<p><br> Surfers wait for the perfect wave at <a href="http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/listings/003/a0t40000007qtahAAA.html" target="_blank">Gasparilla Island State Park</a>, a refuge at the southern end of Gasparilla Island. This barrier island, about an hour's drive from Sarasota on Florida's west coast, has one city: <a href="http://www.bocagrandechamber.com/" target="_blank">Boca Grande</a>, a classic beach town.</p>

Gasparilla Island


Surfers wait for the perfect wave at Gasparilla Island State Park, a refuge at the southern end of Gasparilla Island. This barrier island, about an hour's drive from Sarasota on Florida's west coast, has one city: Boca Grande, a classic beach town.

Photograph by Steven Martine, National Geographic Travel

Florida Beach Photos

Florida's beaches—pristine and remote to popular and packed—are the state's crown jewels. Take a tour with this photo gallery from National Geographic.

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