Florida is the US state that is known for beaches. Florida beaches are the most pristine beaches in the world. The Atlantic Ocean provides the turquoise blue waters along the Atlantic Coast (east coast) as well as the Gulf Coast of Florida (west coast). The whitest sandy beaches are found along the Gulf Coast.
Florida's Emerald Coast is somewhat seasonal but other than the coldest winter months they are certainly impressive and very hard to contend with. I lived here for 15 years and here are the best beaches in my opinion.
Navarre Beach is one of the secluded beaches and a perfect place to spend some time and even enjoy some personnel space. You may need to wonder to the east or west to get away from the hotels but it can certainly be done. There are very few roads that will take you onto this long barrier island so most just visit nearby beaches. If you make the trip plan on having room for beach volleyball if you choose. You can also pay a visit to the Navarre Pier which is one of the best fishing piers in the state.
Most who visit Okaloosa Island will park near the pier. Sand dunes are everywhere and these scenic beaches are better than any in the Florida Keys. Beach lovers visit here by the millions to enjoy the cool quartz white sand beaches, the restaurants, hotels and yes the nightlife.
Destin Florida is known as the world's luckiest fishing village. Once you make it past the outer banks of the inlet it is just that. Scuba diving is also very popular here even those those two things don't mix very well. During the summer uncrowded beaches simply do not exist in Destin as this summer getaway was long ago discovered. What a great place to own a boat, if you know, then you know from living in Destin.
There are many named beaches between these two and many would say they are the best beaches in Florida. In the summer months I would agree and for a beach park you cannot do much better. Expect to see gorgeous sand dunes and crystal clear bluish green water. You can walk for miles on these stunning beaches. When I was there we could drive on them and yes I have been stuck before. Those days are gone but the brilliant white sand beaches remain.
Being the Sunshine State you would hope that part of the coast would be named the Sun Coast. It just so happens that that part of Florida also has the record for most continuous days of sunshine. Unlike the colder Pacific Ocean and most beaches north of here you can enjoy the Sun Coast year round.
On the north end of Clearwater Beach you will find the two parks listed above. Most will never visit them, and that is kind of the point. The most picturesque beaches, nature trails and marine wildlife are there to be enjoyed and with a little effort you will be glad you did. Being a state park means often overlooked by the masses and to be enjoyed by a few. Trust me, be one of those few at least once. Explore tide pools, walk some trails and find a true gem on these barrier islands.
Visit this white sand beach and the adjacent town and you will never long for another. This area has the total package for the tourist and resident alike. Is it cheap? Meh, not really but only because it is worth it. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater Marina, countless restaurants, hotels and attractions are designed for a great time. Every night the streets and local pier come alive with activity and street performers. Yes there are some amazing beaches to the south, they just are not needed after visiting here.
After realizing that most of the beaches in the Florida Keys are a let down you may want to drive to the north and see Miami Beach and South Beach. A word to the wise, crime is high and parking is difficult. Still in the winter months this is the place to be for the warmest waters and a good enough sand beach. Expect cobalt blue waters and lots of people on the weekends. Still worth a visit to experience it, get the T-Shirt and leave.
Unfortunately my pictures of Hawaii are from the 1980's. I went there all of the time because I lived on Guam and commuted to see my stewardess girl friend. I have visited Waimea Bay Beach Park, Waikiki Beach and even paddled out to the waves on the north shore. Beautiful beaches, yes but amazingly cold water in the winters. Stick with Florida and that means Clearwater Beach, St Pete Beach or Siesta Key Beach.
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