Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. Many eateries and inns can also be located nearby, and theres a gorgeous Beach Walk location for evening walks. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. While some We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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. Clearwater Beach gathers near Pier 60, a lovely play space, a fishing pier, and live amusement. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. The quartz that produces Siesta Key Beach can be outlined back to the Appalachian Mountains, suggesting it deteriorated over the years and soaked down into the Gulf of Mexico and onto the key. Here are some of the best things to do. The sand is a natural tan color and the waters are the warm calm waters of the Gulf. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. 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. The beach also serves as the perfect spot 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. You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. Highway 314 Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. From little surf towns to action-packed hotspots, appreciate the postcard-perfect terrains at one of Floridas greatest white sand seasides. Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. 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. The Nature Coast of Florida is rightly named as a nature lovers paradise with a plethora wildlife,state parks and old Florida small town charm. 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. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance, Beautiful Places to Visit in California On 2023, Amazing Things To Do In Corpus Christi USA, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit, 10 Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit, 20 Best Breakfast in Orlando, Florida | Breakfast Spots Near Orlando, 12+ Best Crab Legs in Orlando You Must Try, 20+ Best Lake Nona Restaurants Orlando You Must Visit In 2023, 11+ BEST Wings In Orlando, Florida You Must Try. Ringed in miles of beautiful coastline, the Florida Keys are a beach-lover's dream frederic prochasson / 500px. 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 Listen to the waves lapping and birds chirping as you break a healthy sweat. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. Dunedin FL 34698. 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. 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. Pensacola . 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. The silky beaches of Kaanapali, formerly a retreat for the states royalty, and its emerald waters now entice visitors to engage in a wide range of amenities, from drinkingto lounging, surfing, swimming and cliff jumping. Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. 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. 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. 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. But in reality its due to the fact that thesands arealmost entirely composed of silicathat has been finely crushed. All regular facilities are current at this coast: parking, showers, etc. 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. 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. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. Certain appeals may be temporarily closed or need reservations. Floridas three national parks capture everything thats natural and wild about the Sunshine State. Check out the area's historic Art Deco architecture, walk around South Pointe Park, or swing by Joe's Stone Crab for a meal you won't soon forget. The sandy beach is man-made directly along the spring making it a beautiful way to spend the day. 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. Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. 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. WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. It is a small sandy area fronting the Gulf that has a small stretch of natural sandy shoreline. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. The stretch of sandy beach is strewn with twisted logs that, over the course of time, have been worn down by the sun and the waves. Several keys off shore have beachfronts as well. 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. The Sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community that is now famous not only for the worlds finest sponges, but for some of the finest Greek Restaurants, Markets, and Bakeries in the Country. The vibe is laid back, and flip-flops are the only footwear youll need. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! Take a look at this list of the cleanest rivers in the US. 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. 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. Take a day trip to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve On Siesta Key a short drive from downtown Sarasota you'll find yourself looking out over the glittering Gulf of Mexico with a cocktail in hand. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. Not so much. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. Spanning 125 miles of dynamic island bliss, there is no shortage of turquoise waters, white sands and outdoor delights in the Florida Keys. 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. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. Perdido Key. The sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. 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. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: Powered by Mai Theme, 18 Best Day Trips From Orlando Worth The Effort. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. 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. No problem! Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. Map: Monroe is a mixture of two extremes from the virtually uninhabited mainland Everglades, to the bustling Florida Keys with popular Key West. 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]. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. This family-friendly seaside is an ideal place for children to entertain in the daytime by swimming and constructing sandcastles. While the towns along this region are fishing and boating communities, some bring in soft white sand to create more beautiful shorelines in public parks. Our goal is simple. You can focus your attention on nature particularly, the beach's rolling waves and sandy shores or walk along Millionaires' Row in the Old Naples area and pick out your dream house. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. Here are the best things to do there. There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. Everglades National Park is a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves. Honeymoon Island is the perfect place to go when looking for outdoor recreational entertainment! If you tire of life on the beach, Miramar's South Walton neighborhood is full of scenic beach roads and antique shopping waiting to be discovered. 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. The beachfront offers a natural beach area with a man-made white sandy beach area for enjoying the soft sand. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. 3800 Corkscrew Road For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. Word: |
It boasts an average 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed. WebAs one of the worlds top 10 nations when it comes to total coastline area, there are beaches to be found along the Pacific, Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and even in the WebMap: Click Here: Madeira Beach: Madeira Beach is located on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast and is blessed with miles of gorgeous white sand beaches that boast that "Old Florida" feel yet Madeira Beach is part of the Tampa Bay region, one of the nations fastest growing metro areas. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West, Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, 28 Best Beaches on the East Coast From Maine to Florida, The Best Texas Beaches for Every Kind of Traveler, 29 Best Tropical Vacations Around the World, The 15 Best Beaches in Africa for Snorkeling, Surfing, and Remote Relaxation, The 15 Best Beach Destinations to Visit in January, 7 Gorgeous Gulf Coast Beaches From Texas to Florida, 25 Best Things to Do in Miami, From Art Museums to Food Halls, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center. This unique find is the beautiful beachfront and clear waters of this lake that was developed around a former limestone mine with a 70 acre spring-fed lake. Siesta Beach is the ideal illustration of a white-sand Florida seaside. Gulf Coast beaches have sand that's made of pure, white quartz. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. They share one thing in common passion for parks. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. Located on the Gulf in New Port Richey, Robert K Rees Memorial Park features beach frontage and a swimming area. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. Of course, Marco Islands pristine shores are maybe its most useful component. Cedar Key Airport Beach is a beachfront along Airport Road that offers white sand and quiet gentle waters. To be real without an agenda. Sand Key beach located on the barrier island is known as a secret beach! 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). Scientists have investigated the sand and discovered that it is produced up of 99% quartz, indicating its extraordinarily refined and handles delicate and silky as you stroll along. If you love tracking for seashells, this is an ideal beach for you! It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. The area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. This area is not known for white sandy beachfronts and finding a beach in the area is quite the quest. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, 2. All rights reserved. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. It is possible to access Caladesi Island by taking a ferry from Honeymoon Island in Clearwater. Tigertail Beach Park entices vacationers to take long hikes, search for seashells, or rent kayaks. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. We took the challenge to locate the beachfront areas in this region and our quest led us to some surprising beachfronts. Located in the Big Bend region where the curve of Florida connects the panhandle to Floridas peninsula. 23 Unbelievable Beaches You Must Visit In The USA 9. The park is also the ferry terminal for access to another unspoiled state park, Caladesi Island. 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. Crystal River is well-known for its springs so its not surprising that one of the best beaches in the area is on a spring. There is something for everyone in the family including volleyball courts, an aqua park, paddlesport rentals, a wakeboard cable and concessions. With a local, laid-back feel and plenty of surf schools, you'll be up on your board in no time. 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. Be included in our Business Directory. You can splurge on plane tickets to Bermuda or Cancn, but the reality is that you can find some of the world's most beautiful beaches right here in the U.S. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. Beachfront Stay: And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. 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. One of Floridas best-loved state Youll find joggers on the elevated dune path and paddle boarders and kitesurfers zipping across the waves. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Here, seashells from the Gulf of Mexico wash ashore, attracting collectors from all over the world so it's no surprise Bowman's Beach makes this list of best beaches in Florida. Web72 Best White Sand Beaches of in Florida | BeachCatcher White Sand Beaches in Florida White sand Sebastian Inlet State Park Beach Vero Beach, Florida 16 mi from 01 of 06. 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. Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. 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. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. This part of Florida's Gulf Coast is fringed by bays and inlets, low-energy expansive shallow salt marshes, creeks, mangrove swamps and barrier islands with miles of the whitest sand beaches found anywhere. Read our Privacy Policy. 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful It is comprised of seven islands and is perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire US National Park System. Beaches are quite common in the United States, but white sand beaches? The beachs topography of virgin sugary white sand and turquoise sea is a wonderful oasis for personality lovers looking to unwind. Fifteen public, sugar-white sand beaches beaches spanning 18 miles in the Pensacola area are all yours to stroll, swim, sun, and savor. 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. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. 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. Even though the sand is not inherently occurring and is imported, that wont prevent you from enjoying the gorgeous surroundings and iconic white Florida sand! Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in you. Delray Beach is the perfect place to alternate between napping, swimming in the ocean, and people-watching.