Of course, theres always plenty of space for just soaking up the sun on the beach! While some ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its 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. C/O Koreshan State Park Beachfront Stay: Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road South Walton, Florida. 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. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. Fort Island Gulf Beach is at the end of Fort Island Trail on the far west end of Crystal River. Gulf Coast beaches have sand that's made of pure, white quartz. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. WebThe beachs landscape of pristine sugary white sand and turquoise waters is a perfect oasis for nature enthusiasts looking to unwind. Hunter Springs Park sits on Hunter Spring Run with one of the 70 natural springs that feed the Crystal River and Kings Bay. Marco Island. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. Go for the glass-bottom boat which departs three times daily, every single day of the year. Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno's pristine shores. 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. 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. 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. The sand on the West Coast of Florida is mainly made of 99% crystal quartz Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. 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. Certain appeals may be temporarily closed or need reservations. With its truly clear waters and white-sand shores, visitors come from Tampa (and all of Florida) to enjoy the calm Gulf waters or partake in one of the area's many activities, from parasailing to fishing. While the towns along this region are fishing and boating communities, some bring in soft white sand to create more beautiful shorelines in public parks. Floridas three national parks capture everything thats natural and wild about the Sunshine State. Hours/availability may have altered. 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. 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. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an Swimming and snorkeling are extremely famous here too. Smathers Beach is just that. There are even volleyball nets on the seaside public for your use! In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. Clearwater Beach is home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. 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. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Florida is a beach lovers paradise, home to a cluster of idyllic, white-sand seasides. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. 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. Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in you. It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. If you can't sit still, you'll find nature trails and snorkel rentals on site. With a name that conjures up images of perfectly transparent water lapping against silky sand, Clearwater Beach sets expectations. 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 searching for next-level people-watching, look no further. 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. Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Clearwater Beach gathers near Pier 60, a lovely play space, a fishing pier, and live amusement. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. Most known as the principal filming location for the 1961 Elvis Presley movie Follow That Dream. Talk about relaxation. 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 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. When you see the picturesque shoreof white dunes, which is bordered by beautifulpalm trees with precipitous rocks ahead, youll know why it is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii. And if you enjoy boating or fishing, this beach has a boat ramp and a pier. With a local, laid-back feel and plenty of surf schools, you'll be up on your board in no time. Pensacola . 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! Perdido Key. 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. Of course, Marco Islands pristine shores are maybe its most useful component. 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]. 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. Flamenco Beach lacks opulent hotels, gaming zones and restaurants, but it does offer a particularly peaceful atmosphere, free of congestion, overcrowdingand violence. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. 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. 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. 2. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: 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. If you discover yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you wont like to skip a daytime (or days) finished enjoying Miramar Beach. Get barefoot! This family-friendly seaside is an ideal place for children to entertain in the daytime by swimming and constructing sandcastles. Key West may have west in its name, but its actually not the most western attraction in the Keys. This list of 14 of the best white sand beaches in Florida for families provides many beaches that can fit your familys needs during your next trip. The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. Siesta Beach is the ideal illustration of a white-sand Florida seaside. Lodging options run the gamut from hotels, condos, rental houses, and bed and breakfasts to camping. The Nature Coast includes Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco Counties. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, White sand beaches, stunning sunsets and a bird-watcher's paradise. 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. Ultimate Beach Guide to St Pete Florida Area Beaches, Florida Smart Guide to Disney World Resorts, The Best Places to Learn about Floridas African American History, Ultimate Beach Guide to Pensacola Florida Beaches, 11 Festive Florida Towns to get you in the Holiday Spirit. Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! has shaded picnic spots, barbecue pits, a playground, volleyball courts and plenty of space to unwind. Powered by Mai Theme, 18 Best Day Trips From Orlando Worth The Effort. 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. 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. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an outstanding and prominent beach in Florida. 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. One of the most stunning seasides in the United States, you cant conquer its white sand shoreline and transparent emerald green sea. 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). Ten counties range from largely undeveloped Hernando through the urban areas of Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee to the vast conservation areas of the Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades in Collier and Monroe. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. The waters here are again beautiful and transparent, with soft waves supplying ideal requirements for swimming. 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. 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. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. This beach offers a quieter off-the-beaten path shoreline with a swimming area, picnic areas and amenities. One of Floridas most stunning Gulf Coast gems, St. Pete Beach is house to a gorgeous spread of undeveloped beaches with a gorgeous landscape of pure sugar sand and shimmering blue sea. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the Lovely pearlescent shells are ample throughout the gorgeous white sand, and there are no laws that restrict taking a souvenir.If youre not the swimming kind, then not to fear! 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. 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. Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email? Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. Spend the day walking the beach and looking for shells or rent a kayak and venture out into the blue, tranquil waters. 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. Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Not so much. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. Stake out your spot in the I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. 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. If you love tracking for seashells, this is an ideal beach for you! But whether or not you've got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach. Your email address will not be published. Lil Shark Park is a city park that offers a playground and white sand beachfront. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. Load up your holiday with activities or lay back and appreciate the 24 miles of peaceful emerald waters and calm granular sands at the shore. Compensate your journey's carbon footprint by supporting the most impactful climate projects around the world. The silky beaches of Kaanapali, formerly a retreat for the states royalty, and its emerald waters now entice visitors to engage in a wide range of amenities, from drinkingto lounging, surfing, swimming and cliff jumping. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. A fourth-generation Floridian, Todd is proud to work at Honeymoon Island State Park. A family-friendly area with white sand beaches and emerald green waters, this fuss-free beach is a great place to soak up the sunshine. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). Click here to view our Google Map with pinpoints of each of these Nature Coast Beaches. This unique find is the beautiful beachfront and clear waters of this lake that was developed around a former limestone mine with a 70 acre spring-fed lake. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. Note that this is not a pristine beachfront. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. If you want to learn more, swing by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center at the northern end of the park. And to support a strong local community. Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. The highlight of Coronado Island in San Diego is themile-long stunning white sandbeach located in that 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! So, grab your shades and swimsuit its time you find the perfect beach for your Florida Keys adventure. You want Tampa. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Navarre Beach is nicknamed Floridas Playground, where you can absorb the untouched attractiveness of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It hosts more than 300 miles of trails of all types paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and paved multi-use. 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. 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. Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. This 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. Map 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]. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name! It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. 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In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. Read our Privacy Policy. 01 of 06. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) This beach is popular among locals for launching kayaks and fishing from the shore. White sand beaches are magnificent beaches that are usually comprised of quartz and minerals and usually form in special locations. 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. 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 sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. Courtesy of Visit Pensacola. 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. 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. In the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, you'll find trendy beachgoers, rollerbladers, and a smattering of young, beautiful (and perfectly tanned) locals. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. 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. Smathers Beach is just that. Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. They share one thing in common passion for parks. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Take a look at this list of the cleanest rivers in the US. 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.