With only a boardwalk between you and the beach, this has become one of my favorites. Bars, restaurants and shopping give one a total beach experience within steps of each other. For snowbirds this is a great area, as surrounding accommodation is quite reasonable and entertainment is available free of charge most nights during the winter months. Many of the smaller family owned restaurants have reasonable charges and the bars usually overlook the boardwalk and beach.
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![Hollywood Beach - Florida]()
The Story behind the picture
Hollywood Beach & The Boardwalk. Built in 1923, the Hollywood Broadwalk is over two-miles long, featuring a thirty-foot wide landmark pedestrian promenade that combines dramatic coastal views of Hollywood Beach with the nostalgic feel of a Main Street thoroughfare.
Boardwalk became my friend, not just for the Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. There were many days when bicycling became a very good pastime, or where walking helped to make up for so, so many delicious meals & drinks at the mostly French-Canadian restaurants along the Boardwalk. Prior to walking home, it was quite easy to watch the entertainment at the Bandshell.
Near the Beach
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Giorgio`s Grille & Restaurant - 43 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Le Tub Saloon - 23 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Beach Hotels - 22 sec
In the Area
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood Review - 45 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Atlantic Sunrise - 1 min 23 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Diplomat Resort - 38 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Intercoastal Waterway - 57 sec
John`s Comments
Now here is a place for the average person, great sightseeing, great beach, shopping and dining. More for a crowd that stays for a while but the comfortable level is for most. The "Boardwalk" or walkway (sometimes bikepath) is next to the beach, with many family orientated restaurants and smaller hotels right beside you. Half the fun here, is being able to watch the beach traffic, while you are grabbing a bite to eat or snack, or even enjoying a drink at an outside bar facility
John`s Recollections
A favorite of ours and for many others. We have walked or biked this boardwalk many times, with many stops along the way for lunch, dinner or drinks. Prices seem quite reasonable, and many of the snowbirds attend the daily functions at the entertainment pavilion beside the beach.
Everything in it`s place. Much effort and time is spent to ensure that the beach and surrounding area is maintained to provide tourists with a great clean place to sun and relax. The beach is terrific and the wind is constant yet not overbearing. One can spend the afternoon here easily and then cross the street for a great evening dinner or lunch.
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![Ft Lauderdale Beach - Florida]()
The Story behind the picture
Year round, world class family resort destination that has helped draw in the tourists for decades.
Near the Beach
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Beach Restaurants - 43 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Yankee Clipper Resort - 30 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Bed and Breakfast Inn - 42 sec
In the Area
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Hyatt Hotel - 38 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Riverfront entertainment - 1 min 47 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Lago Mar Resort - 26 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Las Olas Boulevard - 57 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Canal Motels - 46 sec
John`s Comments
One of the most famous beaches in the USA. Made for enjoyment. A1A, the Intercoastal Highway, is immediately beside
the beach, and in most cases there are hotels and major restaurants on the other side. At least 300 feet of beautiful
white sand between the ocean and highway provide an excellent beach atmosphere. It is not an everyday perspective, nor
made for the average working class individual, but what the heck, it is gorgeous.
John`s Recollections
Everything here is just a bit better, cleaner, and well kept compared to most of the beaches in the area. From my
perspective it seems more for a vacation rather than a winter snow-bird experience.
Must admit however, that we have visited every time we are in the area, rarely using the beach but rather walking on
the sidewalk or using the many restaurant and shopping venues.
Now this is a drive that provides you, as a visitor, an excellent recap of what is available in the Clearwater Beach area. It passes by many of Clearwater Beach landmark locations; accommodation sites, restaurants, and attractions like Clearwater Beach itself plus boating facilities that use the Intercoastal Waterway or the Gulf of Mexico.
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![South Gulfview Drive - Clearwater Beach, Florida]()
The Story behind the pictures
This drive, to me, is a very good example of why so many tourists or snowbirds visit the area. For those that do not go to the beach on a regular schedule, their plans change when they have visitors as this is always high on the list for others. Myself, I always feel comfortable here.
Stops along South Gulfview
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Jimmy Iquana`s Restaurant - 30 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Shephard`s Beach Bar - 30 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Beach Restaurants & Inns - 1 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Hyatt Clearwater Resort - 31 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Pier House Hotel - 36 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Beach Activities - 43 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Sunset Pier on the Beach - 3.6 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Crabby bill`s Seafood - 43 sec
John`s Comments
Driving north from the bridge that links Sand Key to South Gulfview Blvd and then towards the Mandalay Circle turnabout. This
would be considered the prime business portion of Clearwater Beach, although there is a still a northern section after the circle
that has many business venues also.
John`s Recollections
A drive taken many times, and many times just to view the scenery. Views of the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach
and many of the beach activities are always available from the side windows of your cruise mobiles. Be careful though,
as there are many that almost stop traffic to take that extra look.
Click for Video Clip highlights of Driving North on Mandalay Avenue - 2 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Hilton Resort Hotel - 30 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Sand Pearl Resort - 1.2 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Frenchy`s Rockaway Grille - 33 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Palm Pavilion Beach Bar & Restaurant - 43 sec
Click for Video Clip highlights of Driving East to Clearwater - 4 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights Clearwater Aquarium & Winter- 4 min
Click for Video Clip highlights of Clearwater to Dunedin - 5.8 min
Harmony Beach is a relatively small Hamlet located on Lake Superior some 25 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. A camping Resort with bar & restaurant is the only business location.
Click Pictures to enlarge
The Story behind the pictures
Although the beach waters of Lake Superior may seem cool to many the waters reach 70-80F during many occasions during the summer months and it is quite well attended each weekend by the local population from Sault St. Marie.
Now, click to view a favorite page of our pics
Click pics to enlarge
John`s Comments
Beach is not really long in length, however it made for quick 20 minute jaunt, or a leisurely 40 walk with
a stop or two along the way to view various activities like watercraft, geese, & swimmers that braved the
cooler waters. Having road access for one leg of the trip where traffic was almost non-existant did help.
John`s Recollections
What I remember most is I actually do miss it. It provided on warm days a place to sit and view Superior`s
waters that always were different, it provided a remarkable spot to view the nightly sunsets and best of
all it met my own personal requirement "life is a beach, with
white sand and gentle waves".
The bay`s smaller opening into the much larger
Superior helped to create warmer waters and mitigated the strength of wave action.
On the Atlantic coastline in northern Florida, this beach is a bit more laid back and retains some historic charm. We really are beach people and love to see the waters and waves as they come in. Here there is not a multitude of people, yet the beach is one of the area`s finest. As we await to see where the next hurricane will land, it is still quite possible to see an area where population has not taken over the scenery.
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![Flagler Beach - Florida]()
The Story behind the picture
Could not resist taking a break while driving to St. Augustine from wintering in Clearwater, Florida. The beach
(happens to be our favorite item) beckoned us in to have a look see.
John`s Comments
The drive towards St. Augustine along the Atlantic coastline is quite scenic. Stopping at Flagler beach, to walk in the sand by the ocean is one of the
reasons why there are so many tourists visiting Florida. The waves and the sand here are above average and the hour walk made for a very enjoyable pit
stop along the way
John`s Recollections
The coast road (Hwy 1) on our way to Saint Augustine is alongside the Atlantac in this area. The beach and the waves beckoned us to the point
where dipping our toes in the water and taking a walk on the beach were more important than another hour in a favorite location (Savannah).
John`s Personal Views
Just had to stop as the highway goes right along the beach. The sand is deep and the water was warm. Made for a very enjoyable two hours and if we had
of had the time, likely would of spent an hour or two having lunch at one of the roadside restaraunts that overlooked the beach.
Actually we have returned several times and have had that lunch.
Terrific beach to lay back, wander into the surf, listen to the wandering marachi bands or buy the many products tendered by beach vendors. We love the beach as mentioned previously but this one seemed to have more activity than most. Beach vendors trying to sell their wares every 10-15 minutes provided interesting moments to get out of the sun, plus the waves were very consistent and you were able to go out 50 feet, sit down, and let them wash over you.
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![Beach, Mazatlan - Mexico]()
The Story behind the picture
Vendors did ply their trade, but unless requested, did not bother most anyone. Actually they did add to the beach activities.
John`s Comments
Picture perfect beaches at Mazatlan bring in the tourists from the northern States and Canada during their winter months. Actually quite
pleased as to both the value and surroundings.
John`s Recollections
Many a day the trip was made to travel the two blocks from our accommodation complex to rest, sunbathe and play at the beach area.
There were vendors selling goods on the beach, however not in overbearing numbers and as time went on
they became part of the beach scene and rarely bothered us, unless we were the initiators.
The ocean waves were constant, but not that large, just about right for taking that dip and have them splash over you.
One thing that really impressed me, was that after a few visits the waiter began to bring down the table and chairs
to the ocean so that we could dip our feet in the water. Oh, forgot to say that the drinks arrived also.
A tourist haven along the Gulf coast. Great dockside facilities include many restaurants, shopping, gambling cruise departures and an intercoastal linkage to the Gulf of Mexico. Fortunately as a snowbird we have been able to visit many times and our experiences have always been positive. For those that wish to sunbathe or walk the beach, then that is great also.
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![John's Pass, Madeira Beach - Florida]()
The Story behind the picture
Spend most of one day watching the building of this sand castle. Impressed by the efforts of what is entailed to create it, and disappointed that several days later it was no longer there.
John`s Comments
A must visit for a visitor. Great beach, intercoastal waterway entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, and plenty of stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.
John`s Recollections
Can`t count the number of times that we have visited Johns Pass. Each time is as good as the last time, and the boardwalk along the channel to the Gulf of Mexico, with the
many restaurants, together with the smaller type shopping venues
provide reasons to return. If you need a break from the shopping & restaurants, you just go across the street to beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
Just a fabulous park to get away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Excellent beach and facilities together with an area for camping overnight. Well used by locals and regarded as one of the best beaches in Florida. Plan on visiting Fort Desota to see an awesome display of cannon power in earlier times. Our visits here are usually a full day trip.
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![Fort Desota - St. Petersburg, Florida]()
The Story behind the picture
Left the beach crowd and searched for a barbecue pit. Picture was from that location and we were not disappointed. Peaceful and quiet time with
the many birds in the area.
John`s Comments
Pack up your beach bag, put on your swimming gear, and visit this favorite beach along the gulf coast.
Activities in the historic park include camping, kayaking, fishing, barbequeing, and of course swimming
& walking along many of the beaches
John`s Recollections
A terrific park that is visited by many. Great for a day trip, as one can visit the fort, then partake
in beach activies. Places to get away by yourself for barbeques and there is even an area for camping overnight.
A very unique reststop, rarely travelled by tourists, has excellent beach & restaurant facilities and provides a great location to view Panamanians harvesting an early morning fish catch. This one night stop, followed by a quick visit to the Royal Decamaron Resort was just great. The beach area was very special, hardly a soul, yet just beautiful to walk by some of the homes along the beach. Hard to believe that there were so few business entities, as back home it would have been wall to wall business & resorts. Video clips provide a good review.
The Story behind the picture
Most people are in search of that dream location, where you can settle down, enjoy the environment and have that closeness to your desires. Well I think that this is mine! The people are friendly yet do not exhibit the traits of needing what you may have, the beach and ocean waters are more than what is necessary, food is plentiful and the weather is terrific. Sounds good doesn`t it, perhaps we need to return.
John`s Comments
Santa Clara, Panama is just over an hour west of Panama City and you can drive to the beach off the Pan-American Highway (Expressway). Santa Clara for the tourist has some pleasant accommodations & restaurants but it is mainly the beautiful white-sand beach, and with not too many people. During the week, the only signs of life you may see are a few fishing boats. The road from the highway (4 miles) to the beach is quite driveable.
John`s Recollections
Would I return. Yes for sure, and likely for a few days longer. The beach & accommodation will provide that incentive, yet it was an early morning fish harvest that helped to remind one of how the country really is. THIS IS PANAMA , a country of beautiful scenery, beaches and people but it still at times has very basic values showing others that life can be lived without the frills.
The settlement is a small fishing village with tourist lodgings and Panamanians' weekend homes. It is located just off the Inter- American Highway, 11 km norhwest of the El Valle turnoff and 100 km northwest of Panama City. The closest town is the beach resort Farallon. Santa Clara`s stretch of white sand beach is relatively uncrowded, and there are more locals and fewer tourists in Santa Clara than at other nearby beaches.
The pink sand beach on Harbour Island is one of the best and is consistently rated in the Worlds Top 10. Fabulous beach, with pink sands & gentle waves where one can wade into the Atlantic Ocean for hundreds of feet. This had to be the greatest beach that I have set foot on (at least from my perspective). The most beautiful color of sand, the gentleness of the slope, and the colors of waters that seemed go out for ever. Seeing others on horseback only added to the mystique.
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![Pink Sand Beach -
Eleuthra, Bahamas]()
The Story behind the picture
Here is a place where you could imagine that your dreams had been realized. Leaving footprints in the sand and having individuals infrequently riding by on horseback just made you think you were in another world. Gentle waves brought in the Atlantic waters as if it was a giant bubble bath, and the pink sand beach with blue skies made this a postcard event. It was not until much later that I noticed the breakers some thousand yards from the shoreline, where they had approached the reefs and smoothed the waters closer to the beach to create this appearance.
John`s Comments
One of the most beautiful beaches on this planet. The pink sand and the gentle waves make this a spot that you
could visit everyday. To me, this had to be the trip highlight of visiting the Bahama Out Islands, at Harbour Island,
Eleuthra. It is hard to imagine a more perfect beach as it seemed to have everything: uncrowded, perfect sand,
shallow waters, and miles of it. The overlooking bluffs had several lodging with beach frontage that provided guests
that perfect vacation.
John`s Recollections
A beach that will not be forgotten. The pink sand is mesmorizing and you can wade so far out into the water.
At times the water appeared to create a foam that is unlike what most would have seen. Walk for miles and you
may see an occasional horseback rider or another couple walking by. You truly appear to be alone in paradise.
Excellent white sand beach on the Gulf of mexico. Well used by vacationers and area residents as well. Many new resorts & condominiums, either on the beach or across the street. Close to all beach activities. This is the place where vacationers abound and enjoy the sun, sand, and Gulf of Mexico waters. Many favorite restaurants on the beach however I still recommend the Palm Pavilion if you are in the area, or maybe Frenchy`s, or maybe even Jimmy Iguana's.
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![Clearwater Beach - Clearwater Beach, Florida]()
The Story behind the picture
A picture is worth a thousand words, and what makes this one even better is to be able to sit in an
open bar/restaurant and take the picture. Thanks to the Palm Pavilion Restaurant for making life easy.
John`s Comments
Clearwater Beach, one of the finest white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
John`s Recollections
One of Florida`s great beaches. White soft sand with a recently installed beach walkway separating the beach from the hotels and
business areas that is quite comparable to the Fort Lauderdale beachfront. I actually like this area more as it seems more in tune
with the general public with still many business establishments on the beach and not requiring one to cross a road.
A favorite of many snowbirds during the winter months, and during the summer months many come from Northern Texas to partake in the beach activities. Close to the Mexican border for frequent shopping excursions. South Padre Island is just a narrow slit of land off the Texas coastline where development has blossomed into a flourishing vacation destination.
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![South Padre Island - Texas]()
The Story behind the picture
Party atmosphere for a few days with even a visit to Mexico thrown in.
John`s Comments
South Padre Island is busy during the winter snowbird season as seniors travel to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Having Mexico as a next door neighbor
also provides an interesting diversion. This is also a well attended summer location for summer breaks for those that are looking for ocean beaches.
John`s Recollections
South Padre Island has many beaches and the hospitality of the local population is noted for their friendly atmosphere. There are
also some very large Texas size steaks and shrimps from the Gulf of Mexico. Both were sampled several times. South Padre accommodation was at that
time a place to rest several days, prior to completing our baseball visits to the original 26 major league baseball teams, at the Houston Astros ballpark.
Surfing in the Pacific is a favorite pastime for many in California. The coastline near San Francisco provides many the opportunity to enjoy the waves, scenery etc.
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![Drive highlights - San Francisco to Pacific coast. - California]()
Not a large beach but adequate for those that wish to take a dip or sunbathe. One of the more interesting items is swimming out to the anchored barge that has onboard restaurant facilities.
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![Key West Beach ( Public beach area ) - Pre Hurricane]()
------Click for Atlantic Ocean Waves - 1.4 min
