At the Rotary Centennial Nature Center you can go up on the observation deck for a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico Ocean and the St. Joseph Sound. Take the family for a walk on the park’s nature trails or get a look at the different varieties of shorebirds from the bird observation areas. Overall, Honeymoon Island Beach is an excellent idea for an inexpensive Florida beach family vacation.
Off the island are three artificial reefs with underwater ships wrecks that are quite popular with both snorkeling and scuba divers. Nearby is the Florida Oceanographic Society where you can pet and feed stingrays, hike along the Indian River Lagoon and watch the fish feeding.
Lots of different boats are available to rent like sailboats, kayaks or paddle boats. There’s a very nice, clean 2.5 mile-long beach good for swimming. There is a good fishing spot on the north end of the park. A trail is available for a self-guided walk through the park’s subtropical coastal hammock.
The area is popular for people looking to pick up petrified sharks teeth in the sand. Some nearby attractions are the G. Wiz Hands on Science Museum, Sarasota Jungle Gardens and the Crowley Museum and Nature Center.
Cheap Florida Beach Vacation #5:Marco Island is down along Florida’s southwest coast. The beaches are nice and have picnic areas with Chickee huts and children’s play area. This is a very popular fishing spot for Snook, Redfish, Trout, Tarpon and other fish. There is plenty to do such as shopping, boating, fishing, golf and tennis. A vacation here is most affordable during the off-season (May-November).
Marco Island Sea Excursions can arrange fun tours of the Everglades, dinners cruises and fishing trips. Close by is Collier-Seminole State Park where there are lots of cheap activities like hiking, bicycling, and canoeing. Also nearby is Double R's Manatee Tours. They offer manatee viewing and nature tours that take you out into the Everglades and the 10,000 Islands where you can see South Florida's largest herd of manatees as well as alligators, dolphins, turtles and many tropical birds species.