It won’t come as a surprise to any Florida resident but it’s official: we have some of the best beaches in the country!
Two Florida beaches have made this year’s top ten list of the best beaches in the USA, as determined by Dr Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr Beach.
For over three decades, Dr Stephen Leatherman has reviewed, evaluated and rated beaches and coastal areas throughout the world. His annual ranking of America’s Best Beaches is published just before Memorial Day weekend and is always widely reported.
In addition to compiling these annual beach rankings, Dr Beach works tirelessly to increase awareness about the dangers of rip currents and to promote no smoking at beaches.
Iconic Florida beach scene at Siesta Beach in Florida
Which Florida beaches does Dr Beach recommend for 2025?
Two beaches in Florida made Dr Beach’s best beaches in the USA list for 2025. Both are situated within Florida State Parks.
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is located just east of Panama City Beach, the tourist hotspot on Florida’s Gulf coast. It enters Dr Beaches best beach list at number seven this year.
Dr Beach explains, “An inlet separates a short section of St. Andrews from the main part of the park which is only accessed by boat both ferry and private. This strikingly white sandy beach is great for shelling and bird watching.” Snorkeling and swimming are also popular.
Sadly, this beach is not a day trip away from our vacation homes in the Orlando area. It’s around a six-hour drive away from our homes. However, don’t despair – there are some other great options if you fancy some beach time!
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Dr Beach has named the beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park near Naples as his number four pick this year. Florida State Parks says, “This popular destination boasts one of the most pristine stretches of beaches in the world.”
Dr Beach says, “This barrier island beach boasts of beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, shelling, and fishing. Wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees. Pine trees provide welcome shade.”
Open 8am to sundown 365 days per year, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is slightly closer to home. This park is a three-hour drive south, past Fort Meyers and towards Naples, from our vacation homes near Orlando.
Which of Dr Beach’s best beaches are closer to Orlando?
Over the years, Dr Beach has named several best beaches in Florida. His work showcases the wonderful choice of beaches when staying in the Sunshine State.
Dr Beach recommendations in Florida include: St George Island State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Siesta Beach, Caladesi Island State Park, TH Stone Memorial St Joseph Peninsula State Park and Bahia Honda State Park.
The two most convenient beaches for day trips from our vacation homes near Orlando recommended by Dr Beach are Siesta Beach and Caladesi Island State Park.
Siesta Beach
Siesta Beach has made the top spot on Dr Beach’s best beaches list twice. The first time was in 2011, when it was awarded the top spot. Then Siesta Beach made the cut again in 2017 – again winning the number one spot in Dr Beach’s best beaches list.
Dr Beach praises its soft, white sand. He says, “With some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, this beach attracts sand collectors from all over. Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters ideal for swimming. The beach is hundreds of yards wide in the shape of a crescent due to anchoring of onshore rocks to the south. This beach is great for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness.”
Located by Sarasota and just a two-hour drive away from our vacation homes in Orlando, Siesta Beach is a great option if you fancy a day at the beach when staying in one of our vacation homes.
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a particular favorite with Dr Beach. It took the number one spot in 2008 and has been a consistent top choice ever since, ranking number two in 2022, number seven in 2021 and fourth in 2024.
Dr Beach explains, “The white beach is composed of crystalline quartz sand which is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters. There are boardwalk trails, but my favorite is the kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.”
One of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island State Park is accessible by boat. A ferry runs from Honeymoon Island State Park.
Its island location means it’s important to check the park status before you leave. At the current time, the beach is closed to visitors. Florida State Parks expects to open the park and its beaches again soon. When it does reopen, it would make for a wonderful day trip if you’re staying at one of our vacation homes near Orlando.
Located off the coast by Dunedin, past Tampa and Clearwater, the drive can be less than two hours, depending on local traffic conditions.
It’s not only Dr Beach who recommends Florida’s beaches!
There are lots of options for beach time which aren’t too far a drive from our homes in Orlando – not least the beaches along the Atlantic Coast.
And Dr Beach isn’t the only expert to love Florida beaches. The World’s best beaches list also listed Siesta Beach in its list of the world’s top 50 beaches this year – the only beach in the USA to make the coveted listing!
We think a trip to Siesta Beach would make a wonderful day trip from one of our vacation homes, especially if you are staying for a longer break or making the journey from out of state or abroad. You really will get a taste for the wide variety of fantastic days out that Central Florida has to offer.
Ready to book?
If you’ve been inspired to visit the Sunshine State by Dr Beach’s pick of Florida beaches, we’d love to host you in one of our beautiful vacation homes.
