- January 7, 2020
- , Miscellaneous
Florida is home to some of the most beautiful, clearest water beaches in the US and even the world. But what makes them so different?
Water and sand.
The Gulf of Mexico hosts beaches with emerald, clear water, and fine, pillowy-white sand. There are only a handful of places on Earth with this trait and Florida is lucky to be one of them.
But why is the water so clear?
On the Florida Panhandle, in contrast to the Atlantic ocean, there are no rivers that empty directly into the Gulf. The Mississippi River empties at the Gulf but it is carried down towards Texas and not along the Panhandle. Because of this, the water is much purer and free of sediment that would normally be introduced by river drainage.
Why is the sand white?
The beaches on the Panhandle have some of the most beautiful and rare sand in the world. Thousands of years ago, white quartz crystals from mountaintops were deposited into the Apalachicola River and made their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Since then, the quartz has disintegrated by erosion from the waves. This formed the “white sand” that you see today.
Which beaches in Florida have the clearest water?
- Destin, FL
- Panama City Beach, FL (plus South Walton beaches)
- Siesta Key, FL
- Key West, FL
- Anna Maria Island, FL
The above list includes some of the most pristine and clear water beaches in Florida. In fact, the beaches of South Walton (Destin, FL to Panama City, FL) were awarded the Blue Wave Beach Award for clarity, water quality, and overall beauty. There is no higher award for this category!
Finally, it’s important to note that the beaches aren’t always clear and emerald green. Occasionally, strong storms can stir up the murky depths and create temporary seas that are akin more in color to the Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, this is temporary and the clear, emerald green water returns.
Destin
Destin, FL is situated on the Florida Panhandle between Pensacola and Panama City. The beautiful white sand and crystal clear water clarity are further amplified by the Choctawhatchee Bay, just north of Destin. Sediment run-off into the waters of Destin is minimized due to the Choctawhatchee Bay and its ability to filter everything before it makes it into the Gulf. Plus, there is only one channel flowing into the Gulf from here which only further enhances the filtration ability.
Panama City Beach
Just east of Destin on Hwy 98, Panama City Beach marks the end of the beaches of South Walton. These beaches are widely considered to be the clearest and pure in the country. There is nearly no river runoff in the area and the St. Andrew Bay filters much of the sediment out.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key takes us further south and away from the Panhandle. South of Tampa Bay, Siesta Key is a beautiful area with many smaller beaches and towns all around it. The clear water beaches of Siesta Key prove that it’s not just the Florida Panhandle with all of the natural beauty – Siesta Key Beach has crystal clear water, though it is not as profound as the Panhandle.
The crowding is less in Siesta Key as compared to Destin and Panama City Beach so you can still enjoy the white sand and clear water further south along the Gulf of Mexico.
Key West
The Caribbean-clear water is ever-present at the beaches of the Florida Keys. However, swimming at them isn’t as easy. Most of the shoreline around the keys is rough terrain with coral that prohibits most from being able to swim freely.
Good news, though! The middle keys are much more accommodating for swimming and enjoying that blue, crystal-clear water. Check out Bahia Honda State Park for an excellent beach and swimming experience.
Anna Maria Island
North of Siesta Key and West of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island is another gorgeous beach with clear water and emerald green hues. You’ll find it much quieter than Siesta Key and it also neighbors Bradenton (another small town). You won’t find high-rise condos or chain hotels/restaurants on Anna Maria Island, which makes it a great place for a private getaway. If I wanted to go enjoy the clear waters and the white sand beach, Anna Maria Island is where I would go (even though I live in Destin!).
Summary
There are even more clear water beaches in Florida than are listed here, but these are some of the clearest. If it isn’t raining or been affected by a previous storm, chances are you are in for a perfect, pristine day at these Florida beaches.
Are there clearer water beaches that I didn’t cover? Let me know your pick in the comments!
15 thoughts on “5 Clearest Water Beaches in Florida”
Donnie
March 7, 2021 at 4:56 pm
Great list! Although I think the beaches of Longboat Key should definitely be mentioned..they have amazing powder white sand and the gorgeous water rivals the clear water of Anna Maria Island even!
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M noe
July 20, 2021 at 3:09 am
Totally agree!!! We love Longboat key, had a private beach.
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March 14, 2021 at 1:56 pm
thank you for your blog
We are visiting Florida and i sure appreciate the info!!!Reply
Christy
February 27, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Looking for a honeymoon place any suggestions? Could be a resort or all inclusive, private. Things to do, a night life.
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Carolyn wildermuth
April 6, 2021 at 3:55 pm
Traveling with two children and looking for a place to take them where we will have things to do besides beach and good places to eat. We were thinking Key West but several online sites say that Key West has become quite trashy.. do you have any suggestions?
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Gypsy
April 19, 2021 at 3:01 am
I live in Key West and it certainly isn’t trashy. It is not what I would consider a family vacation spot since there are not a lot of activities for the little ones. We have a couple small slivers of beach here that are great for snorkelling or building sand castles. Our tiny island is amazing locals who will gladly help out tourists in finding their way or finding an activity. What Key West has a lot of is drunken tourists doing the Duval crawl. Our tiny island is only 8 square miles and has more bars per capita than any other place in the country, we presently have 43 bars. If you want to bring a family to the Keys I’d suggest Islamorada, they have family friendly resorts and the beautiful Caribbean blue waters that the Keys are known for.
If you are seeking someplace for family I moved here from Tampa area. Siesta Key is an amazing family friendly beach with beautiful water. Clearwater beach has plenty to do but the water is murky and it’s a tourist hit spot. St Petersburg beach is packed with tons of restaurants and things for families to do. This is a “locals beach” spot but has a lot of time share rentals on the strip so kids are able to find playmates while enjoying making their sandcastles. The water on the west coast is also quiet a bit calmer then the east coast.
I do NOT recommend Daytona Beach because it’s typically full of college age kids and they allow vehicles to drive on the beach.Reply
Jennifer
April 29, 2021 at 9:41 pm
Dentin is beautiful. It is clear water. Lots of things to do. Love the water park and mini golf.
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Tinena
March 20, 2023 at 12:48 pm
Destin is our favorite. Been to destin the last 6 years and going back again this year! Highly recremmend! Although Panama is nice as well for the beaches but activities are more spreaded out for both than I’d like!
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Monika
October 24, 2021 at 9:19 pm
Thinking about moving to Ft. Walton Beach. His far is it from Destin?
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John Donovan
May 31, 2023 at 2:43 pm
Not far enough.
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Toni Fisher
December 31, 2021 at 3:30 am
Englewood Beach is also beautiful and family friendly. And not too “touristy “
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Tracy
December 11, 2022 at 4:52 am
Just came back from Destin beach . Just Beautiful, We have been to Key West,Anna Maria,Siesta Key ,Navarre,Pensacola and the Gulf Islands , Boca Grande ,Longboat Key Naples, Marco Island, Venice beach. Stump Pass on Manasota Key,John Pennecamp in the Keys ..I vote Destin for the good reasonably priced food for adults and children’s things to do . Longboat key is actually my Favorite, beach , is power white and surf fishing is Great . but you have to drive into Sarasota to dine , prices are $$$.not much for children . But , over all Destin for sure . Okaloosa Island is also great .
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Tinena
March 20, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Totally agree. DESTIN all the way!
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Peppi
April 2, 2023 at 10:28 pm
Love the name of your business. Want to guess why?
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Greg
April 13, 2023 at 10:08 am
East coast beaches get such a bad rap. Yes, Daytona beach is gross, however 6 miles south you hit Ponce Inlet. Great surfing area too! Used to be a well kept secret and the beach is night and day compared to Daytona…I grew up in Miami.. and on many days the water along south beach on up to Haulover is the most gorgeous color blue and very clear. And if youre visiting in the winter, the water temps are much warmer on south east coast beaches than the gulf.. The gulf is colder in the winter and much warmer in the summer. And i never recall any red tide events in Miami/Lauderdale or the Palm Beaches like I do here in Clearwater and never do I see Clearwater beaches water quality even close to that South Beach even on its worst day… ive been to other westv coast beaches – Ft Walton- Destin and they are gorgeous.. but make sure its a summer trip.. because youll freeze your booty off in the winter. In Key West I recommend Ft Zackary Taylor park beach.. even better- take a ferry out to Dry Tortugas for the day.
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