The Battle of the Coasts: East vs. West Floridian Rivalries
There’s a friendly feud brewing in the Sunshine State—it’s East Coast Floridians vs. West Coast Floridians, each side swearing they live on the better stretch of paradise.
These are some of the biggest rivalries between the residents of Florida’s two iconic coasts. Let us know if you agree or what we missed.
Surf’s Up or Calm and Clear?
When it comes to beaches, the differences between Florida’s East and West coasts are night and day. East Coast beaches are known for their surf-ready waves and endless stretches of golden sand.
Spots like Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach draw surfers and thrill-seekers from around the world. If you’ve ever dreamed of riding a wave like the pros, this is your coast. The Atlantic Ocean is also cooler, perfect for cooling off in the Florida heat.
Over on the West Coast, it’s all about relaxation. The Gulf of Mexico serves up calm, warm waters that are generally ideal for families and people who just want to float around. Clearwater Beach and Siesta Key are famous for their powdery white sand, often ranked among the best in the U.S. No surfboards needed here—just pack a floatie and sunscreen.
Sunrises or Sunsets
What’s better: starting your day with a breathtaking sunrise or ending it with a jaw-dropping sunset? This is one of the hottest debates between East and West Coast Floridians.
The East Coast owns the sunrise game. Imagine sipping coffee as the sun paints the Atlantic sky in shades of pink and orange. Early risers love the peaceful energy of an East Coast morning.
Meanwhile, the West Coast steals the show when the sun dips below the horizon. The sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are nothing short of magical. Beaches like Naples Pier and St. Pete Beach are packed at dusk with people applauding the sun’s fiery farewell. Some locals even claim the sunsets there are the best in the world—a bold claim, but hard to argue after seeing one.
Fast-Paced vs. Chill
On the East Coast, the vibe is fast and exciting. Cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale are hotspots for nightlife, luxury shopping, and non-stop entertainment.
Miami, especially, feels like a little slice of Latin America with its vibrant music, food, and culture. It’s no wonder the city’s nickname is the Magic City—something fun is always happening.
The West Coast takes things at a slower pace. Tampa and Sarasota are big cities with small-town charm. You’ll find cultural gems like the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg and plenty of farmer’s markets and craft breweries. Life here feels a little less rushed, perfect for those who want to kick back and soak up the Gulf Coast vibe.
Spicy or Savory Food
The East Coast’s food scene is heavily influenced by Latin and Caribbean flavors. Think fresh ceviche, Cuban sandwiches, and jerk chicken. Miami is a foodie’s paradise, with a mix of upscale dining and hidden gems serving authentic dishes from around the world.
Fort Lauderdale’s seafood shacks are also a must-visit, offering up fresh catches from the Atlantic.
Over on the West Coast, seafood is still the star, but the flavors are more traditional. Grouper sandwiches and stone crab claws are local favorites. That said, the Cuban sandwich is popular in the Tampa area; Tampa’s Cuban sandwich scene rivals Miami’s, with a debate over which city makes it best.
Braving the Storms
Both coasts enjoy Florida’s signature sunshine, but when it comes to weather, the East Coast faces a bit more drama. Florida’s southeast coast is statistically more vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. Floridians there are no strangers to boarding up windows and stocking up on supplies during hurricane season.
The West Coast, particularly the area outside the panhandle, gets fewer direct hits from hurricanes. That said, when storms do make landfall there, they can be just as devastating.
According to the Florida Climate Center, every single part of Florida’s coastline has been impacted by at least one hurricane since 1850.
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