Perdido Key is home to part of this Seashore. 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. This guide highlights the most common mistakes many travelers make so you can If the seas are calm, Blowing Rocks is a good place to snorkel, because fish gather around the submerged rocks. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Fort Pickens Area - Gulf Islands National Seashore. Hawaii Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island is as wild and natural as a beach can get. 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 They're right here in Florida. The park is on the barrier island immediately south of charming Fort Myers Beach. 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. A miserable walk on the beach: This is what red tide carnage looks Just an FYI - Southwest flies into Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami. If you hop into the waters of the pass you are gently swept by the tides. I have lived in both places and I think you should experience the Keys at least once but if you are looking for wide, sandy beaches and decent surf you went in the wrong direction. WebHawaii vs. Florida Vacation: Which Is Better? If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. 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 top 10 in the U.S. are No. Privacy Statement - Heres how to check the conditions. The dead creatures are washing ashore on beaches from Fort Myers to Marco Island. The isolated beach, located off the urban coast of Clearwater Beach and Dunedin was named the No. Why? Key West is a FUN town. Who owns the beach The Great Florida Birding Trail even distinguishes Bahia Honda State Park as the best birding habitat in the Florida Keys. You can swim in the more protected inlet side of the island vs. the rougher Atlantic side. It won't be Hawaii, but it will be a different and new adventure. 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 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 This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? Theres usually a shallow tidal pool for kids to enjoy, and in winter people watch for right whales off the shore. Canals in the park also attract manatees in winter. I love Hawaii, my husband are lucky enough to travel there quite often. This northern beach wont win awards for its sand -- its studded with rocks and seashells -- but it goes on for three miles. 10 best beaches and restaurantsnearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. 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. Beaches? 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. 2 among the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. 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. In Florida, though the heat and humidity is almost unbearable. 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. Fortunately, thats easy and fun. 2in the U.S. andNo. 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. Siesta Beach was also the states only entrant into the global best beach list coming in at No. You must reach it by boat. Will I be disappointed in the keys? 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. Got a few questions before I dig in! Barefoot Beach, a Collier County park just north of Naples, was named the sixth-best beach in America in 2013 by Dr. The 385-acre park has three distinct beaches one thats close to parking and concessions, a dog beach, and the northern sand-spit beach. Ranked 13th was St. Augustine Beach, 14th was St. Pete Beach, 18th Panama City Beach, 20th Pensacola Beach, 22nd Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key Hawaii Vs 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. 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. 5 Hookipa Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, No. Would like to use the tickets to go east. When molten lava cools rapidly in seawater, it shatters, forming the black sand that is washed onto the shore. My trip is scheduled for Jan. The shell-strewn shores of Lovers Key State Park are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. 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. However it has a different style. Tripadvisor announced its Best of the Best Beachesfor 2023 lists as part of its annual Travelers' ChoiceAwards. 17 in the country the previous year, Siesta Beach did not place on the world list in 2021. It has a broad hard-packed beach made of the sort of fine white sand you see in an hourglass. 4 Hanalei Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, No. North Beach faces the Gulf of Mexico and is popular for shelling strolling and sunset views. If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 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. The News-Press and Naples Daily News visuals journalist Andrew West was on or near several beaches recently. Last year's winner was Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Sarasota County's most popular beach has again been ranked among the best in the country and world by a national website. Even without that convenient novelty, Huguenot has much to offer. Agreed, Hawaii has some very dramatic mountains. Its an unusual combination of an accessible beach with lots of parking, first-rate concessions, and facilities and a natural beach with extensive wildlife. 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. 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. 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 Coastal SedimentsSand Colors 4:55 a.m. ESPN Formula 1: The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. Fort DeSoto has two main beaches. 1 beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2008. But Hawaii commonly tops Leatherman's list. The beaches there are off the chain! The magic starts on the beautiful drive to the fort. Those aren't snakes! Youll recognize it from countless commercials and TV shows; if youre lucky youll see a shoot in progress. 11 for 2023. Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. Kaanapali Beach Sombrero Beach was the only new entrant for 2023 while Fort Lauderdale Beach and Treasure Island Beach fell out of the Top 25. 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 In 2018, Southwest Florida experienced one of its worst red tide outbreaks ever. 14) and Clearwater Beach (No. However, we are not going to compare their natural wonders, their Most of the time, however, Blowing Rocks is a beach for wading, sunbathing, and admiring the unique rock formations. I'm in central Texas so even Ticket NewsletterSign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday. Here's the rest:Want to visit 8 of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the US? However, I have earned two tickets off a Southwest Airlines. The Sunshine State tied with the Aloha State for the most winners overall in the Top 25. That is your best bet azbec. Florida beaches made their annual foray into TripAdvisors best beach lists in 2023 with Siesta Beach near Sarasota once again near the top. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Youre likely to find a good assortment of seashells. I'll PM you a couple of ideas. Its not just a beach on an island; it offers two Florida beach destinationson five islands. Time magazines list of The Worlds 100 Greatest Places of 2021. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. 13), Panama City Beach (No. All rights reserved. I just enjoy the laid back almost Caribbean feeling of Key West. 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 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. Hawaii VS. Key West Florida 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.) Rankings are based on the quantity and quality of reader reviews in the TripAdvisor community. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key ranked No. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. 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. 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. 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? 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.. In addition to dolphins, the park attracts all sorts of birds pink roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigates overhead, and ospreys. "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. The beach itself is about a mile long, and at several points youll find benches and showers. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Its easy to spend the whole day here. In contrast, Hawaiis beaches are more scenic but scattered among 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. Bucket list100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! 6. 14) A great walking beach with white quartz sand, clear calm water, and seashells by the truckload," one of TripAdvisor's reviewers said. California came away with just one spot for the 3 The Caladesi Island Ferry (727) 734-1501 departs from Honeymoon Island, and the trip often includes spotting dolphins along the way. so air fare really isn't that much to go to Hawaii. The conservancy doesnt even let you bring food or beverages. This is a great beach to visit to enjoy the sunset; theres usually a mellow crowd. 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'd love to find a closer (drivable) beach to visit. 23). 2 Florida beaches ranked in top 20 in U.S.: TripAdvisor's Travelers WebWorlds Most Stunning Beaches. The beach is lined with tall dunes, and the park also offers hiking trails to a lake where gators are often seen. 1 on the global list. Which of the Florida Keys for a (older) guys' weekend? Its one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Floridas southwest coast. I believe Donna suggested flying to Miami then driving south to Key West. 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. (Also: the fort itself is very neat.). Driving from Miami to Key West in a Convertible! The famed Sarasota County beach just missed the Top 10 on Tripadvisor's list of Top 10 Beaches in the World, placing No. I still say Hawaii though -the landscape and beauty and climate beat Florida completely -especially if you're going in the summer. Ummm--since the original post is from 2004 I'm sure azbec has made her decision by now. The popular Atlantic-facing beaches of Miami in South Florida are noted for features that The Florida Panhandle has spectacular state parks, including Topsail Hill, one of the major state land purchases of its ambitious purchases of cons Another important aspect to consider when choosing to After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. RevealedThe Best Beaches in America for 2023, According to WebAnswered: I grew up in Hawaii and we try to visit every year. 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. While 80 percent of this protected area lies under water, the rest is snow-white beaches, coastal marshes and maritime forests. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Why? Key West is soooo much different then Hawaii. 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 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. 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. Compare and Contrast of Florida and Hawaii It has five miles of pristine white sand beach that is perfect for those who savor beachcombing solitude and nature. Take some extra time in Florida and discover a beach waiting for you. Why do you have a problem with people liking Florida beaches over Hawaii beaches? 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.". He did the same when he was on a boat. Cost of Stay. But those in the know consider the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park the best in Key West. I live in AZ. Florida's West & East Coast Beaches 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. The average hostel charge is $166 per person per Not much into snorkling, just like to sight see, shop and just relax. 7 Cannon Beach in Cannon Beach, Oregon, No. If the tide is coming in, you float into a shallow mangrove-fringed lagoon. Which Beaches Are Better, Florida or Hawaii? (Know Before You Go) Combine those qualities with the parks two jetties and you also get excellent snorkeling. East Beach is more popular for swimming and has a spectacular view of the Skyway Bridge. Bornwithwheels, Aruba doesn't have any mountains either. The water down there is absolutely beautiful though. It is more desert like where Hawaii i I've been to Oahu and The Big Island a few times, prefer Oahu. You can visit the area, and then take a boat trip to Catalin Island. 18), Pensacola Beach (No. 21 celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Manatee, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Hawaii vs. Florida Vacation: Which Is Better? Getaway Answers In 2022, Tripadvisor also named Siesta Beach No. I already know about the beaches, I just can't help thinking how much I would rather be in Hawaii instead. You can rent kayaks and bikes or take a boat trip to explore a more remote island, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge. Fort Pickens, in the Gulf Islands National Seashore attracts lots of folks for the Civil War-era forts self-guided or ranger-led tours. I haven't been to Hawaii but beleive us to be totally different. Suggest you consider visiting Maui if you have not already, it has more in the way of scenery. Beach Leathermanand appeared in aWall Street Journal story in 2022about the best beaches in Florida. What do you enjoy doing? It all depends. 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. Archive - Even small kids can snorkel here, as the western jetty creates a calm protected area where snorkelers spot sting rays, fish, sea urchins and starfish. 7. 1. Thanke everyone for your help. 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. Most people say the only place that is like Hawaii and its 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. If you like spotting wildlife, the beach atLovers Key State Park is a good choice. The beach is so big it cant get crowded and it offers the necessities: lifeguards, showers, bike, chair and umbrella rentals. no problem whatsoever, can always use a good laugh 03-18-2012, 12:58 PM -- 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 10 La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California. Gopher tortoises and their burrows are plentiful along the nature trail that runs between the sand dunes and the hammock. 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. It's a long walk to the beach along a well-maintained boardwalk over the dunes. There is plenty to do and a great place to relax if you've a mind to! 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. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. I've been to Key West & Hawaii (many times) and it's always fun to experience something you've never done before. 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. The Florida Keys - Key West or elsewhere? 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. But even when the parking lot is full you can find solitude and nature. There are hiking trails plus shelling, surfing and fishing are all good. What will I find in the Keys? Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Florida vs. Hawaii beaches - Florida Panhandle Forum - Tripadvisor Cookie Policy - :Dead eels are washing up on Fort Myers, Naples beaches. Today we discuss my two recent trips to beach locations: Maui, Hawaii vs Fort Myers Florida. I'm in the midwest, and have to say I prefer Key West to Hawaii. You may find sand-dollars or shells, or spot a bottle-nosed dolphin in the water in the distance. Here are 17 beach destinations in Florida worth Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida. Want to visit 8 of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the US? 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. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com.
