In 1987, at the Great International White Sand Beach Festival, Siesta was rated as being home to the whitest and finest sand in the world. The sugar white sand contrasts gorgeously amongst the the bright blue color of the water. *Low tide after a strong storm is the best time for finding seashells. The adjacent beach boardwalk is home to a number of restaurants and bars. The sand's composition means it stays cool even on the hottest of summer days, making it an ideal beach for lounging, walking, or shell-hunting. Beachcombers will be pleasantly surprised as the beaches here offer no shortage of diverse shells. Its also an excellent place for snorkeling and beachcombing. Wind down with live music, Gulf Coast oysters, and cold drinks at local hauntAJs. Consider yourself lucky if you get to see one of these magnificent creatures. Both Tampa and Orlando tourists flock here to dig their toes in the fine powdery white sand and swim in the namesake clear water. The park also has a playground, shower facilities, picnic areas, a concession stand, and cabins and campsites for overnight rentals. Rows of colorful cottages line the streets its like a step back in time to Old Florida. Its not very comfortable to lay directly on a towel on the hard sand! 
*Bring with your own picnic lunch. Or explore the island's unique ecology at 29 stops along the 8.5-mile Footprints in the Sand Eco-Trail, where you can spot local wildlife like sea turtles, coastal seabirds, crabs, and even dolphins. 
The diverse habitat consists of mangroves, hardwoods, palm hammocks, wetlands, and beaches. Spend your days scouring the 15 miles of coastline for unique, pastel-hued shells or pedaling through 25 miles of biking pathsthe island has no traffic lights. Campgrounds are available overnight but must be rented on a first-come, first-served basis in advance. Fort de Soto Park, located just southwest of St. Petersburg, is a 1136 acre park located on 5 keys or islands: Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key & the main island, Mullet Key. Pedal the 17 miles of paved bike paths, take a guided dolphin charter tour, or climb the 92 stairs to the top of the island's iconic lighthouse. Additionally, the mild winter weather of the Gulf Coast leads to more attractive year-round sunbathing conditions. Dolphin watching tours, pirate themed cruises, parasailing, and kayaking/stand up paddlebarding are more options for fun-in-the-sun. Change into fresh clothes and gym shoes (the flip flops seem to keep collecting sand and it is impossible to remove the sands from your toes once it accumulates) and throw all your sandy clothes into a mesh bag. This beach is especially quaint as houses line the beach as opposed to big businesses. Looking to stay on dry land? The name comes from the brilliant emerald green hue of the water which results from the sun reflecting off the algae. Located southwest of Sarasota, this expansive, 8-mile-long Gulf beach is comprised of more than 99 percent pure quartz, deposited from the Appalachian mountains more than a million years ago. The shallow, super clear water makes Clearwater a favorite for swimming. Yes, Panama City Beach is popular with the spring break crowd, but its 27 miles of coastline offer plenty of activities for families and older travelers as well. 20 Bike-Friendly Resorts to Explore on Two Wheels. If you are lucky you may find a coveted sand dollar. Laura Scholz is an Atlanta-based freelance writer and editor who has called Atlanta home since 2000. Be sure to try the amazing Cuban Black Beans dish! The nesting season for the sea turtle runs from May-October, with the prime hatching season in August. While the beaches are amazing, the highlight of visiting Honeymoon Island is the wonderful network of hiking trails. Cafe Alfresco and The Living Room on Main are 2 excellent lunch choices. And if you prefer fitness to relaxation, Siesta is one of the few beaches offering volleyball nets. 
Indian Rocks, located within the Tampa metro area, is a favorite amongst locals and anyone else seeking a charming, old school beach atmosphere. If you have extra time, check out Winter the Dolphin (from A Dolphin Tale) at the acclaimed Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Shop, eat, or ride the SkyWheel at Pier Park, or visit local amusement parks like Shipwreck Island Waterpark and Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. Our newsletter is sent out quarterly to provide things to do for each season! Dolphins are frequently sighted, so much so that most tours guarantee sightings. The area is also popular with kayakers and paddleboarders, but note there are no rentals on the island. Many diverse species can be seen here, especially during migration season as they make their way to this barrier island, enroute from the arctic to South America. It retains that charming old-fashioned vibe which is lacking in most touristy over developed beaches today. The 7 mile stretch of quaint white sand beaches of Anna Maria Island are perfect for a day of sunbathing, swimming, reading, beachcombing, or birdwatching. Anna Maria Island is a low-key beachside community about an hour south of Tampa. Madeira Beach is one of the best-of-the-best for tourists as you will find so much more here than simply beautiful white sand beaches. What else to do nearby:Be sure to check out downtown Dunedin, a charming Main Street home to unique restaurants and shops. *Consider purchasing a rolling beach cart it comes in handy for those with a large haul. A waterproof pouch for necessities is a good idea, but its always best to limit what you bring to that absolutely necessary. At night, dine by the water at Sea-Guinia casual lounge with fresh seafood and Italian fareor Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, then head to Pier 60 to watch nightly street performers and hear live music while the sun sets over the water. What else to do nearby: Just 10 miles away lies the incredible Robinson Nature Preserve, a gorgeous hiking & biking destination which also offers exciting birdwatching opportunities. Honeymoon Island State Park is located near Dunedin, a charming community about 30 minutes west of Tampa. All Rights Reserved, Worldwide. Three species of the endangered sea turtle can be found here. These shovels can be purchased online or at any store in town. *Dont leave any valuables on the beach especially if you plan on going in/out of the water! The calm waters are ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water-based activities, while the town also offers land-based options: three 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, outdoor dining, and several local boutiques to outfit you for your beach stay. *Be aware of Florida shelling laws. Hemingways is a casual grill which overlooks the Santa Rosa Sound. Wave runners, paddleboat and kayak rentals are additional options for fun-in-the-sun. 
Dubbed "the Shelling Capital of the World," Sanibel Island is one of the state's most scenic and tranquil getaways. The area has no shortage of water-based fun, from snorkeling and scuba diving to surfing, swimming, and sailing. Literally, you can easily spend the entire day here without getting the slightest bit bored. *Arrive early, if possible. The warm water places these beaches higher up on the list for year-round swimming and various other recreational activities like stand up paddleboarding, wind surfing, and kayaking. This sprawling, 1,136-acre parkcomprised of five interconnected islandsis home to three miles of pristine white beaches, scenic recreational trails, and diverse animal and plant life. Asides from all the wonderful amenities at the state park, you also have the option of hopping on the 20 min ferry ride to Cadalesi Island. *Be prepared for random afternoon thunderstorms even if the forecast shows calls for no rain. Whether you feel like lazying around digging your toes in the fine white sand, taking a ferry ride over to Shell Beach, enjoying a laid-back dolphin cruise, browsing the shops in the historic district, or testing your balance on a stand up paddleboard, theres plenty to do here. Note there are limited facilities on the island, so bring your own snacks, sunscreen, water, and other essential supplies. What else to do nearby: At Hubbards Marina, you can sign up for a snorkeling tour, sunset cruise, or deep sea fishing tour. If you color your hair, spray it with a color protector to avoid UV damage. Best for:Finding prehistoric shark teeth. Hike sandy trails or paddleboard or kayak at Western Lake in nearby Grayton Beach Park, or rent a bike to pedal through 4 miles of coastal pines. Like most Florida Gulf beaches, Pensacola offers no shortage of bird watching opportunities. The Emerald Coast nickname was given to the 100 mile stretch of beaches in the Panhandle region. This 90 minute boat ride takes you past the estuaries and inshore areasofMullet Key, giving you an upclose look at the mangrove shorelines. Be sure to take advantage of one of the cruises (especially the sunset) or Captain Memos fun themed pirate cruise (its a blast!). In fact, several high profile volleyball tournaments are held here each year. Stay in the loop and travel with us! This is a great place for basically any type of recreation swimming, sunbathing, biking, walking, fishing, kayakingyou name it. Madeiras 2.5 mile long shoreline features smooth white sand beaches, with beautiful crystal clear water and tons of seashells. Located a mile from downtown Venice, the beach offers pristine warm, clear waters and white sands, known for their large troves of prehistoric shark teeth. Instead of sunbathing & swimming, you will find the locals and tourists out with their shovels attempting to capture a rare prehistoric shark tooth. Its very rocky, and thus, a great place for beachcombing and shark tooth collecting. While close enough to enjoy amenities like high-end shopping and world-class golf courses in nearby Naples, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is less developed than the area's other beaches. Located on a barrier island, the park is an ideal day trip for those seeking outdoor adventures. Note that dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the beach. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. And, you might just leave with the best souvenir of all a piece of history millions of years old in the making. A 3 hour shelling cruise to Egmont & Shell Key is the perfect trip for avid beach combers. While the sand here is not quite as smooth as Siesta Key, seashells are in great abundance. What else to do nearby: As an added bonus, this beach is nearby St. Armands Circle, an upscale dining and shopping destination which is home to Columbia, the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Line your car with a plastic bag too. The 14-acre key is home to the 19th-century Fort Jefferson and boasts some of the state's best snorkeling and swimming. Florida Botanical Gardens, located just a few miles away in Largo. Smooth sugar sand beaches, hiking trails, a gorgeous 7 mile bike path, a 2 mile long canoe trail, 2 fishing piers (5000 and 1000 feet long) and a scenic observation deck are just a few of the great amenities found here. The sand here is so soft to the touch that it really resembles snow more so than sand. What else to do nearby:If an afternoon of quiet shelling sounds more like your thing, head over to nearby Sand Key Park (located just over the bridge). With year-round lifeguards, tennis courts, parasailing, sand sculpture artists, and a playground, the barrier island is also an excellent getaway for families with children. There is a beach for every type of beach goer on the Gulf, whether you are looking to relax, collect seashells, take a cruise, bird watch, hike, play volleyball, take in a gorgeous sunset, or watch for dolphins & manatee early in the mornings. Lido Beach, another beauty in the Sarasota region, is a picture-perfect sunset destination. Early settlers saw the Indians on their way to the rock enriched spring and would say the Indians are on their way to the rocks.. With a gorgeous 4 mile mile stretch of white sandy beaches, several miles of fantastic hiking trails through rare habitat, excellent beach combing opportunities, a great dog beach, and amazing sunsets, Honeymoon Island really has it all. What else to do nearby: Before/after your trip to the beach, you can stroll over to Siesta Key Village. Check out Fosko Coffee Barre and V. Pauls Italian Ristorante. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Consider bringing a ziploc or small container to hold your treasures. While Clearwater is the most well-known and visited of the bunch, plenty of other low-key beaches offer the same sugary white sand and mesmerizing turquoise waters. *Dont forget to pack all the essentials beach towels, sunblock, sunglasses, a beach chair and umbrella (a must to block the sun), change for the parking meters (some beaches charge, others have free lots), plenty of water bottles and snacks. Top-Rated Beaches near Clearwater & St. Petersburg, FL, Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Pensacola, FL, Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Anna Maria Island. Fort de Soto is one of those rare parks which offers it all, conveniently in the same place. *Wash off all sand at the rinse station and bring extra towels to dry off to prevent tracking sand in your car its a complete hassle to get out once its there! Orioles, towhees, indigo buntings, warblers, and osprey make appearances during migration season as they make their way to the Gulf Islands National seashore, the longest section of protected seashore in the country. With several non-stop flights to the region's many airports from points like Chicago and New York City and easy highway access from Southern cities ranging from Atlanta to Birmingham, the state's Gulf beaches are just a few hours away from most points on the East Coast. You may even be lucky enough to find a prehistoric shark tooth, however, that is much more likely at Casperan: the shark tooth capital. The trails are gorgeous and diverse, and the opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife sightings (armadillos and tortoises are a common sight) are endless. For those planning an adults-only trip, Siesta Key has a thriving dining and nightlife scene. On land, stroll the pristine white beaches, swim in the azure waters, or hike the 3-mile nature trail. Location: Pensacola Beach (Florida panhandle region). Unlike the more touristy Gulf beaches, Anna Maria Island retains an old-fashioned charm with little in the way of any beach side commercialization. Herons and white ibis are most frequently sighted. Numerous hiking trails are available, as well as a narrated tram preserve tour. *Plan your visit during the off season to avoid crowds and score cheaper hotel deals. Siesta Key Beach, with its very wide stretch of 99% pure quartz sand, is easily one of Floridas most picture-perfect beaches. Just south of Sarasota likes Siesta Key, an 8 mile long barrier island known for its incredible beaches. She has written about the city for TripSavvy since 2018. The park also has a campsite with facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing piers with bait and concessions, and a designated dog park. Big Cat Habitatin nearby Sarasota is a sanctuary dedicated to providing a natural habitat for rescued animals. For a low-key getaway, head to Grayton Beach, located along the Gulf of Mexico halfway between Pensacola and Panama City Beach. The sand here seems to stretch on forever, especially in comparison to many of the more narrow Gulf beaches. The vibe is fun and vacation-y, and thus, perfect for anyone looking more for an upbeat, active beach experience. All Rights Reserved. *Applying leave in conditioner to your hair prior to your beach day can help prevent nasty snarls later in the day. Unfortunately, this beach can get really crowded. Located at the southernmost end of the very popular St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille offers a refreshing tranquil vibe and truly feels like a step back in time. By day, cycle or rollerblade along the beachfront promenade, paddleboard or parasail in the tranquil waters, or enjoy the sun and the sand. This laid-back, touristy entertainment destination is lined with numerous restaurants and shops. With nearly 800 miles of beaches stretching from the western tip of the Panhandle to the southernmost Keys, Florida's Gulf Coast is known for its natural beauty, pristine white beaches, and calm, jewel-toned waters. This is the perfect place for a full day of fun in the Florida sun. Definitely one of your best bets in Florida for amazing beachcombing. Kayak or canoe through mangroves and wetlands dotted with herons and other wildlife, cycle along the multi-use path between North and East Beaches, swim in the clear waters at North Beach Swim Center or tour the historic Fort De Soto Batteries, whose overlook offers sweeping views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This beach is super secluded, giving you the feeling of being stranded on a remote island. *Bring bug spray if you plan on hiking any trails you will be glad that you did! Bike the Venetian Waterway Trail, fish from the iconic pier, or learn about the town's history at the Venice Museum downtown. *Invest in a comfortable beach lounger chair if you plan to lay out. Gulf summer weather can be very unpredictable. From the artsy Grayton Beach to the remote natural paradise of Garden Key and quintessential beach town of Venice, learn more about the Florida Gulf Coast's best beach getaways. Indian Rocks Beach in the quaint Gulf coast community of Indian Shores may just be the best beach of them all. 
), its worth a visit if you are seeking a slow paced beach atmosphere. Located west of the Florida Keys, this remote island is accessible only via boat or seaplane from Key West and is the second largest in the Dry Tortugas National Park. Clearwater is easily one of the most recognizable beaches in all of Florida. When a summer thunderstorm rolls in, the views become even more amazing as the water turns a brilliant shade of turquoise. What else to do nearby: Venice area Audubon Society is a great choice for birdwatchers and another hotspot for alligator sightings. For instance, its illegal to collect a live sand dollar. A great little walkable historic district known as 8th Avenue, featuring all sorts of eclectic restaurants and shops is just steps away.
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