white sand beaches in florida map

But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, 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. Go for the glass-bottom boat which departs three times daily, every single day of the year. The white sand is brought in to create a softer whiter beach area. At Floridas southernmost tip, the Florida Keys are surrounded by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and part of North Americas only living coral barrier reef. 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. It is a small sandy area fronting the Gulf that has a small stretch of natural sandy shoreline. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! 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. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. 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. 15. 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. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. Cedar Key Airport Beach is a beachfront along Airport Road that offers white sand and quiet gentle waters. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Adjacent to the park is the Key West Wildlife Center, where local birds, sea turtles and other creatures are rehabilitated. 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. 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. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. At the westernmost edge of Florida is Pensacola and its spectacular beaches, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key (Spanish for 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). Of course, theres always plenty of space for just soaking up the sun on the beach! 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. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. For a day of gathering seashells, lead to Coquina Beach at the islands southern border. Hole up at one of the beach's chill waterfront bars or watch surfers from the fishing pier. 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. 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. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. 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. Take a day trip to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve Map: Monroe is a mixture of two extremes from the virtually uninhabited mainland Everglades, to the bustling Florida Keys with popular Key West. 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. 2. The waters here are again beautiful and transparent, with soft waves supplying ideal requirements for swimming. You don't have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. 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. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an Listen to the waves lapping and birds chirping as you break a healthy sweat. 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. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. The phrase pristine perfection has been used to describe it. Youll find joggers on the elevated dune path and paddle boarders and kitesurfers zipping across the waves. 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. If you're yearning for glittering white beaches that tempt you to ditch your shoes, these three beauties are bound to please. Visitors to this coast will also have a great opportunity to staining some nature, with dolphins often living sprinkled release in the water. The beachs topography of virgin sugary white sand and turquoise sea is a wonderful oasis for personality lovers looking to unwind. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. 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. Horseshoe Beach Park might seem like the place to find a beach, but it is surrounded by rocks and walls. The Nature Coast includes Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco Counties. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. 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. With a name that conjures up images of perfectly transparent water lapping against silky sand, Clearwater Beach sets expectations. 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. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. 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. Located in the Big Bend region where the curve of Florida connects the panhandle to Floridas peninsula. It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. Clearwater Beach. It is possible to access Caladesi Island by taking a ferry from Honeymoon Island in Clearwater. If you're searching for next-level people-watching, look no further. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, that honor goes to Dry Tortugas National Park. In fact, these states are home to the best white sand beaches in the world, not just America. 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. The keys offer excellent diving, snorkeling, sport-fishing, beautiful beaches and magnificent sunsets. Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. 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. This part of Florida's Gulf Coast is fringed by bays and inlets, low-energy expansive shallow salt marshes, creeks, mangrove swamps and barrier islands with miles of the whitest sand beaches found anywhere. Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name! WebWhat are the top attractions near the beaches? All rights reserved. Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. 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. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed. Pensacola . It boasts an average 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. 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. To share the positive things that make the area unique. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Everglades National Park is a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves. 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. Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in you. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. Plus, it boasts spectacular sunsets over the Gulf. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. From little surf towns to action-packed hotspots, appreciate the postcard-perfect terrains at one of Floridas greatest white sand seasides. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. The sands at Perdido Key are fluffy and welcoming, and there are different dunes to investigate too. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. In this beach, silica composes the majority of the sands, giving it a bright white color that glows in the sunlight. 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. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the states lead agency for environmental management and stewardship protecting our air, water and land. 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 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. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. And if you enjoy boating or fishing, this beach has a boat ramp and a pier. 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. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! 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. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. No problem! Skin yourself from the sands to witness aquatic life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or analyze hands-on exhibits at Emerald Coast Science Center. When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun. But as any Florida beach fanatic knows, this stretch of sand doesn't disappoint. Smathers Beach is just that. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. 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. 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. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, White sand beaches, stunning sunsets and a bird-watcher's paradise. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. 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. 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 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. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. You can pass your time here at Smathers or Higgs Beach, but for calm waters and wide stretches of sand, it's hard to beat Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. Copyright 2023 USA by Numbers | All Rights Reserved, 13 Best White Sand Beaches in the US [List of 2023], 12 Best Beaches in Alabama You Must Visit [Update 2023], Top 16 Famous Landmarks in Hawaii [Update 2023], 17 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii [Update 2023]. If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. But it most certainly is. 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. For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. The following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. 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. 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. 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. 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. Beach areas are hard to come by without a boat to go out to one of the surrounding keys. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Though its not a Gulf front beach, this man-made lakefront beach features a beachfront with calm swimming and cool fresh spring water with white sand shorelines and is a pleasant surprise along the Nature Coast. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. This beach is a very secluded spot so be sure to get gas and food prior to going. Horseshoe Point is the spot at the end of County Road 351, aka Main Street, where you can find the only natural beachfront in the area. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. Talk about relaxation. 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. Best Beaches in Florida on East & West Coast. 1. Panama City Beach. The Panama City Beach features 27 miles of white sand beaches and is also home to St Andrews state park and Camp Helen state park. The beach has many public beach access points and legendary attractions. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. 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. Available through two bridges from Naples, Florida, Marco Island presents guests with a special mix of high-end resorts and unspoiled habitats. C/O Koreshan State Park If youre peeking for an excellent spot to go swimming in the Sarasota area, check out Siesta Key! 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful Draw up a bistro chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. PDF: | 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. Perhaps the best beachin Puerto Rico, hassoft white sands thatextend across thebay, which features deep turquoise waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. They share one thing in common passion for parks. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. 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. Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. Most known as the principal filming location for the 1961 Elvis Presley movie Follow That Dream. 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. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. Sand Key beach located on the barrier island is known as a secret beach! To be real without an agenda. Click here to view our Google Map with pinpoints of each of these Nature Coast Beaches. It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. Gulf Coast beaches have sand that's made of pure, white quartz. On Siesta Key a short drive from downtown Sarasota you'll find yourself looking out over the glittering Gulf of Mexico with a cocktail in hand. 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. Being one of the best white sand beaches in the US, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oregon. This beach is popular among locals for launching kayaks and fishing from the shore. 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. Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.