Dr. Beach says these Florida beaches are tops!
Top Beaches 2012 < Top Beaches 2013 > Top Beaches 2014
Florida is known for its outstanding beaches even though they may not be nationally recognized. In fact, some of Florida's best beach vacations earn high marks from visitors because they cater to specific needs. Still, it is nice to have Florida's beaches nationally recognized by a renowned beach expert like Dr. Beach.
Around Memorial Day every year, Dr.
Stephen P. Leatherman (affectionately known as Dr. Beach) issues his list of America's Best Beaches. He visits over 100 beaches each year in an official quest for just the right combination of sand-sational sand, crystal-blue water and amiable amenities.
Florida beaches consistently rank in the Top 10. This year the Sunshine State captured three places in the list of 10. St. George Island State Park in Florida's Panhandle, Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park near Naples and Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne made the list, this time coming in third, sixth and seventh places respectively.
St. George Island State Park
Number 3 on this year's top beaches, the beach at St. George Island State Park is number one with many Floridians and visitors to the Sunshine State. Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay, these nine miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes provide the perfect natural setting for St. George Island State Park. A wide range of activities including camping, hiking, fishing, swimming and sunbathing are popular in this area.
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is located 10 miles southeast of East Point off U.S. Hwy. 98 in the Florida Panhandle and is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. until sundown. No lifeguards are provided on the beach and no vehicles are allowed in the dunes area. Admission is $6.00 per vehicle (up to 8 occupants), single-occupant vehicle is $4.00 and walk-ins are $2.00. For further information call 850-927-2111.
Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park
Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park is one of Southwest Florida's treasures. The lush natural surroundings provides a quiet respite from the mainland's busyness. The park provides habitat for numerous animal species and provides nesting for sea turtles during the summer months. Barefoot Beach Preserve is popular with avid fishermen because of the many species of fish found there.
Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park is located north of Naples in Bonita Springs on Bonita Beach Road off Lely Barefoot Boulevard. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sundown. The access for Barefoot Beach is located approximately 20 feet off of Bonita Beach Road and provides parking for over 130 vehicles. Restrooms, showers and concessions are available just north of Barefoot Beach at Bonita Beach Park. For more information call 239-252-4000.
Cape Florida State Park
A little over a mile of wide, sandy beach front came in last in 2011, but has been moving up the list since. Of course, the beach is first with many visitors, offering exceptional Atlantic swimming year-round. Shoreline fishing from the seawall located along Biscayne Bay along with guided tours of the Lighthouse and Cultural Complex offer visitors a variety of activities. Covered pavilions provide shaded picnicking and overnight boat mooring is available based on availability.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located on Key Biscayne in Southeast Florida near Miami. Hours of operation are year round 8 a.m. until sundown. Pets are restricted from many areas. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. Admission is $8.00 per vehicle (up to 8 occupants), single-occupant vehicle, $4.00 and walk-ins $2.00. For further information call 305-361-5811.
America's Best Beaches for 2013
- Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
- Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki, Hawaii
- St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle
- Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
- Waimanalo Bay Beach State Park, Oahu, Hawaii
- Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park, Bonita Springs, FL
- Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
- Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Dr. Beach
The way Dr. Leatherman began rating the nation's beaches and how he became affectionately named "Dr. Beach" is an interesting story that had its beginning in childhood. What is especially interesting is that in a few short years, he has turned his passion into a legend, and he has become practically an icon.
Dr. Leatherman has been a coastal scientist with 30 years of international experience studying storm impacts, erosion and way to improve beach health. He is Florida International University's director of the International Hurricane Research Center and the Laboratory for Coastal Research. The center is also home to the National Healthy Beaches Campaign founded by Leatherman.
Planning a Florida Beach Vacation
Be sure to visit our Florida Beach Vacation Planner for beach packing tips, disabled visitor information and more.
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