Stroll the Best Beaches

When coastal experts began rating U.S. beaches more than a decade ago, at least one of Florida's beaches has made it into the top 10 every single year. In a recent rating, Florida captured four of the top spots, including number one. According to this survey, the best beach in the country is St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, a pristine 9-mile stretch of sand 22 miles from Port St. Joe. Stay in one of its rustic loft cabins on the bay side of the park or pitch your tent in the campground, and you'll find out what makes this place so special. The three other top beaches in Florida are Fort De Soto State Park in St. Petersburg, Caladesi Island State Park near Clearwater Beach, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area on Key Biscayne near Miami.