How To Survive a Florida Beach Vacation

When you choose a hotel on the east coast, be aware that some beaches allow traffic during the daytime.  The drive-on beaches have two-way lanes of very slow moving traffic all day long.  People pay at a little booth at various beach entrances and then are free to drive up and down the beach at will.  Usually they simply find a spot and park to enjoy their time.  Some people cruise the beach.  At busy times, the beach will be full of people and cars all day long.

When you plan your beach vacation check to see if your condo or hotel is located on a beach with traffic.  Cars will be allowed on the beach only during the daytime hours and if that doesn't bother you, then you needn't worry when booking a vacation.  All traffic must obey the very low speed limit, but people with young children may not like the idea of sharing the beach with cars.

On the east coast (Atlantic side) famous Daytona Beach and farther south, New Smyrna Beach allow beach traffic.  Generally people will drive on with the intention of parking along the dune area and then walk cross the lanes of traffic to set up chairs and umbrellas near the water.  If it's high tide there will be very little space between you and the moving vehicles.

Beaches that don't allow driving tend to be less crowded.  

One of the advantages of vacationing on a drive-on beach, is being close to the beach vendors.  Early in the morning the venders will drive their trucks and trailers onto the beach and set up shop for the day.  

They sell and rent just about everything you could want to have fun at the beach.  Some of them sell food and drinks.  Some rent out bicycles, trikes, and scooters.  Many rent boogie boards (these are loads of fun) and skim boards and big umbrellas (the vendors will set up the umbrella for you).

You can find just about anything you need at one of the many vendor location up and down the beaches where traffic is allowed.  You may have to walk a bit to find what you're looking for, but fun in the sand and water is what they offer.

It's so exciting when vacation time draws close.  Finally, after all those long dreary months of shoveling snow and lugging firewood you are heading to Florida. It's time to relax and play on the beaches, soak in the sunshine, and get a great tan.

If you've been there before, you'll have a good idea of what to expect, but the first time travelers may appreciate some advice and the most important advice I can give you is to respect the sun.

 It is sunny all the time in Florida and except for the afternoon thunderstorms, there is little reprieve. The mid-day sun is the worst, as you might guess, and I advise you to avoid being outdoors during that time of day.  Visit one of the many attractions or shops at high noon and plan to have fun on the beach either early in the day or later in the evening.  It will still be warm, or more likely hot, and it will still be sunny and enjoyable, but you won't be as likely to get a horrible sunburn.

Okay, I am obsessing about the sun, but I found when I lived in Florida, that often visitors to the state did not understand how dangerous the sun can be.

In a tropical location the sun is much closer to the earth and it will burn skin in no time flat.  Especially if you are very pale or have the type of skin that easily burns.  Children are especially susceptible to sunburn.  Even wearing a high number sunscreen, hours spent outdoors should be shortened.

A vacationer from the north can be spotted a mile away because their entire body is white.  I understand - you have to wear clothes year round (mostly) and even in summer the sun does not rival tropical sunshine.  

DON'T TRY TO GET A TAN ALL IN ONE DAY!  You could end up in the hospital.  Stories of sunburned tourists appear in the news all too often.

You can't live in Florida and be that white, even if you don't ever go to the beach.  It is sunny ALL THE TIME and there is no way your skin won't have some color.  

You've arrived at your beach cottage, or condo rental, and the first thing everyone wants to do is head out to the beach. But, there are a few things you really must take with you to enjoy a few hours in the Florida sunshine.

1. Sunscreen, newly purchased and with a high SPF (apply it BEFORE you get on the sand for best effectiveness, and re-apply after swimming and periodically throughout your time on the beach.)
2. Sunglasses that block all the bad types of sun rays.
3. Hats - that will cover your ears and preferably back of the neck.
4. Beach / water shoes or flip flops - The sand will be hot away from the water and hidden objects can cut your feet.  Shoes that can be worn into the water are perfect.
5. Bottles of water to drink (plastic only on the beach), or cash to buy something.

Flip flops are great for summer fun.  Spending a little extra for arch support may be worth it if you plan to do a lot of walking, or if you are overweight.  It will help avoid painful plantar fasciitas.  

A good pair of water shoes is very important.  With all the shells and hidden debris on a beach, it's very possible you may step on something unseen.

On the east coast where cars drive on the beaches there can be sticky oil spots in the sand.   Fishermen may leave behind hooks, and you never know what is on the ground beneath you while in the water.  In summer, the sand at the beach is incredibly hot as well, and if you park in a paved lot and have to walk to the shoreline, forget it.  Shoes of some kind are a must.

(Photo credit: Pixabay)

The type of beach (drive on vs. walk on) will make the beach more or less crowded, but the size of the condo or hotel will also add to the crowds on the beach and in the pool.

Busy beach areas, including all drive on beaches, will have lifeguards, in chairs and patrolling the sand.  A less crowded beach may not have a lifeguard.

To save money invest in a cooler and pack your own snacks, food and drinks (plastic only) and take it with you for the day.  A small cooler with water, or something to drink, is the least you should do.

Always lock everything, from your door at the condo to the car at the mall.  If you live in a relatively safe area of the country or world, be advised that Florida is a tourist state and criminals will take advantage of your vacation mentality.  Believe me, this is not something Florida will advertise!  They would rather make you think that the entire state is like Disney World so you need to be smart.

If you visit in the summer, be prepared for those strong afternoon thunderstorms and plan indoor activities in the afternoons.  In fact the beach patrol will evacuate the beaches when a storm is approaching as is typical most summer days.  Mornings are the best time of day to be outside.

Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th in Florida, but the hot summer months (especially August and September) are usually the most active.  If you are evacuated, be sure to go where the authorities say.  Hurricanes are NOT fun.

(Photo credit: Pixabay)