where in the 48, is the whitest powder sugar type ,sand beach, with the cleanest clear water ?

that was white!

Siesta Key near Sarasota, or Ogunquit Beach in Maine.

xxx,

The beach with both characteristics you are seeking (especially the clear water) is, IMO, Grayton Beach FL--in the panhandle roughly between Panama City and Pensacola. Grayton is near the resort of Seaside.

I must add that I have not seen the beaches Connie mentioned.

My vote goes to Destin, Florida, in the panhandle. Loose, white, very few shells, and wide.

The FL Panhandle has to win hands down. Sugar sand (our daughter, age 2 at our first trip, thought it was snow as we drove along) that even squeaks like cold snow, and turquoise water so clear that standing chest deep, you can see your feet plainly.

Drawbacks? It was "found" long ago...tho there are still pockets of relative quiet.

I just cannot agree with Ogunquit Beach fitting the characteristics you mention. The sand is not white or powdery, and the water is not particularly clean and clear and besides it is freezing cold.

100% the panhandle. Either Destin, FL, Orange Beach AL (just over the FL line), Perdido Bay, FL

By the way, I was just at Ogunquit, ME today. The water was beautiful but the beach is definitely not white, powder sugar. It's like most east coast beaches, grey and hard sand. But don't get me wrong. I love Ogunquit for other reasons - The rocky coast line, beautiful blue/green water. There is a 2 mile walking path by the rocky coast that is absolutely beautiful!.

After reading these responses I want to go to the panhandle. I am from San Francisco. When is the best time of year?

Shel,

I don't know if it is the best time of year, but I've been several times in May and June, and the weather was great. Water temp was warm enough for swimming. I am sure the Summer and Fall are nice too, but be aware that's hurricane season. Although the chances of a tropical storm during your visit are probably remote.

There are a lot of good informational posts if you search this site using panhandle, Destin, Seaside, or perhaps Florida gulf coast.

topper

coronado beach (the island in the middle of San Diego Bay) has sugar type sand and very clean water.

Shel,
Best time of year for quiet is late April-May(after schools spring breaks)and late August-Sept. October chances more hurricane weather. The water is still pretty chilly in April-May, but very warm August-Sept. Winter months have the "snowbirds" from Canada. Hope you plan a trip, it really is beautiful.

I have to agree with Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida - the sand is snow white and has the texture of baby powder! Enjoy!!

Remember to wear your sunglasses! The glare off the white beaches is far more intense than off a "regular" beach.