Navarre Beach is nicknamed Floridas Playground, where you can absorb the untouched attractiveness of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. St. Augustine FL 32080, 8282 S.E. 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! 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. 10. 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. 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. Best Beaches in The Florida Keys The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an outstanding and prominent beach in Florida. 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. It has a shoreline that is six miles long and has protected waters where one can go swimming to cool down. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. Take a day trip to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve 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. Stake out your spot in the It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida. We took the challenge to locate the beachfront areas in this region and our quest led us to some surprising beachfronts. Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. Not so much. Clearwater Beach is home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. WebWhat are the top attractions near the beaches? Perhaps the best beachin Puerto Rico, hassoft white sands thatextend across thebay, which features deep turquoise waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. 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. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. Plus, it boasts spectacular sunsets over the Gulf. In the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, you'll find trendy beachgoers, rollerbladers, and a smattering of young, beautiful (and perfectly tanned) locals. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. Beaches on Floridas Gulf Coast Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. Hours/availability may have altered. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. Top 13 White Sand Beaches in Florida - Trips To Discover Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. 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. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. 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. With a wide, sandy sprawl that's lined with grass and palm trees, you'll have plenty of space to relax. If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. 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 Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. 13 Best White Sand Beaches in the US [List of 2023] Swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking and bicycling are all popular activities that make Honeymoon Island State Park an ideal getaway. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to the Nature Coast, Florida. This unique find is the beautiful beachfront and clear waters of this lake that was developed around a former limestone mine with a 70 acre spring-fed lake. If you love tracking for seashells, this is an ideal beach for you! 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. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Departing from Miami, Orlando, Tampa and diverse landscapes in between, these are the best ways to get to Everglades National Park. 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. 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. 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 Your email address will not be published. Why We Recommend This Beach If youre searching for family-friendly Florida Keys beaches, look no further than Harry Harris Park. 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. With a name that conjures up images of perfectly transparent water lapping against silky sand, Clearwater Beach sets expectations. 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. 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. Honeymoon Island State Park | Florida State Parks 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. The area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. 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. 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. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. 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. If you want to learn more, swing by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center at the northern end of the park. 14 of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida for Families #1 Causeway Blvd. 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. A trip to the Rotary Centennial Nature Center helps visitors learn about the parks history and natural resources. Perdido Key means lost island in Spanish, and theres no better place to go astray. It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! It is a small sandy area fronting the Gulf that has a small stretch of natural sandy shoreline. 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. 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. It boasts an average Read our Privacy Policy. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems. The Nature Coast includes Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco Counties. Highway 314 By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. In addition to the iconic bridge, the park offers a snorkeling tour, camping and kayak rentals for different vantage points, too. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. In fact, these states are home to the best white sand beaches in the world, not just America. 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. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. From little surf towns to action-packed hotspots, appreciate the postcard-perfect terrains at one of Floridas greatest white sand seasides. 1. 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. This beach is popular among locals for launching kayaks and fishing from the shore. I would suggest Mexico Beach as more of a getaway place. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Flamenco Beach lacks opulent hotels, gaming zones and restaurants, but it does offer a particularly peaceful atmosphere, free of congestion, overcrowdingand violence. Be included in our Business Directory. Of course, Marco Islands pristine shores are maybe its most useful component. The highlight of Coronado Island in San Diego is themile-long stunning white sandbeach located in that area. While some Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. The 13 Top Florida Keys Beaches | Travel | U.S. News 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. 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. 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. 12 Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit Clearwater Beach . Listen to the waves lapping and birds chirping as you break a healthy sweat. Clearwater Beach gathers near Pier 60, a lovely play space, a fishing pier, and live amusement. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. Florida and Hawaii are definitely the standout states for enjoying beautiful white sand beaches, featuring the most well-known ones. 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! Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Compensate your journey's carbon footprint by supporting the most impactful climate projects around the world. 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. Ten counties range from largely undeveloped Hernando through the urban areas of Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee to the vast conservation areas of the Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades in Collier and Monroe. Adjacent to the park is the Key West Wildlife Center, where local birds, sea turtles and other creatures are rehabilitated. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, that honor goes to Dry Tortugas National Park. WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. But it most certainly is. Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida It boasts thepicturesqueGulf of Mexicoand profound fishing expeditions. 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. Gulf Coast beaches have sand that's made of pure, white quartz. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. Go for the glass-bottom boat which departs three times daily, every single day of the year. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. 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 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 searching for sunny days and temperate waters, it doesn't get much warmer than the beaches of Key West, the state's southernmost point. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. The Town of Redington Beach, Florida, is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Naples is known for its pearly white sand a feature you'll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park. Ultimate Beach Guide to St Pete Florida Area Beaches, Florida Smart Guide to Disney World Resorts, The Best Places to Learn about Floridas African American History, Ultimate Beach Guide to Pensacola Florida Beaches, 11 Festive Florida Towns to get you in the Holiday Spirit. The Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches In Florida 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. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). 1. The sands at Perdido Key are fluffy and welcoming, and there are different dunes to investigate too. South Walton, Florida. Draw up a bistro chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road 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. 2 Florida Beaches with Incredibly White Sand 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. 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. Ocala FL 34470, Contact the Statewide Information Line: 3800 Corkscrew Road 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. Siesta Key Beach has succeeded in awards for its sand, which has been ranked among the whitest anywhere globally. Located on the Gulf in New Port Richey, Robert K Rees Memorial Park features beach frontage and a swimming area. 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]. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. 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. Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email? There are many islands off the coast that have some sandy beachfronts in the Nature Coast. At the same time, deep-sea fishing, boating, jet-skiing, and discovering dolphins are also live favorite sports. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. If you can't sit still, you'll find nature trails and snorkel rentals on site. Cedar Key Airport Beach is a beachfront along Airport Road that offers white sand and quiet gentle waters. Not a surfer? 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. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. 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. South Marco Beach situated alongside lodges and condos delivers an abundance of room for sunbathing and floating. With a local, laid-back feel and plenty of surf schools, you'll be up on your board in no time. Honeymoon Island State Park attracts visitors from all over with its world-class beaches. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. White Sand Beaches in Florida From April through October, the beach is a Loggerhead Turtle nesting hotspot as well, which is bound to be a memorable sight for those of all ages. Check out thesehighest ziplines in the US. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. Sombrero Beach's soft white sands border the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the area ideal for snorkeling. Floridas cuisine is a blend of Southern recipes, Latin American influences and old-school Floridian techniques here's your guide to the best of it. 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. Santa Rosa Beach draws beachgoers worldwide, understood for its lovely small-town surroundings. 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. The region of Maui is home toone of themost beautiful white sand beaches in America. Honeymoon Island is the perfect place to go when looking for outdoor recreational entertainment! Map 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. Beaches in Florida All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. And its no wonder. In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands.