14 in the world. WebHawaii vs. Florida Vacation: Which Is Better? You may find sand-dollars or shells, or spot a bottle-nosed dolphin in the water in the distance. This is a natural beach where seagrass is allowed to stay on the sand. Naples has plenty of great Florida beach destinations, butClam Pass Park has a special twist. Archive - 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. In addition to dolphins, the park attracts all sorts of birds pink roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigates overhead, and ospreys. 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. Here we take a closer look at the top 10 beaches in the U.S. ranked among the winners of 2023 Travelers' Choice Awards for TripAdvisor. I believe Donna suggested flying to Miami then driving south to Key West. Honeymoon Island has a spectacular beach that can draw crowds. The hard-packed white powder sand is perfect for beachcombing, with lots of shells and picturesque driftwood. If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. Between Ocean Drive and the wide swath of sand, Lummus has a grassy palm-tree-filled park. Barefoot Beach, a Collier County park just north of Naples, was named the sixth-best beach in America in 2013 by Dr. Advertising - If you are set on using your tickets to go to florida I would do the Miami to Florida trip - check out south beach then take the road to key west. I haven't been to Hawaii but beleive us to be totally different. There has been a flurry of social media posts as beach goers see the shocking carnage and post the horrible images. However, I have earned two tickets off a Southwest Airlines. 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. Other Florida beaches on the Top 25 list are nearby Tampa Bay favorites St. Pete Beach (No. Though its easy to reach, Barefoot Beach makes you feel miles away from highways and high-rises. 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? East Beach is more popular for swimming and has a spectacular view of the Skyway Bridge. 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.) Best waterfront restaurantswith outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there! With a $6 admission and ample parking, its a Key West bargain. Hawaii is more dramatic - but Key West has it's own since of charm. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida. The best beach in the world was named Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. more information on NYC scams with short term apartment rentals. 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. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Which of the Florida Keys for a (older) guys' weekend? Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. Kaanapali Beach Cost of Living Index: Destin, FL: Hawaiian Beaches, HI: Difference: Transportation: 93.3: 103.1: 9.80 (10.5% more) 100 = US Average. But even when the parking lot is full you can find solitude and nature. Today we discuss my two recent trips to beach locations: Maui, Hawaii vs Fort Myers Florida. Rankings are based on the quantity and quality of reader reviews in the TripAdvisor community. 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. 5 Hookipa Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, No. You can rent bikes and ride them on the hard-packed sand beach. 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. I think I'll take the Florida Keys suggestions and try not to compare it too much to Hawaii. Last year's winner was Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Your lucky that you have a free flight there. The state of Florida had eight beaches in the top 25, tying the Sunshine State for most beaches with Hawaii. Want to visit 8 of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the US? The Sunshine State tied with the Aloha State for the most winners overall in the Top 25. It has a broad hard-packed beach made of the sort of fine white sand you see in an hourglass. What will I find in the Keys? WebWorlds Most Stunning Beaches. 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. One thing I will give the Keys over Hawaii is that I think the snorkeling is 100 times better then Maui. The beach itself is about a mile long, and at several points youll find benches and showers. Bornwithwheels, Aruba doesn't have any mountains either. The water down there is absolutely beautiful though. It is more desert like where Hawaii i This guide highlights the most common mistakes many travelers make so you can 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. To explore the beach at Peanut Island you must arrive by boat. 22) bring Florida's total to eight. Then enjoy the laid back experience of Key West for a few days. The News-Press and Naples Daily News visuals journalist Andrew West was on or near several beaches recently. Snorkeling? Even if you cannot tell the difference between the cultures of Hawaii and Florida, the weather easily sets the two apart. I'll PM you a couple of ideas. so air fare really isn't that much to go to Hawaii. Privacy Statement - If the seas are calm, Blowing Rocks is a good place to snorkel, because fish gather around the submerged rocks. They're right here in Florida. with outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there! 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 | Contact Us. Siesta Beach was also the states only entrant into the global best beach list coming in at No. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Tripadvisor bills itself as "the world's largest travel guidance platform." Both are so much different. 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. 18), Pensacola Beach (No. There is plenty to do and a great place to relax if you've a mind to! Ummm--since the original post is from 2004 I'm sure azbec has made her decision by now. Just an FYI - Southwest flies into Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami. Its one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Floridas southwest coast. The top 10 in the U.S. are No. Key West is a FUN town. Beaches? 10 best beaches and restaurantsnearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. This northern beach wont win awards for its sand -- its studded with rocks and seashells -- but it goes on for three miles. Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. 2in the U.S. andNo. Its not just a beach on an island; it offers two Florida beach destinationson five islands. Even without that convenient novelty, Huguenot has much to offer. Another important aspect to consider when choosing to 3 Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia, No. 13), Panama City Beach (No. 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. 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. Thanke everyone for your help. You can swim in the more protected inlet side of the island vs. the rougher Atlantic side. 6. It has five miles of pristine white sand beach that is perfect for those who savor beachcombing solitude and nature. 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. :Dead eels are washing up on Fort Myers, Naples beaches. 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 already know about the beaches, I just can't help thinking how much I would rather be in Hawaii instead. I live in AZ. The most popular and family-friendly beach in Naples isLowdermilk Park. 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. The dead creatures are washing ashore on beaches from Fort Myers to Marco Island. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Fort Pickens Area - Gulf Islands National Seashore. 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. Support local journalism bysubscribing.. Combine those qualities with the parks two jetties and you also get excellent snorkeling. Why do you have a problem with people liking Florida beaches over Hawaii beaches? Contact Us - Driving from Miami to Key West in a Convertible! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? Beach, a Florida university professor who does an annual beach ranking. Georgia and much of South Carolina have turbid water due to organic matter from the salt marshes. The Florida Atlantic coast tends to have greenish I've been to Key West & Hawaii (many times) and it's always fun to experience something you've never done before. If the tide is coming in, you float into a shallow mangrove-fringed lagoon. Any thoughts? Youre likely to find a good assortment of seashells. St. Augustine Beach (No. Crime Rate . Surrounded by busy Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island State Park is a rarity -- one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Here are 17 beach destinations in Florida worth If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. No highrises to be found. Will I be disappointed in the keys? Youll recognize it from countless commercials and TV shows; if youre lucky youll see a shoot in progress. 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 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. Florida has no shortage of stunning coastlines, ranging from secret hideaways to family-friendly beaches. 10 Sneaky Travel Mistakes You're Probably Making Right Now. One of my dreams! 1 in the U.S. twiceby Stephen Dr. From this jetty, you can watch 20-story-high cruise ships or tankers a block long come and go. If you hop into the waters of the pass you are gently swept by the tides. Beaches in Georgia, Oregon and Another red tide outbreak in Southwest Florida is killing a wide-range of marine life. If you like spotting wildlife, the beach atLovers Key State Park is a good choice. 6 a.m. FS1 NASCAR Cup Series: Qualifying, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas (Taped) While 80 percent of this protected area lies under water, the rest is snow-white beaches, coastal marshes and maritime forests. The price of that seclusion? 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. Black Sand This black sand beach in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the site of some of the newest land on Earth. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 17 in the country the previous year, Siesta Beach did not place on the world list in 2021. I'd love to find a closer (drivable) beach to visit. 1. St. Pete Beach (No. nearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. You must reach it by boat. The shell-strewn shores of Lovers Key State Park are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The beach is so big it cant get crowded and it offers the necessities: lifeguards, showers, bike, chair and umbrella rentals. 4:55 a.m. ESPN Formula 1: The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. 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 Just enjoy yourself. 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. It has big sand dunes and is full of wildlife gopher tortoises, sea shells and shore birds. I love them both, but with the exception of both being on the ocean and having beaches they are NOTHING alike. 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. At low tide the beach expands dramatically. Ka'anapali Beach, Tripadvisor announced its Best of the Best Beachesfor 2023 lists as part of its annual Travelers' ChoiceAwards. Suggest you consider visiting Maui if you have not already, it has more in the way of scenery. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Ka'anapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii, topped the U.S. list while Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, ranked No. 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 All rights reserved. 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, What about flying into Miami, renting a car and driving to Key West? Yeah, it's touristy, but if you enjoy Waikiki, it's much less so than there. 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. A shuttle service connects the two. no problem whatsoever, can always use a good laugh 03-18-2012, 12:58 PM I've been to Oahu and The Big Island a few times, prefer Oahu. Well, the Keys are probably very nice, but the water in Hawaii is warmer and prettier. 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. This is a great trip and you can enjoy Miami's South Beach shopping, beaches, and nightlife, and see some wonderful sites on the way to Key West. I have been to Maui twice and Key West only once but returning again this Saturday. In contrast, Hawaiis beaches are more scenic but scattered among The magic starts on the beautiful drive to the fort. Thanks Surf, It's on my list. Same with Destin. I've lived here all my life but rarely go to the panhandle and its usually just passing thru. Hawai After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. The beach at Lummus Park is what people think of when they say South Beach. You really cannot compare the 2. The famed Sarasota County beach just missed the Top 10 on Tripadvisor's list of Top 10 Beaches in the World, placing No. Would like to use the tickets to go east. In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. But those in the know consider the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park the best in Key West. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key ranked No. Key West is soooo much different then Hawaii. With its rocky shoreline and its location directly in the mouth of the inlet, it has some of the best easy-access snorkeling in South Florida. White Sand White sand beaches are typically composed of quartz 2 among the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. 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. Canals in the park also attract manatees in winter. You probably know that Fort Lauderdale has one of the great lively urban Florida beach destinations. A bonus for families: A large pond that attracts ducks and turtles. In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. In Florida, though the heat and humidity is almost unbearable. The Great Florida Birding Trail even distinguishes Bahia Honda State Park as the best birding habitat in the Florida Keys. 21 celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Manatee, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. 11 for 2023. When molten lava cools rapidly in seawater, it shatters, forming the black sand that is washed onto the shore. 1 beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2008. 2 this year behind Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii. But the tickets are SO high right now. RankedatNo. I prefer Hawaii but then again I'm on the East Coast so the Keys are closer to me. 10 La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California. Night & Day. Take some extra time in Florida and discover a beach waiting for you. 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. Most of the time, however, Blowing Rocks is a beach for wading, sunbathing, and admiring the unique rock formations. The surfing is good and fishermen have luck casting from shore or from the fishing jetty. 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? 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. I like the fact that Waikiki is so touristy, but then a short drive a way is the North Shore which is opposite. In 2022, Tripadvisor also named Siesta Beach No. Those aren't snakes! Fort Pickens, in the Gulf Islands National Seashore attracts lots of folks for the Civil War-era forts self-guided or ranger-led tours. But for others, the fort is just a sidelight to the seven miles of beach perfection that wraps around it. Husband REALLY wants to see Key West. Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island is as wild and natural as a beach can get. Heres how to check the conditions. Eat, drink & party in Siesta Key Villageat these restaurants, bars and nightclubs, 10 best restaurantsin downtown Sarasota, from fancy to casual. I just enjoy the laid back almost Caribbean feeling of Key West. This is a great beach to visit to enjoy the sunset; theres usually a mellow crowd. Sombrero Beach was the only new entrant for 2023 while Fort Lauderdale Beach and Treasure Island Beach fell out of the Top 25. I still say Hawaii though -the landscape and beauty and climate beat Florida completely -especially if you're going in the summer. Tips: The park gets busy on weekends and think about the high-tide line before you park your car! The pier also has a small caf which is popular for its stunning views. 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! The beaches there are off the chain! Why? Floridas many wide, sandy beaches are lined with fantastic restaurants and offer many activities. The Florida Panhandle has spectacular state parks, including Topsail Hill, one of the major state land purchases of its ambitious purchases of cons Florida. Florida beaches made their annual foray into TripAdvisors best beach lists in 2023 with Siesta Beach near Sarasota once again near the top.