Back on land, check out the parks visitor center, which has a 30,000-gallon aquarium. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. 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. It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. 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). 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. Most beachfront in key west are constructed of coral or small stones and gravel, which separates Smathers Beach! 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. Smathers Beach. No problem! 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 Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. 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. Honeymoon Island State Park attracts visitors from all over with its world-class beaches. Smathers Beach is just that. Though the Florida Gulf Coast epicenter, Pensacola Beach is renowned for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! Because the waters are so calm, the beaches offer a family friendly swimming area, some have amenities, and some even have white sandy beach areas. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. Siesta Beach is the ideal illustration of a white-sand Florida seaside. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. It boasts thepicturesqueGulf of Mexicoand profound fishing expeditions. 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. 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. 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. If you love tracking for seashells, this is an ideal beach for you! Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. All regular facilities are current at this coast: parking, showers, etc. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida. 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. Note that this is not a pristine beachfront. One of the most stunning seasides in the United States, you cant conquer its white sand shoreline and transparent emerald green sea. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. This The kids choose to be fascinated by the players and road entertainers at Sunsets at Pier 60. Your email address will not be published. Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. The park is also the ferry terminal for access to another unspoiled state park, Caladesi Island. Gulf Coast beaches have sand that's made of pure, white quartz. 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. 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. 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. It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. 10. The Nature Coast includes Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco Counties. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. Required fields are marked *. Floridas three national parks capture everything thats natural and wild about the Sunshine State. Not a surfer? Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. 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. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. 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. 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. For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. 1. This beach offers a quieter off-the-beaten path shoreline with a swimming area, picnic areas and amenities. Hours/availability may have altered. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. 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. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! has shaded picnic spots, barbecue pits, a playground, volleyball courts and plenty of space to unwind. Its pure quartz sand is easy on the eyes as well as the feet, and its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. Swimming and snorkeling are extremely famous here too. 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. 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. 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. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. The beachfront offers a natural beach area with a man-made white sandy beach area for enjoying the soft sand. 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. Spend the day walking the beach and looking for shells or rent a kayak and venture out into the blue, tranquil waters. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. The generous waters here are simply respectable for swimming and paddling, and there exist different fun exercises to be located nearby at locations somewhere near Henderson State Park. South Walton, Florida. Available through two bridges from Naples, Florida, Marco Island presents guests with a special mix of high-end resorts and unspoiled habitats. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. Plus, it boasts spectacular sunsets over the Gulf. Naples is known for its pearly white sand a feature you'll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park. 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. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. 1. Be included in our Business Directory. If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. 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. 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. 1. There are even volleyball nets on the seaside public for your use! If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won't want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. Located in the Big Bend region where the curve of Florida connects the panhandle to Floridas peninsula. 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. 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 beachfront features a natural shoreline by the water and a white sandybeachfront area for sunbathing and enjoying the Florida sunshine. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Sand Key beach located on the barrier island is known as a secret beach! (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: 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. Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. Cedar Key Airport Beach is a beachfront along Airport Road that offers white sand and quiet gentle waters. 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. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. 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. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. You don't have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. 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. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. 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. 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. To be real without an agenda. And its no wonder. Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. If you're yearning for glittering white beaches that tempt you to ditch your shoes, these three beauties are bound to please. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. 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. Its one of the most suitable white-sand seasides in Florida! 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. In addition to the iconic bridge, the park offers a snorkeling tour, camping and kayak rentals for different vantage points, too. It boasts an average Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, that honor goes to Dry Tortugas National Park. Every beach is distinct, with its levels and segments, but some of the gorgeous beaches are the ones with paradisiacal white sands and crystal transparent waters. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. With a name that conjures up images of perfectly transparent water lapping against silky sand, Clearwater Beach sets expectations. Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Florida is a beach lovers paradise, home to a cluster of idyllic, white-sand seasides. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. Your email address will not be published. Powered by Mai Theme, 18 Best Day Trips From Orlando Worth The Effort. But whether or not you've got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach. Honeymoon Island is the perfect place to go when looking for outdoor recreational entertainment! 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. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) 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. There are plenty of other historical attractions within the park year-round, too, including tours of the brick-clad fort and its extensive collection of seaside-positioned cannons and artillery. 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. St. Augustine FL 32080, 8282 S.E. As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. 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. Being one of the best white sand beaches in the US, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oregon. Getting there will require a two-plus hour ferry ride via the Yankee Freedom III, a private boat charter or seaplane ride, all of which should be booked well in advance. One of Floridas best-loved state parks, Honeymoon Islandhas more than four miles of beach to explore along with a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests. If 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. Scientists have investigated the sand and discovered that it is produced up of 99% quartz, indicating its extraordinarily refined and handles delicate and silky as you stroll along. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. 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 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. 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. 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. But as any Florida beach fanatic knows, this stretch of sand doesn't disappoint. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. It has a shoreline that is six miles long and has protected waters where one can go swimming to cool down. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. 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. 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. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. Take a look at this list of the cleanest rivers in the US. The highlight of Coronado Island in San Diego is themile-long stunning white sandbeach located in that area. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. We are locals and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Everglades National Park is a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves. 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. They share one thing in common passion for parks. Highway 314 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 Nature Coast of Florida is rightly named as a nature lovers paradise with a plethora wildlife,state parks and old Florida small town charm. This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its 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. Perdido Key. Marco Island. The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm - thatched bungalows for honeymooners. 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. 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 Dunedin FL 34698. Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. Map Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. Skin yourself from the sands to witness aquatic life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or analyze hands-on exhibits at Emerald Coast Science Center. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The region of Maui is home toone of themost beautiful white sand beaches in America. 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. 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. If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isnt striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. Smathers Beach is just that. Certain appeals may be temporarily closed or need reservations. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed. 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. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm).