Sand Bar at Gulf of Mexico, Holiday, Florida.

There are few places these days where you can feel as though you've escaped, yet be close enough to land that guests aboard who aren't as familiar with being on the water are comfortable. You're still within the sight of land when you visit the sandbar, but you're far enough away to make the separation from land appreciated. It can become extremely busy during the weekends. When you see a line of 50 or more boats anchored up to the bar, proceed slowly and cautiously as you look for a spot to anchor. Be mindful of swimmers in the water, other boaters, and of course, jet skis. Be mindful of the tide conditions as well. If you anchor too high on the bar during a high tide, you will quickly find yourself stranded when the tide changes and goes out. Once a year, there's a party on the sandbar that is simply outrageous. Thousands of people and hundreds of boats converge on the sandbar for a one day event.