Living in the cold north can do wonders for your health; however, the appeal cannot compare to that of living in a warmer climate. It is, therefore, no surprise that a lot of retirees from colder regions (especially Canada) decide to spend the third act of their life somewhere warmer. Most often, Florida seems to be their prime destination.

Why? 

Well, because it has it all!

It has some of the best climates on the globe (especially for someone who spent most of their life in a colder region), the standard of living is high, and it offers incredible versatility in terms of content and attractions.

It gets even more interesting than that. You see, Florida has the mildest winter in the entire Continental United States, and for someone accustomed to a real winter, this might come as a shock. This is why the first winter spent on the peninsula is so incredible.

Now, in order to give you a bit more compact of an answer, we’ve come up with a short list of some of the best winter boating options for snowbirds in Florida. Here’s what the Sunshine State has to offer to snowbirds during their first winter there. 

1.  Tampa

The most popular destination for snowbirds on the West Coast of Florida is definitely Tampa. It’s a place with amazing beaches and other amenities. Moreover, it’s one of the best places for people looking for boat rentals in Florida. This way, you can enjoy the coast without feeling the need to commit to a single beach. 

A thing that stands out with Tampa is its central location on the West Coast of Florida. This means that you’ll have an easy time reaching any other area on the coast from Tampa. It can serve as your central hub, especially if you decide to hire a boat as your main means of transportation. 

The place just has it all without being as crowded as Miami. This is especially the case during the winter months when there are not so many tourists around.

The place is a major hub for Cuban emigration, which means that it has some of the best Cuban cigars and Cuban cuisine that you’ll encounter. 

One more thing worth mentioning about Tampa is the fact that it’s a popular destination for snowbirds all over the world, especially Canada. In other words, you’ll have easy access to people from home, and the local community, in general, is pretty friendly.

2.  Orlando

Orlando has some of the most renowned theme parks in the world. You have the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. After all, whenever you open a travel guide to Orlando, you’ll see one of these three locations pop up. So, why not cross them off your list during your first year there is a snowbird?

The next thing to consider is shopping and dining. There are a lot of luxury boutiques that you can visit, and local markets are simply amazing. This gives you a lot of opportunities to do some luxury shopping, but if the boat you rented has a kitchen, what you can also do is visit a local market, get some fresh ingredients, and make yourself an amazing course.

The place is also a golfing paradise. If you’re in your retirement era, you owe it to yourself to hit some of Orlando’s best courses. So, pack your golfing bag on the boat and schedule a visit to one of these golf clubs online. Then, plan your visit to the area around it.

One of the things you could easily overlook is the fact that Orlando has access to the airport. This means that it could be a first stop in Florida from which you can plan the rest of your voyage. 

3.  Boca Grande

Now, one might argue that those looking for a peaceful and quiet life don’t exactly pick a state that’s renowned for tourism and good times. However, Florida is a huge state, and you don’t have to be exclusive to one type of life you’ll enjoy in your later life in order to have a great time there. 

Boca Grande, for instance, is a much more serene and tranquil place. It’s a small town with a historic downtown area. It’s much different than what you would see in Miami, and it might be exactly what a snowbird would want when choosing the right location. 

It’s also amazing for fishing, even in winter. Due to its tropical climate, the colder temperature of the water (colder than usual, not colder compared to where you came from) will not disturb you too much.

It’s a place with so many amazing activities, which is probably the reason you picked Florida to begin with. Lastly, it’s renowned for its wildlife and nature conservation. So, if you’re an avid birdwatcher, this is the place to be. 

4.  St. Augustine

While history buffs argue about whether Jamestown or Plymouth are the cradle of the modern US culture, they all forget that the oldest town in the country is actually St. Augustine. This place was founded in 1565, and it still has some of the oldest examples of masonry on the continent. We’re talking about Castillo de San Marcos.

Because of all this, the place has one of the most charming downtown locations filled with art galleries, quaint shops, and restaurants. The streets are paved with cobblestone, which further adds to the feel of authenticity.  

As for the rest, it has more or less the same appeal as the rest of Florida. The temperature, the sailing opportunities, and everything else. 

Wrap up

Ultimately, either of these locations works and helps you see as much of Florida as you want. Still, when it comes to this specific type of tourism, some locations are just superior. They are a difference in pace compared to colder, Northern regions, which offer more seclusion and a slower transition space for someone just moving in. In time, you should check the entirety of the state, but during your first visit there, it might make a great initial plan.