Discover the 12 Coasts of Florida
Learn How the Popular Coasts of Florida Earned their Modern Day Names
With more than 1,350 miles of coastline bording the Gulf of America and the Atlantic Ocean, the State of Florida is commonly known by its "coasts" which are unique to each region. Read below to learn the counties and cities they span, as well as how each coast originally received its name.On the Gulf Coast
- Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast spans the northwest most part of the Florida panhandle from Pensacola Beach to Panama City Beach and includes the cities of Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Miramar Beach and Panama City. The emerald names comes from the deep emerald green color of the Gulf waters against the white sands the local barrier islands.
- Forgotten Coast
The Forgotten Coast of Florida covers a region from Mexico Beach east to St. Marks on Apalachee Bay and includes the cities of Port St Joe, Apalachicola, East Point, Lanark Village and Alligator Point. Tallahassee, the largest city in this region, is just 90 minutes north of the Gulf. This section of Florida, as its name refers to, is a fairly quiet, under developed and a less inhabited area of Florida.
- Nature Coast
The Nature Coast is Florida's largest coast and spans eight counties including Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco. As its name implies, popular activities in this region include nature hikes, observing wildlife, fishing and boating. There are also popular snorkeling and diving spots located along the rivers located in Homosassa Springs, Homosassa and Crystal River.
- Sun Coast
The Sun Coast area spans the west coast of Florida from Hillsborough County south to Sarasota County. Larger cities within include Tapron Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Clearwater, Tampa, St Petersburg, Brandon, Bradenton and Sarasota. The Sun Coast name comes from the part of Florida that receives the most days of sunshine per year. This region is also a popular vacation destination for those from the Midwest US and Canada.
- Cultural Coast
The Cultural Coast mainly describes the Sarasota and Venice areas as it's Florida's home to the arts and is known for its theatrical and musical performances in addition to famous art galleries, the Ringling Estate (Ca' d'Zan), the Sarasota Opera, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Venice Theatre. Sarasota always hosts its annual art, film and music festivals each year which draw top talent from around the country.
- Lee Island Coast
The Lee Island Coast is named after Lee County, which includes the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Larger cities in this region include Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero and Bonita Springs. The Lee Cultural Coast offers tourists and locals alike access to top beaches, boating fun and outdoor activities year-round. Popular area attractions include the Henry Ford and Thomas Edison museums, as they were regular visitors to this region in their day.
- Paradise Coast
The Paradise Coast mainly covers the Naples area and includes the cities of Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, Immokalee and Ave Maria. This part of Florida is considered paradise with its white sand beaches, aqua-colored Gulf waters and pristine natural beauty.
On the Atlantic Coast
- Gold Coast
The Gold Coast spans from South Miami up to West Palm Beach and includes over 60 miles of Atlantic coast line within the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Large cities in this region of include Miami, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and West Palm Beach. The Gold Coast name is a reference to opulent and ritzy lifestyles of those who characterize the area.
- Treasure Coast
The Treasure Coast spans the counties of Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin on Florida's east coast. Larger cities within this region include Jupiter, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and Vero Beach. The Treasure Coast name is a reference to the Spanish Armada fleet carrying treasure which was lost in the Hurricane of 1715.
- Space Coast
The Space Coast is located in Brevard County and spans ober 70 miles of shorline. Cities in this region include Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach and Titusville. The Space Coast is best known for its space shuttle missions and is also home to Kennedy the Space Center and Port Canaveral, a popular cruise ship port.
- Fun Coast
The Fun Coast, also known as the Surf Coast, includes the counties of Flagler and Volusia. Well-known cities in this area include New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. As its name implies, the Fun Coast is a popular surfing destination and is great for both beginners and experts alike.
- First Coast
The First Coast of Florida spans over 80 miles bordering the counties of Nassau, Duval and St. Johns. Larger cities in this region include Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine and Palm Coast. The First Coast refers to the "first" permanent European settlement in the region which is St. Augustine. There is lots of rich history to discover in the area through guided public tours.
The Emerald Coast spans the northwest most part of the Florida panhandle from Pensacola Beach to Panama City Beach and includes the cities of Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Miramar Beach and Panama City. The emerald names comes from the deep emerald green color of the Gulf waters against the white sands the local barrier islands.
The Forgotten Coast of Florida covers a region from Mexico Beach east to St. Marks on Apalachee Bay and includes the cities of Port St Joe, Apalachicola, East Point, Lanark Village and Alligator Point. Tallahassee, the largest city in this region, is just 90 minutes north of the Gulf. This section of Florida, as its name refers to, is a fairly quiet, under developed and a less inhabited area of Florida.
The Nature Coast is Florida's largest coast and spans eight counties including Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco. As its name implies, popular activities in this region include nature hikes, observing wildlife, fishing and boating. There are also popular snorkeling and diving spots located along the rivers located in Homosassa Springs, Homosassa and Crystal River.
The Sun Coast area spans the west coast of Florida from Hillsborough County south to Sarasota County. Larger cities within include Tapron Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Clearwater, Tampa, St Petersburg, Brandon, Bradenton and Sarasota. The Sun Coast name comes from the part of Florida that receives the most days of sunshine per year. This region is also a popular vacation destination for those from the Midwest US and Canada.
The Cultural Coast mainly describes the Sarasota and Venice areas as it's Florida's home to the arts and is known for its theatrical and musical performances in addition to famous art galleries, the Ringling Estate (Ca' d'Zan), the Sarasota Opera, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Venice Theatre. Sarasota always hosts its annual art, film and music festivals each year which draw top talent from around the country.
The Lee Island Coast is named after Lee County, which includes the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Larger cities in this region include Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero and Bonita Springs. The Lee Cultural Coast offers tourists and locals alike access to top beaches, boating fun and outdoor activities year-round. Popular area attractions include the Henry Ford and Thomas Edison museums, as they were regular visitors to this region in their day.
The Paradise Coast mainly covers the Naples area and includes the cities of Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, Immokalee and Ave Maria. This part of Florida is considered paradise with its white sand beaches, aqua-colored Gulf waters and pristine natural beauty.
The Gold Coast spans from South Miami up to West Palm Beach and includes over 60 miles of Atlantic coast line within the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Large cities in this region of include Miami, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and West Palm Beach. The Gold Coast name is a reference to opulent and ritzy lifestyles of those who characterize the area.
The Treasure Coast spans the counties of Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin on Florida's east coast. Larger cities within this region include Jupiter, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and Vero Beach. The Treasure Coast name is a reference to the Spanish Armada fleet carrying treasure which was lost in the Hurricane of 1715.
The Space Coast is located in Brevard County and spans ober 70 miles of shorline. Cities in this region include Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach and Titusville. The Space Coast is best known for its space shuttle missions and is also home to Kennedy the Space Center and Port Canaveral, a popular cruise ship port.
The Fun Coast, also known as the Surf Coast, includes the counties of Flagler and Volusia. Well-known cities in this area include New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. As its name implies, the Fun Coast is a popular surfing destination and is great for both beginners and experts alike.
The First Coast of Florida spans over 80 miles bordering the counties of Nassau, Duval and St. Johns. Larger cities in this region include Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine and Palm Coast. The First Coast refers to the "first" permanent European settlement in the region which is St. Augustine. There is lots of rich history to discover in the area through guided public tours.
Map of Florida's Coastlines
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