Editor's note: Beaches and parks are listed geographically from north to south.

Beaches with this symbol have beach wheelchairs available, either provided as a courtesy, or available for (prearranged) rent and delivery from private companies.

Known as Florida's Nature Coast, this area features the shallow, grassy flats of northern Florida, along with a few fantastic sandy beaches. The waters offer great fishing, and you can grab a snorkel and search for scallops in the summer months.

Fort Island Gulf Beach
As Crystal River's only saltwater beach, this 1,000-foot beach features picnic facilities and concessions. There is boat ramp and dock accessibility. You can sunbathe, swim, build a sandcastle or try out your fishing skills on the nearby pier.

Pine Island at Alfred McKethan Park
A three-acre park on the Gulf of Mexico, McKethan Park has white, sandy shores perfect for sun worshippers. The park offers wading and swimming areas, great flats fishing, kayaking and canoeing, and an observation point from which you can watch a spectacular sunset.

Bayport Park
This 1-½ -acre park on the Gulf of Mexico at the end of State Road 50 features picnic tables, pavilions, grills, a fishing pier and two boat ramps. Spend the day on the beach, or launch your boat and head out to sparkling waters of the Gulf.

Jenkins Creek Park
Take in the preserved natural resources that exist here: natural freshwater springs, man-made canals, coastal marshes, uplands and waterways leading to the Gulf of Mexico. The one-acre park with boat launch (small boat or canoes only), fishing pier, grills and picnic tables, and restrooms offers a nice place for your family to relax.
Relax and sit on the bank where you can fish while the kids play at the playground.

Linda Penderson Park (formerly Hernando Beach Park)
This is a perfect place to take in what this area has to offer. This 135-acre park has activities for beachgoers of any age. Climb the 40-foot observation tower for a panoramic view of the marsh and look out over the Gulf of Mexico. Relax and sit on the bank where you can fish while the kids play at the playground. The park features grills, picnic tables, a pavilion, a swimming area, a playground, a community building, showers, and restrooms.