But those in the know consider the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park the best in Key West. What will I find in the Keys? I love them both, but with the exception of both being on the ocean and having beaches they are NOTHING alike. Its three miles of beach arent even the most popular thing here there are seven miles of bike trails, two fishing piers, camping, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and a historic fort. With 825 miles of beaches, there are Florida beach destinations for every need and desire great snorkeling vs. good surfing; quiet and hidden vs. social and action-packed; sugar-like sand vs. dramatic craggy rocks. Which of the Florida Keys for a (older) guys' weekend? Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Here are 17 beach destinations in Florida worth finding, This beach qualifies as a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors because its tucked away on a less-visible part of the island. 5 Hookipa Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, No. The shell-strewn shores of Lovers Key State Park are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. A regular double-occupancy room in Hawaii costs $331 per day. Surrounded by busy Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island State Park is a rarity -- one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Hawaii and the Florida Keys are different because Hawaii has more beaches than the Florida Keys. 6. The pier also has a small caf which is popular for its stunning views. The 2.5 mile beach is lined with trees and natural vegetation that is full of bird life, including two bald eagle nests and many more osprey nests. Named Americas top beach in 2009, Fort De Soto Beachdeserves all sorts of superlatives. He did the same when he was on a boat. Combine those qualities with the parks two jetties and you also get excellent snorkeling. 4 Hanalei Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, No. St. Andrews State Park, named the best beach in America in 1995 by Dr. Beach, is known for its clear, blue-green water and dazzling white sand. With 825 miles of beaches, there are Florida beach destinations for every need and desire great snorkeling vs. good surfing; quiet and hidden vs. social and action-packed; sugar-like sand vs. dramatic craggy rocks. From this jetty, you can watch 20-story-high cruise ships or tankers a block long come and go. Agreed, Hawaii has some very dramatic mountains. There is plenty to do and a great place to relax if you've a mind to! Its one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Floridas southwest coast. Shopping? 20) and Sombrero Beach in Marathon (No. Beaches in Georgia, Oregon and Siesta's wide public beach features soft sand made almost exclusively of pure quartz, which remains cool on the feet even when baked in the Florida sun. Theres usually a shallow tidal pool for kids to enjoy, and in winter people watch for right whales off the shore. Sombrero Beach was the only new entrant for 2023 while Fort Lauderdale Beach and Treasure Island Beach fell out of the Top 25. Florida beaches made their annual foray into TripAdvisors best beach lists in 2023 with Siesta Beach near Sarasota once again near the top. While the beaches will likely be busy in Hawaii, too, you stand a better chance of having a slightly less busy beach in Hawaii than you do in the Florida Keys. Bornwithwheels, Aruba doesn't have any mountains either. The water down there is absolutely beautiful though. It is more desert like where Hawaii i That is your best bet azbec. Time magazines list of The Worlds 100 Greatest Places of 2021. Florida and Hawaii took 9 of the 10 top spots for the best U.S. beaches in the awards announced Wednesday. The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers.. Youre likely to find a good assortment of seashells. Huguenot is the last beach in Jacksonville where you can drive your car onto the hard-packed sand. But the tickets are SO high right now. Siesta Beach in Sarasota makes Top 5 in U.S., ranked among Top 15 in world by Tripadvisor Tripadvisor ranked eight Florida beaches in the Top 25 this year, You must reach it by boat. I'm in central Texas so even Got a few questions before I dig in! Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. 22) bring Florida's total to eight. As much as I would like to head back to Hawaii, Southwest Air doesn't fly in that direction. These conditions are most common in winter. One thing I will give the Keys over Hawaii is that I think the snorkeling is 100 times better then Maui. All rights reserved. A bonus for families: A large pond that attracts ducks and turtles. It was one of two Sunshine State beaches in the Top 10 with Henderson Beach State Park in Destin in the Panhandle coming in at No. Eat, drink & party in Siesta Key Villageat these restaurants, bars and nightclubs, 10 best restaurantsin downtown Sarasota, from fancy to casual. It noted in a press release issued today (Feb. 28) that The Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards "honor travelers' favorite beaches worldwide, based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travelers for beaches, gathered over the 12-month period fromJan. 1, 2022, throughDec. 31, 2022.". 9 Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine and No. The isolated beach, located off the urban coast of Clearwater Beach and Dunedin was named the No. 1. You probably know that Fort Lauderdale has one of the great lively urban Florida beach destinations. Ummm--since the original post is from 2004 I'm sure azbec has made her decision by now. What about flying into Miami, renting a car and driving to Key West? The surfing is good and fishermen have luck casting from shore or from the fishing jetty. Hawaii gives you beautiful mountainous islands spilling into gorgeous water with constant breezes and Florida is flat as a pancake and hotter than hell in the summer. The beaches there are off the chain! Weak points in the Keys are poor beaches, not as lush as Hwaii's prettier areas, less to see and do vs. Maui or Oahu. I have lived in both places and I think you should experience the Keys at least once but if you are looking for wide, sandy beaches and decent surf you went in the wrong direction. 1 beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2008. I prefer Hawaii but then again I'm on the East Coast so the Keys are closer to me. However, we are not going to compare their natural wonders, their Yeah, it's touristy, but if you enjoy Waikiki, it's much less so than there. Would like to use the tickets to go east. It has five miles of pristine white sand beach that is perfect for those who savor beachcombing solitude and nature. He took out his video camera and took a walk. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Florida and Hawaii dominated the list this year, with eight locations each. Most of the time, however, Blowing Rocks is a beach for wading, sunbathing, and admiring the unique rock formations. However, I have earned two tickets off a Southwest Airlines. Best of both worlds and you can use those tickets. It wins points with families for its ample parking, a concession stand serving hot dogs and hamburgers, sand volleyball courts, two children's playgrounds, picnic tables, benches plus restroom and showers. At low tide the beach expands dramatically. One of my dreams! Across the inlet lies a second part of St. Andrews wild and undeveloped Shell Island. -- Hawaii's beaches are unlike any others in the world; they're made of coral sand, lava rock, erosional runoff and calcareous matter, which means exoskeletons of Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Ranked 13th was St. Augustine Beach, 14th was St. Pete Beach, 18th Panama City Beach, 20th Pensacola Beach, 22nd Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key and 23rd Clearwater Beach. Husband REALLY wants to see Key West. The state of Florida had eight beaches in the top 25, tying the Sunshine State for most beaches with Hawaii. Floridas many wide, sandy beaches are lined with fantastic restaurants and offer many activities. 1 Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii, No. Sarasota County's most popular beach has again been ranked among the best in the country and world by a national website. Ticket NewsletterSign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday. The popular Atlantic-facing beaches of Miami in South Florida are noted for features that Fort DeSoto has two main beaches. Rankings are based on the quantity and quality of reader reviews in the TripAdvisor community. Well, the Keys are probably very nice, but the water in Hawaii is warmer and prettier. 14) A great walking beach with white quartz sand, clear calm water, and seashells by the truckload," one of TripAdvisor's reviewers said. Here's what West saw at the beach and from a boat on Sanibel near the lighthouse, and in New Pass near Lovers Key, and in Estero Bay in Bonita: This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Southwest Florida red tide outbreak has people dodging dead fish, Mark H. Bickel and Andrew West, Fort Myers News-Press, Dead eels are washing up on Fort Myers, Naples beaches. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Fort Pickens Area - Gulf Islands National Seashore. There are hiking trails plus shelling, surfing and fishing are all good. 2 this year behind Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii. Even if you cannot tell the difference between the cultures of Hawaii and Florida, the weather easily sets the two apart. 1 on the global list. Its a lovely beach, but whats special is the pass itself, a narrow river-like opening in the mangroves, shallow enough that an adult can stand at the center except at the highest tide. Perdido Key is home to part of this Seashore. The beach and town radiate out from Anglin's Fishing Pier, open 24 hours a day, where fishermen catch snapper and snook, and others pay a small admission for a scenic stroll. 10 best beaches and restaurantsnearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. The Difference in Beaches Between Miami & Hawaii The Atlantic's Allure. Barefoot Beach, a Collier County park just north of Naples, was named the sixth-best beach in America in 2013 by Dr. While 80 percent of this protected area lies under water, the rest is snow-white beaches, coastal marshes and maritime forests. I live in AZ. Ka'anapali Beach, The dead creatures are washing ashore on beaches from Fort Myers to Marco Island. Support local journalism bysubscribing.. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. It won't be Hawaii, but it will be a different and new adventure. Hawaii is more dramatic - but Key West has it's own since of charm. Many beach destinations in Florida in the south are lined with high-rise condos and hotels, but little Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a throwback to another era. | Contact Us. It has been a long time since I have been to Destin, but I remember it being one of the nicest beach areas that I have gone to in Florida. The prob You really cannot compare the 2. Privacy Statement - Located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Zach, as locals call it, has clear water, a shaded picnic area, and very good snorkeling around rocks not far offshore. 3 Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia, No. Called Langdon Beach, this beach on the Santa Rosa barrier island has sand as white as snow, composed of fine quartz eroded from granite in the Appalachian Mountains. Also, Hawaii has the nicer backdrop with all the mountains. Why? Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday, at these restaurants, bars and nightclubs, in downtown Sarasota, from fancy to casual. (Also: the fort itself is very neat.). I'll PM you a couple of ideas. You wont find many who disagree:Caladesi Island State Park is paradise. It has a broad hard-packed beach made of the sort of fine white sand you see in an hourglass. This guide highlights the most common mistakes many travelers make so you can How about a trip to San Diego or Orange County? The famed Sarasota County beach just missed the Top 10 on Tripadvisor's list of Top 10 Beaches in the World, placing No. 2 among the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. If you hop into the waters of the pass you are gently swept by the tides. Gopher tortoises and their burrows are plentiful along the nature trail that runs between the sand dunes and the hammock. Other Florida beaches on the Top 25 list are nearby Tampa Bay favorites St. Pete Beach (No. I'd love to find a closer (drivable) beach to visit. The park is on the barrier island immediately south of charming Fort Myers Beach. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? Any thoughts? Located across Ocean Drive from famous Art Deco hotels and restaurants, this wide beach is the best place in town for watching beautiful people at play. I love Hawaii, my husband are lucky enough to travel there quite often. Even without that convenient novelty, Huguenot has much to offer. The oft-lauded public beach on Siesta Key that has in the past claimed the travel websites top U.S. ranking for the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards, came in at No. WebAnswered: I grew up in Hawaii and we try to visit every year. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Another important aspect to consider when choosing to Just an FYI - Southwest flies into Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami. However it has a different style. Tripadvisor announced its Best of the Best Beachesfor 2023 lists as part of its annual Travelers' ChoiceAwards. The most popular and family-friendly beach in Naples isLowdermilk Park. What we know. Follow him onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram. WebFrom beaches with volcanic rock to coasts lined with tropical forests, Hawaiian beaches are an Instagram paradise, and you can find tranquil spots for swimming or rougher surf waves. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. 10 best places to visit in Sarasotaand what to do when you get there! Those aren't snakes! Canals in the park also attract manatees in winter. Key West is a FUN town. Between Ocean Drive and the wide swath of sand, Lummus has a grassy palm-tree-filled park. 11. Here are 17 beach destinations in Florida worth My trip is scheduled for Jan. Just enjoy yourself. I would try southwest Florida. Florida is pretty and cheaper than Caribbean. I would also recommend other places in the south, like Georgia or Caro Best waterfront restaurantswith outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there! Key West is soooo much different then Hawaii. What we know, Southwest Florida red tide outbreak has people dodging dead fish, Reports: 3 children dead, 2 wounded in attack at Texas home, Kellyanne Conway, George Conway To Divorce After Decadeslong Marriage: Report, School punished teen girl for working out in sports bra in 100-degree Texas heat, ACLU says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, 'Extremely dangerous': Spike in illegal crossings at Canada-Vermont border has feds sounding alarm, Tracking red tide along Southwest Florida's coast, Heading to the beach this weekend on Floridas Gulf Coast? Maybe it's because of the length of time it takes to get to Hawaii. Theres no shortage of great beaches near Jacksonville, but theres one out-of-the-way beach known mostly to locals thats worth finding Huguenot Memorial Park on Fort George Island. In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. Gstaad is the lair of the billionaire, a little Alpine nirvana so saturated with wealth that even the prices for fondue are faintly heartbreaking. And heres an insiders tip: Keep your admission ticket and re-enter for free at sunset for one of the best places to watch the Key West sunset. 6 a.m. FS1 NASCAR Cup Series: Qualifying, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas (Taped) The magic starts on the beautiful drive to the fort. I believe Donna suggested flying to Miami then driving south to Key West. Tripadvisor's top 25 beaches are: Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil; Eagle Beach in Eagle Beach, Aruba; Cable Beach in Broome, Australia If you like spotting wildlife, the beach atLovers Key State Park is a good choice. Who lives here?21 celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Manatee, Wade TatangeloisTicket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida-Georgia Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Honeymoon Island has a spectacular beach that can draw crowds. Another red tide outbreak in Southwest Florida is killing a wide-range of marine life. Take some extra time in Florida and discover a beach waiting for you. Crime Rate . Cookie Policy - When Sarasota landed on Time magazines list of The Worlds 100 Greatest Places of 2021, the blurb ran with a Siesta Key sunset photo and a subhead that read The growing Gulf Coast scene.. It's a long walk to the beach along a well-maintained boardwalk over the dunes. 11 for 2023. 14) and Clearwater Beach (No. Here's the rest:Want to visit 8 of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the US? This beach also offers a thrill you wont find at any other Florida beach: a long fishing jetty adjacent to the busy Port Everglades channel. If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. Even though the Big Island doesn't have the steep, dramatic mountains like the other islands it's pretty amazing to be swimming in ocean and staring up at a snow capped volcano on a clear day. If the seas are calm, Blowing Rocks is a good place to snorkel, because fish gather around the submerged rocks. St. Pete Beach (No. East Beach is more popular for swimming and has a spectacular view of the Skyway Bridge. 18), Pensacola Beach (No. The conservancy doesnt even let you bring food or beverages. The full list from the reader-review website covers more than 300 beaches in not just U.S. and global rankings, but also by region including Asia, Europe, Africa, South Pacific, South America, Middle East, Caribbean, Central America, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and the U.K. To view them all, go to www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches. Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes, Dr. WebDestin, Florida vs Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii Transportation cost in Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii is 10.5% more expensive than Destin, Florida. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. The beach at Lummus Park is what people think of when they say South Beach. 21 celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Manatee, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Florida has more sandy beaches than any other state, a year-round climate to enjoy them, and a seemingly unbounded appetite for growth, all of which makes beach access a chronic flashpoint. no problem whatsoever, can always use a good laugh 03-18-2012, 12:58 PM I already know about the beaches, I just can't help thinking how much I would rather be in Hawaii instead. 2in the U.S. andNo. This 80-acre county park, with guarded swimming and picnic shelters, is a man-made island in the middle of the Port of Palm Beach. It became a global story. I haven't been to Hawaii but beleive us to be totally different. You can visit the area, and then take a boat trip to Catalin Island. Cost of Stay. The massive stretch of sugar-white sand that is part of a county park with ample parking and facilities was previously named TripAdvisors top U.S. beach in 2020 and came in 2nd last year.