white sand beaches in florida map

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. C/O Koreshan State Park Powered by Mai Theme, 18 Best Day Trips From Orlando Worth The Effort. We are locals and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida. Cedar Key Airport Beach is a beachfront along Airport Road that offers white sand and quiet gentle waters. 1. The Nature Coast includes Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco Counties. But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. The Town of Redington Beach, Florida, is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. For Local Businesses including Food & Drinks, Services, Health & Medical, Education, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment and more, click here. Here are some of the best things to do. 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. Just a few miles from Seaside, this 30A locale features four snorkeling reefs and wide beaches for relaxing. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: 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 The Pensacola Beach pier extends out into the water, delivering a wonderful place to sit, calm, and observe the waves or sunset in the evenings. 1. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. The sandy beach is man-made directly along the spring making it a beautiful way to spend the day. Smathers Beach is just that. 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 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. It has a shoreline that is six miles long and has protected waters where one can go swimming to cool down. Available through two bridges from Naples, Florida, Marco Island presents guests with a special mix of high-end resorts and unspoiled habitats. 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. Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email? Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. If you're searching for sunny days and temperate waters, it doesn't get much warmer than the beaches of Key West, the state's southernmost point. They share one thing in common passion for parks. Hours/availability may have altered. Load up your holiday with activities or lay back and appreciate the 24 miles of peaceful emerald waters and calm granular sands at the shore. If you're searching for next-level people-watching, look no further. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. Smathers Beach. When you see the picturesque shoreof white dunes, which is bordered by beautifulpalm trees with precipitous rocks ahead, youll know why it is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii. But in reality its due to the fact that thesands arealmost entirely composed of silicathat has been finely crushed. The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. 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. 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. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. Our goal is simple. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. 01 of 06. The kids choose to be fascinated by the players and road entertainers at Sunsets at Pier 60. Youll find joggers on the elevated dune path and paddle boarders and kitesurfers zipping across the waves. WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. Flamenco Beach lacks opulent hotels, gaming zones and restaurants, but it does offer a particularly peaceful atmosphere, free of congestion, overcrowdingand violence. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. 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. 10. 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. Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. The area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) Note that this is not a pristine beachfront. Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. The Best White Sand Beaches of FloridaPanama City. One of the nicest beaches ever. Lido Key Beach. This place is very close to its sistering beach in Sarasota. Siesta Key. A gorgeous beach found on the outskirts of Sarasota Beach, this lovely coast is also filled with sand as white as snow.Anna Maria Island. It is one of those beaches found on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Clearwater Beach. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. Dare we say this is the ultimate number one of all the white sand beaches in Florida? 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. 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. It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. Beaches are quite common in the United States, but white sand beaches? If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isnt striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. Pensacola . Fiddler crabs live along the sides of the beach in the grassy areas. The keys offer excellent diving, snorkeling, sport-fishing, beautiful beaches and magnificent sunsets. 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. 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. It would be an hour or so from the airpot.. Cape San Blas State Park is abour 45 minutes from Mexico Beach which may have your snorkeling. 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. 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. If you discover yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you wont like to skip a daytime (or days) finished enjoying Miramar Beach. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. The beachs topography of virgin sugary white sand and turquoise sea is a wonderful oasis for personality lovers looking to unwind. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. All regular facilities are current at this coast: parking, showers, etc. 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. 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. The warm Gulf Stream, one of the strongest ocean currents in the world, originates in the Florida Straits (where many centuries-old ships are sunk) and flows to the Atlantic separating the Everglades, the Keys and Cuba. The silky beaches of Kaanapali, formerly a retreat for the states royalty, and its emerald waters now entice visitors to engage in a wide range of amenities, from drinkingto lounging, surfing, swimming and cliff jumping. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. 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. You can walk along the bouncy Pensacola Beach Pier, snorkel, examine aquatic marine life, indulge in refreshed seafood, or wait for sunset and enter the monthly stargazing groups. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. Honeymoon Island State Park attracts visitors from all over with its world-class beaches. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. Lil Shark Park is a city park that offers a playground and white sand beachfront. Not a surfer? Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. 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! It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems. There are even volleyball nets on the seaside public for your use! Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. It boasts an average Clearwater Beach is home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. The beachfront offers a natural beach area with a man-made white sandy beach area for enjoying the soft sand. Naples is known for its pearly white sand a feature you'll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park. WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. Lodging options run the gamut from hotels, condos, rental houses, and bed and breakfasts to camping. 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. 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! 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. Fort Island Gulf Beach is at the end of Fort Island Trail on the far west end of Crystal River. This 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. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. Your email address will not be published. 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. Marco Island. 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. This family-friendly seaside is an ideal place for children to entertain in the daytime by swimming and constructing sandcastles. Its pure quartz sand is easy on the eyes as well as the feet, and its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming. 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful The sands at Perdido Key are fluffy and welcoming, and there are different dunes to investigate too. To share the positive things that make the area unique. Beachfront Stay: This beach is a very secluded spot so be sure to get gas and food prior to going. 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. Your email address will not be published. The region of Maui is home toone of themost beautiful white sand beaches in America. 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. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the states lead agency for environmental management and stewardship protecting our air, water and land. 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 island encompasses Perdido Key State Park, Big Lagoon State Park and Johnson Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore, all heaped with gloriously soft sand. It is a small sandy area fronting the Gulf that has a small stretch of natural sandy shoreline. 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. The phrase pristine perfection has been used to describe it. 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. 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. A trip to the Rotary Centennial Nature Center helps visitors learn about the parks history and natural resources. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico. But it most certainly is. Appreciate the overload of water activities, lounge beneath an umbrella, and drink up the warm Florida sunlight. 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. Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road However, if you want a blend of luxury and relaxation, then Californian white sand beaches like Coronado Beach and Carmel Beach are great options. 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. On Siesta Key, the dunes are so delicate that you might mistakenly believe thatyou are putting your feet in icing. 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. Click here to view our Google Map with pinpoints of each of these Nature Coast Beaches. Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. 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. 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. A fourth-generation Floridian, Todd is proud to work at Honeymoon Island State Park. 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 pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm - thatched bungalows for honeymooners. 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. Take a day trip to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve 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! Santa Rosa Beach draws beachgoers worldwide, understood for its lovely small-town surroundings. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. All rights reserved. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed. A short drive from Tampa, beautiful Honeymoon Island offers visitors an escape from the bustle of city life. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, White sand beaches, stunning sunsets and a bird-watcher's paradise. If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. 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. If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. Fifteen public, sugar-white sand beaches beaches spanning 18 miles in the Pensacola area are all yours to stroll, swim, sun, and savor. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. The Florida Keys stretching from Key Largo south to Key West (and well beyond) is loaded with beach options for everyone, whether you're into eco-adventures or delicious tropical cuisine. This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida. One of Floridas most stunning Gulf Coast gems, St. Pete Beach is house to a gorgeous spread of undeveloped beaches with a gorgeous landscape of pure sugar sand and shimmering blue sea. 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. Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Though the Florida Gulf Coast epicenter, Pensacola Beach is renowned for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. Here are the best things to do there. 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. 1. Draw up a bistro chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Perdido Key. 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. Not so much. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. has shaded picnic spots, barbecue pits, a playground, volleyball courts and plenty of space to unwind. 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. Perhaps the best beachin Puerto Rico, hassoft white sands thatextend across thebay, which features deep turquoise waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet. 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. And to support a strong local community. 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. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. Sitemap, 13 of the Best Florida Keys Resorts for Families, 13 of the Best Family Campgrounds in Florida, Where To See Alligators in Florida: 13 Gator Watching Spots, Palm Springs Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting With Kids, Seattle Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Las Vegas Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Florida Keys Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Myrtle Beach Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, The Bahamas Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids. If 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. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Dry Tortugas (An Island Paradise) Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful beach and a truly unique experience. Relax on the white sandy beach areafeaturing a playground and amenities. 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. 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. But whether or not you've got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach. Why We Recommend This Beach If youre searching for family-friendly Florida Keys beaches, look no further than Harry Harris Park. If you can't sit still, you'll find nature trails and snorkel rentals on site. Clearwater Beach gathers near Pier 60, a lovely play space, a fishing pier, and live amusement. Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name! Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. | Contact Us. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. 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.