By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Hawaii gives you beautiful mountainous islands spilling into gorgeous water with constant breezes and Florida is flat as a pancake and hotter than hell in the summer. Across the inlet lies a second part of St. Andrews wild and undeveloped Shell Island. It gets its name from what the waves and rocks do during rough seas at high tide water spurts out of holes in the Anastasia limestone, at times spouting 50 feet into the air. The Florida Panhandle has spectacular state parks, including Topsail Hill, one of the major state land purchases of its ambitious purchases of cons 2 among the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. Ummm--since the original post is from 2004 I'm sure azbec has made her decision by now. nearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. The hard-packed white powder sand is perfect for beachcombing, with lots of shells and picturesque driftwood. Its a natural lazy river adventure where the pull and depth of the water is safe but still fun. Which of the Florida Keys for a (older) guys' weekend? In a region with miles of sandy beach destinations in Florida, Blowing Rocks Preserve is unique: Its craggy limestone shore looks like it belongs in Maine or Hawaii. Why do you have a problem with people liking Florida beaches over Hawaii beaches? "Travelers have been raving about the white powder sand in Tripadvisor reviews,calling it a 'great beach for people watching, sunsets, breakfast/morning walk on the beach and finding sand dollars,'" aTripadvisor spokespersonsaid in an email issuedto the Herald-Tribune in 2022. Florida. I'm in the midwest, and have to say I prefer Key West to Hawaii. If you like spotting wildlife, the beach atLovers Key State Park is a good choice. While the beaches will likely be busy in Hawaii, too, you stand a better chance of having a slightly less busy beach in Hawaii than you do in the Florida Keys. (Also: the fort itself is very neat.). Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island is as wild and natural as a beach can get. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Weak points in the Keys are poor beaches, not as lush as Hwaii's prettier areas, less to see and do vs. Maui or Oahu. so air fare really isn't that much to go to Hawaii. The 385-acre park has three distinct beaches one thats close to parking and concessions, a dog beach, and the northern sand-spit beach. 22) bring Florida's total to eight. Driving from Miami to Key West in a Convertible! I prefer Hawaii but then again I'm on the East Coast so the Keys are closer to me. Ka'anapali Beach, Siesta Beach was also the states only entrant into the global best beach list coming in at No. 14) and Clearwater Beach (No. There are more of them, you have warm water in the Gulf and Atlantic unlike the Pacific, and it is easier to go into the ocean and swim in the Gulf or If you need a break from the sun, the fort provides shade and cool. This 80-acre county park, with guarded swimming and picnic shelters, is a man-made island in the middle of the Port of Palm Beach. Today we discuss my two recent trips to beach locations: Maui, Hawaii vs Fort Myers Florida. Here are 17 beach destinations in Florida worth finding, This beach qualifies as a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors because its tucked away on a less-visible part of the island. Perdido Key is home to part of this Seashore. Named Americas top beach in 2009, Fort De Soto Beachdeserves all sorts of superlatives. 23). I have lived in both places and I think you should experience the Keys at least once but if you are looking for wide, sandy beaches and decent surf you went in the wrong direction. This is a great beach to visit to enjoy the sunset; theres usually a mellow crowd. Between Ocean Drive and the wide swath of sand, Lummus has a grassy palm-tree-filled park. Bornwithwheels, Aruba doesn't have any mountains either. The water down there is absolutely beautiful though. It is more desert like where Hawaii i 6. Other Florida beaches on the Top 25 list are nearby Tampa Bay favorites St. Pete Beach (No. Florida and Hawaii dominated the list this year, with eight locations each. It won't be Hawaii, but it will be a different and new adventure. St. Augustine Beach (No. Thanks Surf, It's on my list. Same with Destin. I've lived here all my life but rarely go to the panhandle and its usually just passing thru. Hawai This northern beach wont win awards for its sand -- its studded with rocks and seashells -- but it goes on for three miles. Floridas many wide, sandy beaches are lined with fantastic restaurants and offer many activities. Plenty of colorful fish are viewable in waist-deep water, making it particularly popular with families. St. Andrews State Park, named the best beach in America in 1995 by Dr. Beach, is known for its clear, blue-green water and dazzling white sand. Agreed, Hawaii has some very dramatic mountains. The top 10 in the U.S. are No. Best of both worlds and you can use those tickets. In Florida, though the heat and humidity is almost unbearable. I love them both, but with the exception of both being on the ocean and having beaches they are NOTHING alike. It's not a big deal, FTL is only 25 miles to the north of MIA but if you are making car reservations, make them out of Ft. Laud. The 2.5 mile beach is lined with trees and natural vegetation that is full of bird life, including two bald eagle nests and many more osprey nests. Why? 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. The famed Sarasota County beach just missed the Top 10 on Tripadvisor's list of Top 10 Beaches in the World, placing No. Weak points in the Keys are poor beaches, not as lush as Hwaii's prettier areas, less to see and do vs. Maui or Oahu. 20) and Sombrero Beach in Marathon (No. Why? If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. I would try southwest Florida. Florida is pretty and cheaper than Caribbean. I would also recommend other places in the south, like Georgia or Caro 5 Hookipa Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, No. Ka'anapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii, topped the U.S. list while Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, ranked No. Heres how to check the conditions. Cost of Living Index: Destin, FL: Hawaiian Beaches, HI: Difference: Transportation: 93.3: 103.1: 9.80 (10.5% more) 100 = US Average. WebDestin, Florida vs Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii Transportation cost in Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii is 10.5% more expensive than Destin, Florida. www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches, Reports: 3 children dead, 2 wounded in attack at Texas home, Kellyanne Conway, George Conway To Divorce After Decadeslong Marriage: Report, School punished teen girl for working out in sports bra in 100-degree Texas heat, ACLU says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, 'Extremely dangerous': Spike in illegal crossings at Canada-Vermont border has feds sounding alarm, South Florida snubbed on best beaches list, Siesta Key Stars Garrett Miller and Makenna Quesenberry Get Married in Romantic Sunset Wedding, Several arrests made in series of Long Beach burglaries, Is red tide present at your favorite Florida beach? Even though the Big Island doesn't have the steep, dramatic mountains like the other islands it's pretty amazing to be swimming in ocean and staring up at a snow capped volcano on a clear day. The full list from the reader-review website covers more than 300 beaches in not just U.S. and global rankings, but also by region including Asia, Europe, Africa, South Pacific, South America, Middle East, Caribbean, Central America, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and the U.K. To view them all, go to www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches. I love Hawaii, my husband are lucky enough to travel there quite often. What we know. Gopher tortoises and their burrows are plentiful along the nature trail that runs between the sand dunes and the hammock. If the seas are calm, Blowing Rocks is a good place to snorkel, because fish gather around the submerged rocks. Its three miles of beach arent even the most popular thing here there are seven miles of bike trails, two fishing piers, camping, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and a historic fort. 2in the U.S. andNo. 17 in the country the previous year, Siesta Beach did not place on the world list in 2021. It has five miles of pristine white sand beach that is perfect for those who savor beachcombing solitude and nature. I like the fact that Waikiki is so touristy, but then a short drive a way is the North Shore which is opposite. One thing I will give the Keys over Hawaii is that I think the snorkeling is 100 times better then Maui. Florida beaches made their annual foray into TripAdvisors best beach lists in 2023 with Siesta Beach near Sarasota once again near the top. Walk south on this beach and youll soon find solitude its 2.5 miles long and most people cluster around the large picnic area and lifeguarded swim zone. 11 for 2023. Its one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Floridas southwest coast. Eat, drink & party in Siesta Key Villageat these restaurants, bars and nightclubs, 10 best restaurantsin downtown Sarasota, from fancy to casual. I've been to Oahu and The Big Island a few times, prefer Oahu. Florida has no shortage of stunning coastlines, ranging from secret hideaways to family-friendly beaches. North Beach faces the Gulf of Mexico and is popular for shelling strolling and sunset views. The dead creatures are washing ashore on beaches from Fort Myers to Marco Island. 18), Pensacola Beach (No. With 825 miles of beaches, there are Florida beach destinations for every need and desire great snorkeling vs. good surfing; quiet and hidden vs. social and action-packed; sugar-like sand vs. dramatic craggy rocks. The park is on the barrier island immediately south of charming Fort Myers Beach. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. This guide highlights the most common mistakes many travelers make so you can In addition to dolphins, the park attracts all sorts of birds pink roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigates overhead, and ospreys. There has been a flurry of social media posts as beach goers see the shocking carnage and post the horrible images. 1 in the U.S. twiceby Stephen Dr. White Sand White sand beaches are typically composed of quartz What do you enjoy doing? Its a lovely beach, but whats special is the pass itself, a narrow river-like opening in the mangroves, shallow enough that an adult can stand at the center except at the highest tide. I'm having a hard time thinking of two more different places! Florida and Hawaii took 9 of the 10 top spots for the best U.S. beaches in the awards announced Wednesday. 14) A great walking beach with white quartz sand, clear calm water, and seashells by the truckload," one of TripAdvisor's reviewers said. I already know about the beaches, I just can't help thinking how much I would rather be in Hawaii instead. 1 on the global list. There are hiking trails plus shelling, surfing and fishing are all good. :Dead eels are washing up on Fort Myers, Naples beaches. 1. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida. The surfing is good and fishermen have luck casting from shore or from the fishing jetty. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Another red tide outbreak in Southwest Florida is killing a wide-range of marine life. Another important aspect to consider when choosing to In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. Maybe it's because of the length of time it takes to get to Hawaii. He did the same when he was on a boat. I think if you visit our beaches with the idea that it is nice but will be different than Hawaii you will be happy. It will not have mountains and These conditions are most common in winter. Canals in the park also attract manatees in winter. 7. Time magazines list of The Worlds 100 Greatest Places of 2021. This is a natural beach where seagrass is allowed to stay on the sand. 14 in the world. The isolated beach, located off the urban coast of Clearwater Beach and Dunedin was named the No. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. The most popular and family-friendly beach in Naples isLowdermilk Park. You really cannot compare the 2. 9 Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine and No. The state ended up with eight U.S. beaches in the Top 25, one down from the 2022 ratings, with entrants from along the Gulf Coast near Tampa Bay, the Panhandle, the Atlantic coast and the Keys. Archive - It wins points with families for its ample parking, a concession stand serving hot dogs and hamburgers, sand volleyball courts, two children's playgrounds, picnic tables, benches plus restroom and showers. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I just enjoy the laid back almost Caribbean feeling of Key West. Siesta Beach with its quartz sand that makes it cool to the feet even in the blaring sun has been named the best beach in the U.S. twice in the annual Dr. Beach rankings that come out around Memorial Day. Best waterfront restaurantswith outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there! Got a few questions before I dig in! The beach at Lummus Park is what people think of when they say South Beach. 10 best places to visit in Sarasotaand what to do when you get there! If you hop into the waters of the pass you are gently swept by the tides. WebWorlds Most Stunning Beaches. I think I'll take the Florida Keys suggestions and try not to compare it too much to Hawaii. It all depends. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? 3 Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia, No. Cookie Policy - Last year's winner was Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Just an FYI - Southwest flies into Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami. To explore the beach at Peanut Island you must arrive by boat. There is plenty to do and a great place to relax if you've a mind to! Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Your lucky that you have a free flight there. It's a long walk to the beach along a well-maintained boardwalk over the dunes. 11. Tripadvisor announced its Best of the Best Beachesfor 2023 lists as part of its annual Travelers' ChoiceAwards. The News-Press and Naples Daily News visuals journalist Andrew West was on or near several beaches recently. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Fort Pickens Area - Gulf Islands National Seashore. The state of Florida had eight beaches in the top 25, tying the Sunshine State for most beaches with Hawaii. Snorkeling? The best beach in the world was named Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. This beach also offers a thrill you wont find at any other Florida beach: a long fishing jetty adjacent to the busy Port Everglades channel. In 2018, Southwest Florida experienced one of its worst red tide outbreaks ever. 7 Cannon Beach in Cannon Beach, Oregon, No. Its easy to spend the whole day here. A shuttle service connects the two. 21 celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Manatee, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Here's what West saw at the beach and from a boat on Sanibel near the lighthouse, and in New Pass near Lovers Key, and in Estero Bay in Bonita: This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Southwest Florida red tide outbreak has people dodging dead fish, Mark H. Bickel and Andrew West, Fort Myers News-Press, Dead eels are washing up on Fort Myers, Naples beaches. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. It has big sand dunes and is full of wildlife gopher tortoises, sea shells and shore birds. Hawaii is more dramatic - but Key West has it's own since of charm. Fort Pickens, in the Gulf Islands National Seashore attracts lots of folks for the Civil War-era forts self-guided or ranger-led tours. Even small kids can snorkel here, as the western jetty creates a calm protected area where snorkelers spot sting rays, fish, sea urchins and starfish. Theres usually a shallow tidal pool for kids to enjoy, and in winter people watch for right whales off the shore. Beach Leathermanand appeared in aWall Street Journal story in 2022about the best beaches in Florida. In 2022, Tripadvisor also named Siesta Beach No. -- Hawaii's beaches are unlike any others in the world; they're made of coral sand, lava rock, erosional runoff and calcareous matter, which means exoskeletons of The average hostel charge is $166 per person per After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. I have been to Maui twice and Key West only once but returning again this Saturday. However it has a different style. 10 best beaches and restaurantsnearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. What about flying into Miami, renting a car and driving to Key West? Also, Hawaii has the nicer backdrop with all the mountains. They're right here in Florida. Will I be disappointed in the keys? He took out his video camera and took a walk. In his past reviews of the beach for his Dr. Beach list, Stephen Leatherman, the Director of Florida International Universitys Laboratory for Coastal Research said Siesta Beach in Sarasota boasts that it has the finest and whitest sand in the world, and I cannot argue with this claim. When molten lava cools rapidly in seawater, it shatters, forming the black sand that is washed onto the shore. A promenade winds through the landscaping; its a favorite for bicycling skating and strolling. Advertising - You can swim in the more protected inlet side of the island vs. the rougher Atlantic side. Yeah, it's touristy, but if you enjoy Waikiki, it's much less so than there. Rankings are based on the quantity and quality of reader reviews in the TripAdvisor community. Tips: The park gets busy on weekends and think about the high-tide line before you park your car! Support local journalism bysubscribing.. I believe Donna suggested flying to Miami then driving south to Key West. 8 Coronado Beach in Coronado, California, No. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key ranked No. Tripadvisor bills itself as "the world's largest travel guidance platform." The conservancy doesnt even let you bring food or beverages. Then from the shady mangrove tunnel you emerge to a beach with blindingly white sand and turquoise water. Gstaad is the lair of the billionaire, a little Alpine nirvana so saturated with wealth that even the prices for fondue are faintly heartbreaking. Key West is a FUN town. Beaches? Follow him onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram. The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers.. WebFrom beaches with volcanic rock to coasts lined with tropical forests, Hawaiian beaches are an Instagram paradise, and you can find tranquil spots for swimming or rougher surf waves. With 825 miles of beaches, there are Florida beach destinations for every need and desire great snorkeling vs. good surfing; quiet and hidden vs. social and action-packed; sugar-like sand vs. dramatic craggy rocks. Honeymoon Island has a spectacular beach that can draw crowds. And heres an insiders tip: Keep your admission ticket and re-enter for free at sunset for one of the best places to watch the Key West sunset. Both are so much different. 13), Panama City Beach (No. However, I have earned two tickets off a Southwest Airlines. But the tickets are SO high right now. more information on NYC scams with short term apartment rentals. It has a broad hard-packed beach made of the sort of fine white sand you see in an hourglass. One of my dreams! Contact Us - It has been a long time since I have been to Destin, but I remember it being one of the nicest beach areas that I have gone to in Florida. The prob Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Bucket list100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! Hawaii and the Florida Keys are different because Hawaii has more beaches than the Florida Keys. I live in AZ. Located on the barrier island between the Intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea limits buildings heights and thus maintains its charming old-time beach town atmosphere. 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! It became a global story. But Hawaii commonly tops Leatherman's list. What we know, Southwest Florida red tide outbreak has people dodging dead fish, Reports: 3 children dead, 2 wounded in attack at Texas home, Kellyanne Conway, George Conway To Divorce After Decadeslong Marriage: Report, School punished teen girl for working out in sports bra in 100-degree Texas heat, ACLU says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, 'Extremely dangerous': Spike in illegal crossings at Canada-Vermont border has feds sounding alarm, Tracking red tide along Southwest Florida's coast, Heading to the beach this weekend on Floridas Gulf Coast? With a $6 admission and ample parking, its a Key West bargain. You can rent kayaks and bikes or take a boat trip to explore a more remote island, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge. While 80 percent of this protected area lies under water, the rest is snow-white beaches, coastal marshes and maritime forests.