Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. 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. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. PDF: | Located on the Gulf in New Port Richey, Robert K Rees Memorial Park features beach frontage and a swimming area. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. 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. 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. 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. 15. It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! Map: Monroe is a mixture of two extremes from the virtually uninhabited mainland Everglades, to the bustling Florida Keys with popular Key West. 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. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an To share the positive things that make the area unique. The sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway, On Election Day, Key West voted to ban large cruise ships, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. Perdido Key. Its pure quartz sand is easy on the eyes as well as the feet, and its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming. 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. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. 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! 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. 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. The sand on the West Coast of Florida is mainly made of 99% crystal quartz When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. 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. Everglades National Park is a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves. Beaches are quite common in the United States, but white sand beaches? Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. Our goal is simple. Gulf Coast beaches have sand that's made of pure, white quartz. 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. 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. Sombrero Beach's soft white sands border the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the area ideal for snorkeling. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, White sand beaches, stunning sunsets and a bird-watcher's paradise. 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. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: 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. 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. To be real without an agenda. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! So, grab your shades and swimsuit its time you find the perfect beach for your Florida Keys adventure. Spend the day walking the beach and looking for shells or rent a kayak and venture out into the blue, tranquil waters. Heading further south in Levy County is another local and secluded beach, Bird Creek Beach, which offers a small natural white sandy beachfront and a boat ramp. Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. 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. You'll find the Loggerhead Marinelife Center a 15-minute walk down the beach, and a 10- to 15-minute car ride will take you to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! However, if you want a blend of luxury and relaxation, then Californian white sand beaches like Coronado Beach and Carmel Beach are great options. 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. Listen to the waves lapping and birds chirping as you break a healthy sweat. 12 Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit Clearwater Beach . Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. The region of Maui is home toone of themost beautiful white sand beaches in America. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. A prized stop on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park is loaded with wildlife and vantage points for taking it all in. But whether or not you've got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach. It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. 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 center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). So finding one isnt particularly easy. Fortunately, the key never actually fetches too active anyway, even in the center of summer, with numerous tourists choosing to find themselves other east along the coast or down on the cape. 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. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. Highway 314 There are many islands off the coast that have some sandy beachfronts in the Nature Coast. 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. Grayton Beach is a location with Hemingway-style wooden places, known for its brightly stained art showrooms and retro homes situated on side lanes paved with crushed oyster shells. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. 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. Skin yourself from the sands to witness aquatic life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or analyze hands-on exhibits at Emerald Coast Science Center. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Here, we take a look at a handful or so of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Florida, starting on the Panhandle and working our way south. 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. 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. 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. The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! Pensacola . All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. 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. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. Beachcombing, boating, visiting quaint shops and then later, relax in one of our unique Inns. To explore these beachfront areas, bring your boat or kayak. If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. 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. 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. But it most certainly is. 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. On Siesta Key, the dunes are so delicate that you might mistakenly believe thatyou are putting your feet in icing. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno's pristine shores. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. 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. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Map 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. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the It hosts more than 300 miles of trails of all types paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and paved multi-use. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. 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. 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 sand is a natural tan color and the waters are the warm calm waters of the Gulf. It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. Of course, theres always plenty of space for just soaking up the sun on the beach! 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. But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. Floridas cuisine is a blend of Southern recipes, Latin American influences and old-school Floridian techniques here's your guide to the best of it. 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. The highlight of Coronado Island in San Diego is themile-long stunning white sandbeach located in that area. Available through two bridges from Naples, Florida, Marco Island presents guests with a special mix of high-end resorts and unspoiled habitats. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. Every beach is distinct, with its levels and segments, but some of the gorgeous beaches are the ones with paradisiacal white sands and crystal transparent waters. 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. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. If you're yearning for glittering white beaches that tempt you to ditch your shoes, these three beauties are bound to please. But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. Perhaps the best beachin Puerto Rico, hassoft white sands thatextend across thebay, which features deep turquoise waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. 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 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 keys offer excellent diving, snorkeling, sport-fishing, beautiful beaches and magnificent sunsets. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, John Pennekamp State Park features nearly 200 nautical square miles of coral reefs and marine life, regularly including great barracudas, parrotfish and more. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. Ringed in miles of beautiful coastline, the Florida Keys are a beach-lover's dream frederic prochasson / 500px. With a name that conjures up images of perfectly transparent water lapping against silky sand, Clearwater Beach sets expectations. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. Here are the best things to do there. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email? But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. The South Beach Pavilion provides bicycles to rent by the hour or day and kayaks are available at Caf Honeymoon. 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]. At the same time, deep-sea fishing, boating, jet-skiing, and discovering dolphins are also live favorite sports. Spanning 125 miles of dynamic island bliss, there is no shortage of turquoise waters, white sands and outdoor delights in the Florida Keys. 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. 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. It boasts thepicturesqueGulf of Mexicoand profound fishing expeditions. Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. From little surf towns to action-packed hotspots, appreciate the postcard-perfect terrains at one of Floridas greatest white sand seasides. 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. And if you enjoy boating or fishing, this beach has a boat ramp and a pier. 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. If you want to learn more, swing by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center at the northern end of the park. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun. 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. 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. In fact, these states are home to the best white sand beaches in the world, not just America. 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! Your email address will not be published. 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. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Additionally, Coronado Beach doesntonly provide breathtaking natural beauty, but also a variety of amenities, making it one of the best white sand beaches in the US. Take a day trip to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve This beach offers a quieter off-the-beaten path shoreline with a swimming area, picnic areas and amenities. All rights reserved. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Powered by Mai Theme, 18 Best Day Trips From Orlando Worth The Effort. 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. In the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, you'll find trendy beachgoers, rollerbladers, and a smattering of young, beautiful (and perfectly tanned) locals. No problem! 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. Compensate your journey's carbon footprint by supporting the most impactful climate projects around the world. 01 of 06. Though the Florida Gulf Coast epicenter, Pensacola Beach is renowned for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. 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. If you're searching for sunny days and temperate waters, it doesn't get much warmer than the beaches of Key West, the state's southernmost point. 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.