Here, visitors can catch a wave or watch experts compete in annual surfing competitions. Often overlooked for Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale's less-chaotic, less-crowded beaches are its greatest assets. Unfortunately, this beach can get … There is a best beach to suit every taste in Florida, from the powdery white sand beaches of South Walton to the cosmopolitan, trendy beaches of Miami Beach. Zach Watson|Christine SmithNovember 5, 2020. However, the luxury resorts and costly activities can make a Naples vacation quite expensive. This Space Coast locale features four parks with beach access, including Alan Shepard Park and Sidney Fischer Park (both with picnic facilities and showers). United States, Airlines Increase Flights To Cancun as Tourism Booms, gallery icon Ocean City, New Jersey Voted as America’s No. Although Florida’s average of 237 days a year of sunshine definitely beats the U.S. average of 205, most of the towns on this list have close to 30 more days than the Florida average. The north end has the best surf in the state. Cocoa Beach's proximity to Orlando and world-renowned waves make it a popular beach retreat for both families and surfers. It also has the longest coastline in the United States. With the best beach-breaks from July to November, the zone near the jetty at First Street is one of the best surfing spots in Miami. Camp Helen State Park is a prime spot for fishing thanks to its large coastal dune lake, while St. Andrews State Park appeals to visitors keen on snorkeling, swimming, surfing and looking for wildlife. Visitors will find miles of relaxing shorelines and an urban cityscape – perfect for those looking to escape to the beach without feeling disconnected. Additionally, Red Reef Park is where you'll find the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, with sea turtle walks and hatchling release programs. If you love beaches, wine and historical cities, choose Michigan for your next couples vacation. By Carlos Harrison. Sanibel Island in Southwest Florida has one of the best shelling beaches not just in the country, but in North America. Limited travel due to the coronavirus prompts airline and hotel rewards programs to make policy changes. Here, the pastime is "shelling" – collecting assorted, colorful seashells along the sand – rather than partying, making this beach town an excellent choice for families. Calusa Beach is on the Gulf side of the Bahia Honda State Park, between Big Pine Key and Marathon. Clearwater is another beautiful beach on the gulf coast. October 30, 2019 Pinterest; Facebook; Twitter; Email; Related To: Beaches. Situated about 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Amelia Island features 13 miles of beaches, including Amelia Island State Park (where you can ride horses on the beach) and Main Beach Park (with a playground, an outdoor skate park, picnic tables, volleyball courts and more). The park is also where vacationers can catch the Shell Island Shuttle – which operates during the spring, summer and fall months – to Shell Island, a 700-acre barrier island that's known for its large population of bottlenose dolphins. When it comes to beaches in the U.S.A., Florida is typically one of the first states that come to mind. Panama City Beach's 27 miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches offer a range of pursuits for travelers of all ages. San Miguel de Allende: The Heart of Mexico, Codie’s Corner: Creating Travel Templates, US State Travel Restrictions: December’s Latest COVID-19 Requirements, 11 Ways the Cruise Industry Will Change in 2021, COVID-19 December Travel Restrictions: Latest Quarantine Rules for US States, Top 10 Travel Destinations People Are Currently Looking at for 2021 Vacations, Caribbean Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know About Traveling to These Destinations Right Now. The beach is family style and has free parking access to the beach. No town in Florida has completely escaped the effects of all past hurricanes. However, Key West shores like Smathers Beach can also get a bit crowded at times, so consider visiting a quieter stretch of sand like Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park. Must-visit beaches include South Inlet Park (a fishing hot spot that's rarely crowded) and the nearly 40-acre Red Reef Park, which offers superb swimming, snorkeling and surf fishing conditions. What beach in Florida has the clearest water? Many little beach towns with unique attractions and quality amenities are tucked away along the Florida coastline. What do you want from living in my state? Perhaps one of the most Caribbean-style beaches in the mainland United States, Bahia Honda State Park has it all: crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, and plenty of breezy palm trees. The ability to hop into the car and be at a beach on either the east or west coast in less than two hours is a perk of living in Highlands County. Located in the upper Florida Keys, Key Largo is best known for its top-notch dive sites, including shipwrecks and underwater statues. 100 Lighting Way Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Last updated: 12:10 PM ET, Tue January 24 2017. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. If you're traveling with little ones, head to St. Augustine Beach to play in the beach's splash pad and calm water. Both are located in the West Coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Decide which vacation rental site is right for you using this comprehensive guide. And who knows, you might even spot a celebrity or two here as well. Destination & Tourism SEBRING — Florida has nearly 2,000 miles of coastline and 663 miles of beaches, according to Florida.com. But luckily, the beaches are completely free to enjoy. On the southeast coast of Florida, Miami’s South Beach is home to some of the most glorious beaches in the nation—wide beaches where locals and out-of-towners alike flock for sandy fun. Florida is considered to have one of the best beaches in the world and is a major tourist attraction. Active travelers won't want to miss St. Pete Beach's shores: The area's Pass-a-Grille Beach is a prime spot for activities like windsurfing, parasailing and kiteboarding. Clearwater Beach was USA Today’s Readers’ Choice for Best Beach Town in Florida in 2013. Blue skies, white sand and clear warm waters: Florida's East Coast beaches routinely deliver on all three fronts. But the weather is very pleasant 70s and 80s. Time and time again, Clearwater shows up on numerous “best of” beach lists. For the best seashells, head to Bowman's Beach or Blind Pass Beach. And they have their share of hurricanes. Depends, the gulf has calm water with a long run out on the beach. This little retreat will knock your socks off with exciting festivals, laid-back bars and fascinating people. Maybe you’ll see a celebrity, maybe you won’t, but either way you’re going to have a splendid time given the great weather and astonishing atmosphere. Makena Beach, Maui Hawaii Maui is the No. This tiny island might be at the end of the Florida Keys, but it is worth the trek. Calusa Beach has the historic bridge as a backdrop at Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys. If you need a break from sunbathing, go for a stroll along Fort Lauderdale Beach's palm tree-lined promenade. The island is located about three-fourths of the way down the Florida Keys at Mile Marker 37 on Big Pine Key. Makena Beach, also referred to as Oneloa or “Big Beach” in Maui, is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. Vote below to contribute to next year's ranking. Fort Myers beach is full of excellent resorts, which are popular with couples and families alike, and it is known for being one of the best beaches in Florida for dolphin-watching. A picturesque beach town and home to the Hangout Musical Festival in May, the prices here are typically cheaper than those you’ll see in nearby Florida. The open beach is the … That’s an extra month of sunshine! This is a real funky, laid-back beach. Or, drive 4 miles northeast of downtown St. Augustine to Vilano Beach to surf or fish off of its pier. Sunrises. The turquoise crystal clear water, sandy beach, and swaying palms make up … That said, Gulf Shores, Alabama should be on every beach fanatic’s bucket list. Great for the whole family, there are free activities for all throughout the summer to stay busy. Photo via Adobe Images. This central stretch of Florida coastline is called the Treasure Coast for good reason — several Spanish galleons from the 1715 Treasure Fleet, lost in a hurricane, have yet to be recovered in these waters just off Vero Beach. The Atlantic side is more of an "ocean" experience because it is an ocean, not ocean water in a gulf. People flock to Florida for its thriving culture, breathtaking nature, and vibrant nightlife, but there's more than just the touristy cities we all know and love. Travelers will find popular stretches of sand like June White Decker Park and Crystal Beach by the town's resorts and vacation rentals, but for a more laid-back atmosphere, sunbathe on Henderson Beach State Park's Appalachian quartz sands. Plus there are oodles upon oodles of outstanding restaurants to feast at without feeling overcrowded. For more information on Take a break from shopping on St. George Street and touring Castillo de San Marcos National Monument to go shelling, kayaking or bird-watching at Anastasia State Park. Weather in south Florida ( below Tampa) is stormy everyday between 3–6pm. I’m a native. 3) Apalachicola Florida. The sand here is so soft to the touch that it really resembles snow more so than sand. Makena Beach is that ideal stunning Hawaiian beach you’ve always dreamed of visiting.Coronado Beach, San Diego, CaliforniaRanked as the top beach in California for 2016 and labeled as the “Toast of Southern California” by “Dr. Calusa Beach @mkfc1981. The Atlantic … Clearwater Beach is a half an hour’s drive from Tampa. There’s a strong leisurely like ambiance about the town and beach, meaning things don’t get too rowdy. But why not mix it up and have a truly unforgettable experience at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach? Plus, the diversity of its shores – from family-friendly to party-focused – helps draw different types of travelers. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) For years, there has been widespread agreement that the best beaches in the Florida Keys are in Bahia Honda State Park at MM 36.8. San Miguel de Allende: The Heart of Mexico San Miguel de Allende Blog, Explore Chiloé Island in Chile Both Tampa and Orlando tourists flock here to dig their toes in the fine powdery white sand and swim in the namesake clear water. Great time of year to avoid the extreme heat. TSA Screens Over 1 Million Passengers Daily as Holiday... Carnival Sends Ships Back to US West Coast, Survey: Airport Workers Fear for Safety Over COVID-19. If you’re a frequent Florida vacationer, you’re already familiar with Miami Beach. Meanwhile, Shell Key Preserve offers ample opportunities to spot shorebirds while sunbathing. Therefore you get surf/waves. Makena Beach, Maui Hawaii Maui is the No. U.S. News rates the top travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Then, visitors can make their way to Pier 60 to watch a breathtaking sunset and participate in evening crafts and entertainment. #14 in Best Florida Beaches Nestled between West Palm Beach and Miami, Boca Raton boasts 2 miles of lifeguard-protected sands. Sunrises instead of sunsets (last year we saw a full moon rise in Miami Beach). Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links. Here are the top ten cities with the best weather in Florida, according to Sperling’s Best … Clearwater Beach is another famous beach in Florida, which boasts some serious bragging rights. 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