LynVillas

2009 "Best Beach" Winners
Dr. Beach announced his most recent list of the nation’s Top 10 beaches on May 22, 2009. Two Florida beaches made the cut.



#2 – Siesta Beach in Sarasota has some of the world’s finest, whitest sand (it’s 99% pure quartz). Dig your toes in it as you relax in the sun, or opt for fishing, shelling, swimming, parasailing, boating or snorkeling. Beach amenities include concessions, tennis and volleyball courts, and a shaded playground and picnic area. And it’s all within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of beachy Siesta Key Village. For more information, call the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-349-3800 or call the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-522-9799 or 941-957-1877.

#8 – Cape Florida State Park. Have you ever been on a beach that was voted one of the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. looking out to sea and ask can it get any better than this? Well, at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park we think we can make that perfect moment even better. The staff and volunteers would like to invite you to join them and see our beach from a bird's-eye-view. Be ready to ascend the 109 steps to the lighthouse watch room and enjoy the view of the beach, Miami and Biscayne Bay from the top. Lighthouse tours are at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays. The lighthouse tower will be open for an hour beginning at tour time. A tour of the keeper's quarters and a video may be available as well, staff permitting. Complete your perfect day with a sample of authentic Cuban Cuisine or fresh seafood at the Lighthouse Café, by the beach, or Boater's Grill, overlooking No Name Harbor. The cafe is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until sunset. The Grill is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. (Sunday thru Thursday), and 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Then you will say, “It can’t get any better than this!”

For Information about Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, please call 305-361-5811.

Past #1 Winners

Caladesi Island State Park (2008), one of the last undeveloped large barrier islands on the Gulf of Mexico, claimed the #1 spot for the year . Sandwiched between Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf, Caladesi is known for its soft sand and pristine natural habitat and is only accessible by boat (ferry service is available). The park features a nature trail, kayaking trail, a marina and concessions. For information, call the park at 727-469-5918, or call the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 877-352-3224.

Fort De Soto Park's North Beach (2005). Actually five interconnected islands off the southern tip of the Pinellas peninsula, Fort De Soto Park has miles of sandy beach, a historic fort, a nearly seven-mile recreation trail, boat ramps, campsites and fishing piers. "North Beach and Fort De Soto Park just have so much to offer," shares Dr. Stephen Leatherman." In addition to its great natural setting, Dr. Leatherman claims "Fort De Soto Park offers something for everyone; there's great fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, bird-watching, camping, biking, walking trails and a dog park. There’s even a 105-year old fort on-site that's a landmark of Florida history." For more information, call the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 877-352-3224.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (2002). Housed on an island off Port St. Joe in Northwest Florida, this park has a 10-mile white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico and some of the highest sand dunes in the state. The park features a boat ramp, small marina, picnic pavilions, cabins, campsites and nature trails. For more information, call the park at 850-227-1327, or call the Gulf County Tourist Development Council at 800-482-4853.

St. Andrews State Park (1995). This Northwest Florida beach in Panama City is known for its sugar-white sands, dunes and clear, emerald-green water. The park features two fishing piers, a boat ramp, picnic pavilions, campsites and nature trails. There are also three concession stands offering snacks, souvenirs and fishing supplies. Boat tours to Shell Island are available in the spring and summer. For information, call the park at 850-233-5140, or call the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-553-1330.

Grayton Beach State Park (1994). Sea oat-covered dunes, white sands and emerald-green water make up this Northwest Florida beach on the Gulf. The park features an amphitheater, a boat ramp, a nature trail, cabins and campsites. For information, call the park at 850-231-4210, or call the Beaches of South Walton at 800-822-6877.

Bahia Honda State Park (1992). Bahia Honda, located south of Marathon in the Florida Keys, has three sandy beaches, which is unique for the Keys. The park features nature trails, a canoe ramp, picnic pavilions, cabins and campsites. For information, call the park at 305-872-2353, or call the Florida Keys and Key West Tourist Development Council at 800-352-5397.