However, the communities in this region have some beaches to explore and offer a weekend getaway for locals. Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. All regular facilities are current at this coast: parking, showers, etc. To explore these beachfront areas, bring your boat or kayak. It boasts an average Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. The Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches In Florida But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. 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. If you're searching for next-level people-watching, look no further. 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. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Map This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. The region of Maui is home toone of themost beautiful white sand beaches in America. Spend the day walking the beach and looking for shells or rent a kayak and venture out into the blue, tranquil waters. WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. Our goal is simple. While some 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. 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. No problem! Check out the area's historic Art Deco architecture, walk around South Pointe Park, or swing by Joe's Stone Crab for a meal you won't soon forget. 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. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. They share one thing in common passion for parks. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). 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. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: 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. Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. Beaches on Floridas Gulf Coast Perdido Key. This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its Highway 314 Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. These beaches are laden with pure white sand, great fishing, and mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. 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. Smathers Beach is just that. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Best Beaches in The Florida Keys The 13 Top Florida Keys Beaches | Travel | U.S. News Marco Island. 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 you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. 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. 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. As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. Whether you're here for a peaceful stroll, fishing or some recreational time with your four-legged friend, there is something to do for everyone on the beach at Honeymoon Island. 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. Lodging options run the gamut from hotels, condos, rental houses, and bed and breakfasts to camping. So finding one isnt particularly easy. The sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Florida is a beach lovers paradise, home to a cluster of idyllic, white-sand seasides. Powered by Mai Theme, 18 Best Day Trips From Orlando Worth The Effort. 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 Miramar Beach. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. 13 Best White Sand Beaches in the US [List of 2023] 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. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. It hosts more than 300 miles of trails of all types paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and paved multi-use. Clearwater Beach is home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. With a local, laid-back feel and plenty of surf schools, you'll be up on your board in no time. 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. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. Not so much. Ringed in miles of beautiful coastline, the Florida Keys are a beach-lover's dream frederic prochasson / 500px. WebWhat are the top attractions near the beaches? Most known as the principal filming location for the 1961 Elvis Presley movie Follow That Dream. The Most Treasured White Sandy Beaches of Florida 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. 14 of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida for Families If youre a history lover that happens to be in Key West on the third weekend of the month, youre in luck. 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. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. It is comprised of seven islands and is perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire US National Park System. 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. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. This beach is a very secluded spot so be sure to get gas and food prior to going. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. 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. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. The highlight of Coronado Island in San Diego is themile-long stunning white sandbeach located in that area. Just a few miles from Seaside, this 30A locale features four snorkeling reefs and wide beaches for relaxing. Talk about relaxation. In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. 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. 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. 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. Smathers Beach is just that. To be real without an agenda. Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. 2 Florida Beaches with Incredibly White Sand 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. Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. For Local Businesses including Food & Drinks, Services, Health & Medical, Education, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment and more, click here. 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! Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in 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. 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. The area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. Its pure quartz sand is easy on the eyes as well as the feet, and its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. 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. 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. Beaches A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in you. And its no wonder. Often a popular spring break destination , it can also make a great day trip from Orlando! You want Tampa. If you can't sit still, you'll find nature trails and snorkel rentals on site. In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: 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. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. 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 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. 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. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. In fact, these states are home to the best white sand beaches in the world, not just America. Back on land, check out the parks visitor center, which has a 30,000-gallon aquarium. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. 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. Several keys off shore have beachfronts as well. The waters here are again beautiful and transparent, with soft waves supplying ideal requirements for swimming. 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. Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. Jacksonville But in reality its due to the fact that thesands arealmost entirely composed of silicathat has been finely crushed. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems. 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. 1. 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. If you have little ones, they may not share your vision for a day spent sitting and doing nothing. 10 Closest Beaches To Orlando You Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. Boating is a favored recreation here, and seafood fans will find delicious feasts available at numerous regional eateries. The seasides on Anna Maria Island puff soft white sand and transparent turquoise waters that will draw you in for a daytime of washing up Floridas eternal sunshine. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much more. Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. It boasts thepicturesqueGulf of Mexicoand profound fishing expeditions. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. The phrase pristine perfection has been used to describe it. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. 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. 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. The Town of Redington Beach, Florida, is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. Honeymoon Island State Park | Florida State Parks 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. 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. But it most certainly is. It is possible to access Caladesi Island by taking a ferry from Honeymoon Island in Clearwater. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. Southwest Florida Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) The sands at Perdido Key are fluffy and welcoming, and there are different dunes to investigate too. All rights reserved. Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno's pristine shores. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. 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. Beaches are quite common in the United States, but white sand beaches? 14 Prettiest Beaches in Tampa Florida - Florida Trippers 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. The barrier island across from Miami has a fossilized mangrove reef, which is home to colorful sea life that has long attracted divers and snorkelers. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. Be included in our Business Directory. 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. 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 16 Prettiest White Sand Beaches in the United States Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood. Everglades National Park is a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves. Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. 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. Sombrero Beach's soft white sands border the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the area ideal for snorkeling. 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 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. It has a shoreline that is six miles long and has protected waters where one can go swimming to cool down. 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. Here are the best things to do there. 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. 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. 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. If you discover yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you wont like to skip a daytime (or days) finished enjoying Miramar Beach. The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. 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. This beach is popular among locals for launching kayaks and fishing from the shore. 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. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. 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 Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. You don't have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. C/O Koreshan State Park From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. The keys offer excellent diving, snorkeling, sport-fishing, beautiful beaches and magnificent sunsets. Beach areas are hard to come by without a boat to go out to one of the surrounding keys. 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. 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. Relax. 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. Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email? Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. Here are some of the best things to do. 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. The park is also the ferry terminal for access to another unspoiled state park, Caladesi Island. To find out more about Central West Florida click the following Link: Apollo Beach is named for the mythical Greek God who brought light and warmth to the world each day. 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. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. The World's Beaches With the Whitest SandQueensland, Australia. Spending a lot of time in Australia's Whitsunday Islands is sure to amaze you, particularly iconic Whitehaven Beach.Clearwater, Florida, USA. Bora Bora, Tahiti. Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Boracay, Philippines. Lofoten Islands, Norway. Zanzibar, Tanzania. Jericoacoara, Brazil. Okinawa, Japan. New South Wales, Australia. 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. It is a small sandy area fronting the Gulf that has a small stretch of natural sandy shoreline. Certain appeals may be temporarily closed or need reservations. 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 city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. Gulf Coast beaches have sand that's made of pure, white quartz. 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. Draw up a bistro chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Perdido Key means lost island in Spanish, and theres no better place to go astray. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, that honor goes to Dry Tortugas National Park. It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! 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