Perhaps the best beachin Puerto Rico, hassoft white sands thatextend across thebay, which features deep turquoise waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. 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. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. Of course, Marco Islands pristine shores are maybe its most useful component. 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. Tigertail Beach Park entices vacationers to take long hikes, search for seashells, or rent kayaks. As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. 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. Though the Florida Gulf Coast epicenter, Pensacola Beach is renowned for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. 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. No problem! If you have little ones, they may not share your vision for a day spent sitting and doing nothing. You don't have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. 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 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. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. If you tire of energy on the coast, Miramars South Walton community is complete with picturesque coast roads and antique shopping remaining to be uncovered. The Pensacola Beach pier extends out into the water, delivering a wonderful place to sit, calm, and observe the waves or sunset in the evenings. Here are the best things to do there. Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. Best Beaches in The Florida Keys Available through two bridges from Naples, Florida, Marco Island presents guests with a special mix of high-end resorts and unspoiled habitats. Why We Recommend This Beach If youre searching for family-friendly Florida Keys beaches, look no further than Harry Harris Park. Sombrero Beach's soft white sands border the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the area ideal for snorkeling. 2. If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won't want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach. In this beach, silica composes the majority of the sands, giving it a bright white color that glows in the sunlight. Get barefoot! Beach areas are hard to come by without a boat to go out to one of the surrounding keys. The World's Beaches With the Whitest SandQueensland, Australia. Spending a lot of time in Australia's Whitsunday Islands is sure to amaze you, particularly iconic Whitehaven Beach.Clearwater, Florida, USA. Bora Bora, Tahiti. Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Boracay, Philippines. Lofoten Islands, Norway. Zanzibar, Tanzania. Jericoacoara, Brazil. Okinawa, Japan. New South Wales, Australia. 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. 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). #1 Causeway Blvd. The beachfront offers a natural beach area with a man-made white sandy beach area for enjoying the soft sand. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). 23 Unbelievable Beaches You Must Visit In The USA 9. 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. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. Beachfront Stay: 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. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. White Sand Beaches Map: Monroe is a mixture of two extremes from the virtually uninhabited mainland Everglades, to the bustling Florida Keys with popular Key West. 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. Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. 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. It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! 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. Compensate your journey's carbon footprint by supporting the most impactful climate projects around the world. This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. Not a surfer? If you discover yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you wont like to skip a daytime (or days) finished enjoying Miramar Beach. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Word: | 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. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) A trip to the Rotary Centennial Nature Center helps visitors learn about the parks history and natural resources. However, if you want a blend of luxury and relaxation, then Californian white sand beaches like Coronado Beach and Carmel Beach are great options. Map It is a small sandy area fronting the Gulf that has a small stretch of natural sandy shoreline. Navarre Beach is nicknamed Floridas Playground, where you can absorb the untouched attractiveness of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. WebThe beachs landscape of pristine sugary white sand and turquoise waters is a perfect oasis for nature enthusiasts looking to unwind. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. One of the most suitable beaches in Floridas Panhandle, this packed neighborhood boasts 12 miles of fresh shoreline that is ideal for beachgoers scrutinizing for total isolation. The Most Treasured White Sandy Beaches of Florida There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isnt striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. But if you are looking for an afternoon visiting a small town with fishing, boating and beach options, head up the Nature Coast and discover Old Florida at its best. 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. They share one thing in common passion for parks. WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. 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. 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. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. 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. Key West may have west in its name, but its actually not the most western attraction in the Keys. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. 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. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. Hunter Springs Park sits on Hunter Spring Run with one of the 70 natural springs that feed the Crystal River and Kings Bay. Hours/availability may have altered. Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. Pensacola . 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful Just a few miles from Seaside, this 30A locale features four snorkeling reefs and wide beaches for relaxing. There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. Naples is known for its pearly white sand a feature you'll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park. 9 White Sand Beaches That Florida Is Well Known For - TheTravel In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. Best beaches in the Florida Keys For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. The South Beach Pavilion provides bicycles to rent by the hour or day and kayaks are available at Caf Honeymoon. 14 Prettiest Beaches in Tampa Florida - Florida Trippers Highway 314 If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. Not so much. Located in the Big Bend region where the curve of Florida connects the panhandle to Floridas peninsula. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. This beach is popular among locals for launching kayaks and fishing from the shore. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. If you're searching for next-level people-watching, look no further. Beaches in Florida 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. 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. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. Beaches 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. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. 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. 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. 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. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. 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. In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. Adjacent to the park is the Key West Wildlife Center, where local birds, sea turtles and other creatures are rehabilitated. 12 Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit Clearwater Beach . Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. 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 water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. 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 And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Perdido Key. Your email address will not be published. A fourth-generation Floridian, Todd is proud to work at Honeymoon Island State Park. When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. 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. Perdido Key means lost island in Spanish, and theres no better place to go astray. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. 50 E Beach Rd Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-7161 Nestled in Tavernier, this man-made hideaway entices visitors with imported white sand and sparkling aquamarine water. The waters here are again beautiful and transparent, with soft waves supplying ideal requirements for swimming. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! Gulf Coast beaches have sand that's made of pure, white quartz. 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. Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. 10. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. WebWhat are the top attractions near the beaches? Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. But as any Florida beach fanatic knows, this stretch of sand doesn't disappoint. The Town of Redington Beach, Florida, is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name! (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: 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. Sitemap, 13 of the Best Florida Keys Resorts for Families, 13 of the Best Family Campgrounds in Florida, Where To See Alligators in Florida: 13 Gator Watching Spots, Palm Springs Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting With Kids, Seattle Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Las Vegas Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Florida Keys Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Myrtle Beach Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, The Bahamas Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids. 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. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an outstanding and prominent beach in Florida. 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Jacksonville At the westernmost edge of Florida is Pensacola and its spectacular beaches, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key (Spanish for Spanning 125 miles of dynamic island bliss, there is no shortage of turquoise waters, white sands and outdoor delights in the Florida Keys. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. 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. 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. 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. 1. With a local, laid-back feel and plenty of surf schools, you'll be up on your board in no time. Marco Island. There is something for everyone in the family including volleyball courts, an aqua park, paddlesport rentals, a wakeboard cable and concessions. 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. 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. South Walton, Florida. Fortunately, the key never actually fetches too active anyway, even in the center of summer, with numerous tourists choosing to find themselves other east along the coast or down on the cape. 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. Hole up at one of the beach's chill waterfront bars or watch surfers from the fishing pier. 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. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Florida is a beach lovers paradise, home to a cluster of idyllic, white-sand seasides. Relax. Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida Most beachfront in key west are constructed of coral or small stones and gravel, which separates Smathers Beach! Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. Its pure quartz sand is easy on the eyes as well as the feet, and its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming. Stake out your spot in the 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. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. 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! Listen to the waves lapping and birds chirping as you break a healthy sweat. 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 You want Tampa. We are locals and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida. Smathers Beach. All rights reserved. Youll find joggers on the elevated dune path and paddle boarders and kitesurfers zipping across the waves. Located on the Gulf in New Port Richey, Robert K Rees Memorial Park features beach frontage and a swimming area. has shaded picnic spots, barbecue pits, a playground, volleyball courts and plenty of space to unwind. Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in you. 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. Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. 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. Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. 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. Dunedin FL 34698. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. 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. To be real without an agenda. White sand beaches are magnificent beaches that are usually comprised of quartz and minerals and usually form in special locations. C/O Koreshan State Park 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. We took the challenge to locate the beachfront areas in this region and our quest led us to some surprising beachfronts. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. At the same time, deep-sea fishing, boating, jet-skiing, and discovering dolphins are also live favorite sports. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. 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. 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. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. Cedar Key Airport Beach is a beachfront along Airport Road that offers white sand and quiet gentle waters. 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. Miramar Beach. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. 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. If you hold a fisher in your family or enjoy appreciating some fishing while also enjoying one of the most appealing white-sand seasides in the Sunshine State, Destin is the location to be. It boasts an average 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. Fiddler crabs live along the sides of the beach in the grassy areas. 72 Best White Sand Beaches of in Florida | BeachCatcher 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.