Hawaii vs. Florida for Vacation - Which one is better? 2 Florida beaches ranked in top 20 in U.S.: TripAdvisor's Travelers Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. 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. 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. 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. 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 5 Hookipa Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, No. Florida Hawaii vs. Florida Vacation: Which Is Better? Getaway Answers It's a long walk to the beach along a well-maintained boardwalk over the dunes. 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. I still say Hawaii though -the landscape and beauty and climate beat Florida completely -especially if you're going in the summer. Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island is as wild and natural as a beach can get. 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. 11 for 2023. 10 best places to visit in Sarasotaand what to do when you get there! Then enjoy the laid back experience of Key West for a few days. I would try southwest Florida. Florida is pretty and cheaper than Caribbean. I would also recommend other places in the south, like Georgia or Caro Coastal SedimentsSand Colors If you hop into the waters of the pass you are gently swept by the tides. If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. East Beach is more popular for swimming and has a spectacular view of the Skyway Bridge. The Great Florida Birding Trail even distinguishes Bahia Honda State Park as the best birding habitat in the Florida Keys. 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. Why? Best waterfront restaurantswith outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there! 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. Beach Leathermanand appeared in aWall Street Journal story in 2022about the best beaches in Florida. Snorkeling is best at high tide. Florida or Hawaii: Which state has the best beaches?? (better, 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. It won't be Hawaii, but it will be a different and new adventure. The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers.. Cookie Policy - Shopping? Who owns the beach It noted in a press release issued today (Feb. 28) that The Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards "honor travelers' favorite beaches worldwide, based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travelers for beaches, gathered over the 12-month period fromJan. 1, 2022, throughDec. 31, 2022.". I've been to Oahu and The Big Island a few times, prefer Oahu. Canals in the park also attract manatees in winter. The average hostel charge is $166 per person per In contrast, Hawaiis beaches are more scenic but scattered among The hard-packed white powder sand is perfect for beachcombing, with lots of shells and picturesque driftwood. Florida's West & East Coast Beaches Fortunately, thats easy and fun. WebHawaii vs. Florida Vacation: Which Is Better? 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. But even when the parking lot is full you can find solitude and nature. In 2022, Tripadvisor also named Siesta Beach No. Last year's winner was Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The Florida Panhandle has spectacular state parks, including Topsail Hill, one of the major state land purchases of its ambitious purchases of cons I'd love to find a closer (drivable) beach to visit. The 385-acre park has three distinct beaches one thats close to parking and concessions, a dog beach, and the northern sand-spit beach. The shell-strewn shores of Lovers Key State Park are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. I already know about the beaches, I just can't help thinking how much I would rather be in Hawaii instead. This is a beach for folks who like an urban beat and will take topless sunbathers (legal here) in stride. Advertising - Gopher tortoises and their burrows are plentiful along the nature trail that runs between the sand dunes and the hammock. I just enjoy the laid back almost Caribbean feeling of Key West. 18), Pensacola Beach (No. Just enjoy yourself. You can rent kayaks and bikes or take a boat trip to explore a more remote island, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge. North Beach faces the Gulf of Mexico and is popular for shelling strolling and sunset views. Florida Beaches Across the inlet lies a second part of St. Andrews wild and undeveloped Shell Island. Florida. Hawaii vs Florida - by M. M. De Voe - This is Ridiculous White Sand White sand beaches are typically composed of quartz Compare and Contrast of Florida and Hawaii 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. Both are so much different. Huguenot is the last beach in Jacksonville where you can drive your car onto the hard-packed sand. 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. Florida vs. Hawaii beaches - Florida Panhandle Forum - Tripadvisor It has big sand dunes and is full of wildlife gopher tortoises, sea shells and shore birds. Florida vs Here's the rest:Want to visit 8 of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the US? 6. Florida At low tide the beach expands dramatically. This is a great trip and you can enjoy Miami's South Beach shopping, beaches, and nightlife, and see some wonderful sites on the way to Key West. Its one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Floridas southwest coast. There are more of them, you have warm water in the Gulf and Atlantic unlike the Pacific, and it is easier to go into the ocean and swim in the Gulf or I prefer Hawaii but then again I'm on the East Coast so the Keys are closer to me. Any thoughts? Naples has plenty of great Florida beach destinations, butClam Pass Park has a special twist. Why do you have a problem with people liking Florida beaches over Hawaii beaches? In a region with miles of sandy beach destinations in Florida, Blowing Rocks Preserve is unique: Its craggy limestone shore looks like it belongs in Maine or Hawaii. Agreed, Hawaii has some very dramatic mountains. You can visit the area, and then take a boat trip to Catalin Island. Ka'anapali Beach, 10 La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California. Best of both worlds and you can use those tickets. It became a global story. 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.) Cost of Stay. -- Hawaii's beaches are unlike any others in the world; they're made of coral sand, lava rock, erosional runoff and calcareous matter, which means exoskeletons of 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. While 80 percent of this protected area lies under water, the rest is snow-white beaches, coastal marshes and maritime forests. 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. Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. Kaanapali Beach With 825 miles of beaches, there are Florida beach destinations for every need and desire great snorkeling vs. good surfing; quiet and hidden vs. social and action-packed; sugar-like sand vs. dramatic craggy rocks. I have lived in both places and I think you should experience the Keys at least once but if you are looking for wide, sandy beaches and decent surf you went in the wrong direction. Time magazines list of The Worlds 100 Greatest Places of 2021. Key West is soooo much different then Hawaii. 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 Which of the Florida Keys for a (older) guys' weekend? If you need a break from the sun, the fort provides shade and cool. Cost of Living Index: Destin, FL: Hawaiian Beaches, HI: Difference: Transportation: 93.3: 103.1: 9.80 (10.5% more) 100 = US Average. One of my dreams! Heres how to check the conditions. 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. Its a natural lazy river adventure where the pull and depth of the water is safe but still fun. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida. The Sunshine State tied with the Aloha State for the most winners overall in the Top 25. 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. 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. You can rent bikes and ride them on the hard-packed sand beach. I believe Donna suggested flying to Miami then driving south to Key West. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You probably know that Fort Lauderdale has one of the great lively urban Florida beach destinations. 6 Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, No. 7. Ka'anapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii, topped the U.S. list while Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, ranked No. These conditions are most common in winter. I like the fact that Waikiki is so touristy, but then a short drive a way is the North Shore which is opposite. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? In the United States, Hawaii proved the strongest with three beaches in the top 10, while Florida and California both had two. Naples is renowned for its beaches, including award-winning Barefoot Beach. 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. 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 beach is so big it cant get crowded and it offers the necessities: lifeguards, showers, bike, chair and umbrella rentals. If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. WebAnswered: I grew up in Hawaii and we try to visit every year. 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. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key ranked No. Tips: The park gets busy on weekends and think about the high-tide line before you park your car! Ranked 13th was St. Augustine Beach, 14th was St. Pete Beach, 18th Panama City Beach, 20th Pensacola Beach, 22nd Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key Key West is a FUN town. Florida vs. Hawaii beaches - Florida Panhandle Forum - Tripadvisor Siesta Beach was also the states only entrant into the global best beach list coming in at No. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Hawaii Vs When molten lava cools rapidly in seawater, it shatters, forming the black sand that is washed onto the shore. This is a great beach to visit to enjoy the sunset; theres usually a mellow crowd. St. Augustine Beach (No. 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. Tripadvisor bills itself as "the world's largest travel guidance platform." RankedatNo. The Caladesi Island Ferry (727) 734-1501 departs from Honeymoon Island, and the trip often includes spotting dolphins along the way. 3 Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia, No. Another red tide outbreak in Southwest Florida is killing a wide-range of marine life. St. Pete Beach (No. Are America's best beaches in Florida and Hawaii? Really? What Perdido Key is home to part of this Seashore. I live in AZ. Eat, drink & party in Siesta Key Villageat these restaurants, bars and nightclubs, 10 best restaurantsin downtown Sarasota, from fancy to casual. How to check for red tide, What to know about red tide in Sarasota, Manatee this weekend. The News-Press and Naples Daily News visuals journalist Andrew West was on or near several beaches recently. 6. Florida and Hawaii took 9 of the 10 top spots for the best U.S. beaches in the awards announced Wednesday. 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 surfing is good and fishermen have luck casting from shore or from the fishing jetty. Take some extra time in Florida and discover a beach waiting for you. Those aren't snakes! 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 14) A great walking beach with white quartz sand, clear calm water, and seashells by the truckload," one of TripAdvisor's reviewers said. 10 Sneaky Travel Mistakes You're Probably Making Right Now. Bornwithwheels, Aruba doesn't have any mountains either. The water down there is absolutely beautiful though. It is more desert like where Hawaii i 14) and Clearwater Beach (No. Siesta Beach has been rankedNo. Other Florida beaches on the Top 25 list are nearby Tampa Bay favorites St. Pete Beach (No. Though its easy to reach, Barefoot Beach makes you feel miles away from highways and high-rises. 20) and Sombrero Beach in Marathon (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. so air fare really isn't that much to go to Hawaii. My trip is scheduled for Jan. 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! Here are 17 beach destinations in Florida worth 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. He took out his video camera and took a walk. If the tide is coming in, you float into a shallow mangrove-fringed lagoon. Hawaii or Florida Vacation Florida or Hawaii: Which state has the best beaches?? (largest The dead creatures are washing ashore on beaches from Fort Myers to Marco Island. It all depends. Hawaii Beach, a Florida university professor who does an annual beach ranking. There are hiking trails plus shelling, surfing and fishing are all good. Privacy Statement - | Contact Us. 2 this year behind Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii. Then from the shady mangrove tunnel you emerge to a beach with blindingly white sand and turquoise water. 2in the U.S. andNo. 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. Archive - Many beach destinations in Florida in the south are lined with high-rise condos and hotels, but little Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a throwback to another era.