has shaded picnic spots, barbecue pits, a playground, volleyball courts and plenty of space to unwind. Boating is a favored recreation here, and seafood fans will find delicious feasts available at numerous regional eateries. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an outstanding and prominent beach in Florida. 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. WebThe beachs landscape of pristine sugary white sand and turquoise waters is a perfect oasis for nature enthusiasts looking to unwind. Here are the best things to do there. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. 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. A trip to the Rotary Centennial Nature Center helps visitors learn about the parks history and natural resources. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. 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. Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. The beachfront features a natural shoreline by the water and a white sandybeachfront area for sunbathing and enjoying the Florida sunshine. 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. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. A fourth-generation Floridian, Todd is proud to work at Honeymoon Island State Park. A prized stop on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park is loaded with wildlife and vantage points for taking it all in. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes. 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. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isnt striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the 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. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. Sand Key beach located on the barrier island is known as a secret beach! Many eateries and inns can also be located nearby, and theres a gorgeous Beach Walk location for evening walks. 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. 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. One of the most suitable beaches in Floridas Panhandle, this packed neighborhood boasts 12 miles of fresh shoreline that is ideal for beachgoers scrutinizing for total isolation. If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. Highway 314 Its one of the most suitable white-sand seasides in Florida! 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 2. A series of 30-foot white sand dunes underscore the natural beauty of this Panhandle beach. 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. Appreciate the overload of water activities, lounge beneath an umbrella, and drink up the warm Florida sunlight. 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. Beyond the animals and along its white sand shores, Higgs Beach also has six picnic tiki huts and a historic military lookout West Martello Tower with Insta-worthy gardens adjacent to it. 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. St. Augustine FL 32080, 8282 S.E. Clearwater Beach. 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. Note that this is not a pristine beachfront. Visitors to this coast will also have a great opportunity to staining some nature, with dolphins often living sprinkled release in the water. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. The following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. Delray Beach is the perfect place to alternate between napping, swimming in the ocean, and people-watching. 12 Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit Clearwater Beach . 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 Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. But if you are looking for an afternoon visiting a small town with fishing, boating and beach options, head up the Nature Coast and discover Old Florida at its best. 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. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. 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. It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. The highlight of Coronado Island in San Diego is themile-long stunning white sandbeach located in that area. Pensacola . She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. WebWhat are the top attractions near the beaches? Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida Dare we say this is the ultimate number one of all the white sand beaches in Florida? 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! Beachfront Stay: 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. You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. Perhaps the best beachin Puerto Rico, hassoft white sands thatextend across thebay, which features deep turquoise waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. Siesta Beach is the ideal illustration of a white-sand Florida seaside. Fiddler crabs live along the sides of the beach in the grassy areas. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. Miramar Beach. They share one thing in common passion for parks. 01 of 06. In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. All regular facilities are current at this coast: parking, showers, etc. Departing from Miami, Orlando, Tampa and diverse landscapes in between, these are the best ways to get to Everglades National Park. 1. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: 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. Its pure quartz sand is easy on the eyes as well as the feet, and its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Poipu Beach, Kauai, HawaiiOcean City, MarylandCoronado Beach, San Diego, CaliforniaPope Beach, Lake Tahoe, NevadaClearwater Beach, Clearwater, FloridaHarris Beach, OregonGlass Beach, Port Townsend, WashingtonOak Street Beach, Chicago, IllinoisCarlsmith Beach, Hilo, HawaiiWrightsville Beach, North CarolinaMore items The South Beach Pavilion provides bicycles to rent by the hour or day and kayaks are available at Caf Honeymoon. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) 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. While some Smathers Beach is just that. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. The phrase pristine perfection has been used to describe it. If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won't want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach. Read our Privacy Policy. 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. 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 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. Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. The sand is a natural tan color and the waters are the warm calm waters of the Gulf. 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. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. Sombrero Beach's soft white sands border the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the area ideal for snorkeling. You want Tampa. Take a look at this list of the cleanest rivers in the US. As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. Perdido Key. Get barefoot! Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno's pristine shores. 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. 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. And its no wonder. Here are some of the best things to do. These beaches are laden with pure white sand, great fishing, and mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. Conservation areas along the southwest Gulf Coast include 15aquatic preserves, 40 state parks, 14 national wildlife refuges, two national parks and the more than 110,000-acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems. 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. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. 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. Go for the glass-bottom boat which departs three times daily, every single day of the year. Long called the surf capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach has produced several big-name surfers, including Kelly Slater, an 11-time world surf champion. South Walton, Florida. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the states lead agency for environmental management and stewardship protecting our air, water and land. One of Floridas best-loved state parks, Honeymoon Islandhas more than four miles of beach to explore along with a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests. In addition to the iconic bridge, the park offers a snorkeling tour, camping and kayak rentals for different vantage points, too. WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. But whether or not you've got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach. There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach. Your email address will not be published. Take a daytime journey to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for sunbathing, biking, bird watching, and hiking, and appreciate its 3.2 miles of personal white sandy seasides. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. 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. No problem! The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. 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. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. Be included in our Business Directory. Soak up the sun and dip into a little local history at the Beaches Museum, where exhibits include historic photography, artwork, and exhibits preserving the areas unique culture.Visitors may also enjoy a walk on the Jacksonville Beach Pier for unparalleled views of the Atlantic and to watch anglers fish The keys offer excellent diving, snorkeling, sport-fishing, beautiful beaches and magnificent sunsets. Though the Florida Gulf Coast epicenter, Pensacola Beach is renowned for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. This area is known for being a fishing village and home to somegreat seafood. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. If you're searching for next-level people-watching, look no further. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: Talk about relaxation. WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. You don't have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. Tigertail Beach Park entices vacationers to take long hikes, search for seashells, or rent kayaks. Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road Adjacent to the park is the Key West Wildlife Center, where local birds, sea turtles and other creatures are rehabilitated. There are even volleyball nets on the seaside public for your use! Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. 10. One of Floridas most stunning Gulf Coast gems, St. Pete Beach is house to a gorgeous spread of undeveloped beaches with a gorgeous landscape of pure sugar sand and shimmering blue sea. 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. One of the most stunning seasides in the United States, you cant conquer its white sand shoreline and transparent emerald green sea. 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. A short drive from Tampa, beautiful Honeymoon Island offers visitors an escape from the bustle of city life. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. 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. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. Enjoy the vibrant environment to the fullest, while relaxing in the warm sunshine, looking for lovely shells or engaging in other outdoor activities like paragliding, surfing or river cruises, while also looking out for dolphins. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. Flamenco Beach lacks opulent hotels, gaming zones and restaurants, but it does offer a particularly peaceful atmosphere, free of congestion, overcrowdingand violence. A family-friendly area with white sand beaches and emerald green waters, this fuss-free beach is a great place to soak up the sunshine. Leisure is king here, and you will be hard-pressed to discover anything more pleasant than swimming in its emerald sea, biking the picturesque trails, or sunbathing on the virgin white seasides. Fort Island Gulf Beach is at the end of Fort Island Trail on the far west end of Crystal River. However, the communities in this region have some beaches to explore and offer a weekend getaway for locals. However, with stunning coastal states like Florida, Hawaii and California, there really isnt a shortage of white sand beaches in the US. Not a surfer? Perdido Key means lost island in Spanish, and theres no better place to go astray. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. This 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. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. 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. Not so much. 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. 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. Relax. In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. This beach offers a quieter off-the-beaten path shoreline with a swimming area, picnic areas and amenities. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. 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. Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. Listen to the waves lapping and birds chirping as you break a healthy sweat. 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. White sand beaches are magnificent beaches that are usually comprised of quartz and minerals and usually form in special locations. 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful 3800 Corkscrew Road Everglades National Park is a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves. Hours/availability may have altered. If you can't sit still, you'll find nature trails and snorkel rentals on site. 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. Located in the Big Bend region where the curve of Florida connects the panhandle to Floridas peninsula. But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. C/O Koreshan State Park 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. 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. Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. 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. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. 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. 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 Youll find joggers on the elevated dune path and paddle boarders and kitesurfers zipping across the waves. The following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. 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. The sandy beach is man-made directly along the spring making it a beautiful way to spend the day. Clearwater Beach is home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. 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. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. 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. 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. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. Stake out your spot in the One of Floridas best-loved state 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. Plus, it boasts spectacular sunsets over the Gulf. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. 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. 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