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. St. Augustine Beach (No. This is a great beach to visit to enjoy the sunset; theres usually a mellow crowd. Tripadvisor bills itself as "the world's largest travel guidance platform." Beaches? :Dead eels are washing up on Fort Myers, Naples beaches. 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. 1 in the U.S. twiceby Stephen Dr. 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. Maybe it's because of the length of time it takes to get to Hawaii. But the tickets are SO high right now. (Also: the fort itself is very neat.). In his past reviews of the beach for his Dr. Beach list, Stephen Leatherman, the Director of Florida International Universitys Laboratory for Coastal Research said Siesta Beach in Sarasota boasts that it has the finest and whitest sand in the world, and I cannot argue with this claim. The dead creatures are washing ashore on beaches from Fort Myers to Marco Island. Honeymoon Island has a spectacular beach that can draw crowds. Privacy Statement - A regular double-occupancy room in Hawaii costs $331 per day. In a region with miles of sandy beach destinations in Florida, Blowing Rocks Preserve is unique: Its craggy limestone shore looks like it belongs in Maine or Hawaii. Huguenot is the last beach in Jacksonville where you can drive your car onto the hard-packed sand. But Hawaii commonly tops Leatherman's list. Florida has no shortage of stunning coastlines, ranging from secret hideaways to family-friendly beaches. 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. The Florida Keys - Key West or elsewhere? Youre likely to find a good assortment of seashells. Key West is soooo much different then Hawaii. Eat, drink & party in Siesta Key Villageat these restaurants, bars and nightclubs, 10 best restaurantsin downtown Sarasota, from fancy to casual. He did the same when he was on a boat. If the tide is coming in, you float into a shallow mangrove-fringed lagoon. www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches, 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, South Florida snubbed on best beaches list, Siesta Key Stars Garrett Miller and Makenna Quesenberry Get Married in Romantic Sunset Wedding, Several arrests made in series of Long Beach burglaries, Is red tide present at your favorite Florida beach? 4:55 a.m. ESPN Formula 1: The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. It has a broad hard-packed beach made of the sort of fine white sand you see in an hourglass. California came away with just one spot for the 3 One thing I will give the Keys over Hawaii is that I think the snorkeling is 100 times better then Maui. Ka'anapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii, topped the U.S. list while Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, ranked No. I think if you visit our beaches with the idea that it is nice but will be different than Hawaii you will be happy. It will not have mountains and I like the fact that Waikiki is so touristy, but then a short drive a way is the North Shore which is opposite. Fort DeSoto has two main beaches. WebMiami & the Keys may be closer in tropical but the Keys do not have great beaches just beautiful water and great reefs for snorkeling and diving. 5 Hookipa Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, No. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. 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. You wont find many who disagree:Caladesi Island State Park is paradise. If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. 10 Sneaky Travel Mistakes You're Probably Making Right Now. Barefoot Beach, a Collier County park just north of Naples, was named the sixth-best beach in America in 2013 by Dr. I'll PM you a couple of ideas. Siesta Key Village and a bunch of popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Here's the rest:Want to visit 8 of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the US? Most people say the only place that is like Hawaii and its Those aren't snakes! A bonus for families: A large pond that attracts ducks and turtles. With a $6 admission and ample parking, its a Key West bargain. 14) A great walking beach with white quartz sand, clear calm water, and seashells by the truckload," one of TripAdvisor's reviewers said. It got is name because for years it was reachable only by boat, and only lovers seeking seclusion went to the trouble to go here. Fortunately, thats easy and fun. In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. This is a natural beach where seagrass is allowed to stay on the sand. I still say Hawaii though -the landscape and beauty and climate beat Florida completely -especially if you're going in the summer. Its one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Floridas southwest coast. Heres how to check the conditions. Florida beaches made their annual foray into TripAdvisors best beach lists in 2023 with Siesta Beach near Sarasota once again near the top. Also, Hawaii has the nicer backdrop with all the mountains. 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 Beach, a Florida university professor who does an annual beach ranking. I just enjoy the laid back almost Caribbean feeling of Key West. It all depends. I live in AZ. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. 23). The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers.. I've been to Key West & Hawaii (many times) and it's always fun to experience something you've never done before. St. Pete Beach (No. 3 Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia, No. The average hostel charge is $166 per person per Cookie Policy - This is the 11th year of the TripAdvisor awards, during which a Florida beach has topped the U.S. list seven times. Siesta Beach with its quartz sand that makes it cool to the feet even in the blaring sun has been named the best beach in the U.S. twice in the annual Dr. Beach rankings that come out around Memorial Day. Hawaii is more dramatic - but Key West has it's own since of charm. First just reaching it is an adventure: You can walk or take a free tram from the parking lot down a three-quarters-mile long boardwalk through a mangrove forest. Any thoughts? You must reach it by boat. You can rent kayaks and bikes or take a boat trip to explore a more remote island, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge. Florida and Hawaii dominated the list this year, with eight locations each. These conditions are most common in winter. 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. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. 6 a.m. FS1 NASCAR Cup Series: Qualifying, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas (Taped) What about flying into Miami, renting a car and driving to Key West? The famed Sarasota County beach just missed the Top 10 on Tripadvisor's list of Top 10 Beaches in the World, placing No. Florida and Hawaii took 9 of the 10 top spots for the best U.S. beaches in the awards announced Wednesday. Advertising - In 2022, Tripadvisor also named Siesta Beach No. The sand spit extends into the Gulf of Mexico and the farther you walk the more stunning the scenery and solitude. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key ranked No. Hawaii and the Florida Keys are different because Hawaii has more beaches than the Florida Keys. Fort Pickens, in the Gulf Islands National Seashore attracts lots of folks for the Civil War-era forts self-guided or ranger-led tours. In contrast, Hawaiis beaches are more scenic but scattered among You probably know that Fort Lauderdale has one of the great lively urban Florida beach destinations. I love Hawaii, my husband are lucky enough to travel there quite often. Contact Us - 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. Canals in the park also attract manatees in winter. Its a natural lazy river adventure where the pull and depth of the water is safe but still fun. 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. This is a beach for folks who like an urban beat and will take topless sunbathers (legal here) in stride. Agreed, Hawaii has some very dramatic mountains. 6. You can swim in the more protected inlet side of the island vs. the rougher Atlantic side. I have been to Maui twice and Key West only once but returning again this Saturday. 14) and Clearwater Beach (No. 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. But even when the parking lot is full you can find solitude and nature. 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.". 10 La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California. Driving from Miami to Key West in a Convertible! Time magazines list of The Worlds 100 Greatest Places of 2021. 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 13), Panama City Beach (No. They're right here in Florida. Will I be disappointed in the keys? I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. The surfing is good and fishermen have luck casting from shore or from the fishing jetty. The Difference in Beaches Between Miami & Hawaii The Atlantic's Allure. The state of Florida had eight beaches in the top 25, tying the Sunshine State for most beaches with Hawaii. Its an unusual combination of an accessible beach with lots of parking, first-rate concessions, and facilities and a natural beach with extensive wildlife. Ummm--since the original post is from 2004 I'm sure azbec has made her decision by now. Which of the Florida Keys for a (older) guys' weekend? It gets its name from what the waves and rocks do during rough seas at high tide water spurts out of holes in the Anastasia limestone, at times spouting 50 feet into the air. What do you enjoy doing? I'm having a hard time thinking of two more different places! 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. White Sand White sand beaches are typically composed of quartz WebDestin, Florida vs Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii Transportation cost in Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii is 10.5% more expensive than Destin, Florida. 10 best places to visit in Sarasotaand what to do when you get there! 1 beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2008. Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. Kaanapali Beach Would like to use the tickets to go east. 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. Rankings are based on the quantity and quality of reader reviews in the TripAdvisor community. A shuttle service connects the two. Sarasota County's most popular beach has again been ranked among the best in the country and world by a national website. How to check for red tide, What to know about red tide in Sarasota, Manatee this weekend. While 80 percent of this protected area lies under water, the rest is snow-white beaches, coastal marshes and maritime forests. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. I think I'll take the Florida Keys suggestions and try not to compare it too much to Hawaii. 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. Why? There is plenty to do and a great place to relax if you've a mind to! Tripadvisor announced its Best of the Best Beachesfor 2023 lists as part of its annual Travelers' ChoiceAwards. Thanke everyone for your help. It's not a big deal, FTL is only 25 miles to the north of MIA but if you are making car reservations, make them out of Ft. Laud. 7. They're right here in Florida. 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, 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! more information on NYC scams with short term apartment rentals. Well, the Keys are probably very nice, but the water in Hawaii is warmer and prettier. 22) bring Florida's total to eight. 21 celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Manatee, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The popular Atlantic-facing beaches of Miami in South Florida are noted for features that No highrises to be found. Archive - For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. The Great Florida Birding Trail even distinguishes Bahia Honda State Park as the best birding habitat in the Florida Keys. 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. Last year's winner was Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. no problem whatsoever, can always use a good laugh 03-18-2012, 12:58 PM Located on the barrier island between the Intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea limits buildings heights and thus maintains its charming old-time beach town atmosphere. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. Floridas many wide, sandy beaches are lined with fantastic restaurants and offer many activities. I'm in the midwest, and have to say I prefer Key West to Hawaii. 14 in the world. Suggest you consider visiting Maui if you have not already, it has more in the way of scenery. 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. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida. Surrounded by busy Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island State Park is a rarity -- one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. 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. Why? 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. Even without that convenient novelty, Huguenot has much to offer. At low tide the beach expands dramatically. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. In addition to Siesta Beach, Tripadvisor's Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. list for 2023 included Henderson Beach State Park in Destin at No. 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. 11 for 2023. Siesta Beach has been rankedNo. Other Florida beaches on the Top 25 list are nearby Tampa Bay favorites St. Pete Beach (No. As much as I would like to head back to Hawaii, Southwest Air doesn't fly in that direction. Named Americas top beach in 2009, Fort De Soto Beachdeserves all sorts of superlatives. 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. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. There are more of them, you have warm water in the Gulf and Atlantic unlike the Pacific, and it is easier to go into the ocean and swim in the Gulf or 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? 1 Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii, No. 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. I already know about the beaches, I just can't help thinking how much I would rather be in Hawaii instead. 6 Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, No. 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. 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. It became a global story. RankedatNo. Support local journalism bysubscribing.. Snorkeling is best at high tide. Another red tide outbreak in Southwest Florida is killing a wide-range of marine life. so air fare really isn't that much to go to Hawaii. Then enjoy the laid back experience of Key West for a few days. Walk south on this beach and youll soon find solitude its 2.5 miles long and most people cluster around the large picnic area and lifeguarded swim zone. Just an FYI - Southwest flies into Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami. Between Ocean Drive and the wide swath of sand, Lummus has a grassy palm-tree-filled park. All rights reserved. Best waterfront restaurantswith outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there! Snorkeling? Naples has plenty of great Florida beach destinations, butClam Pass Park has a special twist. Though its easy to reach, Barefoot Beach makes you feel miles away from highways and high-rises. 2 this year behind Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii. East Beach is more popular for swimming and has a spectacular view of the Skyway Bridge. 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.. I love them both, but with the exception of both being on the ocean and having beaches they are NOTHING alike. It has big sand dunes and is full of wildlife gopher tortoises, sea shells and shore birds. The beach is lined with tall dunes, and the park also offers hiking trails to a lake where gators are often seen. 6. 7 Cannon Beach in Cannon Beach, Oregon, No. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. How about a trip to San Diego or Orange County? North Beach faces the Gulf of Mexico and is popular for shelling strolling and sunset views. Ranked 13th was St. Augustine Beach, 14th was St. Pete Beach, 18th Panama City Beach, 20th Pensacola Beach, 22nd Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key I prefer Hawaii but then again I'm on the East Coast so the Keys are closer to me. | Contact Us. Today we discuss my two recent trips to beach locations: Maui, Hawaii vs Fort Myers Florida. It's a long walk to the beach along a well-maintained boardwalk over the dunes. 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 But for others, the fort is just a sidelight to the seven miles of beach perfection that wraps around it. nearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. Just enjoy yourself. The 385-acre park has three distinct beaches one thats close to parking and concessions, a dog beach, and the northern sand-spit beach. Not much into snorkling, just like to sight see, shop and just relax. In addition, Siesta Beach is conveniently located less than a mile away from bustlingSiesta Key Village and a bunch of popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Florida. 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. My trip is scheduled for Jan. If the tide is going out you float out into the Gulf which remains shallow for a great distance. West has seen his share of red tide outbreaks during his career. In the clear water you can spot horseshoe crabs, live shells, and stingrays. -- 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 The most popular and family-friendly beach in Naples isLowdermilk Park. The beaches there are off the chain! Naples is renowned for its beaches, including award-winning Barefoot Beach. Best beaches in my opinion or in Destin and the Seagrove, Seaside area of South Walton County on Hwy 30-A. The water is a blue green color and the You may find sand-dollars or shells, or spot a bottle-nosed dolphin in the water in the distance. What we know. This northern beach wont win awards for its sand -- its studded with rocks and seashells -- but it goes on for three miles. As far as tropical locations go, many people expect the weather to be warm and sunny, looking for a perfect day to go to the beach and relax next to the ocean. I've been to Oahu and The Big Island a few times, prefer Oahu. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. If you need a break from the sun, the fort provides shade and cool. Cost of Stay. WebHawaii vs. Florida Vacation: Which Is Better? If you like spotting wildlife, the beach atLovers Key State Park is a good choice. This region is home to Gulf Islands National Seashore, which encompasses miles of beaches from Floridas border to the eastern tip of Santa Rosa Island. From this jetty, you can watch 20-story-high cruise ships or tankers a block long come and go. Ka'anapali Beach, Plenty of colorful fish are viewable in waist-deep water, making it particularly popular with families. Want to visit 8 of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the US? with outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there! The conservancy doesnt even let you bring food or beverages. 2in the U.S. andNo. In addition to dolphins, the park attracts all sorts of birds pink roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigates overhead, and ospreys. You can take a shuttle from Sailfish Marina (98 Lake Drive Palm Beach Shores) or a water taxi from Riviera Beach Marina (Slip 522 200 E. 13th St. Riviera Beach.) Bornwithwheels, Aruba doesn't have any mountains either. The water down there is absolutely beautiful though. It is more desert like where Hawaii i Beaches in Georgia, Oregon and I'd love to find a closer (drivable) beach to visit. Gopher tortoises and their burrows are plentiful along the nature trail that runs between the sand dunes and the hammock. The park is on the barrier island immediately south of charming Fort Myers Beach. It won't be Hawaii, but it will be a different and new adventure. 2 Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, No. Take some extra time in Florida and discover a beach waiting for you. Night & Day. 10 best beaches and restaurantsnearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. I'm in central Texas so even Its easy to spend the whole day here. The magic starts on the beautiful drive to the fort. Bucket list100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island is as wild and natural as a beach can get. However, I have earned two tickets off a Southwest Airlines. That is your best bet azbec. 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. The hard-packed white powder sand is perfect for beachcombing, with lots of shells and picturesque driftwood. 4 Hanalei Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, No. You can visit the area, and then take a boat trip to Catalin Island. 8 Coronado Beach in Coronado, California, No. I haven't been to Hawaii but beleive us to be totally different. The beach at Lummus Park is what people think of when they say South Beach. 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. Here are 17 beach destinations in Florida worth 18), Pensacola Beach (No. Cost of Living Index: Destin, FL: Hawaiian Beaches, HI: Difference: Transportation: 93.3: 103.1: 9.80 (10.5% more) 100 = US Average. Combine those qualities with the parks two jetties and you also get excellent snorkeling. But those in the know consider the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park the best in Key West. 1 on the global list. Youll recognize it from countless commercials and TV shows; if youre lucky youll see a shoot in progress. The price of that seclusion? Got a few questions before I dig in! Even if you cannot tell the difference between the cultures of Hawaii and Florida, the weather easily sets the two apart. However, we are not going to compare their natural wonders, their 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. The News-Press and Naples Daily News visuals journalist Andrew West was on or near several beaches recently. When molten lava cools rapidly in seawater, it shatters, forming the black sand that is washed onto the shore. 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. The Florida Panhandle has spectacular state parks, including Topsail Hill, one of the major state land purchases of its ambitious purchases of cons The state ended up with eight U.S. beaches in the Top 25, one down from the 2022 ratings, with entrants from along the Gulf Coast near Tampa Bay, the Panhandle, the Atlantic coast and the Keys. Shopping? One of my dreams! 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. There are hiking trails plus shelling, surfing and fishing are all good. There's also thepavilion that's home to Siesta Beach Eats operated byconcessionaire Venice Pier Group, which also owns Sharky's on the Pier and Fins at Sharky's on the Venice Fishing Pier at Brohard Park, as well as Myakka River spot Snook Haven. He took out his video camera and took a walk. Perdido Key is home to part of this Seashore.