For the past 20 years Dr Beach, aka Stephen Leatherman, has been collating information about America’s Beaches and publishing his Top 10 Beach List. Those looking for a great holiday destination in sunny Florida will be interested to know that he lists Siesta Beach near Sarasota as the #2 for 2012. Located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, it has been in the list for the last three years, and no wonder. The sand is eye-dazzling white as it is made up of quartz crystal and is particularly gorgeous in contrast with the clear blue waters that this coast is known for.
Dr Beach takes into account 50 different aspects when considering his list of best beaches. Sand quality, bathing safety, size of the waves, amenities, shade and how much the beach slopes are all taken into account along with a bonus point for Siesta Key being a non-smoking environment. Dr Leatherman is well qualified to make his list as he is the Director of Florida International University’s laboratory for Coastal Research.
As well as looking good, the beach is moon-shaped and the outlying rocks create the perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving. The only downside is that the car parking quickly fills up at weekends and during the peak winter months.
Cape Florida State Park Beach
Sneaking into the #10 spot to give Florida its second top beach is Cape Florida State Park Beach on Key Biscayne, just south of Miami. Also known as Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, the main landmark is the historic lighthouse at the very tip of the island. Being just a few miles from downtown Miami and the busy financial district of Brickell Ave, the beach is always busy and there is often a line to pay the toll onto the Rickenbacker Causeway, so be prepared.
Once on Key Biscayne there is plenty to see and do. Walking, bathing, building sandcastles, picnicking, boating, kayaking, cycling, fishing and taking a tour of the lighthouse can all be enjoyed. There is even an Ultralight Aircraft and Seaplane attraction on the island, so expect to see plenty of overhead activity too!
The Full List of Top 10 Beaches in the US for 2012 is shown here:
1. Coopers Beach, Southampton, NY
2. Siesta Beach, FL
3. Coronado Beach, San Diego, CA
4. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, NC
5. Main Beach, East Hampton, NY
6. Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, HI
7. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, MA
8. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, SC
9. Hamoa Beach, Maui, HI
10. Cape Florida State Park State Park, Key Biscayne, FL
For my money, I still think Naples Beach in southwest Florida is far and away the most beautiful beach I have ever seen, and New Smyrna Beach wins hands down for firm sand to walk on and great waves for surfing – but that’s just my personal opinion. Feel free to add your comments to the discussion about Florida’s Best beaches on the Florida Forum.
This informative book offers details of 20 best beaches and coastal cities in Florida
It is also available to download as an ebook.
