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

Clearwater Beach gathers near Pier 60, a lovely play space, a fishing pier, and live amusement. While the area is secluded from the rest of Floridaand the population is small, the town has grown to add a restaurant, a full-service marina, an athletic area, and a park. 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. Word: | 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. Smathers Beach. In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. The region of Maui is home toone of themost beautiful white sand beaches in America. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isnt striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. Even though the sand is not inherently occurring and is imported, that wont prevent you from enjoying the gorgeous surroundings and iconic white Florida sand! It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. 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! Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. #1 Causeway Blvd. Be included in our Business Directory. Though the Florida Gulf Coast epicenter, Pensacola Beach is renowned for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. Several keys off shore have beachfronts as well. 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. Naples is known for its pearly white sand a feature you'll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park. But whether or not you've got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the 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]. To explore these beachfront areas, bring your boat or kayak. The sand on the West Coast of Florida is mainly made of 99% crystal quartz Santa Rosa Beach draws beachgoers worldwide, understood for its lovely small-town surroundings. Most beachfront in key west are constructed of coral or small stones and gravel, which separates Smathers Beach! 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! The park is also the ferry terminal for access to another unspoiled state park, Caladesi Island. 1. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. 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. This family-friendly seaside is an ideal place for children to entertain in the daytime by swimming and constructing sandcastles. 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 want Tampa. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. Map: Collier's miles of sparkling white sand beaches stretch from undeveloped Barefoot Beach Preserve barrier island to busy Marco Island near Big Cypress National Preserve. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Horseshoe Beach Park might seem like the place to find a beach, but it is surrounded by rocks and walls. 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 Hole up at one of the beach's chill waterfront bars or watch surfers from the fishing pier. 15. 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. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. Lil Shark Park is a city park that offers a playground and white sand beachfront. 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 Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! It boasts thepicturesqueGulf of Mexicoand profound fishing expeditions. Talk about relaxation. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. There are many islands off the coast that have some sandy beachfronts in the Nature Coast. 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. Dunedin FL 34698. It is comprised of seven islands and is perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire US National Park System. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. And to support a strong local community. Youll find joggers on the elevated dune path and paddle boarders and kitesurfers zipping across the waves. 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. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. Visitors to this coast will also have a great opportunity to staining some nature, with dolphins often living sprinkled release in the water. Take a daytime journey to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for sunbathing, biking, bird watching, and hiking, and appreciate its 3.2 miles of personal white sandy seasides. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Florida is a beach lovers paradise, home to a cluster of idyllic, white-sand seasides. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. 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. The quartz that produces Siesta Key Beach can be outlined back to the Appalachian Mountains, suggesting it deteriorated over the years and soaked down into the Gulf of Mexico and onto the key. 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. 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. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. Just a few miles from Seaside, this 30A locale features four snorkeling reefs and wide beaches for relaxing. Not so much. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Appreciate the overload of water activities, lounge beneath an umbrella, and drink up the warm Florida sunlight. This beach offers a quieter off-the-beaten path shoreline with a swimming area, picnic areas and amenities. Here are some of the best things to do. Highway 314 Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won't want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach. 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 So finding one isnt particularly easy. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. 50 E Beach Rd Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-7161 Nestled in Tavernier, this man-made hideaway entices visitors with imported white sand and sparkling aquamarine water. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems. 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. The following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. The South Beach Pavilion provides bicycles to rent by the hour or day and kayaks are available at Caf Honeymoon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The white sand is brought in to create a softer whiter beach area. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. Swimming and snorkeling are extremely famous here too. Click here to view our Google Map with pinpoints of each of these Nature Coast Beaches. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. 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. 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. 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. If youre a history lover that happens to be in Key West on the third weekend of the month, youre in luck. 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. Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida. You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. 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. Courtesy of Visit Pensacola. Required fields are marked *. There is something for everyone in the family including volleyball courts, an aqua park, paddlesport rentals, a wakeboard cable and concessions. Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. 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. 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. Tigertail Beach Park entices vacationers to take long hikes, search for seashells, or rent kayaks. 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. If you discover yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you wont like to skip a daytime (or days) finished enjoying Miramar Beach. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. 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. Honeymoon Island is the perfect place to go when looking for outdoor recreational entertainment! There are even volleyball nets on the seaside public for your use! Dare we say this is the ultimate number one of all the white sand beaches in Florida? Your email address will not be published. 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. The sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. For a memorable view of it all, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day. Of course, theres always plenty of space for just soaking up the sun on the beach! Note that the road ends with a round-about where you can park on the side, get out and walk across the jetty to the preserved land marsh, and walk across the beachfront area. 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. C/O Koreshan State Park 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. In the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, you'll find trendy beachgoers, rollerbladers, and a smattering of young, beautiful (and perfectly tanned) locals. Sandy Neck Beach Sandwich, Massachusetts, 10 Best Lake Resorts in Iowa [Ranked in 2023], Top 17 Drunkest Cities in America [Report 2023], 12 Major Cemeteries in Iowa [Update 2023], 10 Best Ziplines in Iowa You Must Enjoy [Update 2023], Top 17 Most Boring Cities in America [Report 2023]. 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. Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking and bicycling are all popular activities that make Honeymoon Island State Park an ideal getaway. Honeymoon Island State Park attracts visitors from all over with its world-class beaches. 10. Of course, Marco Islands pristine shores are maybe its most useful component. If you can't sit still, you'll find nature trails and snorkel rentals on site. 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. 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. All regular facilities are current at this coast: parking, showers, etc. 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. Stake out your spot in the A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun. 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. However, if you want a blend of luxury and relaxation, then Californian white sand beaches like Coronado Beach and Carmel Beach are great options. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. One of Floridas best-loved state To be real without an agenda. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Here are the best things to do there. In addition to the iconic bridge, the park offers a snorkeling tour, camping and kayak rentals for different vantage points, too. The beachfront offers a natural beach area with a man-made white sandy beach area for enjoying the soft sand. The beach also serves as the perfect spot And if you enjoy boating or fishing, this beach has a boat ramp and a pier. 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. 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. For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much more. Relax. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Beachfront Stay: Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. Being one of the best white sand beaches in the US, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oregon. However, with stunning coastal states like Florida, Hawaii and California, there really isnt a shortage of white sand beaches in the US. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. 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). 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. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. 12 Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit Clearwater Beach . Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. 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. Note that this is not a pristine beachfront. These beaches are laden with pure white sand, great fishing, and mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. 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. But as any Florida beach fanatic knows, this stretch of sand doesn't disappoint. Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. 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. While some A short drive from Tampa, beautiful Honeymoon Island offers visitors an escape from the bustle of city life. 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. But it most certainly is. It hosts more than 300 miles of trails of all types paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and paved multi-use. All rights reserved. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. The sands at Perdido Key are fluffy and welcoming, and there are different dunes to investigate too. If you want to learn more, swing by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center at the northern end of the park. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an outstanding and prominent beach in Florida. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. At the same time, deep-sea fishing, boating, jet-skiing, and discovering dolphins are also live favorite sports. This 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. Draw up a bistro chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. 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. Fiddler crabs live along the sides of the beach in the grassy areas. Best beach for a family-friendly 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. 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. 3800 Corkscrew Road 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. 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. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. It is a wonderful beach in all-around and one of the most lovely beaches in Florida! The beachs topography of virgin sugary white sand and turquoise sea is a wonderful oasis for personality lovers looking to unwind. If youre peeking for an excellent spot to go swimming in the Sarasota area, check out Siesta Key! It boasts an average temperature of 75 degrees and 343 days of sunshine never mind snow-white beaches that beg you to ditch your sandals. Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. Perdido Key. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. 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. Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road 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. 1. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. Located in the Big Bend region where the curve of Florida connects the panhandle to Floridas peninsula. 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. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. However, the communities in this region have some beaches to explore and offer a weekend getaway for locals. Beachcombing, boating, visiting quaint shops and then later, relax in one of our unique Inns. Its one of the most suitable white-sand seasides in Florida! Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. 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. 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.