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Going to the beach is a favorite activity for many and if you're a quest to find that beautiful white sugar sand, 1 Florida beach has made a list of the best white-sand beaches in the world.
Living in Fort Myers, my weekends usually consist of going to the beach. In the winter months, I'll go for a walk and in the summer, I'll lay my days away soaking up some sun in the sand. It's one of the reasons I wanted to move to Florida. And not just anywhere, I knew I needed to be within a short drive to the beach. I'm lucky in that Fort Myers Beach is only about an 8 minute drive away and Sanibel is about 20, so there's lots of options and I'm grateful for that everyday.
When I was growing up, my parents had a vacation home on Clearwater Beach, so after going multiple times each year, I got rather spoiled by the clear water and of course, the beautiful white sugar sand. And that beach has just made Travel + Leisure's list of the best white-sand beaches in the world.
1 Florida Beach Makes List Of Best White-Sand Beaches In The World
You might not have a preference as far as what the sand looks and feels like, but there's something about that white sugar sand that feels so good on your feet and it's just so beautiful. That white sand is made of rocks and minerals that have been ground down over time. In fact, it's so loved that they even have a whole festival to celebrate it each year in April called the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival.
When you think of how many beaches there are around the world, getting named the best is a big deal. Lucky for us here in Southwest Florida, Clearwater Beach is only about a 3 hour drive up the coast. And it came in at #12 on Travel + Leisure's list of the best white-sand beaches in the world.
Other Beaches That Made the List of the Best White-Sand Beaches in the World
Those that landed in the top 5 include:
- Angaga Island, South Ari Atoll- Maldives
- Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue- Seychelles
- Boulders Beach, Simon's Town- South Africa
- Hyams Beach, Shoalhaven- Australia
- Luskentyre Beach, Harris- Scotland
To see the full list to make your best white-sand beach bucket list, click here
Summer is here, and it's going to be hot, as always, in Florida. Florida beaches are very popular and fun. But, they can also get crowded. Thankfully, there are some "secret" beaches that are kind of more difficult to find.
If you're looking for some "secret" places to get your beach on in Florida, the crew at Family Destinations Guide has done the research to find you those spots. "We surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to determine the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023," they state in the study.
As it turns out, Florida has four of the top 10 "secret beaches" in America, according to this study. That means they shouldn't be too overcrowded. That's a great thing.
If you're wondering about Family Destinations Guide, they regularly feature "reviews of hotels, resorts, destinations, and attractions your whole family will love. In addition, the site is filled with ideas that will help you plan your next trip. From family trips with infants and children, to excursions with teens and older kids, Family Destinations Guide gives you detailed advice for traveling with kids of all ages." Even if you don't have kids, their content can be useful. For example, these secret beaches can be fun to visit no matter your age. Read on for four Florida spots that made the top 10 of the list and one extra. Find the full list here.
Shell Key Preserve
Shell Key Preserve, Florida is ranked No. 2 on the list. That's amazing! What makes it stand out? According to Family Destinations Guide, "The beach is unspoiled and natural, with no development or buildings, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere."
Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park is ranked No. 6 on the list. According to the official Florida State Parks website, the park "protects some of the most pristine barrier islands in Southwest Florida." It also features "over two miles of sugar-sand beaches."
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is ranked No. 9 on the list. According to the park's official website, "This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands." It's also accessible only by boat or seaplane.
Boneyard Beach
Boneyard Beach is ranked No. 10 on the list. According to the Florida State Parks website, it "is a favorite Jacksonville retreat and close-kept secret." It also offers three miles of shoreline along the Nassau Sound.
Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is ranked No. 13 on the list. According to the Visit Florida website, "Navarre, a compact beach community found just east of Pensacola at the far northwestern tip of the state, beckons with 12 miles of pristine white shoreline."
Source
This study comes from the Family Destination Guide. They surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to find the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023. Find the full list here.
