North Gold Coast

Destination information

Florida’s Gold Coast is so named because of the coins that sometime wash up on the shore – treasure from so many Spanish Galleons that sunk here centuries before! The Gold Coast actually stretches down from Palm Beach County in the north to Fort Lauderdale and Miami in the south. Sometimes overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, the north is just as stunning as the south with so much to discover. Daytona Beach offers mile upon mile of pure white sand with water sports galore, including parasailing, boating and kayaking. If you’re looking to shred the waves, you really couldn’t be better placed, with some great surfing spots in and around Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach. You can also tour the world-famous Daytona International Speedway, putting your pit crew tests to the skill at the Daytona 500 Experience! Vero Beach is another ocean paradise with more excellent surf spots and unique diving amongst colourful reefs and shipwrecks. Some of Florida’s most exclusive golf courses are here too, so if you’re an enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. Nearby is the Kennedy Space Centre – find out when the next rocket launch is at this incredible attraction and if you’re around don’t miss it, it really is the experience of a lifetime! If history appeals, St Augustine’s fits the bill. It’s the nation’s oldest city with attractions such as ‘The Oldest House in America’ to prove it! The Lightner Museum and the Castillo de San Marcos are also well worth visiting. As well as practically drowning in culture, St Augustine’s beachfront is magnificent with barrier islands, glorious golden sands and more exciting water sports.