Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, 15. 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. 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. Horseshoe Beach Park might seem like the place to find a beach, but it is surrounded by rocks and walls. A short drive from Tampa, beautiful Honeymoon Island offers visitors an escape from the bustle of city life. 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. 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. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. Your email address will not be published. There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: The beachs topography of virgin sugary white sand and turquoise sea is a wonderful oasis for personality lovers looking to unwind. Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. Relax. The beachfront features a natural shoreline by the water and a white sandybeachfront area for sunbathing and enjoying the Florida sunshine. Honeymoon Island State Park attracts visitors from all over with its world-class beaches. 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]. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. 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. 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. It has a shoreline that is six miles long and has protected waters where one can go swimming to cool down. 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. Hours/availability may have altered. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road Be included in our Business Directory. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). 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. 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. It boasts an average Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. 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. If you have little ones, they may not share your vision for a day spent sitting and doing nothing. It is comprised of seven islands and is perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire US National Park System. The phrase pristine perfection has been used to describe it. Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. Highway 314 Located on the Gulf in New Port Richey, Robert K Rees Memorial Park features beach frontage and a swimming area. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. Why We Recommend This Beach If youre searching for family-friendly Florida Keys beaches, look no further than Harry Harris Park. 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. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. Not so much. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. Most known as the principal filming location for the 1961 Elvis Presley movie Follow That Dream. Clearwater 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. Just a few miles from Seaside, this 30A locale features four snorkeling reefs and wide beaches for relaxing. 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. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. No problem! One of the most stunning seasides in the United States, you cant conquer its white sand shoreline and transparent emerald green sea. Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. 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. 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 are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. 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. Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name! The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the 23 Unbelievable Beaches You Must Visit In The USA 9. 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. 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. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). 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. Take a look at this list of the cleanest rivers in the US. 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. Go for the glass-bottom boat which departs three times daily, every single day of the year. Map In the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, you'll find trendy beachgoers, rollerbladers, and a smattering of young, beautiful (and perfectly tanned) locals. 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 Adjacent to the park is the Key West Wildlife Center, where local birds, sea turtles and other creatures are rehabilitated. The sands at Perdido Key are fluffy and welcoming, and there are different dunes to investigate too. 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. 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. This extended, slim key has a bunch of sand to appreciate, so theres consistently a ton of room for everyone, even on the most occupied of days. Marco Island. 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. 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. Beaches are quite common in the United States, but white sand beaches? From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. Gulf Coast beaches have sand that's made of pure, white quartz. This area is not known for white sandy beachfronts and finding a beach in the area is quite the quest. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. The beachfront offers a natural beach area with a man-made white sandy beach area for enjoying the soft sand. Perdido Key. 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 Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. 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. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Dunedin FL 34698. 3800 Corkscrew Road Offers may be subject to change without notice. Beachfront Stay: Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. 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. These beaches are laden with pure white sand, great fishing, and mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. South Walton, Florida. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. White sand beaches are magnificent beaches that are usually comprised of quartz and minerals and usually form in special locations. Fifteen public, sugar-white sand beaches beaches spanning 18 miles in the Pensacola area are all yours to stroll, swim, sun, and savor. In Carmel Beach, situated in California, the natural beauty never endsfrom the dolphins and marine mammals swimming in the Ocean to the beach goers surfing the waves. 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. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Beachcombing, boating, visiting quaint shops and then later, relax in one of our unique Inns. For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. Relax on the white sandy beach areafeaturing a playground and amenities. #1 Causeway Blvd. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. 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. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. 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. 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). 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. 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. This Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. 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. It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. Hole up at one of the beach's chill waterfront bars or watch surfers from the fishing pier. Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. The waters here are again beautiful and transparent, with soft waves supplying ideal requirements for swimming. 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. 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. Courtesy of Visit Pensacola. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Plus, it boasts spectacular sunsets over the Gulf. We took the challenge to locate the beachfront areas in this region and our quest led us to some surprising beachfronts. If you want to learn more, swing by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center at the northern end of the park. If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. 1. It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. 10. 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. 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. 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. Note that this is not a pristine beachfront. Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. 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. When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. 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. However, with stunning coastal states like Florida, Hawaii and California, there really isnt a shortage of white sand beaches in the US. 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. A fourth-generation Floridian, Todd is proud to work at Honeymoon Island State Park. 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. If youre a history lover that happens to be in Key West on the third weekend of the month, youre in luck. 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. 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 this beach, silica composes the majority of the sands, giving it a bright white color that glows in the sunlight. 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. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. All rights reserved. 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. 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. At the westernmost edge of Florida is Pensacola and its spectacular beaches, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key (Spanish for Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. WebThe beachs landscape of pristine sugary white sand and turquoise waters is a perfect oasis for nature enthusiasts looking to unwind. It is a small sandy area fronting the Gulf that has a small stretch of natural sandy shoreline. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. This beach is a very secluded spot so be sure to get gas and food prior to going. This area is known for being a fishing village and home to somegreat seafood. 1. 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 Our goal is simple. The keys offer excellent diving, snorkeling, sport-fishing, beautiful beaches and magnificent sunsets. A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun. Miramar Beach. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. 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. 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. If you're yearning for glittering white beaches that tempt you to ditch your shoes, these three beauties are bound to please. Naples is known for its pearly white sand a feature you'll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park. 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. Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. Sandy Neck Beach, which is located in the town of Sandwich on Cape Cod, is only a little over an hours drive away from the city of Boston, making it a convenient day trip destination. The following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. 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. Read our Privacy Policy. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. With a local, laid-back feel and plenty of surf schools, you'll be up on your board in no time. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. Spend the day walking the beach and looking for shells or rent a kayak and venture out into the blue, tranquil waters. Draw up a bistro chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Most beachfront in key west are constructed of coral or small stones and gravel, which separates Smathers Beach! Pensacola . Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno's pristine shores. 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. For Local Businesses including Food & Drinks, Services, Health & Medical, Education, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment and more, click here. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. There are even volleyball nets on the seaside public for your use! 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. If youre peeking for an excellent spot to go swimming in the Sarasota area, check out Siesta Key! 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. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. It is possible to access Caladesi Island by taking a ferry from Honeymoon Island in Clearwater. 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. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. Swimming and snorkeling are extremely famous here too. 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.