 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? Show
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?
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. DestinDestin, 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 BeachJust 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 KeySiesta 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 WestThe 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 IslandNorth 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!). SummaryThere 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! Is Destin prettier than Panama City Beach?If your family wants to fish, eat seafood, play golf, enjoy a vibrant nightlife, and go shopping, then Destin is the perfect vacation spot for you. However, if you want a more laid-back family vacation with excellent waterfront lodging and many children's activities, then Panama City Beach is the way to go.
Is the water always clear in Panama City Beach?Panama City Beach
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.
What beach has the clearest water in Florida?Destin. Destin is commonly referred to as the Florida beach with the clearest water. Why this beach in particular? It's because of the Choctawhatchee Bay just beyond the beach that acts as a filtration, taking in the darker sediment and leaving clear waters atop Destin's fine quartz sand.
Where is the clearest water on the Florida Panhandle?' is Fort Walton Beach. Located close to both Pensacola and Panama City, Fort Walton Beach is a stunning area with some of the clearest water in Florida.
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Is Panama City Beach water as clear as Destin?
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