If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. 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. 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 can't sit still, you'll find nature trails and snorkel rentals on site. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. In the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, you'll find trendy beachgoers, rollerbladers, and a smattering of young, beautiful (and perfectly tanned) locals. Not so much. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. But whether or not you've got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach. Fifteen public, sugar-white sand beaches beaches spanning 18 miles in the Pensacola area are all yours to stroll, swim, sun, and savor. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. Appreciate the overload of water activities, lounge beneath an umbrella, and drink up the warm Florida sunlight. Key West may have west in its name, but its actually not the most western attraction in the Keys. To be real without an agenda. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. Beaches are quite common in the United States, but white sand beaches? If you have little ones, they may not share your vision for a day spent sitting and doing nothing. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed. 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. 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. 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 youre a history lover that happens to be in Key West on the third weekend of the month, youre in luck. Relax. 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. Dunedin FL 34698. Take a look at this list of the cleanest rivers in the US. Honeymoon Island is the perfect place to go when looking for outdoor recreational entertainment! 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. Located on the Gulf in New Port Richey, Robert K Rees Memorial Park features beach frontage and a swimming area. It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. 10. 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. 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. Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. 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. 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. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. 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 At the westernmost edge of Florida is Pensacola and its spectacular beaches, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key (Spanish for 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! 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 area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. Not a surfer? This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its 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. Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. Smathers Beach. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. One of Floridas best-loved state 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. 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. 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. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. Ringed in miles of beautiful coastline, the Florida Keys are a beach-lover's dream frederic prochasson / 500px. 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. Offers may be subject to change without notice. While some To share the positive things that make the area unique. Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. Certain appeals may be temporarily closed or need reservations. But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. 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. Cedar Key Airport Beach is a beachfront along Airport Road that offers white sand and quiet gentle waters. Boating is a favored recreation here, and seafood fans will find delicious feasts available at numerous regional eateries. 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. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: 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. This area is known for being a fishing village and home to somegreat seafood. In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. The sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. Beach areas are hard to come by without a boat to go out to one of the surrounding keys. 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]. Departing from Miami, Orlando, Tampa and diverse landscapes in between, these are the best ways to get to Everglades National Park. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. Take a day trip to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve 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. 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. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. 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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. 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. 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. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. If you're yearning for glittering white beaches that tempt you to ditch your shoes, these three beauties are bound to please. If you're searching for next-level people-watching, look no further. If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won't want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. 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. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. 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. 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. This WebThe beachs landscape of pristine sugary white sand and turquoise waters is a perfect oasis for nature enthusiasts looking to unwind. 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. On Siesta Key, the dunes are so delicate that you might mistakenly believe thatyou are putting your feet in icing. 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. 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. Perdido Key means lost island in Spanish, and theres no better place to go astray. 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. Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Its pure quartz sand is easy on the eyes as well as the feet, and its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming. In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. 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. If you discover yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you wont like to skip a daytime (or days) finished enjoying Miramar Beach. Horseshoe Beachis a very remote town in Florida that is located at the tip of a peninsula juttingout into the Gulf 20 miles from the nearest main roadway. Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. 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. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. 1. Map Get barefoot! So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road Perdido Key. Your email address will not be published. Lil Shark Park is a city park that offers a playground and white sand beachfront. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. This beach offers a quieter off-the-beaten path shoreline with a swimming area, picnic areas and amenities. South Walton, Florida. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. Sombrero Beach's soft white sands border the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the area ideal for snorkeling. 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. Hunter Springs Park sits on Hunter Spring Run with one of the 70 natural springs that feed the Crystal River and Kings Bay. Our goal is simple. And to support a strong local community. 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. 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. 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. The sand is a natural tan color and the waters are the warm calm waters of the Gulf. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. 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. A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun. Dare we say this is the ultimate number one of all the white sand beaches in Florida? No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Because the waters are so calm, the beaches offer a family friendly swimming area, some have amenities, and some even have white sandy beach areas. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. 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. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. The island encompasses Perdido Key State Park, Big Lagoon State Park and Johnson Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore, all heaped with gloriously soft sand. When you start feeling antsy, walk along the promenade that separates the grass from the beach and keep an eye out for movie stars or film crews. This beach is a very secluded spot so be sure to get gas and food prior to going. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. 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. Visitors to this coast will also have a great opportunity to staining some nature, with dolphins often living sprinkled release in the water. There are even volleyball nets on the seaside public for your use! Several keys off shore have beachfronts as well. For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. 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 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). And its no wonder. Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. 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. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. 1. All rights reserved. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. It is possible to access Caladesi Island by taking a ferry from Honeymoon Island in Clearwater. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. Copyright 2023 USA by Numbers | All Rights Reserved, 13 Best White Sand Beaches in the US [List of 2023], 12 Best Beaches in Alabama You Must Visit [Update 2023], Top 16 Famous Landmarks in Hawaii [Update 2023], 17 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii [Update 2023]. These beaches are laden with pure white sand, great fishing, and mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. Compensate your journey's carbon footprint by supporting the most impactful climate projects around the world. Your email address will not be published. Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Perhaps the best beachin Puerto Rico, hassoft white sands thatextend across thebay, which features deep turquoise waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. But in reality its due to the fact that thesands arealmost entirely composed of silicathat has been finely crushed. However, with stunning coastal states like Florida, Hawaii and California, there really isnt a shortage of white sand beaches in the US. Floridas three national parks capture everything thats natural and wild about the Sunshine State. C/O Koreshan State Park 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. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. You don't have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. The beach also serves as the perfect spot The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the states lead agency for environmental management and stewardship protecting our air, water and land. 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. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. The Nature Coast includes Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco Counties. This area is not known for white sandy beachfronts and finding a beach in the area is quite the quest. Even more secluded than Horseshoe beach and off of Hwy 357that connects to Hwy 351 (between Horseshoe Beach and Cross City), this area is largely undeveloped. 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. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. 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. Of course, theres always plenty of space for just soaking up the sun on the beach! Abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems can be enjoyed within the 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes and nature trails that make up beautiful Anastasia State Park. 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. Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida. Swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking and bicycling are all popular activities that make Honeymoon Island State Park an ideal getaway. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. Youll be enticed in by the velvety quartz sand, glistening turquoise waters, and laid-back beach townlet environment It is the Best White Sand Beach. While the beach itself certainly one of the best beaches in Florida is a wonderful hangout for kids and adults alike, the nearby Quiet Waters Park is a great bail-out option if the kids get bored. The beach in Hudson is small and usually frequented by locals, but recently more vacation goers have discovered that it is a nice place to be. 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! PDF: | One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. In fact, these states are home to the best white sand beaches in the world, not just America. Talk about relaxation. | Contact Us. There is something for everyone in the family including volleyball courts, an aqua park, paddlesport rentals, a wakeboard cable and concessions. 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.