Florida Tourism

The best Florida beaches on the Atlantic coast feature an ever changing seascape. Unlike Gulf coast beaches, one day the ocean could be flat as glass, the next day thunderous waves will be crashing the beach. It’s always different and another reason the beach lifestyle is exciting, sometimes too exciting with tropical storms and hurricanes just over the horizon.

Cocoa Beach is known as the small wave capital of the world, it’s a place where long boarders are kings and also the home of Ron Jon Surf Shop. The Cocoa Beach Pier is a great place to soak up the rays and quench your thirst with a tropical drink.

If you like driving on the beach, Daytona Beach is the place with its touristy flair. Daytona is also home of Bike Week. If you are looking to escape the crowds and see the natural beauty of the beach, head down to nearby Ponce Inlet, the change is both drastic and welcome.

If watersports are more to your liking, head down to Sebastian Inlet State Park on the Florida Space Coast, there you’ll find surfing, skimboarding, snorkeling and fishing.

South Beach Miami is all the rage with it international flavor, spectacular nightlife and some of the best restaurants like Mango’s, a Latin dance bar where professional dancers perform on top of the bar.

Though not really on the Atlantic but in the Florida Straights, Smathers Beach in Key West, FL is popular with the younger party set. The seas are usually calm as this beach resembles Gulf coast beaches. Watercraft, sailboat and beach gear rentals are available.

Written by Kirby Collins, a Cocoa Beach Web Designer, he maintains a Florida Visitor Guide.

Saint Augustine - A favorite among the many Saint Augustine events, Uptown Saturday Night tops the charts of things to do in Saint Augustine.

The Uptown Saturday Night, takes place from 5pm to 9m the last Saturday of every month in the Uptown San Marco Shopping District, St. Augustine.

Uptown Saturday Night, sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association, offers a variety of things to do in Saint Augustine.

St. Augustine antique stores and unique shops between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios remain open during this special time. The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides free for the monthly Saint Augustine events.

Saint Augustine antique dealers, art galleries, and other merchants in the city’s San Marco District that present Uptown Saturday Night, create a festive atmosphere filled with hospitality and special deals.

Incredible antique shopping opportunities add to the list of things to do in Saint Augustine. In the evening, the antique district concentrated along San Marco Avenue sparkles to life with lively street music and endless opportunities to shop for antiques, rare books - even authentic Spanish treasure.

A short walk away, additional antique discoveries can be made along Aviles Street - the oldest street in America. Each participating shop features an open house with wine and refreshments that add to the festive nighttime atmosphere. In addition, area antique dealers will offer workshops covering a variety of antique related topics through out the weekends.

From the massive Castillo de San Marcos built by the Spanish in 1672 to Henry Flagler’s beautiful Spanish Renaissance hotels of the 1880s, the architecture of St. Augustine never fails to impress visitors and residents alike. Guided tours of St. Augustine offer a rare insight into the artistic grandeur of these magnificent structures. These narrated tours take participants on a fascinating trip through more than 300 years of authentic architecture.

The Saturday night Saint Augustine events will continue throughout the fall on the last Saturday of each month.

Upcoming dates for the Uptown Saturday Night events are November 24th and December 29th. Those seeking more information on Uptown Saturday Night and other things to do in Saint Augustine, can contact the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau or visit http://www.getaway4florida.com/uptown.