Exploring Two Coasts: Adventure and Scenic Wonders at North Florida's Premier Beaches

The Sunshine State boasts an abundance of iconic beaches, each with its own allure. For two of Florida’s most memorable seaside retreats, head north. With a delightful combination of stunning coastlines, quiet beaches, and relaxed outdoor activities, Amelia Island and Pensacola offer travelers the perfect blend of both experiences. Choose one or embark on a road trip across the peninsula to enjoy both.

Amelia Island features 13 miles of untouched beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and a historic district spanning 50 blocks, showcasing beautiful Victorian architecture. Experience the island's rich natural beauty by walking, biking, or kayaking along its shores and salt marshes, and indulge in fresh seafood in downtown Fernandina Beach.

On the Gulf Coast, Pensacola is famous for its powdery white sand, sparkling emerald waters, and a wide range of water activities—from jet skiing to scuba diving—creating an invigorating and fun-filled retreat. As the home of the longest federally protected shoreline in the U.S., Pensacola offers endless chances for solitude and tranquility. End your day with a picnic and an unobstructed view of the Gulf. Here’s how to embrace the great outdoors and experience the best of these seaside havens.

Uncover the charm of a Victorian-era seaport

As the northernmost city along Florida's Atlantic Coast, Fernandina Beach offers more than just sandy relaxation and ocean waves; it’s rich in history. After a day at Main Beach Park, which features picnic spots, barbecues, volleyball courts, a playground, two ocean-view eateries, and mini-golf, wander over to the city’s historic downtown area. Here, you can marvel at the intricate buildings that once housed a colorful mix of pirates, Gilded Age tycoons, bootleggers, and shrimpers. The atmosphere remains vibrant today—explore unique art galleries, enjoy fresh wild-caught shrimp, shop for mementos, and sip on locally brewed beers.

Experience horseback riding

Amelia Island is one of the few places in Florida where you can ride horses along the beach, providing a stunning setting for equestrian adventures on the Atlantic shoreline. Visitors can also discover Amelia Island State Park with the family-operated Kelly Seahorse Ranch. Ride through a maritime hammock before reaching the park’s 65 acres of sand dunes, while keeping an eye out for dolphins, ospreys, nesting plovers, and grazing gopher tortoises. At the southern tip of the island, enjoy panoramic views over Nassau Sound or try your luck fishing right from the shore.

Drift away

Home to a unique maritime forest ecosystem, Amelia Island is perfect for aquatic adventures. Rent a kayak or join a guided tour with Kayak Amelia to encounter herons, egrets, and a variety of local wildlife. Alternatively, try stand-up paddleboarding, with options for lessons or personalized adventures tailored to the tides and weather.

Search for shark teeth

Florida boasts numerous popular shelling spots, but beachcombers can unearth rare treasures at Amelia Island’s Fort Clinch State Park, including fossilized shark teeth. The nearby Saint Marys River serves as a vital entrance for submarines at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, leading to regular dredging of the inlet. This process deposits sand onto the beach by Fort Clinch, allowing treasure hunters easy access to a variety of oceanic riches. For optimal results, try your luck during low tide.

Experience the ultimate beach day

Grab your sunglasses and head to Pensacola Beach, renowned for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With miles of breathtaking coastline, it’s a top destination for both adventure seekers and sunbathers. Anglers can hone their casting skills at the 1,471-foot Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, while water sports lovers can choose from sailing, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. Conclude your visit at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, featuring open-air bars, live music, restaurants, and shops.

Just a short distance away on Perdido Key, a barrier island celebrated for its stunning views of calm Gulf waters and rolling sand dunes, visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s natural splendor. At Johnson Beach within Gulf Islands National Seashore, as well as at Perdido Key State Park and Big Lagoon State Park, enjoy a tranquil day filled with swimming, fishing, crabbing, canoeing, and more.

Encounter marine life up close

The nearshore artificial reefs at Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key within Gulf Islands National Seashore attract an array of vibrant tropical fish and sea turtles, making snorkeling a favored activity among locals. When conditions are favorable, visibility can reach up to 30 feet, offering a fantastic underwater experience. Scuba divers have even more opportunities to discover.

The USS Oriskany—a 904-foot US Navy aircraft carrier that was sunk 20 miles off the coast of Pensacola in 2006—holds the title of the largest artificial reef in the world. Some divers humorously refer to it as “the Great Carrier Reef.” Additionally, adventurers can explore the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, featuring 12 distinct wreck sites. Prefer to stay dry? Check out the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, which encompasses every type of coastal habitat in Florida.

Enjoy bird watching

As the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the United States, Gulf Islands National Seashore serves as a vital nesting and hatching site for shorebirds, including the graceful Black Skimmers and endangered Least Terns, as well as a stopover for migratory species. Its varied ecosystems, ranging from beaches to salt marshes, attract over 300 bird species, contributing to the Great Florida Birding Trail. Don't forget your binoculars and watch for ospreys, blue herons, and pine warblers.

Discover local history

Pensacola boasts a rich history that spans from the city’s downtown to its coastal areas. Visitors can stroll along America’s First Settlement Trail, a three-mile designated path featuring significant sites dating back to 1756, and explore the historic village, where interpreters bring the narrative of America’s first enduring European settlement to life.

A key attraction is Fort Pickens, one of the four Southern forts that were never occupied by Confederate forces during the Civil War. This historic site offers tours of its complex tunnels, cannons, and breathtaking views. The Fort Pickens area has also become a favored spot for camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and more. When in doubt, pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning scenery of the bay.