From Dawn Henthorn,
Your Guide to Florida Travel.
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If you're looking for a beach vacation with the right combination of soft sand, crystal-blue water and swimming, then you should turn to Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (affectionately known as Dr. Beach) and his annual list of the nation's top beaches which he announces every Memorial Day weekend.

Dr. Beach announced this year's selection at Cape Florida State Recreational Area on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, just southeast of Miami. Cape Florida's beach ranked No. 9. Although Hawaii again took top honors with Poipu Beach Park on the Hawaiian island of Kauai ranking No. 1, seven of Florida's beaches made it to the annual Top 20 list.

Florida's St. Joseph Peninsula State Park along Florida's Panhandle southwest of Tallahassee scored the impressive No. 2 ranking. Caladesi Island State Park (No. 5), Fort DeSoto Park (No. 6), Siesta Beach (No. 13), St George Island State Park (No. 16), and Perdido Key in Florida and Alabama (No. 17) rounded out the seven Florida beaches on the 11th annual survey announced by Dr. Leatherman.

Let's take a closer look at this year's choices...

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

Miles of white sand beach with striking dune formations characterize this Florida Panhandle area. Located on St. Joe Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the Native Americans first inhabited the peninsula. Known as a popular birding area, it offers a wide variety of recreational activities: boating, saltwater fishing, camping, canoeing and hiking.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located near Port St. Joe off of C30-E and C30 which is off of U.S. Hwy. 98. Pets are not allowed. Saltwater fishing licenses are required by Florida. Cabins are available and reservations may be made in person or by phone up to 11 months in advance. Call 850-227-1327 for reservations or further information.

Caladesi Island State Park

Fishing, shelling and nature studies are good ways to enjoy a visit to Caladesi. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, sand dunes line the open beach with turtles and shore birds finding it the perfect location for nesting. Periodic storm tides cover the area limiting the plant diversity, but sea oats and palmetto are two of the most hardy.

Ferry service is available from the mainland, departing hourly with weather permitting. Picnic pavilions, bath houses and a park concession provide additional amenities to make your visit to Caladesi more enjoyable. Boaters can enjoy the bayside marina where overnight docking is permitted.

Caladesi Island State Park is located west of the city of Dunedin (north of Clearwater) on the Gulf Coast. Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year. Pets are not permitted in many areas. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. Call 727-469-5918 for further information.

Fort Desoto Park

Fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much more make this a gem for your discovery. Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, the park is made up of five islands with a total of over seven miles of beaches and some of the best camping in Florida.

Fort Desoto Park is located in South Pinellas County and open daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Pets are restricted to certain areas. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. Reservations for camping must be made in person no more than 30 days in advance. Payment must be made at the time of the reservation. Call 813-866-2484 for further information.

Cape Florida State Recreation Area

A little over a mile of wide, sandy beachfront offers visitors 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 Recreation Area is located on Key Biscayne in Southeast Florida. Hours of operation are year round 8 a.m. to sundown. Pets are restricted from many areas. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. For further information call 305-361-5811.