These US beaches have the clearest water. 3 of top 10 are in Florida (2024)

Santa Rosa Beach checks in at No. 6

Anthony Talcott, Digital Journalist

Florida is well known for its beaches — and for good reason if the water quality is anything to go by.

On Monday, Floridapanhandle.com released a study on the beaches with the clearest water in the U.S., and three of the top beaches were found right here in the Sunshine State.

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The lowest-ranked Florida beach was at Bahia Honda State Park, which placed at No. 7 with 17.3% of Tripadvisor reviews mentioning its clear water.

Meanwhile, Santa Rosa Beach came in just ahead at No. 6, and Crystal Sands Beach in Destin ranked all the way up at No. 2.

In fact, Crystal Sands Beach didn’t just rank near the top of the list for the U.S. It also ranked No. 6 for the top 10 beaches with the clearest water in all of North America.

The full U.S. ranking can be found below.

RankBeachLocationTripadvisor Review %
1Schoolhouse BeachWashington Island, WI33.41%
2Crystal Sands BeachDestin, FL27.44%
3Moonshine BeachBranson, MO22.40%
4Sand HarborIncline Village, NV22.47%
5Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)Kailua-Kona, HI20.93%
6Santa Rosa BeachSanta Rosa Beach, FL19.30%
7Bahia Honda State ParkBig Pine Key, FL17.30%
8Lanikai BeachKailua, HI17.22%
9Echo Lake BeachAcadia National Park, ME14.97%
10Hapuna Beach State Rec AreaPuako, HI14.70%

Other top beaches in the study were as follows:

  • Prassa Beach — Kimolos, Greece (No. 1 in the world)

  • Half Moon Beach — Little San Salvador Island, Bahamas (No. 1 in North America)

  • Lagoa Azul — Ilha Grande, Brazil (No. 1 in South America)

  • Gennadi Beach — Gennadi, Greece (No. 2 in Europe)

  • Pileh Bay — Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand (No. 1 in Asia)

  • Plage de Trou aux Biches — Trou aux Biches, Mauritius (No. 1 in Africa)

  • Champagne Beach — Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu (No. 1 in Oceania)

  • Bay Beach — Crystal Beach, Canada (No. 1 in Canada)

  • Bloody Bay — Negril, Jamaica (No. 1 in Jamaica)

  • Playa El Cielo — Cozumel, Mexico (No. 1 in Mexico)

  • Sanna Bay — Kilchoan, United Kingdom (No. 1 in United Kingdom)

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These US beaches have the clearest water. 3 of top 10 are in Florida (2024)

FAQs

Which beach in the US has the clearest water? ›

Schoolhouse Beach in Wisconsin Named the Clearest Water in America.

What is the best beach in Florida USA today? ›

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Delray Beach has clinched the title of Best Beach in Florida, chosen by USA TODAY 10Best in their 2024 Readers' Choice Award.

Which is the prettiest beach in Florida? ›

10 Best Beaches in Florida
  • Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
  • Sanibel Island.
  • South Beach.
  • Grayton Beach State Park, South Walton.
  • Siesta Beach.
  • Pensacola Beach.
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach.
  • Caladesi Island State Park.

Why is Destin, Florida water so clear? ›

Destin's White Quartz Sand Influences Water Clarity

Destin's beaches boast exceptionally white quartz sand, primarily composed of tiny, rounded grains created through the erosion and weathering of rocks over time. Even underwater, this beautiful sand reflects sunlight and gives the water a clearer appearance.

Is Mexico Beach, FL water clear? ›

Mexico Beach is home to some of the world's most beautiful white-sand beaches and clear, clean emerald waters.

What is America's number one beach? ›

George Island State Park, Florida: The No. 1 beach in the United States, which is on the Gulf of Mexico, has miles of pristine sand. 2. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii: No.

Where is the best beach to vacation? ›

Some of the most popular destinations for beach resorts include the pristine shores of the Maldives, the vibrant coastline of Cancun, Mexico, and the stunning beaches of Bali, Indonesia. These destinations offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and luxury for all types of travelers.

Which side of Florida has better beaches? ›

We asked 'Dr. Beach,' to compare the Florida beaches. “If you like the sand, the sand is clearly better on the West coast of Florida – the southwest coast of Florida,” he explained. The sand on the West Coast is softer and whiter, keeping it cool even when the sun is beaming on it.

What is the safest beach in Florida? ›

1 Marco Island Beaches

Marco Island is a serene barrier isle located on Florida's gulf coast. One of the safest cities in Florida, this idyllic isle is also home to miles of the softest, whitest sandy beaches, which are ideal places to visit with the family.

What beach in Florida has the whitest sand and clearest water? ›

Destin. Destin, 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.

Which beach in Florida is the least crowded? ›

Get Away - to These Secluded Florida Beaches
  • Caladesi Island State Park. ...
  • Navarre Beach. ...
  • Dry Tortugas National Park. ...
  • Santa Rosa Beach. ...
  • Don Pedro Island. ...
  • Cape San Blas. ...
  • Mexico Beach. ...
  • Gasparilla Island State Park.

What is the softest beach in Florida? ›

Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet.

Which Florida beach has sea glass? ›

Curious if your upcoming spring break destination is a sea glass hot spot? According to the beach guide website Neat Beach, the top Florida beaches for sea glass are: Sanibel Beach. Captiva Island.

Is Destin FL or Panama City Beach Better? ›

Destin offers a more refined, family-friendly atmosphere with upscale amenities. Panama City Beach, with its energetic urban vibe and diverse beach culture, caters to those seeking a livelier coastal retreat.

Which beach is better, Destin or Siesta Key? ›

Both Destin and the Siesta Key area have received excellent reviews for the gulf waters at each location. The gulf at Siesta Key is warmer than Destin since it is much further south, which makes it a popular destination during the winter when it is frequented by "snowbirds" mostly from the northeast and New York.

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