Cruising the Coast

A ride down Florida's Atlantic Coast along I-95 is good for the soul. From the freeway, you usually can't see the ocean. Take quick dashes from the expressway to find the beaches. Then decide whether to stroll the beach or cruise to the next one.


Up north, Jacksonville offers beaches that are surprisingly wild and free. You'll find more seagulls than people, so if you're in an introspective mood, these beaches offer an escape. After you tire, you can always return to the city, the largest in Florida.


For a history lesson, stop at St. Augustine, just south of Jacksonville. The Castillo de San Marcos is a fort built by the Spanish in 1672. It was formidable, at that time bearing 74 cannons. It's never been defeated in battle, so don't even think about taking over the place.


Daytona Beach is for partying and attracts huge crowds. College students especially frequent it, but it's loved by many. If you like auto racing, the Daytona 500 runs in February. It is to redneck what the pope is to religion.


In Daytona, you can walk along the Boardwalk or kill the afternoon in the sand. As day passes to night, the waters calm, and people relax in beachside restaurants. Stay overnight and wake early for the sunrise. On a gentle morning, the sunlight glides across the waters and frees the mind from society.


Vero Beach, further south, is home to many retirees. It offers a slower pace than Daytona.


At West Palm Beach, you can try snorkeling or scuba diving on Keylypso, a catamaran specially designed for diving. You can also rent a jet ski and have a blast! Windsurfing is popular and most catch on quickly.


Finally, you'll reach Fort Lauderdale, a suburb of Miami. You can take a cruise ship into the Caribbean or recover from your trip down the coast. Fort Lauderdale is busier than Jacksonville but slower than Daytona. Miami is home to a large Hispanic population and is the most cosmopolitan Florida city.


Plan to spend on average a day in each place.