Well, the Keys are probably very nice, but the water in Hawaii is warmer and prettier. The best beach in the world was named Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. I think I'll take the Florida Keys suggestions and try not to compare it too much to Hawaii. In 2018, Southwest Florida experienced one of its worst red tide outbreaks ever. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Another red tide outbreak in Southwest Florida is killing a wide-range of marine life. 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. 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. But those in the know consider the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park the best in Key West. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Who lives here?21 celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Manatee, Wade TatangeloisTicket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida-Georgia Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. In 2022, Tripadvisor also named Siesta Beach No. But Hawaii commonly tops Leatherman's list. Heres how to check the conditions. 6 Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, No. 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. Sarasota County's most popular beach has again been ranked among the best in the country and world by a national website. Its not just a beach on an island; it offers two Florida beach destinationson five islands. The full list from the reader-review website covers more than 300 beaches in not just U.S. and global rankings, but also by region including Asia, Europe, Africa, South Pacific, South America, Middle East, Caribbean, Central America, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and the U.K. To view them all, go to www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches. You must reach it by boat. 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 Today we discuss my two recent trips to beach locations: Maui, Hawaii vs Fort Myers Florida. Hawaii Plenty of colorful fish are viewable in waist-deep water, making it particularly popular with families. 14 in the world. The Difference in Beaches Between Miami & Hawaii | USA Today Florida beaches made their annual foray into TripAdvisors best beach lists in 2023 with Siesta Beach near Sarasota once again near the top. 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. With a $6 admission and ample parking, its a Key West bargain. Across the inlet lies a second part of St. Andrews wild and undeveloped Shell Island. Best waterfront restaurantswith outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there! 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. Here are the world's 25 best beaches and top ones in the U.S. The Difference in Beaches Between Miami & Hawaii The Atlantic's Allure. more information on NYC scams with short term apartment rentals. This region is home to Gulf Islands National Seashore, which encompasses miles of beaches from Floridas border to the eastern tip of Santa Rosa Island. This guide highlights the most common mistakes many travelers make so you can It has five miles of pristine white sand beach that is perfect for those who savor beachcombing solitude and nature. :Dead eels are washing up on Fort Myers, Naples beaches. Then from the shady mangrove tunnel you emerge to a beach with blindingly white sand and turquoise water. 6 a.m. FS1 NASCAR Cup Series: Qualifying, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas (Taped) 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. From Florida to Hawaii: Worlds best beaches for - livenowfox.com Florida vs. Hawaii beaches - Florida Panhandle Forum - Tripadvisor (Also: the fort itself is very neat.). This is a beach for folks who like an urban beat and will take topless sunbathers (legal here) in stride. Siesta Beach in Sarasota makes Top 5 in U.S., ranked among Top 15 in world by Tripadvisor Tripadvisor ranked eight Florida beaches in the Top 25 this year, "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. It all depends. This beach also offers a thrill you wont find at any other Florida beach: a long fishing jetty adjacent to the busy Port Everglades channel. 1. Follow him onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram. Both are so much different. Just an FYI - Southwest flies into Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami. If you need a break from the sun, the fort provides shade and cool. 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. The massive stretch of sugar-white sand that is part of a county park with ample parking and facilities was previously named TripAdvisors top U.S. beach in 2020 and came in 2nd last year. What we know. Not much into snorkling, just like to sight see, shop and just relax. Another important aspect to consider when choosing to Hawaii vs. Florida for Vacation - Which one is better? 14) and Clearwater Beach (No. 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. I love Hawaii, my husband are lucky enough to travel there quite often. Siesta's wide public beach features soft sand made almost exclusively of pure quartz, which remains cool on the feet even when baked in the Florida sun. 4 Hanalei Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, No. 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. I'm having a hard time thinking of two more different places! You can rent bikes and ride them on the hard-packed sand beach. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. It's not a big deal, FTL is only 25 miles to the north of MIA but if you are making car reservations, make them out of Ft. Laud. They're right here in Florida. If you like spotting wildlife, the beach atLovers Key State Park is a good choice. There has been a flurry of social media posts as beach goers see the shocking carnage and post the horrible images. Rankings are based on the quantity and quality of reader reviews in the TripAdvisor community. 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. 10 La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California. 17 in the country the previous year, Siesta Beach did not place on the world list in 2021. The price of that seclusion? St. Augustine Beach (No. Naples has plenty of great Florida beach destinations, butClam Pass Park has a special twist. 2 this year behind Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii. Then enjoy the laid back experience of Key West for a few days. Eat, drink & party in Siesta Key Villageat these restaurants, bars and nightclubs, 10 best restaurantsin downtown Sarasota, from fancy to casual. Husband REALLY wants to see Key West. Why? He did the same when he was on a boat. A bonus for families: A large pond that attracts ducks and turtles. You probably know that Fort Lauderdale has one of the great lively urban Florida beach destinations. I'd love to find a closer (drivable) beach to visit. This northern beach wont win awards for its sand -- its studded with rocks and seashells -- but it goes on for three miles. To explore the beach at Peanut Island you must arrive by boat. Suggest you consider visiting Maui if you have not already, it has more in the way of scenery. The average hostel charge is $166 per person per 2 Florida beaches ranked in top 20 in U.S.: TripAdvisor's Travelers Florida The most popular and family-friendly beach in Naples isLowdermilk Park. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. Shopping? I still say Hawaii though -the landscape and beauty and climate beat Florida completely -especially if you're going in the summer. Named Americas top beach in 2009, Fort De Soto Beachdeserves all sorts of superlatives. I live in AZ. nearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. It has a broad hard-packed beach made of the sort of fine white sand you see in an hourglass. It has big sand dunes and is full of wildlife gopher tortoises, sea shells and shore birds. 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.) Florida Beaches However it has a different style. Snorkeling is best at high tide. If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. Your lucky that you have a free flight there. The state of Florida had eight beaches in the top 25, tying the Sunshine State for most beaches with Hawaii. Hawaii is more dramatic - but Key West has it's own since of charm. My trip is scheduled for Jan. Just enjoy yourself. Siesta Beach has been rankedNo. The famed Sarasota County beach just missed the Top 10 on Tripadvisor's list of Top 10 Beaches in the World, placing No. 5 Hookipa Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, No. First just reaching it is an adventure: You can walk or take a free tram from the parking lot down a three-quarters-mile long boardwalk through a mangrove forest. 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. However, we are not going to compare their natural wonders, their Ka'anapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii, topped the U.S. list while Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, ranked No. In addition to dolphins, the park attracts all sorts of birds pink roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigates overhead, and ospreys. Florida's West & East Coast Beaches 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. What his camera captured from those places in the video he made, which you can watch below, is as heart-breaking as it gets. 6. The oft-lauded public beach on Siesta Key that has in the past claimed the travel websites top U.S. ranking for the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards, came in at No. In Florida, though the heat and humidity is almost unbearable. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida. But even when the parking lot is full you can find solitude and nature. 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. Coastal SedimentsSand Colors 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 11 for 2023. Most people say the only place that is like Hawaii and its Agreed, Hawaii has some very dramatic mountains. The Great Florida Birding Trail even distinguishes Bahia Honda State Park as the best birding habitat in the Florida Keys. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. A shuttle service connects the two. 7 Cannon Beach in Cannon Beach, Oregon, No. Fort Pickens, in the Gulf Islands National Seashore attracts lots of folks for the Civil War-era forts self-guided or ranger-led tours. 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. Best beaches: Florida, Hawaii dominate TripAdvisor's Top 25 in US That is your best bet azbec. no problem whatsoever, can always use a good laugh 03-18-2012, 12:58 PM Fort DeSoto has two main beaches. Youll recognize it from countless commercials and TV shows; if youre lucky youll see a shoot in progress. When molten lava cools rapidly in seawater, it shatters, forming the black sand that is washed onto the shore. If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. Take some extra time in Florida and discover a beach waiting for you. Compare and Contrast of Florida and Hawaii Would like to use the tickets to go east. If the tide is coming in, you float into a shallow mangrove-fringed lagoon. There are hiking trails plus shelling, surfing and fishing are all good. Why? 8 Coronado Beach in Coronado, California, No. 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. One thing I will give the Keys over Hawaii is that I think the snorkeling is 100 times better then Maui. Hawaii vs Florida - by M. M. De Voe - This is Ridiculous 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. Gopher tortoises and their burrows are plentiful along the nature trail that runs between the sand dunes and the hammock. All rights reserved. West has seen his share of red tide outbreaks during his career. 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. Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Florida has no shortage of stunning coastlines, ranging from secret hideaways to family-friendly beaches. A regular double-occupancy room in Hawaii costs $331 per day. Hawaii VS. Key West 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? You really cannot compare the 2. I just enjoy the laid back almost Caribbean feeling of Key West. Naples is renowned for its beaches, including award-winning Barefoot Beach. The beach is lined with tall dunes, and the park also offers hiking trails to a lake where gators are often seen. How about a trip to San Diego or Orange County? A promenade winds through the landscaping; its a favorite for bicycling skating and strolling. Privacy Statement - Which of the Florida Keys for a (older) guys' weekend? Florida vs. Hawaii beaches - Florida Panhandle Forum - Tripadvisor 2 Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, No. Florida lands 2 beaches in TripAdvisors annual Top 10 list White Sand White sand beaches are typically composed of quartz It won't be Hawaii, but it will be a different and new adventure. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Fort Pickens Area - Gulf Islands National Seashore. Weak points in the Keys are poor beaches, not as lush as Hwaii's prettier areas, less to see and do vs. Maui or Oahu. Between Ocean Drive and the wide swath of sand, Lummus has a grassy palm-tree-filled park. Beaches? While 80 percent of this protected area lies under water, the rest is snow-white beaches, coastal marshes and maritime forests. Theres usually a shallow tidal pool for kids to enjoy, and in winter people watch for right whales off the shore. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. You can swim in the more protected inlet side of the island vs. the rougher Atlantic side. Florida vs Located across Ocean Drive from famous Art Deco hotels and restaurants, this wide beach is the best place in town for watching beautiful people at play. Hawaii vs. Florida Vacation: Which Is Better? Getaway Answers The popular Atlantic-facing beaches of Miami in South Florida are noted for features that Black Sand This black sand beach in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the site of some of the newest land on Earth. The park is on the barrier island immediately south of charming Fort Myers Beach. 23). They're right here in Florida. 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. I have been to Maui twice and Key West only once but returning again this Saturday. Ka'anapali Beach, Hawaii Vs This is a natural beach where seagrass is allowed to stay on the sand. Driving from Miami to Key West in a Convertible! 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 Its easy to spend the whole day here. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Also, Hawaii has the nicer backdrop with all the mountains. 9 Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine and No. I'm in the midwest, and have to say I prefer Key West to Hawaii. The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers.. Why do you have a problem with people liking Florida beaches over Hawaii beaches? Cost of Stay. The Caladesi Island Ferry (727) 734-1501 departs from Honeymoon Island, and the trip often includes spotting dolphins along the way. Which Beaches Are Better, Florida or Hawaii? (Know Before You Go) In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. WebDestin, Florida vs Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii Transportation cost in Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii is 10.5% more expensive than Destin, Florida. Gstaad is the lair of the billionaire, a little Alpine nirvana so saturated with wealth that even the prices for fondue are faintly heartbreaking. 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. WebHawaii vs. Florida Vacation: Which Is Better? The beach at Lummus Park is what people think of when they say South Beach. In the clear water you can spot horseshoe crabs, live shells, and stingrays. Here's the rest:Want to visit 8 of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the US? What do you enjoy doing? Maybe it's because of the length of time it takes to get to Hawaii. Any thoughts? There is plenty to do and a great place to relax if you've a mind to! Night & Day. Ticket NewsletterSign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday. 4:55 a.m. ESPN Formula 1: The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. 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. The magic starts on the beautiful drive to the fort. I prefer Hawaii but then again I'm on the East Coast so the Keys are closer to me. Beach, a Florida university professor who does an annual beach ranking. 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. Tips: The park gets busy on weekends and think about the high-tide line before you park your car! Time magazines list of The Worlds 100 Greatest Places of 2021. One of my dreams! The shell-strewn shores of Lovers Key State Park are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. It became a global story. A miserable walk on the beach: This is what red tide carnage looks As much as I would like to head back to Hawaii, Southwest Air doesn't fly in that direction. At low tide the beach expands dramatically. 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. 21 celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Manatee, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island is as wild and natural as a beach can get. 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 Florida 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! The isolated beach, located off the urban coast of Clearwater Beach and Dunedin was named the No. RankedatNo. 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. 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.. 22) bring Florida's total to eight. Take some extra time in Florida and discover a beach waiting for you. The conservancy doesnt even let you bring food or beverages. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. 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. The sand spit extends into the Gulf of Mexico and the farther you walk the more stunning the scenery and solitude. I've been to Key West & Hawaii (many times) and it's always fun to experience something you've never done before. The 385-acre park has three distinct beaches one thats close to parking and concessions, a dog beach, and the northern sand-spit beach. These conditions are most common in winter. Florida Support local journalism bysubscribing.. In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. Thanke everyone for your help. www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches, 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, South Florida snubbed on best beaches list, Siesta Key Stars Garrett Miller and Makenna Quesenberry Get Married in Romantic Sunset Wedding, Several arrests made in series of Long Beach burglaries, Is red tide present at your favorite Florida beach? 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. And heres an insiders tip: Keep your admission ticket and re-enter for free at sunset for one of the best places to watch the Key West sunset. 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. 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. Most of the time, however, Blowing Rocks is a beach for wading, sunbathing, and admiring the unique rock formations. 10 best places to visit in Sarasotaand what to do when you get there! Ummm--since the original post is from 2004 I'm sure azbec has made her decision by now. Florida. I'm in central Texas so even How to check for red tide, What to know about red tide in Sarasota, Manatee this weekend. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? 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.