I have read a recent article in the English Daily Mail raving over the best beaches in America, most of his top ten are in Florida or Hawaii.

The Author reckons St Josephs State Park (which I dont even think is in Florida!)and Fort Desoto Park are two of the best. What do people think? If yes, any recommendations where to stay?

I believe St Joseph's Park is in the panhandle. The beaches in the Florida panhandle are beautiful and several are rated as the "best". Grayton State Park, St Andrews State Park, and Destin are excellent. The water is crystal clear, emerald green and the sand is very white and soft. We camped when we were there so unfortunately cannot recommend any hotels. Destin is great for fishing, has lots of charter boats that you can go for half a day, full day, whatever you want.

beercanisland on the northern end of longboat key is an awesome spot very secluded parking can be scarce thoughas it is off a deadend street

I have to disagree about Beer Can Island. For the most part, it's only accessible by boat or at low tide. Of the many beautiful beaches in the area, I would not pick Beer Can over Anna Maria, Siesta or even Lido.

Steve, Ft. DeSoto is a state park, and a nice one. Great for cookouts ... the beach ... watching the raccoons. There really is a lively group of folks out there on Sundays, lots of music, families, laughter. And it does have a decent beach to walk and tan on, although it's on the bay, not the Gulf. Personally, for swimming and general beach stuff I'd suggest that you take a look instead at the Gulf beaches on the barrier islands fronting St. Pete Beach and extending up to Clearwater Beach. These beaches have an interesting aspect I've not witnessed elsewhere ... sort of a natural age cohort sort of thing. SPB is certainly favored by the 60 plus, and as you move north the sunning populace seems to grow younger ... 40's and 50's for Treasure Island ... lower 40's and upper 30's for the beaches north of Johns Pass ... and finally teens and 20's (bronzed, toned and frolicking) at Clearwater Beach. Beach volleyball anyone? I think, but am not certain, that the roadway rotary at CWB is really a device to slow down the traffic so the age police can inspect vehicle occupants and deter interlopers. Those of us perpertually at age 39 (and holding) are at home everywhere, baby oil in hand and watching the waves. Enjoy FL.

What is a panhandle?

it's the place in fla. that is in a different time zone from Miami.

Ic, Can you email me, I have a few questions about camping in the FL Emerald Coast. Thanks...

Siesta Key Florida is one of the "Best Beaches" in the United States.

Here is what they have to say at http://www.SimplySiestaKey.com




Winner of the "Worlds finest, whitest sand," Siesta Key Public Beach extends along a half-mile of the most pristine white sands in the world. The pure quartz, pulverized to a fine powder, has a magical quality.
There is no sand quite like Siestas, anywhere. Even under the burning subtropical sun, it feels cool to the touch. Siesta Key has received many honors for it’s powdery white-sand beaches including recognition as one of “America’s BestBeaches”; “Third Best Walking Beach in the USA,” by USA Today International Edition; and “The Best of the Best Sand,” by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.

How is Caladesi Island? I'm thinking of visiting in May, will be in Tarpon Springs for a few days.

I've seen Caladesi Island by Clearwater Beach, but only from afar and one morning recently from the air taking off from TIA. It seemed very pretty, and I imagine it would be a very nice place to walk. Evidently one can walk from the island down the beach to the heart of CWB for light refreshment. By the way, all of those Greek restaurants in Tarpon Springs are decent - fun little town. Catch the sponge exhibit and show. And for dinner, don't miss the Salt Rock Grill, a bit south of CWB at Indian Shores, I believe, on Guld Blvd. Ciao

To Question:

A "panhandle" is an area (for lack of that "sticks out" like the handle of a skillet...per the dictionary, "a narrow projection of a larger territory".
There's the Texas Panhandle (top northernmost part of Texas) and the Florida Panhandle (northwesternmost part of Florida...closest to Alabama...)

I suppose if you're not from the U.S. you're not familiar with this term?
Either way, there it is.

I have to agree with Beach Traveler about Siesta Beach on Siesta Key near Sarasota,FL. It has the most beautiful white sand I have ever seen and it's a longgggggg beach. Try visiting it on Sunday evening about sundown and listen to 'the drummers'. It's an experience you'll talk about for years to come! Dozens of drummers come and just join in the fun. Probably a couple hundred people come just to watch and listen. Best part...it's free.

Check out www.flausa.com. Should find lots of info.