The Complete Florida Beach Guide, 1st edition

The first edition of The Complete Florida Beach Guide is written by Mary and Bill Burnham who have also written the Florida Keys Paddling Atlas and several travel books on Virginia.

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256 pages
Publisher: University Press of Florida
Date: April 13, 2008
ISBN: 0813032210
Size: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.0 inches

It is part of the Wild Florida series published by University Press of Florida; other titles include 50 Great Walks in Florida, Hiking the Florida Trail (1,100 Miles, 78 Days, Two Pairs of Boots, and One Heck of an Adventure), Fishing Florida's Flats (A Guide to Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, and Much More), Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State, 30 Eco-Trips in Florida: The Best Nature Excursions (and How to Leave Only Your Footprints).

The Complete Florida Beach Guide is arranged by region and the authors have visited every one of the beaches featured.

Each listing includes directions on how to get there, what parking is available and fees, any facilities like restrooms, showers and picnicking, whether the beach is handicap accessible, whether pets are allowed and most importantly whether there are any lifeguards.

There is also information on the type of sand, likelihood of finding shells, plants and wildlife, nearby food and drink, nature trails, camping, fishing, canoeing and driving on the beach.

There is even information about clothing optional beaches.

An authority on the best beaches, Professor Stephen Leatherman (Dr Beach) from Florida International University gave his review as "Provides information that cannot be obtained elsewhere in one source. This is info that beach guests would like to have", which is praise indeed.

Alternative beach guide books include:

• Exploring Florida's Gulf Coast Beaches
• Florida's Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber
• Beach and Coastal Camping in Florida by Johnny Molloy

Note that most guide books are re-published annually so you can often pick up a bargain if you don't mind last year's edition.