Sandy Neck Beach Sandwich, Massachusetts, 10 Best Lake Resorts in Iowa [Ranked in 2023], Top 17 Drunkest Cities in America [Report 2023], 12 Major Cemeteries in Iowa [Update 2023], 10 Best Ziplines in Iowa You Must Enjoy [Update 2023], Top 17 Most Boring Cities in America [Report 2023]. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. Not a surfer? 10. WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! The Nature Coast does not have the same beachfronts that you can find in the panhandle or the Clearwater and St. Pete beaches to the south. If Fido has tagged along for your Key West adventure (or if you want to watch puppies play on the beach), Higgs Beach has one of the best dog parks around. Map Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. Stake out your spot in the Abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems can be enjoyed within the 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes and nature trails that make up beautiful Anastasia State Park. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas HighwayOn Election Day, Key West voted to ban large cruise shipsHooking a good meal in the Florida Keys. Dunedin FL 34698. Caladesi has been ranked highly as one of the top beaches in the United States by both Dr. Beach and a number of other reputable publications. It boasts thepicturesqueGulf of Mexicoand profound fishing expeditions. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. The World's Beaches With the Whitest SandQueensland, Australia. Spending a lot of time in Australia's Whitsunday Islands is sure to amaze you, particularly iconic Whitehaven Beach.Clearwater, Florida, USA. Bora Bora, Tahiti. Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Boracay, Philippines. Lofoten Islands, Norway. Zanzibar, Tanzania. Jericoacoara, Brazil. Okinawa, Japan. New South Wales, Australia. Santa Rosa Beach draws beachgoers worldwide, understood for its lovely small-town surroundings. Miramar Beach. In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. If you hold a fisher in your family or enjoy appreciating some fishing while also enjoying one of the most appealing white-sand seasides in the Sunshine State, Destin is the location to be. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. 1. When you need a break from the sun, browse the shops on Atlantic Avenue or take in the murals and public art in the Pineapple Grove Arts District. You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. Clearwater Beach. Rent a bike and authority to Bean Point, where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay, to find a perfect spot to watch dolphins sloshing back in the moisture and manatees grazing by. Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. There are two beloved kayak paths here, with the most popular being a 1.5-mile loop around Little Crawl Key that takes you through a mangrove tunnel, deep water lagoon and sandbars. Note that the road ends with a round-about where you can park on the side, get out and walk across the jetty to the preserved land marsh, and walk across the beachfront area. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, that honor goes to Dry Tortugas National Park. Smathers Beach. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. You can pass your time here at Smathers or Higgs Beach, but for calm waters and wide stretches of sand, it's hard to beat Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. PDF: | Nestled on the southwest tip of Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Park hosts a monthly Civil War reenactment (the fort remained in Union hands throughout the conflict). Here, we take a look at a handful or so of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Florida, starting on the Panhandle and working our way south. Occupying more than 70,000 acres of land formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal, the Greenway is a 110-mile linear park that is more than a mile wide in places. Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. Smathers Beach is just that. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. All regular facilities are current at this coast: parking, showers, etc. It is possible to access Caladesi Island by taking a ferry from Honeymoon Island in Clearwater. All rights reserved. The seasides on Anna Maria Island puff soft white sand and transparent turquoise waters that will draw you in for a daytime of washing up Floridas eternal sunshine. Honeymoon Island is the perfect place to go when looking for outdoor recreational entertainment! From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. Lifeguards are consistently on task too, and Siesta Beach is rated as one of Floridas most secure beaches, so its a lovely area for families with kids to go. In addition to the iconic bridge, the park offers a snorkeling tour, camping and kayak rentals for different vantage points, too. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the states lead agency for environmental management and stewardship protecting our air, water and land. No problem! In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. Flamenco Beach lacks opulent hotels, gaming zones and restaurants, but it does offer a particularly peaceful atmosphere, free of congestion, overcrowdingand violence. The trail goes out-and-back, so its a total of four miles, but at the end, youll be rewarded with a serene oasis with stunning vistas. Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. Located on the Gulf in New Port Richey, Robert K Rees Memorial Park features beach frontage and a swimming area. Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. At Floridas southernmost tip, the Florida Keys are surrounded by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and part of North Americas only living coral barrier reef. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. WebThe beachs landscape of pristine sugary white sand and turquoise waters is a perfect oasis for nature enthusiasts looking to unwind. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. Naples is known for its pearly white sand a feature you'll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park. The Pensacola Beach pier extends out into the water, delivering a wonderful place to sit, calm, and observe the waves or sunset in the evenings. Though its not a Gulf front beach, this man-made lakefront beach features a beachfront with calm swimming and cool fresh spring water with white sand shorelines and is a pleasant surprise along the Nature Coast. To help, we've curated some of our favorite Florida hot spots, from sprawling family-friendly stretches to tiny islands with intimate beach nooks, so you can make digging your toes into sugar-white sand a reality. This beach is popular among locals for launching kayaks and fishing from the shore. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Ideal for canoeing and kayaking, several Florida rivers empty into the Gulf of Mexico, the ninth largest body of water in the world and one of its most productive fisheries. To explore these beachfront areas, bring your boat or kayak. One of the most stunning seasides in the United States, you cant conquer its white sand shoreline and transparent emerald green sea. If you love tracking for seashells, this is an ideal beach for you! Dare we say this is the ultimate number one of all the white sand beaches in Florida? It is regarded as one of the best beaches in the state ofFloridaand is well-known for its dazzling white, silky smooth sands, among other things. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. Of course, theres always plenty of space for just soaking up the sun on the beach! The Best White Sand Beaches of FloridaPanama City. One of the nicest beaches ever. Lido Key Beach. This place is very close to its sistering beach in Sarasota. Siesta Key. A gorgeous beach found on the outskirts of Sarasota Beach, this lovely coast is also filled with sand as white as snow.Anna Maria Island. It is one of those beaches found on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Clearwater Beach. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much more. With the white-sand beach to the east and lush sand dunes to the west, you can use Surfsides paved paths for an oceanfront stroll, run or bike ride. Tucked in the northwest corner of Florida, this sliver of paradise is so narrow you can often see the Gulf of Mexico and the bay at the same time. Certain appeals may be temporarily closed or need reservations. 50 E Beach Rd Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-7161 Nestled in Tavernier, this man-made hideaway entices visitors with imported white sand and sparkling aquamarine water. Being one of the best white sand beaches in the US, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oregon. #1 Causeway Blvd. Appreciate the overload of water activities, lounge beneath an umbrella, and drink up the warm Florida sunlight. You can walk along the bouncy Pensacola Beach Pier, snorkel, examine aquatic marine life, indulge in refreshed seafood, or wait for sunset and enter the monthly stargazing groups. White sand beaches are magnificent beaches that are usually comprised of quartz and minerals and usually form in special locations. Everglades National Park is a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. SunWest Park is a recreational waterfront park inside a planned community in Pasco County with a fabulous beachfront area that offers gorgeous white sand and shallow swimming areas. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. With its truly clear waters and white-sand shores, visitors come from Tampa (and all of Florida) to enjoy the calm Gulf waters or partake in one of the area's many activities, from parasailing to fishing. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. One of the primary reasons behindCannon Beachs placement among the most beautiful beaches in the worldby National Geographic Magazinewas its kilometers of fine-sand beachand spectacular coastline, which featured tides breaking against towering boulders. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. Its pure quartz sand is easy on the eyes as well as the feet, and its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming. WebWhat are the top attractions near the beaches? On a given day, dozens of species of wood warblers, great white herons, sandpipers and more are visible from its confines situated between Big Pine Key and Marathon. This beach offers a quieter off-the-beaten path shoreline with a swimming area, picnic areas and amenities. You'll find the Loggerhead Marinelife Center a 15-minute walk down the beach, and a 10- to 15-minute car ride will take you to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Read our Privacy Policy. Skin yourself from the sands to witness aquatic life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or analyze hands-on exhibits at Emerald Coast Science Center. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Getting there will require a two-plus hour ferry ride via the Yankee Freedom III, a private boat charter or seaplane ride, all of which should be booked well in advance. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. We are bordered by North Redington Beach to the north, Madeira Beach to the south, the Intracoastal Waterway on the east, and the Gulf of Mexico on the west. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. Fort Island Gulf Beach is at the end of Fort Island Trail on the far west end of Crystal River. A series of 30-foot white sand dunes underscore the natural beauty of this Panhandle beach. Beachcombing, boating, visiting quaint shops and then later, relax in one of our unique Inns. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. If youre a history lover that happens to be in Key West on the third weekend of the month, youre in luck. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. Most beachfront in key west are constructed of coral or small stones and gravel, which separates Smathers Beach! It boasts an average temperature of 75 degrees and 343 days of sunshine never mind snow-white beaches that beg you to ditch your sandals. Smathers Beach is just that. In the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, you'll find trendy beachgoers, rollerbladers, and a smattering of young, beautiful (and perfectly tanned) locals. Swimming and snorkeling are extremely famous here too. So finding one isnt particularly easy. Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. 01 of 06. Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name! Best Beaches in Florida on East & West Coast. 1. Panama City Beach. The Panama City Beach features 27 miles of white sand beaches and is also home to St Andrews state park and Camp Helen state park. The beach has many public beach access points and legendary attractions. You want Tampa. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! The phrase pristine perfection has been used to describe it. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, The area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. This Highway 314 Be included in our Business Directory. On Siesta Key, the dunes are so delicate that you might mistakenly believe thatyou are putting your feet in icing. Beachfront Stay: But as any Florida beach fanatic knows, this stretch of sand doesn't disappoint. The sandy beach is man-made directly along the spring making it a beautiful way to spend the day. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. Map: Collier's miles of sparkling white sand beaches stretch from undeveloped Barefoot Beach Preserve barrier island to busy Marco Island near Big Cypress National Preserve. However, these beaches would not even exist at least not in their current state if not for the beach dunes that are found on the west side of the island. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. The waters here are again beautiful and transparent, with soft waves supplying ideal requirements for swimming. With crystal transparent sea waters and sand that peeks just like sugar, youll be bobbled out by the simple view of this seaside and feel right at the house as you take your first steps onto some of the most delicate sand on the earth. 3800 Corkscrew Road Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. But in reality its due to the fact that thesands arealmost entirely composed of silicathat has been finely crushed. Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). This list of 14 of the best white sand beaches in Florida for families provides many beaches that can fit your familys needs during your next trip. Not so much. This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. Ringed in miles of beautiful coastline, the Florida Keys are a beach-lover's dream frederic prochasson / 500px. It has always been given awards for the grade of the beach, the lovely town location with family-friendly interests, and its spectacular sunset viewpoints. Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. It would be an hour or so from the airpot.. Cape San Blas State Park is abour 45 minutes from Mexico Beach which may have your snorkeling. Enjoy the pleasure, comfortable environment that Key West is known for a time, not including guiding the small stones that bring in every niche and crevice of your shoes and occur in your car magically behind you get around from the seaside! The sand is a natural tan color and the waters are the warm calm waters of the Gulf. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. Though the Florida Gulf Coast epicenter, Pensacola Beach is renowned for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. Framed in forests of mangrove trees, the shell mounds and ridges of Mound Key rise more than 30 feet above the waters of Estero Bay. There are many islands off the coast that have some sandy beachfronts in the Nature Coast. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! However, if you want a blend of luxury and relaxation, then Californian white sand beaches like Coronado Beach and Carmel Beach are great options. Lil Shark Park is a city park that offers a playground and white sand beachfront. Because the waters are so calm, the beaches offer a family friendly swimming area, some have amenities, and some even have white sandy beach areas. It boasts an average One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. We took the challenge to locate the beachfront areas in this region and our quest led us to some surprising beachfronts. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. Clearwater Beachis renowned for its immaculate white sands and beautifully turquoise waters, and is one of the biggest attractions on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Excel: Contact Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Get Information About the Volkswagen Settlement, Florida Mitigation Fund, Protect the Environment from Solid and Hazardous Wastes, Environmental Accountability and Transparency, Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, All Florida Coastal Access Guide Content, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Beach areas are hard to come by without a boat to go out to one of the surrounding keys. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. But it most certainly is. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. If you have little ones, they may not share your vision for a day spent sitting and doing nothing. Additionally, Coronado Beach doesntonly provide breathtaking natural beauty, but also a variety of amenities, making it one of the best white sand beaches in the US. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. To share the positive things that make the area unique. Best white sand beach When you envision a South Florida beach, its flat with white sand that stretches along the coast for as far as the eye can see. Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its Click here to view our Google Map with pinpoints of each of these Nature Coast Beaches. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Go for the glass-bottom boat which departs three times daily, every single day of the year. Crystal River is a haven for water, nature and wildlife lovers and while the beach is man-made, it is a gorgeous beachfront to relax and enjoy Florida living. Horseshoe Point is the spot at the end of County Road 351, aka Main Street, where you can find the only natural beachfront in the area. Word: | Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. From April through October, the beach is a Loggerhead Turtle nesting hotspot as well, which is bound to be a memorable sight for those of all ages. Talk about relaxation. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. | Contact Us. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. If youre peeking for an excellent spot to go swimming in the Sarasota area, check out Siesta Key! Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. The following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. You can absorb the sunlight as you explore your toes in the sand, help the children make a sandcastle, and relish a day of water activities.