| Contact Us. One of the primary reasons behindCannon Beachs placement among the most beautiful beaches in the worldby National Geographic Magazinewas its kilometers of fine-sand beachand spectacular coastline, which featured tides breaking against towering boulders. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, that honor goes to Dry Tortugas National Park. You don't have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. This 1 miles stretch of white gulf sand is known for its The area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. Best white sand beach When you envision a South Florida beach, its flat with white sand that stretches along the coast for as far as the eye can see. Key West may have west in its name, but its actually not the most western attraction in the Keys. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. Poipu Beach, Kauai, HawaiiOcean City, MarylandCoronado Beach, San Diego, CaliforniaPope Beach, Lake Tahoe, NevadaClearwater Beach, Clearwater, FloridaHarris Beach, OregonGlass Beach, Port Townsend, WashingtonOak Street Beach, Chicago, IllinoisCarlsmith Beach, Hilo, HawaiiWrightsville Beach, North CarolinaMore items Fortunately, the key never actually fetches too active anyway, even in the center of summer, with numerous tourists choosing to find themselves other east along the coast or down on the cape. SunWest Park is a recreational waterfront park inside a planned community in Pasco County with a fabulous beachfront area that offers gorgeous white sand and shallow swimming areas. In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. Scientists have investigated the sand and discovered that it is produced up of 99% quartz, indicating its extraordinarily refined and handles delicate and silky as you stroll along. But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. Just south of Horseshoe Beach is another small beachfront area, Shired Island Beach. WebIn addition, other beaches like Ormond Beach and Cocoa Beach also have darker sandy colors. Web72 Best White Sand Beaches of in Florida | BeachCatcher White Sand Beaches in Florida White sand Sebastian Inlet State Park Beach Vero Beach, Florida 16 mi from #1 Causeway Blvd. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the If you packed your snorkel gear, you won't want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. Smathers Beach is just that. Hours/availability may have altered. Nearby Siesta Key Village is brimming with one-of-a-kind restaurants, tropical-feeling bars and mom-and-pop stores, all easily accessible via the trolley. One of the most stunning seasides in the United States, you cant conquer its white sand shoreline and transparent emerald green sea. Horseshoe Beach Park might seem like the place to find a beach, but it is surrounded by rocks and walls. Beyond the animals and along its white sand shores, Higgs Beach also has six picnic tiki huts and a historic military lookout West Martello Tower with Insta-worthy gardens adjacent to it. Courtesy of Visit Pensacola. WebWhat are the top attractions near the beaches? Hunter Springs Park sits on Hunter Spring Run with one of the 70 natural springs that feed the Crystal River and Kings Bay. But in reality its due to the fact that thesands arealmost entirely composed of silicathat has been finely crushed. Sunbathers appreciate the calm old-Florida vibeand mild waves that are ideal for swimming. 14 Best Beaches in Florida With Soft Sand and Beautiful If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. It is a fun find along the Nature Coast with a pretty beachfront and a cool history. To share the positive things that make the area unique. Load up your holiday with activities or lay back and appreciate the 24 miles of peaceful emerald waters and calm granular sands at the shore. The park is also the ferry terminal for access to another unspoiled state park, Caladesi Island. Stake out your spot in the Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. Map: Monroe is a mixture of two extremes from the virtually uninhabited mainland Everglades, to the bustling Florida Keys with popular Key West. Highway 314 Home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. Conservation areas along the southwest Gulf Coast include 15aquatic preserves, 40 state parks, 14 national wildlife refuges, two national parks and the more than 110,000-acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. And if you enjoy boating or fishing, this beach has a boat ramp and a pier. For Local Businesses including Food & Drinks, Services, Health & Medical, Education, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment and more, click here. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Though the Florida Gulf Coast epicenter, Pensacola Beach is renowned for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. From quick boardwalk strolls over gator-clad waters to lengthy shoreline treks, these are the best hikes in Everglades National Park. Why We Recommend This Beach If youre searching for family-friendly Florida Keys beaches, look no further than Harry Harris Park. While the area is secluded from the rest of Floridaand the population is small, the town has grown to add a restaurant, a full-service marina, an athletic area, and a park. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. Weeki Wachee is famous for their Springs and mermaids, but if you head directly west, you will find a nice family beach that has something for everyone. Estero FL 33928, 300 Anastasia Park Road 23 Unbelievable Beaches You Must Visit In The USA 9. Because the waters are so calm, the beaches offer a family friendly swimming area, some have amenities, and some even have white sandy beach areas. Whether you're here for a peaceful stroll, fishing or some recreational time with your four-legged friend, there is something to do for everyone on the beach at Honeymoon Island. If you tire of energy on the coast, Miramars South Walton community is complete with picturesque coast roads and antique shopping remaining to be uncovered. The barrier island across from Miami has a fossilized mangrove reef, which is home to colorful sea life that has long attracted divers and snorkelers. Be included in our Business Directory. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. So these are the best white sand beaches in the US. Even more secluded than Horseshoe beach and off of Hwy 357that connects to Hwy 351 (between Horseshoe Beach and Cross City), this area is largely undeveloped. The silky beaches of Kaanapali, formerly a retreat for the states royalty, and its emerald waters now entice visitors to engage in a wide range of amenities, from drinkingto lounging, surfing, swimming and cliff jumping. It is one of the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit! Walk the nature path, kayak in Western Lake, or cycle past lovely pine Flatwoods. But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. With a local, laid-back feel and plenty of surf schools, you'll be up on your board in no time. Navarre Beach is nicknamed Floridas Playground, where you can absorb the untouched attractiveness of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This area is known for being a fishing village and home to somegreat seafood. Also see ourUltimateFlorida Beaches Guidefor more beaches in Florida. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. Just a few miles from Seaside, this 30A locale features four snorkeling reefs and wide beaches for relaxing. Its accolades include being named as Americas Best Beach in 2011 by Dr. Beach and again in 2017 when the criteria was changed. Bring the whole family to Fort Walton Beach, as its an energetic beach townlet that is a maximum of appeals, gardens, galleries, and aquariums. Skin yourself from the sands to witness aquatic life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or analyze hands-on exhibits at Emerald Coast Science Center. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. However, with stunning coastal states like Florida, Hawaii and California, there really isnt a shortage of white sand beaches in the US. Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers. Visitors to this coast will also have a great opportunity to staining some nature, with dolphins often living sprinkled release in the water. A fourth-generation Floridian, Todd is proud to work at Honeymoon Island State Park. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. Smathers Beach. Thanks to Florida's hundreds of miles of coastline, beaches with soft sand and crystal clear water are just a short flight (or even drive) away. St. Augustine FL 32080, 8282 S.E. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. Required fields are marked *. Heading further south in Levy County is another local and secluded beach, Bird Creek Beach, which offers a small natural white sandy beachfront and a boat ramp. Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. One of Floridas most stunning Gulf Coast gems, St. Pete Beach is house to a gorgeous spread of undeveloped beaches with a gorgeous landscape of pure sugar sand and shimmering blue sea. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). This It has a shoreline that is six miles long and has protected waters where one can go swimming to cool down. Additionally, Coronado Beach doesntonly provide breathtaking natural beauty, but also a variety of amenities, making it one of the best white sand beaches in the US. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Boating is a favored recreation here, and seafood fans will find delicious feasts available at numerous regional eateries. The Pensacola Beach pier extends out into the water, delivering a wonderful place to sit, calm, and observe the waves or sunset in the evenings. Tucked in the northwest corner of Florida, this sliver of paradise is so narrow you can often see the Gulf of Mexico and the bay at the same time. But as any Florida beach fanatic knows, this stretch of sand doesn't disappoint. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) At the same time, deep-sea fishing, boating, jet-skiing, and discovering dolphins are also live favorite sports. But whether or not you've got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach. Appreciate the overload of water activities, lounge beneath an umbrella, and drink up the warm Florida sunlight. The highlight of Coronado Island in San Diego is themile-long stunning white sandbeach located in that area. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway, On Election Day, Key West voted to ban large cruise ships, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It was also declared the Number Two Beach in America and the Number 16 Beach in the World in 2013 by TripAdvisor. The waters here are again beautiful and transparent, with soft waves supplying ideal requirements for swimming. You can splurge on plane tickets to Bermuda or Cancn, but the reality is that you can find some of the world's most beautiful beaches right here in the U.S. Siesta Beach is the ideal illustration of a white-sand Florida seaside. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Here are the Best White Sand Beaches in Florida you must not miss. Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in. Honeymoon Island State Park attracts visitors from all over with its world-class beaches. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. This part of Florida's Gulf Coast is fringed by bays and inlets, low-energy expansive shallow salt marshes, creeks, mangrove swamps and barrier islands with miles of the whitest sand beaches found anywhere. Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name! Soak up the sun and dip into a little local history at the Beaches Museum, where exhibits include historic photography, artwork, and exhibits preserving the areas unique culture.Visitors may also enjoy a walk on the Jacksonville Beach Pier for unparalleled views of the Atlantic and to watch anglers fish The generous waters here are simply respectable for swimming and paddling, and there exist different fun exercises to be located nearby at locations somewhere near Henderson State Park. In Carmel Beach, situated in California, the natural beauty never endsfrom the dolphins and marine mammals swimming in the Ocean to the beach goers surfing the waves. Enjoy the pleasure, comfortable environment that Key West is known for a time, not including guiding the small stones that bring in every niche and crevice of your shoes and occur in your car magically behind you get around from the seaside! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, John Pennekamp State Park features nearly 200 nautical square miles of coral reefs and marine life, regularly including great barracudas, parrotfish and more. A prized stop on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park is loaded with wildlife and vantage points for taking it all in. Relax. Caladesi has been ranked highly as one of the top beaches in the United States by both Dr. Beach and a number of other reputable publications. It is one of the multiple appropriate white sand beaches in Key West. Get barefoot! Pensacola . There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is a very secluded spot so be sure to get gas and food prior to going. Cedar Key is a small city in Levy County that includes a cluster of islands. Floridas cuisine is a blend of Southern recipes, Latin American influences and old-school Floridian techniques here's your guide to the best of it. This area is known by local residents as a weekend spot for boating and partying. 10. There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. A family-friendly area with white sand beaches and emerald green waters, this fuss-free beach is a great place to soak up the sunshine. There are two beloved kayak paths here, with the most popular being a 1.5-mile loop around Little Crawl Key that takes you through a mangrove tunnel, deep water lagoon and sandbars. However, the communities in this region have some beaches to explore and offer a weekend getaway for locals. 01 of 06. If you have little ones, they may not share your vision for a day spent sitting and doing nothing. Miramar Beach. The phrase pristine perfection has been used to describe it. Visitors can explore the maritime hammocks, ancient sand dunes and historic coquina quarry before taking a dip in the Atlantic along pristine, white-sand beaches. George has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Honeymoon Island State Park. Available through two bridges from Naples, Florida, Marco Island presents guests with a special mix of high-end resorts and unspoiled habitats. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The white sand is brought in to create a softer whiter beach area. The sand is a natural tan color and the waters are the warm calm waters of the Gulf. Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only a 30 minute drive from Tampa International Airport. This list of 14 of the best white sand beaches in Florida for families provides many beaches that can fit your familys needs during your next trip. Fiddler crabs live along the sides of the beach in the grassy areas. Rent a bike and authority to Bean Point, where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay, to find a perfect spot to watch dolphins sloshing back in the moisture and manatees grazing by. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas HighwayOn Election Day, Key West voted to ban large cruise shipsHooking a good meal in the Florida Keys. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. Of course, Marco Islands pristine shores are maybe its most useful component. Take a daytime journey to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for sunbathing, biking, bird watching, and hiking, and appreciate its 3.2 miles of personal white sandy seasides. Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an We took the challenge to locate the beachfront areas in this region and our quest led us to some surprising beachfronts. Your email address will not be published. Pensacola Beach, Florida (View on Map) In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Our goal is simple. It is comprised of seven islands and is perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire US National Park System. It is a small sandy area fronting the Gulf that has a small stretch of natural sandy shoreline. Perhaps the best beachin Puerto Rico, hassoft white sands thatextend across thebay, which features deep turquoise waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. This unique find is the beautiful beachfront and clear waters of this lake that was developed around a former limestone mine with a 70 acre spring-fed lake. If you're searching for next-level people-watching, look no further. Many eateries and inns can also be located nearby, and theres a gorgeous Beach Walk location for evening walks. White sand beaches are magnificent beaches that are usually comprised of quartz and minerals and usually form in special locations. Moreover, it providesbreathtakingly magnificent golf courses, ideal places for accommodation, along with other amenities. There are plenty of other historical attractions within the park year-round, too, including tours of the brick-clad fort and its extensive collection of seaside-positioned cannons and artillery. It boasts thepicturesqueGulf of Mexicoand profound fishing expeditions. If you tire of life on the beach, Miramar's South Walton neighborhood is full of scenic beach roads and antique shopping waiting to be discovered. Smathers Beach is just that. Crystal River is a haven for water, nature and wildlife lovers and while the beach is man-made, it is a gorgeous beachfront to relax and enjoy Florida living. WebThe white sand beaches and diverse nature trails of Honeymoon Island State Park make this barrier island an ideal place to get away from it all. Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email? From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. 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. The beachfront features a natural shoreline by the water and a white sandybeachfront area for sunbathing and enjoying the Florida sunshine. Occupying more than 70,000 acres of land formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal, the Greenway is a 110-mile linear park that is more than a mile wide in places. The Sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community that is now famous not only for the worlds finest sponges, but for some of the finest Greek Restaurants, Markets, and Bakeries in the Country. 2. The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. With a name that conjures up images of perfectly transparent water lapping against silky sand, Clearwater Beach sets expectations. The warm Gulf Stream, one of the strongest ocean currents in the world, originates in the Florida Straits (where many centuries-old ships are sunk) and flows to the Atlantic separating the Everglades, the Keys and Cuba. While the beach itself certainly one of the best beaches in Florida is a wonderful hangout for kids and adults alike, the nearby Quiet Waters Park is a great bail-out option if the kids get bored. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. Inside the park, you'll find cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a huge water park. Check out the area's historic Art Deco architecture, walk around South Pointe Park, or swing by Joe's Stone Crab for a meal you won't soon forget. Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. But if you are looking for an afternoon visiting a small town with fishing, boating and beach options, head up the Nature Coast and discover Old Florida at its best. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. If Fido has tagged along for your Key West adventure (or if you want to watch puppies play on the beach), Higgs Beach has one of the best dog parks around. The World's Beaches With the Whitest SandQueensland, Australia. Spending a lot of time in Australia's Whitsunday Islands is sure to amaze you, particularly iconic Whitehaven Beach.Clearwater, Florida, USA. Bora Bora, Tahiti. Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Boracay, Philippines. Lofoten Islands, Norway. Zanzibar, Tanzania. Jericoacoara, Brazil. Okinawa, Japan. New South Wales, Australia. Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in you. Sandy Neck Beach, which is located in the town of Sandwich on Cape Cod, is only a little over an hours drive away from the city of Boston, making it a convenient day trip destination. If you're looking for a slow oceanside afternoon, this is the place to go. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. There are even volleyball nets on the seaside public for your use! There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. The following are the most spectacular white sand beaches every beachgoer will fall in love with in Florida. Talk about relaxation. Perdido Key. Fort Island Gulf Beach is at the end of Fort Island Trail on the far west end of Crystal River. Relax on the white sandy beach areafeaturing a playground and amenities. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. 15. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much more. Madeira Beach is located on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast and is blessed with miles of gorgeous white sand beaches that boast that "Old Florida" feel yet Madeira Beach is part of the Tampa Bay region, one of the nations fastest growing metro areas. Here are some of the best things to do. If youre a history lover that happens to be in Key West on the third weekend of the month, youre in luck. Enjoy the vibrant environment to the fullest, while relaxing in the warm sunshine, looking for lovely shells or engaging in other outdoor activities like paragliding, surfing or river cruises, while also looking out for dolphins. A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun. When you start feeling antsy, walk along the promenade that separates the grass from the beach and keep an eye out for movie stars or film crews. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The park also offers fishing, pavilion and picnic areas. Swimming and snorkeling are extremely famous here too. Home to a Campground, boat ramp, and beachfront. 12 Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit Clearwater Beach . To find out more about Central West Florida click the following Link: Apollo Beach is named for the mythical Greek God who brought light and warmth to the world each day. WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. But it most certainly is. 50 E Beach Rd Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-7161 Nestled in Tavernier, this man-made hideaway entices visitors with imported white sand and sparkling aquamarine water. Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. Powered by Mai Theme, 18 Best Day Trips From Orlando Worth The Effort. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems. The sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. Read our Privacy Policy. Clearwater Beach. In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. Certain appeals may be temporarily closed or need reservations. It boasts an average At the westernmost edge of Florida is Pensacola and its spectacular beaches, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key (Spanish for Its one of the most suitable white-sand seasides in Florida! Swim, snorkel or kayakin the fresh cool spring waters and spot a manatee or two. Grayton Beach is a location with Hemingway-style wooden places, known for its brightly stained art showrooms and retro homes situated on side lanes paved with crushed oyster shells. Tucked on Key Wests southern coast, there is plenty of space for lounging or adventure. You can walk along the bouncy Pensacola Beach Pier, snorkel, examine aquatic marine life, indulge in refreshed seafood, or wait for sunset and enter the monthly stargazing groups. When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. The beachfront offers a natural beach area with a man-made white sandy beach area for enjoying the soft sand. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. You want Tampa. And its no wonder. Framed in forests of mangrove trees, the shell mounds and ridges of Mound Key rise more than 30 feet above the waters of Estero Bay. On a given day, dozens of species of wood warblers, great white herons, sandpipers and more are visible from its confines situated between Big Pine Key and Marathon. This area is not known for white sandy beachfronts and finding a beach in the area is quite the quest. Getting there will require a two-plus hour ferry ride via the Yankee Freedom III, a private boat charter or seaplane ride, all of which should be booked well in advance. Word: | Lovely pearlescent shells are ample throughout the gorgeous white sand, and there are no laws that restrict taking a souvenir.If youre not the swimming kind, then not to fear! Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno's pristine shores. A trip to the Rotary Centennial Nature Center helps visitors learn about the parks history and natural resources. A short drive from Tampa, beautiful Honeymoon Island offers visitors an escape from the bustle of city life. Caladesi Island boasts exquisite swirls of soft white sands and excellent beachcombing opportunities along the stretch that juts out toward the Gulf of Mexico.