Florida Best Beaches

Respected researcher Stephen Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach) named the tranquil, white sands of Caladesi Island as North America's top beach in 2008. Positioned on an undeveloped barrier island one mile off Florida's west coast, it's a nature lover's dream: look for osprey, armadillos, and gopher tortoises on the nearby nature trail or along the three-mile kayak route. Picnic tables and snack bar are available. Unless you have a boat, the beach is accessible only by Caladesi Connection ferry (727-734-5263).Plan ahead and try to arrive early – visitors are only allowed to stay for four hours at a time and, thanks to the accolades of Dr. Beach, bookings sometimes reach capacity by mid-day.

With its backdrop of sherbet-colored Art Deco architecture and popularity with the model set, the wide stretch of sand at Miami Beach's southern end is a giant piece of eye candy; and the abundant outdoor cafes alongside the beach make it easy to indulge all day. Whimsical, brightly painted lifeguard stands dot the beach, as postcard-worthy as the international mix of sunbathers. At 12th Street, a well-toned gay crowd sets up camp near the volleyball courts. For picnic tables and views of the cruise ships heading in and out of port, head to South Pointe Park, the beach's southernmost tip.

Making frequent appearances in guides to the country's top beaches, Fort De Soto boasts soft, white sand, calm, swimmable waters, and the frequent sight of dolphins frolicking offshore. An overstuffed amenities roster includes camping, walking and canoe trails, showers, picnic areas, fishing, and a fenced playground for dogs, but, as part of the largest park in the county system (1,136 acres, across five interconnected islands), there's still ample room to spread out. Mullet Key is the site of the park's namesake fort remnants, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Two miles of sand spilling into turquoise water and plenty of coconut palms make Crandon Park's beach a favorite of photographers seeking a Caribbean stand-in. The Key Biscayne sunbathing spot is also a top choice for families thanks to its low surf, ample picnic areas, easy parking, and amusement center, which has a roller rink, splash fountain, and vintage carousel (open weekends). Adjacent to the beach, you’ll find the nature center, which offers eco-tours, self-guided trails, and kayak rentals. Connoisseurs of sandy shores can double their pleasure on Key Biscayne with a stop at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, a beautiful natural setting with seagrass-covered dunes and a white, sandy stretch that is frequently ranked among the country's top beaches.

This sun-drenched spot is as well known for surfing as it is for its six miles of Atlantic-facing beaches – world surf champion Kelly Slater hails from here and it's also the site of a massive 24-hour Ron Jon Surf Shop. Still, the waves aren't too overwhelming, making them good for long boarders (just beware that lifeguards are only on duty between Easter and Labor Day). It's possible to see a recently launched space shuttle from the beach, courtesy of nearby Cape Canaveral. For advanced surfers only: Drive about an hour south to Sebastian Inlet for the state's most-celebrated breaks. Some of the best surfing can be had at the stretch of beach that lies between South 13th and 16th streets.

The park's nine miles of undeveloped white-sand beach hug the eastern shoreline of this barrier island, accessible via a four-mile bridge from Eastpoint, Florida. Low-key pursuits like hunting for seashells, fishing, sunbathing, and watching migratory birds top the list of things to do. A series of trails and boardwalks traverse the surrounding salt marshes, dunes, and oak forests, which provide shelter for raccoons and diamondback terrapins. Six picnic shelters with grills and full-service campsites are also available.

The third-longest coral barrier reef in the world flanks the Florida Keys, and this relaxed beach park 12 miles south of Marathon is a prime spot to take advantage of it – the park concession runs snorkeling trips and rents gear and kayaks. Bird watching, sunset gazing, and fishing are popular activities from the narrow stretch of sandy shore. Campsites and vacation cabins are available, making it an affordable base for a day-trip to Key West, 45 minutes south. For a $2 donation, the onsite Sand and Sea Nature Center provides a children's activity book (junior ranger badge included!) with questions about the area.

Tourists will find plenty of locals from Miami and Fort Lauderdale in the international mix at Haulover, one of the state's few sunbathing spots with a section of sand where it's legal to go au naturel. The often-crowded clothing-optional area (0.4 miles of sand tucked behind landscaped dunes at the beach's northern end), has an invisible dividing line; heterosexuals congregate to the right, gays to the left. There's plenty of room for more modest bathers as well: the beach extends south another mile. Across the street, family-friendly Haulover Park contains a marina, tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, and kite shops.

Once only accessible via boat, it was said that this remote barrier island beach was an escape for lovers. Although a boardwalk and tram now provide access to the two-mile stretch of white sand, it's still a quiet place to stroll, sunbathe, picnic, and collect seashells. West Indian manatees, dolphins, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles are often spotted around its shores and mangrove forests. The park closes with sunset, typically a spectacular sight.

With its 27-mile stretch of bright, sugary-white sand spilling into the emerald Gulf of Mexico and reputation as an affordable destination, Panama City Beach is catnip to spring breakers and families alike. Locating sailing and fishing charters, parasailing, or jet ski rentals barely requires moving from the sand. At the east end of the beach, 1,260-acre St. Andrews State Park provides a natural diversion with good snorkeling, walking trails, and 1.5 miles of unspoiled sands on the Gulf and Grand Lagoon.