no problem whatsoever, can always use a good laugh 03-18-2012, 12:58 PM | Contact Us. I'm in the midwest, and have to say I prefer Key West to Hawaii. Plenty of colorful fish are viewable in waist-deep water, making it particularly popular with families. 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 Gopher tortoises and their burrows are plentiful along the nature trail that runs between the sand dunes and the hammock. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. 10 La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California. Yeah, it's touristy, but if you enjoy Waikiki, it's much less so than there. Here we take a closer look at the top 10 beaches in the U.S. ranked among the winners of 2023 Travelers' Choice Awards for TripAdvisor. What do you enjoy doing? Heres how to check the conditions. Florida Hawaii is more dramatic - but Key West has it's own since of charm. The beach is so big it cant get crowded and it offers the necessities: lifeguards, showers, bike, chair and umbrella rentals. Got a few questions before I dig in! 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. 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. There's also thepavilion that's home to Siesta Beach Eats operated byconcessionaire Venice Pier Group, which also owns Sharky's on the Pier and Fins at Sharky's on the Venice Fishing Pier at Brohard Park, as well as Myakka River spot Snook Haven. I've been to Oahu and The Big Island a few times, prefer Oahu. At low tide the beach expands dramatically. 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. 9 Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine and No. Then enjoy the laid back experience of Key West for a few days. Florida I just enjoy the laid back almost Caribbean feeling of Key West. 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. No highrises to be found. Ranked 13th was St. Augustine Beach, 14th was St. Pete Beach, 18th Panama City Beach, 20th Pensacola Beach, 22nd Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key 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? Canals in the park also attract manatees in winter. Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. It's a long walk to the beach along a well-maintained boardwalk over the dunes. 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 If the tide is coming in, you float into a shallow mangrove-fringed lagoon. Just an FYI - Southwest flies into Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami. California came away with just one spot for the 3 Its an unusual combination of an accessible beach with lots of parking, first-rate concessions, and facilities and a natural beach with extensive wildlife. West has seen his share of red tide outbreaks during his career. When molten lava cools rapidly in seawater, it shatters, forming the black sand that is washed onto the shore. I already know about the beaches, I just can't help thinking how much I would rather be in Hawaii instead. Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island is as wild and natural as a beach can get. Any thoughts? 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. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. ARE HAWAII'S BEACHES BETTER THAN FLORIDA'S? Sun Sentinel 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. But those in the know consider the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park the best in Key West. 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. I haven't been to Hawaii but beleive us to be totally different. WebDestin, Florida vs Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii Transportation cost in Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaii is 10.5% more expensive than Destin, Florida. Best beaches: Florida, Hawaii dominate TripAdvisor's Top 25 in US He did the same when he was on a boat. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Will I be disappointed in the keys? 23). All rights reserved. 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. Hawaii Siesta Beach has been rankedNo. White Sand White sand beaches are typically composed of quartz 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. Then from the shady mangrove tunnel you emerge to a beach with blindingly white sand and turquoise water. Cost of Living Index: Destin, FL: Hawaiian Beaches, HI: Difference: Transportation: 93.3: 103.1: 9.80 (10.5% more) 100 = US Average. What his camera captured from those places in the video he made, which you can watch below, is as heart-breaking as it gets. In 2022, Tripadvisor also named Siesta Beach No. The park is on the barrier island immediately south of charming Fort Myers Beach. 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. 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 Take some extra time in Florida and discover a beach waiting for you. Gstaad is the lair of the billionaire, a little Alpine nirvana so saturated with wealth that even the prices for fondue are faintly heartbreaking. 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 them both, but with the exception of both being on the ocean and having beaches they are NOTHING alike. 20) and Sombrero Beach in Marathon (No. 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. 5 Hookipa Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, No. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. If the tide is going out you float out into the Gulf which remains shallow for a great distance. Named Americas top beach in 2009, Fort De Soto Beachdeserves all sorts of superlatives. Naples is renowned for its beaches, including award-winning Barefoot Beach. Fortunately, thats easy and fun. Night & Day. RankedatNo. 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. 3 Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia, No. You can rent bikes and ride them on the hard-packed sand beach. You can visit the area, and then take a boat trip to Catalin Island. Key West is a FUN town. Fort DeSoto has two main beaches. Florida's West & East Coast Beaches 17 Florida Beach Destinations You Can Its one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Floridas southwest coast. Even without that convenient novelty, Huguenot has much to offer. But Hawaii commonly tops Leatherman's list. Ummm--since the original post is from 2004 I'm sure azbec has made her decision by now. However, we are not going to compare their natural wonders, their Florida vs 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. With a $6 admission and ample parking, its a Key West bargain. so air fare really isn't that much to go to Hawaii. Florida and Hawaii dominated the list this year, with eight locations each. The state ended up with eight U.S. beaches in the Top 25, one down from the 2022 ratings, with entrants from along the Gulf Coast near Tampa Bay, the Panhandle, the Atlantic coast and the Keys. 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, I have been to Maui twice and Key West only once but returning again this Saturday. Privacy Statement - Both are so much different. 1 on the global list. The Sunshine State tied with the Aloha State for the most winners overall in the Top 25. 11 for 2023. Siesta Key Village and a bunch of popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs. I like the fact that Waikiki is so touristy, but then a short drive a way is the North Shore which is opposite. St. Augustine Beach (No. I'll PM you a couple of ideas. Another important aspect to consider when choosing to Most of the time, however, Blowing Rocks is a beach for wading, sunbathing, and admiring the unique rock formations. 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. You must reach it by boat. Agreed, Hawaii has some very dramatic mountains. 6. Coastal SedimentsSand Colors "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. 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. 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. The Great Florida Birding Trail even distinguishes Bahia Honda State Park as the best birding habitat in the Florida Keys. Also, Hawaii has the nicer backdrop with all the mountains. I'm in central Texas so even Best of both worlds and you can use those tickets. Florida vs. Hawaii beaches - Florida Panhandle Forum - Tripadvisor Those aren't snakes! But even when the parking lot is full you can find solitude and nature. Beach, a Florida university professor who does an annual beach ranking. The beach at Lummus Park is what people think of when they say South Beach. Florida 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. 13), Panama City Beach (No. Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. Kaanapali Beach 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. 10 best beaches and restaurantsnearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. Naples has plenty of great Florida beach destinations, butClam Pass Park has a special twist. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. 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. Your lucky that you have a free flight there. 14) A great walking beach with white quartz sand, clear calm water, and seashells by the truckload," one of TripAdvisor's reviewers said. The Florida Panhandle has spectacular state parks, including Topsail Hill, one of the major state land purchases of its ambitious purchases of cons I believe Donna suggested flying to Miami then driving south to Key West. In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. 1. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida. Florida vs. Hawaii beaches - Florida Panhandle Forum - Tripadvisor In Florida, though the heat and humidity is almost unbearable. 2 among the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. This is a beach for folks who like an urban beat and will take topless sunbathers (legal here) in stride. 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. Other Florida beaches on the Top 25 list are nearby Tampa Bay favorites St. Pete Beach (No. 2 Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, No. A bonus for families: A large pond that attracts ducks and turtles. From Florida to Hawaii: Worlds best beaches for - livenowfox.com Youll recognize it from countless commercials and TV shows; if youre lucky youll see a shoot in progress. Sombrero Beach was the only new entrant for 2023 while Fort Lauderdale Beach and Treasure Island Beach fell out of the Top 25. with outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there! You probably know that Fort Lauderdale has one of the great lively urban Florida beach destinations. Suggest you consider visiting Maui if you have not already, it has more in the way of scenery. Perdido Key is home to part of this Seashore. In the clear water you can spot horseshoe crabs, live shells, and stingrays. 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. Follow him onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. I'd love to find a closer (drivable) beach to visit. Combine those qualities with the parks two jetties and you also get excellent snorkeling. 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. Cookie Policy - 10 Sneaky Travel Mistakes You're Probably Making Right Now. These conditions are most common in winter.