There isn’t any must fly over the ocean for an unimaginable seashore trip.
Florida could finest be recognized for Orlando, Miami, and countless retirees rockin’ Hawaiian shirts and knee-high socks, however that is not even scratching the floor.
Sure, Florida is a haven for senior residents amassing their pension, and sure, Disney World and Miami’s nightlife usually overshadow the Sunshine State’s true paradises.
Away from the roaring crowds of the large metropolis life, there are dozens of attractive seashores to spend your days in solar and sand without having to maintain monitor of your passport.
Spoiler alert: you could need to begin scouring flights and rental vehicles in Tampa as seashores on this facet of the state are beautiful!
Some are higher than others, in fact, however these 4 Florida white sand seashores rival the Caribbean this summer season – and 1 may shock you!
Uncover Clearwater: Tampa’s High Coastal Gem
If there may be ever a spot to dwell as much as its title, it is Clearwater. Turquoisewater and Bluewater would suffice too, however backside line, Clearwater is a beaut!
This vibrant seashore metropolis throughout Tampa Bay is a far cry from less-than-stellar bay water – it is a picture-perfect paradise.
Lined with lovely high-rise condos to hire together with beachside inns, you will overlook all about The Bahamas and Jamaica overlooking Florida’s attractive blue waters and delicate white sand.
There are such a lot of seashore rankings these days, however Clearwater at all times finds its title within the combine.
For instance, USA Right this moment named Clearwater the #1 within the South, whereas Journey and Leisure featured the holiday hotspot of their 2024 record of ‘15 Finest White-sand Seashores Across the World‘.
There’s enjoyable for all ages right here (not simply retirees!). With top-rated points of interest corresponding to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Caladesi Island State Park for much more pristine seashores, it is a winner year-round.
Siesta Key: The place Leisure Meets Journey
Duking it out in a combat for the highest seashore, Siesta Key at all times finds its title on the prime of the record with the likes of Clearwater.
Having been right here myself, I can see why.
This may increasingly look like a small instance for such a famend seashore, however I used to be impressed by how a lot out there parking there was making it simple to lug your cooler, lounge chairs, and snorkeling gear to this Caribbean-esque seashore.
Siesta Secret’s positioned a bit over an hour away from Tampa Worldwide Airport (TPA), however you too can fly into Sarasota (SRQ) below half-hour away.
As soon as right here, you will be welcomed by delicate white sand and mind-blowing shades of blue waters akin to Caribbean islands lined with good beachfront inns.
There are tons of enjoyable water actions to spend your days in certainly one of America’s top-rated seashores, from parasailing, fishing, and dolphin recognizing to kayaking.
If the latter is your jam, contemplate paddling away from the crowds into the hidden gem of slender mangrove tunnels for an adventurous tour in a wholly completely different panorama.
Escape The Seashore Crowds On Anna Maria Island
One other Caribbean-like gem within the Tampa area is tucked away from any congregation of crowds.
In reality, current beachgoers to the northernmost Anna Maria seashore, Bean Level, claimed in a Google overview, ‘Little or no folks resulting from its location’ and cherished the ‘delicate sand’.
Slightly than cope with hordes of vacationers eager to hit up the extra notable names like Clearwater and Siesta Key, Anna Maria is extra laid-back, spacious, and arguably simply as fairly.
It isn’t simply the white sand seashores which are huge attracts – the small city allure paying homage to ‘Outdated Florida’ is pleasant to peruse.
And ensure you save time for a meal at The Ugly Grouper, an area seafood eatery the place patrons rave in regards to the namesake Grouper Tacos.
Nokomis: Florida’s Finest Saved Secret
My private favourite on the record is Nokomis – Florida’s best-kept secret that I proudly revealed to the world regardless of locals begging me to not reveal their anti-tourist haven.
Undoubtedly the most effective different to Siesta Key given its shut proximity, Nokomis is an unsuspecting city you could have by no means heard of earlier than, however will go away a long-lasting impression.
Ample parking, quick access to seashores, white sand, clear waters for snorkeling, and Bohemian vibes remodel stress-free seashore days into vigorous events at evening.
Pending climate, Drum Circles, an area custom, attract all walks of life, from seasoned musicians to your common 9-to-5-ers seeking to let free on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
When you’re combating for elbow room at Siesta Key, simply know you have got Nokomis lower than half an hour down the coast and it makes for an amazing launchpad to discover the scenic waterways of Southwest Florida with pontoon boat leases from Cool Breeze.