key West, are a well known itinerary. In this post instead I would like to give directions to visit the Gulf of Mexico, which unlike the Atlantic coast has white sand, very white, and shallow waters. In the Gulf of Mexico the sea is transparent and when you swim you will find starfish, sand dollars, and many shells. There is no comparison, believe me, between the beach in Miami and any beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
Two hours from Miami
Miami has so many things to see, don't be limited to Miami Beach, but if you have the possibility to rent a car even for just one day, go to Naples (the photo in the opening) or to Sanibel, a little further north. Sanibel it is an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. To enter you pay a toll of $ 6 and once there you have many beaches to visit. My favorite is Bowman's Beach, very white and a little wild. in, the other island, is even more so. Don't go there without an umbrella and sunscreen, it literally cooks.
If you want to get to know these and other areas a couple of hours from Miami read:
Four hours from Miami
Siesta Key it is the most beautiful beach in the United States and its public beach is wonderful. All the beaches here are free but equipped, you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. Clearwater Beach is a little further north, just as beautiful, above all Fort de Soto. Anna Maria Island it will take you a little longer to get there but it is highly recommended.
In these posts you will find more details on the most beautiful beaches in Central Florida:
5 hours or more from Miami
To reach the northernmost destinations it is necessary to budget at least a couple of days. Cedar key it is considered a more authentic Florida destination, the one it once was, and in general the whole North has a much more American flavor. The two most beautiful beaches in North Florida are Walton and Destin, on the border with Alabama.
Other articles on my blog that may interest you:
