1. Enjoy the pure, soft sand of Siesta Key Beach
Location:
Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key, FL, USAHighlights:
Also known simply as Siesta Beach, this is the perfect example of a white sand Florida beach. Siesta Key Beach has actually won awards for its sand, which has been rated as being among the whitest anywhere in the world. I found it fascinating that when scientists analyzed the sand, they found that it is made up of 99% quartz, meaning it's exceptionally pure and feels really soft and smooth as you walk along. The quartz that makes up Siesta Key Beach can be traced all the way back to the Appalachian Mountains, meaning it eroded over the years and was washed all the way down into the Gulf and onto the key.
The waters here are also very beautiful and clear, with gentle waves providing perfect conditions for swimming on your trip. I just know that you will love it! Lifeguards are always on duty too which is nice if you have a kid like me. Siesta Beach is ranked as one of the safest beaches in Florida, so it's a nice spot for families to go.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply depending on the location.Best time to visit:
Year-round, though early mornings or late afternoons are great for avoiding crowds while still enjoying perfect weather.Local tips:
Don’t forget sunscreen and water. There are restaurants nearby but bringing your own snacks is cheaper.Distance:
Siesta Key Beach is easily accessible by car from Sarasota and surrounding the areas.How to Get to Siesta Key Beach:
Follow the signs to Siesta Key Beach for easy access. Parking is available on-siteAddress: Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key, FL
Where to stay near Siesta Key Beach:
- Siesta Key Beachside Villas
-
Siesta Key Palms Resort
2. Relax on 2 miles of white sand of Clearwater Beach
Location:
Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, FL, USAHighlights:
Down in Pinellas County, Clearwater Beach is named after the gorgeous turquoise waters that lap against its shores, but the sands here are also particularly white and beautiful.
The beach stretches out for over 2 miles in length, offering a lot of space for everyone to enjoy. You may be interested to know that Clearwater, like Siesta Key Beach, has won awards for its beauty and picturesque nature.
I liked the vibe around Pier 60, which features a nice play area and fishing pier, as well as live entertainment. You can rent your beach equipment here if you are not bringing your own. Many restaurants and hotels can also be found nearby and there's a beautiful Beach Walk area for evening strolls.
Cost:
Free beach access. Parking fees usually apply.Best time to visit:
Early mornings or late afternoons are great for avoiding crowds.Local tips:
Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks as the beach can get crowded during peak hours. Don’t forget your camera to capture stunning sunset memories.Distance:
Clearwater Beach stretches for over 2 miles, easily accessible by foot, bike, or car from nearby attractions and accommodations.How to Get to Clearwater Beach:
Clearwater Beach is located in Clearwater, FL, and can be accessed by car, bike, or walking from nearby hotels and restaurants.Romantic White Sand Beaches in Florida:
3. Sunbathe on white sands of Destin Beach
Location:
Destin Beach, Destin, FL, USARecommended For:
Anglers, beach lovers, familiesHighlights:
If you have an angler in your family or want to enjoy some fishing while also appreciating one of the prettiest white sand beaches in the Sunshine State, Destin is the place to be. Nicknamed the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village', Destin is a hugely popular spot for sport fishing, but is also wonderful for folks who just want to lie back and let the soft, smooth sands envelop them as they sunbathe and relax.
The warm waters here are just right for swimming and paddling. There are various fun activities to be found nearby at places like Henderson State Park. I decided to drive there to check it out but I didn't stop there.
Cost:
Free beach access; accommodations and fishing tours may require reservations and fees.Best time to visit:
Year-round. Off-season offers a quieter atmosphere.Local tips:
Don't forget sunscreen and water, especially if you're spending the day on the beach or fishing in the sun.Distance:
Destin Beach is easily accessible by car, with parking available at various locations along the beach.How to Get to Destin Beach:
Accessible by car from surrounding areas, and within close proximity to Destin resorts and local attractions.Address: Destin Beach, Destin, FL
4. Escape to Perdido Key on the Florida Panhandle
Location:
Perdido Key, Florida Panhandle, USARecommended For:
Those looking for a quieter, peaceful beach experience with plenty of space.Highlights:
One of the most northwesterly coastal points in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand beach on the Florida Panhandle (I enjoyed exploring Florida Panhandle beaches and wrote about them here).
This long, slim key has a lot of sand to enjoy, so there's always plenty of room for everyone, even on the busiest of days. Fortunately, I was happy to discover taht the key never really gets too busy anyway, even in the middle of summer, with many tourists preferring to locate themselves further east along the coast or down on the peninsula.
The sands at Perdido Key are really smooth and welcoming. There are various dunes to explore too if your kid is as restless as mine. Visitors to this beach will also have a great chance of spotting some wildlife, with dolphins often being spotted out in the water.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply depending on the location.Best time to visit:
Year-round. The off-season is my favorite. Summer offers warmer weather AND it’s still less crowded than other Florida beaches.Local tips:
Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks. Make sure to respect wildlife. Look out for dolphins! They are always fun to see.Distance:
Perdido Key offers ample space to spread out, with lots of room even during the busiest days.How to Get to Perdido Key:
Accessible by car from surrounding areas in the Florida Panhandle. Look for parking at designated beach access points.Map: Perdido Key, Florida
White Sand Beaches in Florida for Families:
5. Savor the views from Pensacola Beach
Location:
Pensacola Beach, Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola, FL, USARecommended For:
Beach lovers, swimmers, snorkelers, sunset seekers.Highlights:
You should know that this is a very busy beach! Right by the city of Pensacola on the Gulf Coast barrier island of Santa Rosa, Penscaola Beach is another of Florida's breathtaking white sand beaches.
With crystal clear waters and sand that looks just like sugar, you'll be blown away by the simple sight of this beach and feel right at home as you take your first steps onto some of the softest sand in the world.
The Pensacola Beach pier stretches out into the water. I liked siting there, relaxing, and just watched the waves. Sunsets from the pier are a must!. Swimming and snorkeling are very popular here too.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply depending on the location.Best time to visit:
Year-round, with peak tourist season in summer.Local tips:
If you plan on snorkeling, bring your own gear. You can rent from local vendors too if you forget.Distance:
Pensacola Beach stretches along the coastline, easily accessible from Pensacola and nearby areas.How to Get to Pensacola Beach:
Accessible by car from downtown Pensacola or via the Pensacola Beach Bridge, with ample parking available.Address: Pensacola Beach, FL
6. Combine local attractions with relaxing on Fort Myers Beach
Location:
Fort Myers Beach, Estero Island, FL 33931, USARecommended For:
Water sports enthusiasts.Highlights:
Undeniably one of the prettiest beaches in Florida, Fort Myers Beach is located on a small barrier island called Estero Island. This 7-mile stretch of sugar-white sand along the Gulf is popular with just about every beach enthusiasts, whether you are just looking for a good beach to soak up some sun or want to enjoy swimming and water sports.
I found beach to be particularly good for families with young children since the beach slopes gently into the water and there are no unexpected drop-off and no big waves. There are several outfitters where you can arrange fishing charters or rent equipment for water sports. While I was there, I wrote about day trips from Tampa to explore beautiful nearby areas.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply. Remember to budget for equipment rentals or fishing charters.Best time to visit:
Year-round but my favorite time to visit is in the spring for comfortable temperatures.Local tips:
Remember to book tours in advance.Distance:
Easily accessible by car with many access points.How to Get to Fort Myers Beach:
Accessible by car from Fort Myers airport. There are multiple parking options along the beach.Address: Fort Myers Beach, Estero Island, FL 33931
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
7. Don't miss sugar-white sands of Navarre Beach
Location:
Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach, FL 32566, USAHighlights:
Navarre Beach nestles at the northwestern tip of Florida, just east of Pensacola, where it offers visitors an extraordinary 12 miles of sugar-white beach to play on. The beach is bookended by the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Navarre Beach Marine Park. I found it to be large enough to offer everyone some solitude and serenity.
You can come to Navarre Beach to relax and unwind and to get back to nature. When you are not sun-tanning or swimming, you can take a ride along the scenic bike path or just enjoy a simple picnic on the beach. You could also take long romantic beach walks, fish from the pier or enjoy some fun family water sports.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply in some areas.How to Get to Navarre Beach:
Accessible by car from Pensacola.Address: Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach, FL
8. Go fishing and kayaking in Fort Walton Beach
Location:
Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, FL, USAHighlights:
Perfectly nestled along northern Florida’s Gulf Coast, between Pensacola and Panama City, Fort Walton Beach is a place of soft powdery sands, calm emerald seas and so much more.The long strip of sand beach stretches for miles along the shores of Okaloosa Island where it attracts thousands of beach lovers each year. While the emphasis is firmly on beach fun, you can also enjoy other activities like fishing and pontoon boat charters, jet-skiing, kayaking, wake-surfing and more.
There are also 2 excellent golf courses to keep the golfers happy (and other attractions beyond the beach which I covered here). You also have a great chance of getting up close to a dolphin in its natural habitat.
Cost:
Free beach accessHow to Get to Fort Walton Beach:
Accessible by car from surrounding areas along the Gulf Coast. Parking is available near the beach and resort areas.9. Have a picnic on Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island is one of just a handful of undeveloped Florida barrier islands. It offers visitors a wild and pristine stretch of beach where you can totally escape from city life and embrace a Robinson Crusoe-like experience. Within the Caladesi Island State Park you can find meandering paths through the palm trees and dunes, snow-white sandy beaches and a wide array of shore birds to observe and photograph.
While this beautiful beach is remote enough to feel like a paradise island, you will not have to do without your creature comforts; the park offers a concession stand, fishing, picnicking, nature studies and a marked kayak trails through the mangrove swamps.
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