white sand beaches in florida map white sand beaches in florida map

WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. Go for the glass-bottom boat which departs three times daily, every single day of the year. Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. One of the most stunning seasides in the United States, you cant conquer its white sand shoreline and transparent emerald green sea. Naples is known for its pearly white sand a feature you'll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park. 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. White sand beaches are magnificent beaches that are usually comprised of quartz and minerals and usually form in special locations. Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. If you have little ones, they may not share your vision for a day spent sitting and doing nothing. One of Floridas best-loved state If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isnt striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. The highlight of Coronado Island in San Diego is themile-long stunning white sandbeach located in that area. Boating is a favored recreation here, and seafood fans will find delicious feasts available at numerous regional eateries. Stake out your spot in the Courtesy of Visit Pensacola. 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. 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. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. The sands at Perdido Key are fluffy and welcoming, and there are different dunes to investigate too. 23 Unbelievable Beaches You Must Visit In The USA 9. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. The kids choose to be fascinated by the players and road entertainers at Sunsets at Pier 60. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. If you want to learn more, swing by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center at the northern end of the park. 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. Located on the Gulf in New Port Richey, Robert K Rees Memorial Park features beach frontage and a swimming area. PDF: | Most known as the principal filming location for the 1961 Elvis Presley movie Follow That Dream. Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email? However, the communities in this region have some beaches to explore and offer a weekend getaway for locals. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). A prized stop on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park is loaded with wildlife and vantage points for taking it all in. With a name that conjures up images of perfectly transparent water lapping against silky sand, Clearwater Beach sets expectations. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an outstanding and prominent beach in Florida. Visitors to this coast will also have a great opportunity to staining some nature, with dolphins often living sprinkled release in the water. #1 Causeway Blvd. Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Its pure quartz sand is easy on the eyes as well as the feet, and its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming. 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. 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. No problem! Word: | 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. St. Augustine FL 32080, 8282 S.E. 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 are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. Several keys off shore have beachfronts as well. Back on land, check out the parks visitor center, which has a 30,000-gallon aquarium. Smathers Beach is just that. 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. 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. 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! 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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. The sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! Honeymoon Island State Park attracts visitors from all over with its world-class beaches. Fort Island Gulf Beach is at the end of Fort Island Trail on the far west end of Crystal River. Horseshoe Beach Park might seem like the place to find a beach, but it is surrounded by rocks and walls. 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. They share one thing in common passion for parks. Offers may be subject to change without notice. WebWhat are the top attractions near the 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. 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. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems. 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. Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Florida is a beach lovers paradise, home to a cluster of idyllic, white-sand seasides. 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. To explore these beachfront areas, bring your boat or kayak. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. Fifteen public, sugar-white sand beaches beaches spanning 18 miles in the Pensacola area are all yours to stroll, swim, sun, and savor. Adjacent to the park is the Key West Wildlife Center, where local birds, sea turtles and other creatures are rehabilitated. Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno's pristine shores. 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. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. The waters here are again beautiful and transparent, with soft waves supplying ideal requirements for swimming. It hosts more than 300 miles of trails of all types paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and paved multi-use. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the states lead agency for environmental management and stewardship protecting our air, water and land. The sand is a natural tan color and the waters are the warm calm waters of the Gulf. But in reality its due to the fact that thesands arealmost entirely composed of silicathat has been finely crushed. Beachfront Stay: Everglades National Park is a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves. 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. Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida. The South Beach Pavilion provides bicycles to rent by the hour or day and kayaks are available at Caf Honeymoon. Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. Listen to the waves lapping and birds chirping as you break a healthy sweat. 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. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. 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. Here are some of the best things to do. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. Not so much. 10. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. 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. In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. 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 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. And its no wonder. 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. Marco Island. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. 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. It is possible to access Caladesi Island by taking a ferry from Honeymoon Island in Clearwater. Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. 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. Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. We are locals and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida. 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. Perhaps the best beachin Puerto Rico, hassoft white sands thatextend across thebay, which features deep turquoise waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. 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. 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 youre peeking for an excellent spot to go swimming in the Sarasota area, check out Siesta Key! 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. 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. 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. So finding one isnt particularly easy. Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. 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. 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. This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. 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. Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road Take a day trip to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve 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! Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in 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. 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). This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. 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. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. 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. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) The beachs topography of virgin sugary white sand and turquoise sea is a wonderful oasis for personality lovers looking to unwind. 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. All rights reserved. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. 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. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. There are even volleyball nets on the seaside public for your use! 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. Hours/availability may have altered. 2. Smathers Beach is just that. Swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking and bicycling are all popular activities that make Honeymoon Island State Park an ideal getaway. For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. It boasts thepicturesqueGulf of Mexicoand profound fishing expeditions. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. Our goal is simple. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed.