Everyone knows the beaches of Florida are a top spot for locals and tourists alike, but many natives or visitors might not know the intricacies of Florida's coast. Broken down into roughly 12 parts, the entire coast of Florida and the Keys offer beachgoers a unique experience in any part of the state. In Discovering Florida's Coast , Doug Alderson, popular Florida writer and successful Pineapple Press author, delves into what makes each section of the state's coast different. From the emerald waters of Pensacola to the man-made islands and amazing skyline of Miami's Biscayne Bay, readers interested in visiting different parts of the state's beaches will not only see beautiful photos of the natural scenery but also learn key facts about the areas. Lifelong Floridians and first-time visitors will enjoy reading through and seeing what makes the state so appealing to beach lovers, whether they are interested in the water sports, the wildlife, or relaxing on the beach. See the powdered sugar-like white sands of the Emerald Coast or the historic lighthouses of the Forgotten Coast through the eyes of an author who has not only kayaked in all sections of the state's coastline, but who is a Florida nature and scenery lover through and through. The Florida Writers Association awarded Discovering Florida's Coast  the 2023 gold medal for nonfiction and named it the fourth runner up for book of the year. It was also the 2023 gold medal winner for coffee table book by the Florida Authors and Writers Association.   The author took all the photos in the book. A lovely tour of Florida's vast and varied coastal areas. Broadly arranged by region (Treasure Coast, Forgotten Coast, etc.) this offers more depth than a standard coffee table book. There are interesting stories and historical facts about each region and what makes it special. That said, the photography is absolutely stunning! This would be a great purchase for nature or photography lovers, armchair travelers, and anyone with a soft spot for Florida's stunning beauty. Goodreads reader review Discovering Florida's Coast is the culmination of many years of coastal journeys around the Sunshine State, beginning with a family trip down the west coast of Florida to Key West and then up the eastern shore. A three-year job that involved mapping a sea kayak trail around the entire coast added greater depth and appreciation. More than just a trip to the beach, this book pays homage to the incredible beauty and diversity of Florida's coast and the need to protect it. Doug Alderson  prefers a kayak to a desk, hugs trees and friends, and loves observing alligators, manatees and other wildlife in their natural environment. Most of his 17 published books focus on the dynamic and quirky nature of his home state of Florida. They include  America's Alligator ,  Wild Florida Waters,  W aters Less Traveled, New Dawn for the Kissimmee River ,  Encounters with Florida's Endangered Wildlife  and  A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions , which the Florida Writers Association placed in the top five of published books for 2017. He has won six first place Royal Palm Literary awards for nonfiction books, three gold medals from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, and several other state and national writing and photography awards. Besides writing the text, he took all of the photos for  Discovering Florida's Coast.