When you need a break from the sun, browse the shops on Atlantic Avenue or take in the murals and public art in the Pineapple Grove Arts District. This area is not known for white sandy beachfronts and finding a beach in the area is quite the quest. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed. So, grab your shades and swimsuit its time you find the perfect beach for your Florida Keys adventure. 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. All regular facilities are current at this coast: parking, showers, etc. 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. 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 Siesta Beach is the ideal illustration of a white-sand Florida seaside. But as any Florida beach fanatic knows, this stretch of sand doesn't disappoint. A series of 30-foot white sand dunes underscore the natural beauty of this Panhandle beach. Get barefoot! It boasts an average Beaches are quite common in the United States, but white sand beaches? | Contact Us. Beach areas are hard to come by without a boat to go out to one of the surrounding keys. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. 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 beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. 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. 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! 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. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. 2. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. This beach is popular among locals for launching kayaks and fishing from the shore. 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. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. We are locals and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida. 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. Fiddler crabs live along the sides of the beach in the grassy areas. 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. Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. WebThe beachs landscape of pristine sugary white sand and turquoise waters is a perfect oasis for nature enthusiasts looking to unwind. A fourth-generation Floridian, Todd is proud to work at Honeymoon Island State Park. 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. A prized stop on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park is loaded with wildlife and vantage points for taking it all in. Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Florida is a beach lovers paradise, home to a cluster of idyllic, white-sand seasides. There are many islands off the coast that have some sandy beachfronts in the Nature Coast. 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. If you want to learn more, swing by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center at the northern end of the park. Smathers Beach is just that. Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Note that this is not a pristine beachfront. Of course, Marco Islands pristine shores are maybe its most useful component. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. 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. 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. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. Santa Rosa Beach draws beachgoers worldwide, understood for its lovely small-town surroundings. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. 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. 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. And if you enjoy boating or fishing, this beach has a boat ramp and a pier. Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. 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. Several keys off shore have beachfronts as well. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The beachfront features a natural shoreline by the water and a white sandybeachfront area for sunbathing and enjoying the Florida sunshine. Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. Read our Privacy Policy. Horseshoe Beach Park might seem like the place to find a beach, but it is surrounded by rocks and walls. Miramar Beach. If youre peeking for an excellent spot to go swimming in the Sarasota area, check out Siesta Key! And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. Blind Pass Beach is the perfect piece of form for a seaside: there are showers, facilities to rent instruments, and a tremendous large parking lot nevertheless, thats where it finishes! Marco Island. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. 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. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. 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. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. 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. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an outstanding and prominent beach in Florida. Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. Smathers Beach is just that. 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. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. Flamenco Beach lacks opulent hotels, gaming zones and restaurants, but it does offer a particularly peaceful atmosphere, free of congestion, overcrowdingand violence. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. The phrase pristine perfection has been used to describe it. This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. 15. Even though the sand is not inherently occurring and is imported, that wont prevent you from enjoying the gorgeous surroundings and iconic white Florida sand! The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Boating is a favored recreation here, and seafood fans will find delicious feasts available at numerous regional eateries. Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida Clearwater Beach is home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. 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. If you have little ones, they may not share your vision for a day spent sitting and doing nothing. Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. 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 Town of Redington Beach, Florida, is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Web72 Best White Sand Beaches of in Florida | BeachCatcher White Sand Beaches in Florida White sand Sebastian Inlet State Park Beach Vero Beach, Florida 16 mi from All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. 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. Pensacola . 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. 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. It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. While some Floridas three national parks capture everything thats natural and wild about the Sunshine State. Stake out your spot in the 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. Hole up at one of the beach's chill waterfront bars or watch surfers from the fishing pier. 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. Your email address will not be published. Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. 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. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. 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. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. 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. It is a small sandy area fronting the Gulf that has a small stretch of natural sandy shoreline. Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. The sand on the West Coast of Florida is mainly made of 99% crystal quartz There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Visitors can explore the maritime hammocks, ancient sand dunes and historic coquina quarry before taking a dip in the Atlantic along pristine, white-sand beaches. Swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking and bicycling are all popular activities that make Honeymoon Island State Park an ideal getaway. Certain appeals may be temporarily closed or need reservations. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. At the same time, deep-sea fishing, boating, jet-skiing, and discovering dolphins are also live favorite sports. If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won't want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach. Hunter Springs Park sits on Hunter Spring Run with one of the 70 natural springs that feed the Crystal River and Kings Bay. One of Floridas best-loved state When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. No problem! Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. The vibe is laid back, and flip-flops are the only footwear youll need. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, The following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. 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! 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. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an Dare we say this is the ultimate number one of all the white sand beaches in Florida? The kids choose to be fascinated by the players and road entertainers at Sunsets at Pier 60. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the states lead agency for environmental management and stewardship protecting our air, water and land. Nestled on the southwest tip of Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Park hosts a monthly Civil War reenactment (the fort remained in Union hands throughout the conflict). 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. Map 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. It hosts more than 300 miles of trails of all types paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and paved multi-use. Not a surfer? Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name! 01 of 06. Your email address will not be published. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). 23 Unbelievable Beaches You Must Visit In The USA 9. The region of Maui is home toone of themost beautiful white sand beaches in America. There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach. 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. Appreciate the overload of water activities, lounge beneath an umbrella, and drink up the warm Florida sunlight. 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. 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. 3800 Corkscrew Road Cedar Key Airport Beach is a beachfront along Airport Road that offers white sand and quiet gentle waters. Delray Beach is the perfect place to alternate between napping, swimming in the ocean, and people-watching. 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. Required fields are marked *. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. All rights reserved. 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. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. 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 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. Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. It is comprised of seven islands and is perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire US National Park System. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Why We Recommend This Beach If youre searching for family-friendly Florida Keys beaches, look no further than Harry Harris Park. 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. Highway 314 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. 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. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. 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. 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. Many eateries and inns can also be located nearby, and theres a gorgeous Beach Walk location for evening walks. The sands at Perdido Key are fluffy and welcoming, and there are different dunes to investigate too. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. 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. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. The beach also serves as the perfect spot By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. So finding one isnt particularly easy. 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. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, White sand beaches, stunning sunsets and a bird-watcher's paradise. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. 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. Departing from Miami, Orlando, Tampa and diverse landscapes in between, these are the best ways to get to Everglades National Park. Relax on the white sandy beach areafeaturing a playground and amenities. You don't have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Plus, it boasts spectacular sunsets over the Gulf. And its no wonder. South Walton, Florida. 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. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. And to support a strong local community. 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. 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. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the 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. Listen to the waves lapping and birds chirping as you break a healthy sweat. This beach offers a quieter off-the-beaten path shoreline with a swimming area, picnic areas and amenities. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure.