The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced that two Florida State Parks have been recognized among the best beaches in the United States. The recognition comes from Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beach List for 2025.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples secured the No. 4 spot, while St. Andrews State Park in Panama City was ranked No. 7. Both parks are known for their sugar-white sand, abundant wildlife, and amenities.
“Florida State Parks continue to set the standard for natural beauty, visitor experience and resource protection,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Our parks offer some of the best beach experiences anywhere in the country, and we are proud to share them with the world.”
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a habitat for shorebirds and wildlife where visitors can snorkel, hike, birdwatch, fish, picnic, and paddle. Kayakers and paddleboarders often explore Wiggins Pass leading to the Gulf of America.
St. Andrews State Park offers a mile-and-a-half of shoreline suitable for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and fishing. Visitors can also hike through pine forests or take a ferry to Shell Island.
“Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are incredible natural treasures,” said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. “We’re proud of the work our team has done to protect these beaches while ensuring they remain accessible for everyone to enjoy.”
The annual Top 10 Beach List is curated by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman from Florida International University since 1991 based on criteria like water color and clarity, sand softness, safety, cleanliness, and amenities.
“Florida State Parks’ beaches are among the most outstanding in the nation,” said Stephen P. Leatherman, Ph.D., also known as Dr. Beach.
Florida’s state park beaches have consistently earned high rankings with several previously achieving top positions: Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park (2023), Grayton Beach State Park (2020), Caladesi Island State Park (2008), T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (2002), St. Andrews State Park (1995), Bahia Honda State Park (1992).
Florida State Parks is noted as a four-time Gold Medal winner and finalist for a fifth Gold Medal recognizing excellence in state park systems.
Visit FloridaStateParks.org for more information on planning your visit.
