The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced today that two state parks have been honored among the nation's best beaches on Dr. Beach's Top 10 Beach List for 2024. Caladesi Island State Park secures the prestigious No. 4 spot, while Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park earns a commendable No. 8 ranking. “Caladesi Island and Delnor-Wiggins Pass state parks offer a look at some of the finest natural resources in the world,” said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. “We take great pride in our efforts to preserve and protect these gorgeous beaches for everyone to enjoy.” Caladesi Island State Park, situated off the coast of Dunedin, stands as a serene oasis along Florida's Gulf Coast. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, the park provides a myriad of recreational opportunities. Visitors can revel in the softness of white crystalline quartz sand, explore a tranquil bayside mangrove forest, and discover the historic Scharrer Homestead nestled among majestic live oaks. Additionally, the park features a 3-mile nature trail, surf-fishing, and boating facilities. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, located in Naples, boasts a rich diversity of shorebirds and wildlife. Enthusiasts can indulge in various activities such as snorkeling along the reef, hiking amidst scenic vistas, birdwatching, fishing, picnicking, and paddling. Embarking on a kayaking or paddleboarding excursion through the Wiggins Pass into the Gulf of Mexico offers a splendid aquatic adventure. From traversing mangrove swamps to basking in the sun on pristine beaches, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park promises an array of memorable experiences. The annual list is curated by renowned coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a distinguished professor at Florida International University, widely known as Dr. Beach. Since 1991, Dr. Beach has utilized his comprehensive set of 50 criteria, including water color, clarity, sand softness, and park safety, to compile the nation's top 10 beaches. Florida state park beaches have consistently garnered high accolades in Dr. Beach's evaluations, with six parks previously clinching the No. 1 spot:
Other beaches that made this year's list include three Hawaiian beaches, two New York beaches, one South Carolina beach, one Massachusetts beach and one California beach. You can see the full list here.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
CATEGORIESThis website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of Cookies |
|
Vertical Divider
|
Can't get enough?Uncover more of Florida through our channels below!
|
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.