Florida, when you ask a non-resident of our sunshine state what first comes to mind what do you think they will say? They’d comment on Florida’s beaches, the vacation’s spots, the theme parks, and the great view.

Personally I think I got pretty lucky, first I live in Florida, then I live at Savannah at Park Central. We get some pretty great deals being Florida residents and we get to come home to a community.

My favorite activity to do in my spare time is to take a summer drive over to some of the beaches nearby. Many tourists don’t think of beaches when it comes to Orlando, FL. But we’re only an hours drive to the water. A couple and friends and I will go out to Cocoa beach in the morning and spend the day under the sun. It’s a good time. Have you been to these beaches lately?

• Cocoa Beach- driving time: about 1 hour, 5 minutes
• Daytona Beach- driving time: about 1 hour, 7 minutes
• New Smyrna Beach-  driving time: about 1 hour, 8 minutes
• Canaveral National Seashore- driving time: about 1 hour, 9 minutes
• Melbourne Beach-  driving time: about 1 hour, 24 minutes

Photo by Bernt Rostad