Florida beaches consistently rank in the Top 10, and this year the Sunshine State scored three top slots. It is no surprise that Caladesi Island State Park took top honors this year. It is reportedly one of Leatherman's favorite getaway beaches.
Caladesi Island State Park
Repeatedly on Dr. Beaches' annual short list of Top Beaches, Caladesi Island State Park is best enjoyed by fishing, shelling or studying nature. 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: 8:00 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year. Pets are not permitted in many areas. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. Admission fees are $4.00 for up to 8 people per private boat and kayakers $1.00 per person. Fees vary for parking at Honeymoon Island and ferry to Caladesi Island. Pavilion fees are $32.10 per pavilion with reservations two weeks in advance. Call 727-469-5918 for further information. >Photo Tour
Siesta Beach
Third-ranked Siesta Beach on Siesta Key in Sarasota is a public beach located at the south end of Beach Road. The sand is made up of white, fine-grained and mostly quartz crystals, the green waters of the Gulf invite a swim and plenty of people-pleasing amenities make you comfortable. You can't ask for too much more.Siesta Key Beach is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Parking is free.
Cape Florida State Park
A little over a mile of wide, sandy beach front 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 Park is located on Key Biscayne in Southeast Florida near Miami. Hours of operation are year round 8 a.m. to sundown. Pets are restricted from many areas. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. Admission is $5.00 per vehicle (up to 8 occupants), single-occupant vehicle, $3.00 and walk-ins $1.00. For further information call 305-361-5811.Top 10 Beaches 2008
- Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, FL
- Hanalei Beach, Hawaii
- Siesta Beach, Sarasota, FL
- Coopers Beach, Southampton, N.Y.
- Coronado Beach, San Diego, CA
- Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.
- Hamoa Beach, Hawaii
- Cape Hatteras, N.C.
- Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, FL
- Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.
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.
