Most people start their Florida search with a feeling, like warm water, palm trees and no more snow shovels. The first real decision is which coast. They feel more different than you'd expect.
The Gulf Coast
The Gulf is known for calm water, soft sand and sunsets over the water. Towns run from arts hubs like Sarasota to polished Naples and old Florida islands like Anna Maria. Winters are busy with seasonal residents, and summers are quieter and hot.
The Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic side gets sunrises and real waves. The northeast has history in St. Augustine and small town charm on Amelia Island. The middle has surf towns like New Smyrna Beach and Cocoa Beach. The southeast is livelier, with Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach.
The Panhandle
The Emerald Coast has white sand and green blue water, with a more Southern feel. Destin and the small towns along 30A are beach first, with busy summers and quiet winters. It also feels the change of seasons more than the rest of the state.
The Keys
The Keys are island life at the end of the road. Everything revolves around the water. The tradeoffs are distance from the mainland, higher costs and a long drive out when a storm is coming.
How to choose
- Pick the sunset or the sunrise first. It sounds small, but it shapes your whole evening routine.
- Decide how you feel about seasonal crowds, since every coast has a busy season.
- Check airport distance if family will visit often.
- Get insurance quotes early. They vary a lot by coast and town.
Not sure yet? Try Find Your Mile and we'll point you to towns on every coast that fit.
