Hawaii and the Florida Keys are different because Hawaii has more beaches than the Florida Keys. Which of the Florida Keys for a (older) guys' weekend? 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. Fortunately, thats easy and fun. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. You can visit the area, and then take a boat trip to Catalin Island. But if you want a long wild beach lined with sea grass and sea grapes all to yourself then head 15 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale toVon D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach. 9 Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine and No. Ka'anapali Beach, 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 The dead creatures are washing ashore on beaches from Fort Myers to Marco Island. The top 10 in the U.S. are No. 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. While 80 percent of this protected area lies under water, the rest is snow-white beaches, coastal marshes and maritime forests. Another red tide outbreak in Southwest Florida is killing a wide-range of marine life. Naples has plenty of great Florida beach destinations, butClam Pass Park has a special twist. I've been to Oahu and The Big Island a few times, prefer Oahu. 1 beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2008. Surrounded by busy Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island State Park is a rarity -- one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. One of my dreams! Naples is renowned for its beaches, including award-winning Barefoot Beach. Got a few questions before I dig in! 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. 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.". -- 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 From this jetty, you can watch 20-story-high cruise ships or tankers a block long come and go. 6. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Its one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Floridas southwest coast. I've been to Key West & Hawaii (many times) and it's always fun to experience something you've never done before. Ka'anapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii, topped the U.S. list while Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, ranked No. Florida. I prefer Hawaii but then again I'm on the East Coast so the Keys are closer to me. Youll recognize it from countless commercials and TV shows; if youre lucky youll see a shoot in progress. In the clear water you can spot horseshoe crabs, live shells, and stingrays. Theres usually a shallow tidal pool for kids to enjoy, and in winter people watch for right whales off the shore. Well, the Keys are probably very nice, but the water in Hawaii is warmer and prettier. Why? When molten lava cools rapidly in seawater, it shatters, forming the black sand that is washed onto the shore. West has seen his share of red tide outbreaks during his career. Bornwithwheels, Aruba doesn't have any mountains either. The water down there is absolutely beautiful though. It is more desert like where Hawaii i Fort DeSoto has two main beaches. Night & Day. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? Maybe it's because of the length of time it takes to get to Hawaii. 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. They're right here in Florida. I'm having a hard time thinking of two more different places! 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. Key West is a FUN town. so air fare really isn't that much to go to Hawaii. 23). Youre likely to find a good assortment of seashells. Beaches in Georgia, Oregon and 1. 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. 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. Barefoot Beach, a Collier County park just north of Naples, was named the sixth-best beach in America in 2013 by Dr. That is your best bet azbec. Across the inlet lies a second part of St. Andrews wild and undeveloped Shell Island. If the seas are calm, Blowing Rocks is a good place to snorkel, because fish gather around the submerged rocks. 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 Cookie Policy - I love them both, but with the exception of both being on the ocean and having beaches they are NOTHING alike. Plenty of colorful fish are viewable in waist-deep water, making it particularly popular with families. He did the same when he was on a boat. Advertising - Tripadvisor bills itself as "the world's largest travel guidance platform." 10 best beaches and restaurantsnearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. What his camera captured from those places in the video he made, which you can watch below, is as heart-breaking as it gets. Florida and Hawaii took 9 of the 10 top spots for the best U.S. beaches in the awards announced Wednesday. You really cannot compare the 2. There are hiking trails plus shelling, surfing and fishing are all good. Another important aspect to consider when choosing to 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 popular Atlantic-facing beaches of Miami in South Florida are noted for features that I'll PM you a couple of ideas. 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. The park is on the barrier island immediately south of charming Fort Myers Beach. Not much into snorkling, just like to sight see, shop and just relax. 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. In contrast, Hawaiis beaches are more scenic but scattered among The Florida Panhandle has spectacular state parks, including Topsail Hill, one of the major state land purchases of its ambitious purchases of cons At low tide the beach expands dramatically. Hawaii gives you beautiful mountainous islands spilling into gorgeous water with constant breezes and Florida is flat as a pancake and hotter than hell in the summer. Also, Hawaii has the nicer backdrop with all the mountains. Florida beaches made their annual foray into TripAdvisors best beach lists in 2023 with Siesta Beach near Sarasota once again near the top. Honeymoon Island has a spectacular beach that can draw crowds. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. I have been to Maui twice and Key West only once but returning again this Saturday. 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 Archive - This is a natural beach where seagrass is allowed to stay on the sand. Would like to use the tickets to go east. The 385-acre park has three distinct beaches one thats close to parking and concessions, a dog beach, and the northern sand-spit beach. I'd love to find a closer (drivable) beach to visit. It's a long walk to the beach along a well-maintained boardwalk over the dunes. Those aren't snakes! You wont find many who disagree:Caladesi Island State Park is paradise. Agreed, Hawaii has some very dramatic mountains. The pier also has a small caf which is popular for its stunning views. The state of Florida had eight beaches in the top 25, tying the Sunshine State for most beaches with Hawaii. What we know. No highrises to be found. How about a trip to San Diego or Orange County? Husband REALLY wants to see Key West. Snorkeling? Beach Leathermanand appeared in aWall Street Journal story in 2022about the best beaches in Florida. What about flying into Miami, renting a car and driving to Key West? 1 Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii, No. 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. Will I be disappointed in the keys? Theres no shortage of great beaches near Jacksonville, but theres one out-of-the-way beach known mostly to locals thats worth finding Huguenot Memorial Park on Fort George Island. There has been a flurry of social media posts as beach goers see the shocking carnage and post the horrible images. 17 in the country the previous year, Siesta Beach did not place on the world list in 2021. Though its easy to reach, Barefoot Beach makes you feel miles away from highways and high-rises. However, we are not going to compare their natural wonders, their 11. 18), Pensacola Beach (No. 6. But those in the know consider the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park the best in Key West. You probably know that Fort Lauderdale has one of the great lively urban Florida beach destinations. East Beach is more popular for swimming and has a spectacular view of the Skyway Bridge. A promenade winds through the landscaping; its a favorite for bicycling skating and strolling. 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 It has five miles of pristine white sand beach that is perfect for those who savor beachcombing solitude and nature. A regular double-occupancy room in Hawaii costs $331 per day. In addition to dolphins, the park attracts all sorts of birds pink roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigates overhead, and ospreys. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Best waterfront restaurantswith outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink 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. Want to visit 8 of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the US? Even without that convenient novelty, Huguenot has much to offer. Sombrero Beach was the only new entrant for 2023 while Fort Lauderdale Beach and Treasure Island Beach fell out of the Top 25. With a $6 admission and ample parking, its a Key West bargain. I love Hawaii, my husband are lucky enough to travel there quite often. 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.. 2 this year behind Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key ranked No. "Travelers have been raving about the white powder sand in Tripadvisor reviews,calling it a 'great beach for people watching, sunsets, breakfast/morning walk on the beach and finding sand dollars,'" aTripadvisor spokespersonsaid in an email issuedto the Herald-Tribune in 2022. I'm in the midwest, and have to say I prefer Key West to Hawaii. 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. I already know about the beaches, I just can't help thinking how much I would rather be in Hawaii instead. Between Ocean Drive and the wide swath of sand, Lummus has a grassy palm-tree-filled park. 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. Time magazines list of The Worlds 100 Greatest Places of 2021. But for others, the fort is just a sidelight to the seven miles of beach perfection that wraps around it. 4 Hanalei Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, No. Tripadvisor announced its Best of the Best Beachesfor 2023 lists as part of its annual Travelers' ChoiceAwards. nearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. Black Sand This black sand beach in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the site of some of the newest land on Earth. Named Americas top beach in 2009, Fort De Soto Beachdeserves all sorts of superlatives. The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers.. There is plenty to do and a great place to relax if you've a mind to! The beach is lined with tall dunes, and the park also offers hiking trails to a lake where gators are often seen. Siesta Key Village and a bunch of popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Today we discuss my two recent trips to beach locations: Maui, Hawaii vs Fort Myers Florida. 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. 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. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. 6 a.m. FS1 NASCAR Cup Series: Qualifying, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas (Taped) 22) bring Florida's total to eight. Just an FYI - Southwest flies into Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami. Suggest you consider visiting Maui if you have not already, it has more in the way of scenery. Take some extra time in Florida and discover a beach waiting for you. I live in AZ. 14) A great walking beach with white quartz sand, clear calm water, and seashells by the truckload," one of TripAdvisor's reviewers said. Florida has no shortage of stunning coastlines, ranging from secret hideaways to family-friendly beaches. 1 in the U.S. twiceby Stephen Dr. 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. The Great Florida Birding Trail even distinguishes Bahia Honda State Park as the best birding habitat in the Florida Keys. Beaches? Its an unusual combination of an accessible beach with lots of parking, first-rate concessions, and facilities and a natural beach with extensive wildlife. North Beach faces the Gulf of Mexico and is popular for shelling strolling and sunset views.