With a warm climate year-round and 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida has lots of places to enjoy a beach vacation. There are deep shipwrecks, big waves, and surf culture on the Atlantic side, and sugar-white sand and eco paradises filled with mangroves and wildlife on the west side. There are quiet spots where you can relax with a book and buzzy stretches where beach volleyball and Jet Skis fuel the vibe. I came here for college, and 35 years later, I still call the Sunshine State home .

Florida has grown in popularity, but some beach enclaves remain affordable. Here are some of my favorite beach destinations in Florida , when you want to maximize fun in the sun while staying on a budget.

Panama City Beach

Sunset over Panama City Beach. Jesse Brantman/Travel + Leisure

I landed in Panama City Beach (PCB) a little more than 17 years ago and always count myself lucky to call this place home.…