It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. Nicknamed the Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village, Destin is a hugely famous area for sport fishing but is even excellent for residents who simply like to lie around and let the soft, silky sands surround them as they sunbathe and de-stress. Honeymoon Island is the perfect place to go when looking for outdoor recreational entertainment! If you tire of energy on the coast, Miramars South Walton community is complete with picturesque coast roads and antique shopping remaining to be uncovered. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. Tigertail Beach Park entices vacationers to take long hikes, search for seashells, or rent kayaks. Read our Privacy Policy. Smathers Beach. 1. When you see the picturesque shoreof white dunes, which is bordered by beautifulpalm trees with precipitous rocks ahead, youll know why it is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, that honor goes to Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm - thatched bungalows for honeymooners. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. Thanks to Florida's hundreds of miles of coastline, beaches with soft sand and crystal clear water are just a short flight (or even drive) away. 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. You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. 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. 2. 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. If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. Fifteen public, sugar-white sand beaches beaches spanning 18 miles in the Pensacola area are all yours to stroll, swim, sun, and savor. A short drive from Tampa, beautiful Honeymoon Island offers visitors an escape from the bustle of city life. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! The beachs topography of virgin sugary white sand and turquoise sea is a wonderful oasis for personality lovers looking to unwind. Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. Beachcombing, boating, visiting quaint shops and then later, relax in one of our unique Inns. It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. Adjacent to the park is the Key West Wildlife Center, where local birds, sea turtles and other creatures are rehabilitated. 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. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. One of Floridas best-loved state The lay of the land at Honeymoon Island State park has been shaped formed and influenced by a variety of natural and man-made occurrences. Plus, it boasts spectacular sunsets over the Gulf. If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won't want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: Hunter Springs Park sits on Hunter Spring Run with one of the 70 natural springs that feed the Crystal River and Kings Bay. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. Ringed in miles of beautiful coastline, the Florida Keys are a beach-lover's dream frederic prochasson / 500px. Draw up a bistro chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Its one of the most suitable white-sand seasides in Florida! Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. There are plenty of other historical attractions within the park year-round, too, including tours of the brick-clad fort and its extensive collection of seaside-positioned cannons and artillery. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. The barrier island across from Miami has a fossilized mangrove reef, which is home to colorful sea life that has long attracted divers and snorkelers. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Not so much. Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. One of the most useful things about the Blind Pass Beach is the nearshore shelf of Floridas white sand stretches relatively far out, so you can sense that youre distant away from the beach while still being secure and not proceeding into waters that are too serious! Appreciate the overload of water activities, lounge beneath an umbrella, and drink up the warm Florida sunlight. Delray Beach is the perfect place to alternate between napping, swimming in the ocean, and people-watching. Youll find joggers on the elevated dune path and paddle boarders and kitesurfers zipping across the waves. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visitors to this coast will also have a great opportunity to staining some nature, with dolphins often living sprinkled release in the water. | Contact Us. 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. White sand beaches are magnificent beaches that are usually comprised of quartz and minerals and usually form in special locations. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Every beach is distinct, with its levels and segments, but some of the gorgeous beaches are the ones with paradisiacal white sands and crystal transparent waters. 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. Clearwater Beach gathers near Pier 60, a lovely play space, a fishing pier, and live amusement. Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. Heading further south in Levy County is another local and secluded beach, Bird Creek Beach, which offers a small natural white sandy beachfront and a boat ramp. While the area is secluded from the rest of Floridaand the population is small, the town has grown to add a restaurant, a full-service marina, an athletic area, and a park. Fiddler crabs live along the sides of the beach in the grassy areas. WebThe white sand beaches and diverse nature trails of Honeymoon Island State Park make this barrier island an ideal place to get away from it all. Weeki Wachee is famous for their Springs and mermaids, but if you head directly west, you will find a nice family beach that has something for everyone. This area is known for being a fishing village and home to somegreat seafood. Several keys off shore have beachfronts as well. To find out more about Central West Florida click the following Link: Apollo Beach is named for the mythical Greek God who brought light and warmth to the world each day. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. Talk about relaxation. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. Located in the Big Bend region where the curve of Florida connects the panhandle to Floridas peninsula. Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. The warm Gulf Stream, one of the strongest ocean currents in the world, originates in the Florida Straits (where many centuries-old ships are sunk) and flows to the Atlantic separating the Everglades, the Keys and Cuba. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. The beachfront features a natural shoreline by the water and a white sandybeachfront area for sunbathing and enjoying the Florida sunshine. As part of Florida's Treasure Coast, the area draws treasure hunters who come and try their luck at finding the riches lost when early 18th-century Spanish ships sunk in a hurricane. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. 23 Unbelievable Beaches You Must Visit In The USA 9. We took the challenge to locate the beachfront areas in this region and our quest led us to some surprising beachfronts. The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! If youre peeking for an excellent spot to go swimming in the Sarasota area, check out Siesta Key! If you're searching for sunny days and temperate waters, it doesn't get much warmer than the beaches of Key West, the state's southernmost point. No longer in commission with part of it still accessible to the public, the bridge eerily juts into the water from the parks most southwestern shore and provides panoramic views of the winged critters within the parks confines. 10. There are over 20 miles of beaches to enjoy with activities from volleyball, jet skiing, surfing , parasailing, and bicycles you can enjoy while spending the day at the Word: | Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. Sombrero Beach's soft white sands border the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the area ideal for snorkeling. The generous waters here are simply respectable for swimming and paddling, and there exist different fun exercises to be located nearby at locations somewhere near Henderson State Park. Stake out your spot in the Map 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]. 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. Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. Your email address will not be published. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 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. Be included in our Business Directory. 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. Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in you. Beachfront Stay: 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. Clearwater Beach. Of course, Marco Islands pristine shores are maybe its most useful component. Sitemap, 13 of the Best Florida Keys Resorts for Families, 13 of the Best Family Campgrounds in Florida, Where To See Alligators in Florida: 13 Gator Watching Spots, Palm Springs Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting With Kids, Seattle Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Las Vegas Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Florida Keys Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Myrtle Beach Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, The Bahamas Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids. 1. 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. Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the 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. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. 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. Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Florida is a beach lovers paradise, home to a cluster of idyllic, white-sand seasides. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. Get barefoot! As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. Nearby Siesta Key Village is brimming with one-of-a-kind restaurants, tropical-feeling bars and mom-and-pop stores, all easily accessible via the trolley. Whether you're here for a peaceful stroll, fishing or some recreational time with your four-legged friend, there is something to do for everyone on the beach at Honeymoon Island. 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. But whether or not you've got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach. Hours/availability may have altered. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. The following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Smathers Beach is just that. 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. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If visiting an underwater world doesn't interest you, look up Crandon Park is one of the Miami area's top bird-watching destinations (herons, hawks, ospreys, and songbirds are often spotted here). If you can't sit still, you'll find nature trails and snorkel rentals on site. Sand Key beach located on the barrier island is known as a secret beach! Horseshoe Beach Park might seem like the place to find a beach, but it is surrounded by rocks and walls. On the Olympic Coast of Washington, youll find the wild and remote Shi Shi Beach, which is consistently voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Our goal is simple. Lil Shark Park is a city park that offers a playground and white sand beachfront. 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. C/O Koreshan State Park Navarre Beach is nicknamed Floridas Playground, where you can absorb the untouched attractiveness of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. 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. 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. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. Lodging options run the gamut from hotels, condos, rental houses, and bed and breakfasts to camping. Floridas three national parks capture everything thats natural and wild about the Sunshine State. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. South Walton, Florida. In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, All rights reserved. Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. Clearwater Beach is home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. If that's the case, head to Deerfield Beach, a notoriously clean, family-friendly beach that used to beckon herds of local deer to its shores. Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. The Florida Keys stretching from Key Largo south to Key West (and well beyond) is loaded with beach options for everyone, whether you're into eco-adventures or delicious tropical cuisine. Ultimate Beach Guide to St Pete Florida Area Beaches, Florida Smart Guide to Disney World Resorts, The Best Places to Learn about Floridas African American History, Ultimate Beach Guide to Pensacola Florida Beaches, 11 Festive Florida Towns to get you in the Holiday Spirit. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. Many eateries and inns can also be located nearby, and theres a gorgeous Beach Walk location for evening walks. 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. Most beachfront in key west are constructed of coral or small stones and gravel, which separates Smathers Beach! South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. The park is also the ferry terminal for access to another unspoiled state park, Caladesi Island.