7 Must-Visit Clear Water Beaches In Florida That Aren't Basic AF, As Told By A Local
There's more to Florida than the Miami Beach tourist trap. 🏝
Anna Maria Island's turquoise waters with a beach in the background. Right: A woman in a white bathing suit laughing on the beach.
This Opinion article is part of a Narcity Media series. The views expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
Crystal clear water beaches in Florida are what visitors live and breathe for when traveling to my state, but they often get stuck in the Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach tourist traps.
There is so much more to Florida than the typical publicized beaches: these locations might just be top of your list for the next time you come to the land of sunny skies.
The year-round temperatures make the coastal areas a hot spot for vacation-goers, but there are tons and tons of beaches, so many in fact that you can get lost trying to find the perfect ones to go to... especially the ones that aren't extremely crowded.
As a Florida local, I'm giving away all of the secret spots to which I love to travel or that are just gorgeous to look at! I factored in a couple of things on my list, including, but not limited to, the three S's: sand, skies, and saltwater blues.
Opal Beach
Address: Highway 399 between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: If the views aren't enough to convince you, I'll explain why this place is so stunning.
It's a gorgeous sugar sand beach, so you can sink your toes into a soft sabulous surface. This secret gem that started from a natural disaster in 1995 when Hurricane Opal flattened the dunes has sunsets that seem unreal. During the daytime, the water glitters before your eyes just like an opal.
Rosemary Beach
Address: Walton County, FL
Why You Need To Go: Rosemary beach is not only a gorgeous beach but also a small unincorporated community you must see.
It's located on the Emerald Coast, which is filled with towns that look like gorgeous Mediterranean cities. The surrounding area looks just like Italy, and the waters are crystal clear.
Coquina Beach — Manatee County (Anna Maria Island)
Address: Southern end of Anna Maria Island, City of Bradenton Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: Coquina Beach is located near Tampa, Florida, and is a great alternative to the tourist traps that are Clearwater or St. Petersburg beaches.
There is a café lurking nearby and cabanas available for rent. The best part is the glassy water that flows along Manatee County, as you can sometimes see the gentle giants right on the beach!
Blue Mountain Beach
Address: Walton County, FL
Why You Need To Go: It's called Blue Mountain Beach for a reason: the blue lupine flowers sprinkled on the coast in the elevated area.
There, the turquoise contrast against the white sand laying under the waves is absolutely breathtaking. This sparkling beach is perfect for relaxing, getting seafood at local restaurants nearby, and even biking along the shore.
Boneyard Beach
Address: Big Talbot Island State Park, FL
Why You Need To Go: I just had to include Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park because of how unique it is!
It's a local find right off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. The beach is filled with driftwood trees that almost look like an elephant graveyard, which is where the name comes from.
Although it's a bit creepy imagine the area as a necropolis for giant grey mammals, Boneyard Beach really is unlike any other beach in Florida. You can frequently find people sitting on the driftwood, as many of the branches are strong enough to do so. The sight is truly unreplaceable.
Higgs Memorial Beach Park
Address: Monroe County, FL
Why You Need To Go: Higgs Beach in Key West, Florida, is a must-go because of the long extended pier in the middle of the ocean.
Besides Key West being known for its picturesque skies and translucent marine waters, this pier allows you to essentially 'walk on water,' and take a look at the beach from the middle of the ocean.
Crescent Beach
Address: St. John's County, FL
Why You Need To Go: As the water washes away on the sand, it creates this striking glossy view that stretches for miles.
Crescent Beach in Saint Augustine is known for its powdery sand and pretty-darn fantastic views. Some visitors even claim to have seen manatees in the water!
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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