BEACHES OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA
As "Dr. Beach", Dr. Stephen Leatherman has selected an annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Each list comprises the best swimming beaches in the country, chosen with 50-criteria to evaluate scientific and ecologic factors, facilities and management.What makes Leatherman's selections unique is his knowledge as a coastal scientist with 30 years of international experience studying storm impacts, erosion and ways to improve beach health. The following beaches have placed #1 on Dr Beach's annual Best Beaches listings.
DR BEACH'S TOP NORTHWEST BEACHES
Grayton BeachThe 1,133-acre Grayton Beach State Recreation Area is an ecotourist's delight. Outdoor enthusiasts can take the self-guided nature trail and get an up-close look at the ecological diversity found in the area including sand dunes, the coastal dune lake, pine flatwoods, marsh area and the beach. Facilities available include a pavilion, camping area, picnic areas and a boat ramp to Western Lake, Grayton's 200-acre coastal dune lake.
St Andrews State Park
Located at the east end of Panama City, St. Andrews State Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in Florida. The 1,260-acre park has thick forests, sand dunes covered with sea oats, fresh and saltwater marshes, a lagoon swimming area, fishing jetties, hiking trails, 1.5 miles of beach and two campgrounds.
DR BEACH'S TOP NORTH CENTRAL BEACHES
St Joseph Peninsula State ParkThe 2,516-acre St Joseph Peninsula State Park is far away from heavily populated areas and because of this offers a truly isolated and peaceful refuge with 9 miles of white sand beaches, some of the oldest and highest sand dunes in the state, and a densely forested interior.
The climate is perfect for year-round outdoor recreation including everything from swimming and sunbathing to fishing, and bird watching (over 205 bird species).
Summer is also the time when Loggerhead sea turtles come up onto the beach to nest.
DR BEACH'S TOP CENTRAL WEST BEACHES
Fort de Soto ParkRecognized as one of the best beaches for dogs, Fort De Soto Park is a canine paradise. The park consists of 900 unspoiled acres, seven miles of beaches, two fishing piers, picnic and camping areas, a small history museum and 2,000-foot barrier-free nature trail for guests with disabilities. A concession stand, bathrooms and covered picnic shelters are available. The area also has a popular biking and skating trail as well as rental facilities for canoes, kayaks and bicycles.
Fort De Soto was an historic fort built during the Spanish-American War and is located on Mullet Key, the largest of the five islands which make up this unique area just north of Egmont Key.
Photo: Visit Florida
