And to support a strong local community. 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. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. Youll be enticed in by the velvety quartz sand, glistening turquoise waters, and laid-back beach townlet environment It is the Best White Sand Beach. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! To share the positive things that make the area unique. 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. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. However, these beaches would not even exist at least not in their current state if not for the beach dunes that are found on the west side of the island. Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. The island encompasses Perdido Key State Park, Big Lagoon State Park and Johnson Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore, all heaped with gloriously soft sand. From little surf towns to action-packed hotspots, appreciate the postcard-perfect terrains at one of Floridas greatest white sand seasides. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. South Walton, Florida. But as any Florida beach fanatic knows, this stretch of sand doesn't disappoint. Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. 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. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. 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. So, grab your shades and swimsuit its time you find the perfect beach for your Florida Keys adventure. 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. Dunedin FL 34698. Take a look at this list of the cleanest rivers in the US. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. However, if you want a blend of luxury and relaxation, then Californian white sand beaches like Coronado Beach and Carmel Beach are great options. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. 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. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. Relax on the white sandy beach areafeaturing a playground and amenities. 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. In addition to the iconic bridge, the park offers a snorkeling tour, camping and kayak rentals for different vantage points, too. WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. We are locals and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida. If youre a history lover that happens to be in Key West on the third weekend of the month, youre in luck. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. All rights reserved. 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. But in reality its due to the fact that thesands arealmost entirely composed of silicathat has been finely crushed. Everglades National Park is a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves. Word: | A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun. 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! 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. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Siesta Beach is the ideal illustration of a white-sand Florida seaside. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. 10. 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). For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. The white sand is brought in to create a softer whiter beach area. It is comprised of seven islands and is perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire US National Park System. The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an Youll find joggers on the elevated dune path and paddle boarders and kitesurfers zipping across the waves. Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno's pristine shores. 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. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. The vibe is laid back, and flip-flops are the only footwear youll need. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! These beaches are laden with pure white sand, great fishing, and mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. Just a few miles from Seaside, this 30A locale features four snorkeling reefs and wide beaches for relaxing. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. 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. Stake out your spot in the 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. It boasts an average temperature of 75 degrees and 343 days of sunshine never mind snow-white beaches that beg you to ditch your sandals. Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. 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. 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. Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. 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. 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. 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 The Nature Coast includes Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco Counties. But it most certainly is. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. The beach also serves as the perfect spot It boasts thepicturesqueGulf of Mexicoand profound fishing expeditions. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. 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. With crystal transparent sea waters and sand that peeks just like sugar, youll be bobbled out by the simple view of this seaside and feel right at the house as you take your first steps onto some of the most delicate sand on the earth. Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. 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. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. This area is not known for white sandy beachfronts and finding a beach in the area is quite the quest. We took the challenge to locate the beachfront areas in this region and our quest led us to some surprising beachfronts. Navarre Beach is nicknamed Floridas Playground, where you can absorb the untouched attractiveness of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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! 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. The beachfront features a natural shoreline by the water and a white sandybeachfront area for sunbathing and enjoying the Florida sunshine. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. Crystal River is well-known for its springs so its not surprising that one of the best beaches in the area is on a spring. 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. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. Marco Island. 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. 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. 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. 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. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. 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. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. The kids choose to be fascinated by the players and road entertainers at Sunsets at Pier 60. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. The Town of Redington Beach, Florida, is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. 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 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. 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. You want Tampa. 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 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 South Beach Pavilion provides bicycles to rent by the hour or day and kayaks are available at Caf Honeymoon. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: In the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, you'll find trendy beachgoers, rollerbladers, and a smattering of young, beautiful (and perfectly tanned) locals. If you love tracking for seashells, this is an ideal beach for you! Departing from Miami, Orlando, Tampa and diverse landscapes in between, these are the best ways to get to Everglades National Park. Read our Privacy Policy. Long called the surf capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach has produced several big-name surfers, including Kelly Slater, an 11-time world surf champion. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. Highway 314 Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. 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. 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. Of course, Marco Islands pristine shores are maybe its most useful component. Santa Rosa Beach draws beachgoers worldwide, understood for its lovely small-town surroundings. Spanning 125 miles of dynamic island bliss, there is no shortage of turquoise waters, white sands and outdoor delights in the Florida Keys. For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. Several keys off shore have beachfronts as well. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. 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. On Siesta Key, the dunes are so delicate that you might mistakenly believe thatyou are putting your feet in icing. 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. It boasts an average Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Delray Beach is the perfect place to alternate between napping, swimming in the ocean, and people-watching. WebWhat are the top attractions near the beaches? While some 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! 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. Perdido Key. Compensate your journey's carbon footprint by supporting the most impactful climate projects around the world. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! 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. Get barefoot! Courtesy of Visit Pensacola. 1. The park is also the ferry terminal for access to another unspoiled state park, Caladesi Island. As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. 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 sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. Map You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. Smathers Beach is just that. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. 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. If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isnt striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. This 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. There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach. A short drive from Tampa, beautiful Honeymoon Island offers visitors an escape from the bustle of city life. 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. | Contact Us. Talk about relaxation. Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. The waters here are again beautiful and transparent, with soft waves supplying ideal requirements for swimming. To explore these beachfront areas, bring your boat or kayak. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. Its one of the most suitable white-sand seasides in Florida! Appreciate the overload of water activities, lounge beneath an umbrella, and drink up the warm Florida sunlight. If that's the case, head to Deerfield Beach, a notoriously clean, family-friendly beach that used to beckon herds of local deer to its shores. 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. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. 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. Be included in our Business Directory. Lil Shark Park is a city park that offers a playground and white sand beachfront. Fifteen public, sugar-white sand beaches beaches spanning 18 miles in the Pensacola area are all yours to stroll, swim, sun, and savor. Beachcombing, boating, visiting quaint shops and then later, relax in one of our unique Inns. 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. 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. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. Tigertail Beach Park entices vacationers to take long hikes, search for seashells, or rent kayaks. Draw up a bistro chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. 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 following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. 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. 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. If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won't want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach. It is possible to access Caladesi Island by taking a ferry from Honeymoon Island in Clearwater. 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 center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). 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.