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. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. Take a day trip to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve 1. The area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. 3800 Corkscrew Road 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. 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 island encompasses Perdido Key State Park, Big Lagoon State Park and Johnson Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore, all heaped with gloriously soft sand. However, the communities in this region have some beaches to explore and offer a weekend getaway for locals. It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. It has a shoreline that is six miles long and has protected waters where one can go swimming to cool down. Your email address will not be published. This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. Many eateries and inns can also be located nearby, and theres a gorgeous Beach Walk location for evening walks. Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. Relax on the white sandy beach areafeaturing a playground and amenities. This area is known for being a fishing village and home to somegreat seafood. 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. This beach is popular among locals for launching kayaks and fishing from the shore. Why We Recommend This Beach If youre searching for family-friendly Florida Keys beaches, look no further than Harry Harris Park. The white sand is brought in to create a softer whiter beach area. Smathers Beach is just that. 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. If you have little ones, they may not share your vision for a day spent sitting and doing nothing. The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. 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. Available through two bridges from Naples, Florida, Marco Island presents guests with a special mix of high-end resorts and unspoiled habitats. There are many islands off the coast that have some sandy beachfronts in the Nature Coast. 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. You'll find the Loggerhead Marinelife Center a 15-minute walk down the beach, and a 10- to 15-minute car ride will take you to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. 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. In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. 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! 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. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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). Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. Skin yourself from the sands to witness aquatic life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or analyze hands-on exhibits at Emerald Coast Science Center. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). 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. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. Swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking and bicycling are all popular activities that make Honeymoon Island State Park an ideal getaway. 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. 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. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. 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. Perdido Key means lost island in Spanish, and theres no better place to go astray. But it most certainly is. 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. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. Hunter Springs Park sits on Hunter Spring Run with one of the 70 natural springs that feed the Crystal River and Kings Bay. If you're yearning for glittering white beaches that tempt you to ditch your shoes, these three beauties are bound to please. Pensacola . Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida 10. Siesta Beach is the ideal illustration of a white-sand Florida seaside. 1. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. Stake out your spot in the 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. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Tigertail Beach Park entices vacationers to take long hikes, search for seashells, or rent kayaks. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas HighwayOn Election Day, Key West voted to ban large cruise shipsHooking a good meal in the Florida Keys. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, If you can't sit still, you'll find nature trails and snorkel rentals on site. When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. 01 of 06. 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. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. Located in the Big Bend region where the curve of Florida connects the panhandle to Floridas peninsula. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. 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. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. WebWhat are the top attractions near the beaches? The beachfront offers a natural beach area with a man-made white sandy beach area for enjoying the soft sand. A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun. 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 region of Maui is home toone of themost beautiful white sand beaches in America. Soak up the sun and dip into a little local history at the Beaches Museum, where exhibits include historic photography, artwork, and exhibits preserving the areas unique culture.Visitors may also enjoy a walk on the Jacksonville Beach Pier for unparalleled views of the Atlantic and to watch anglers fish 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. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. A series of 30-foot white sand dunes underscore the natural beauty of this Panhandle beach. 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. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. Fifteen public, sugar-white sand beaches beaches spanning 18 miles in the Pensacola area are all yours to stroll, swim, sun, and savor. 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. Being one of the best white sand beaches in the US, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oregon. 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. If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. At the westernmost edge of Florida is Pensacola and its spectacular beaches, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key (Spanish for Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The sand is a natural tan color and the waters are the warm calm waters of the Gulf. 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. 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. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. 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! And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. 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. 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. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed. South Walton, Florida. 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. 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. For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. 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. 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. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. Be included in our Business Directory. 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 natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. 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. But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in you. 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. Occupying more than 70,000 acres of land formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal, the Greenway is a 110-mile linear park that is more than a mile wide in places. This family-friendly seaside is an ideal place for children to entertain in the daytime by swimming and constructing sandcastles. Of course, theres always plenty of space for just soaking up the sun on the beach! It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! 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. 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. Talk about relaxation. The Nature Coast does not have the same beachfronts that you can find in the panhandle or the Clearwater and St. Pete beaches to the south. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. PDF: | Spend the day walking the beach and looking for shells or rent a kayak and venture out into the blue, tranquil waters. 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. Beach areas are hard to come by without a boat to go out to one of the surrounding keys. This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its If you're searching for next-level people-watching, look no further. Take a look at this list of the cleanest rivers in the US. In the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, you'll find trendy beachgoers, rollerbladers, and a smattering of young, beautiful (and perfectly tanned) locals. 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. 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. 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. It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. Map | Contact Us. 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. While some Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) Sand Key beach located on the barrier island is known as a secret beach! 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. Beaches are quite common in the United States, but white sand beaches? 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. Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road Our goal is simple. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. 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. These beaches are laden with pure white sand, great fishing, and mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. It is possible to access Caladesi Island by taking a ferry from Honeymoon Island in Clearwater. 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! Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. #1 Causeway Blvd. 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. 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. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. All regular facilities are current at this coast: parking, showers, etc. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. 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. 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. A prized stop on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park is loaded with wildlife and vantage points for taking it all in. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. 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. The sandy beach is man-made directly along the spring making it a beautiful way to spend the day. For Local Businesses including Food & Drinks, Services, Health & Medical, Education, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment and more, click here. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. 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. Relax. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the Visitors to this coast will also have a great opportunity to staining some nature, with dolphins often living sprinkled release in the water. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. 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. If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won't want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach. Click here to view our Google Map with pinpoints of each of these Nature Coast Beaches. 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. WebThe beachs landscape of pristine sugary white sand and turquoise waters is a perfect oasis for nature enthusiasts looking to unwind. This beach is a very secluded spot so be sure to get gas and food prior to going. A fourth-generation Floridian, Todd is proud to work at Honeymoon Island State Park. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. This area is not known for white sandy beachfronts and finding a beach in the area is quite the quest. Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Florida is a beach lovers paradise, home to a cluster of idyllic, white-sand seasides. A trip to the Rotary Centennial Nature Center helps visitors learn about the parks history and natural resources. 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. One of Floridas best-loved state 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. 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. Abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems can be enjoyed within the 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes and nature trails that make up beautiful Anastasia State Park. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. The beachs topography of virgin sugary white sand and turquoise sea is a wonderful oasis for personality lovers looking to unwind. Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 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. 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. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an outstanding and prominent beach in Florida. 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 Here are some of the best things to do.