Florida: Crescent Beach, Away for the Holidays - A Family Vacation Beach Retreat with Twinkling Lights, Kayaking, and Sandcastles.
Florida's northeastern coast remains a secret family vacation destination offering miles of un crowded beaches, awesome sunrises, iridescent sunsets, seaside eateries and delightful one-of-a-kind shopping. Dolphins swim along the coast and frolic in the Matanzas River. Shrimp boats mark the horizon, their nets caressing the waves. It is a place for sandcastles and sunset ceremonies.
During the holiday season St. Augustine celebrates with music, magical lights, and plenty of family entertainment. Remarkably beautiful, Crescent Beach is just south of St. Augustine Beach and historic St. Augustine. The beach is never crowded; no high rises exist; there are no malls or large shopping centers. Off-the-beaten-path and without the stress of population, vacation days become effortless. Each morning pelicans patrol the tide line diving between the waves as if queued by a Vivaldi symphony. During the warmest months sea turtles return to nest along the dunes; during the windy season wind surfers race across the water and kite surfers jump never ending waves.
The beach itself stretches for miles allowing visitors with a beach pass to drive ever- so-slowly along its edge. The hard-packed sand makes walking, running or bike riding near the waves possible. Moms with strollers face the breeze and weave around tide pools. Impromptu volleyball games break the sameness matched by surf fishing and sand gliding. Dogs enjoy the beach, surf, and sometimes the sea with their masters. Occasionally horseback riders race along the surf. Unlike other beaches in Florida which have mounting restrictions on beach use Crescent Beach is a family friendly, all-purpose beach.
This is the spot for anyone in love with the sea. It is possible to rent a really cool beach house or condo with easy beach access and awesome views of the Atlantic and Intercoastal Waterway.
Need to know: Many of the beach houses are pet-friendly with prior approval.
Value added: During the springtime, rare right whales may be seen off shore and fresh Mayport shrimp, one of the superb local delicacies, is available in local supermarkets. During the summer moths sea turtles nest along the beach.
Need to know: South Beach Grille located right on Crescent Beach is a spot with great food and marvelous atmosphere. Coastal Kayaks is just minutes from the beach. They rent kayaks for adventures and conduct moonlight excursions.
Editor's note: Our family has had the good fortune to enjoy this remarkable beach on more than one occasion. We love this spot! There is a very positive energy about this beach h We have sipped ice tea on the beach; watched dolphins at play, and walked for miles on one of the best beaches on the planet. The place is an ideal location for chilling out; the light is great; the ocean is always dramatically beautiful, sunrise to sunset. Stargazing is awesome all year long but best during the winter months and from May through September sea turtles nest at the the edge of the dunes only steps from the beach houses.
Crescent Beach: St Augustine Beach Vacations. Stay on the or near the beach and enjoy space and extra comforts of home in a beach house, condo, or townhome outfitted with families in mind. Pricing is simple and seasonal with some pet friendly units, high speed internet and full kitchens.
Bonus points: The owners live on the island meaning someone is always only a short distance from each property. St. Augustine Beach Vacations (formerly Hartley & Son) (904) 461-1668 or
www.staugvacations.com
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