A local Tampa beach has just been ranked among the top 10 beaches in America.
Caladesi Island State Park between Clearwater Beach and Honeymoon Island, soared to fourth place on the 2024 list, according to beloved beach expert Dr. Beach’s annual ranking.
The new annual ranking describes the 4th best beach in America as follows:
“The white beach is composed of crystalline quartz sand which is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters. There are boardwalk trails, but my favorite is the kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.”
You can reach Caladesi Island by ferry boat, private boats, or even a long walk north from Clearwater Beach. The island welcomes visitors daily from 8 a.m. to sundown. Dr. Beach, whose real name is Stephen Leatherman, is a professor at Florida International University. He meticulously reviews and rates beaches each year to create this prestigious list. In addition, he uses his platform to raise awareness about rip currents and advocate for smoke-free beaches, according to his website.
Since 1991, Dr. Beach has unveiled his list of America’s Best Beaches on Memorial Day weekend, marking the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of beach season.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples also earned a spot in the top 10, coming in at number eight. Topping the list this year was a beach in Hawaii, claiming the number one position.
