Dr. Beach ranks two Florida beaches in the Top 10 list for 2025, highlighting the exceptional natural beauty and visitor experience of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples and St. Andrews State Park in Panama City.
These Florida State Parks have once again been recognized among the nation’s best, underscoring the state’s continued leadership in coastal preservation and recreational excellence.
Two Beaches That Stand Out
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park earned the No. 4 spot on the list, while St. Andrews State Park secured No. 7. Both parks are managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and have become favorite destinations for residents and tourists alike. The 2025 rankings reinforce Florida’s reputation as a top destination for beachgoers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
According to Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Florida DEP, “Florida State Parks continue to set the standard for natural beauty, visitor experience and resource protection.” Lambert added that these parks represent the best of Florida’s coastal offerings and continue to attract global attention.
What Makes These Parks Exceptional?
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is known for its sugar-white sand, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. The park offers a range of activities:
- Snorkeling around the offshore reef
- Birdwatching along designated nature trails
- Fishing from the beach or pass
- Paddling and kayaking through Wiggins Pass
- Scenic picnic areas shaded by native vegetation
St. Andrews State Park, located along the Gulf Coast, features 1.5 miles of pristine shoreline perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and fishing. Visitors can hike through pine forests, explore coastal dunes, or take a ferry to nearby Shell Island, a secluded barrier island known for its emerald waters and untouched beaches.
Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks, emphasized the dual mission of conservation and access. “Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are incredible natural treasures,” Hatcher said. “We’re proud of the work our team has done to protect these beaches while ensuring they remain accessible for everyone to enjoy.”
Dr. Beach’s Ranking Criteria
The annual Top 10 Beach List is curated by coastal scientist Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, widely known as Dr. Beach. A professor at Florida International University, he has published the list every Memorial Day weekend since 1991. Beaches are evaluated on 50 criteria, including:
| Criteria | Examples |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | Color, clarity, and cleanliness |
| Sand Quality | Softness, color, and texture |
| Safety | Presence of lifeguards, wave conditions |
| Facilities | Bathrooms, picnic areas, boardwalks |
| Environmental Stewardship | Wildlife protection, resource management |
“Florida State Parks’ beaches are among the most outstanding in the nation,” said Dr. Leatherman. “Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are two of the best examples. Several other Florida beach parks also ranked in the top 20 this year, which speaks to the exceptional quality and stewardship across the entire park system.”
Florida’s Long Legacy of Beach Excellence
Florida State Parks have a strong track record on Dr. Beach’s list, with six beaches having earned the No. 1 ranking in past years:
- 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’s beach parks combine scenic beauty with top-tier amenities, environmental protection, and recreational access. Their consistent rankings highlight not only their popularity but also the success of Florida’s statewide conservation and park management efforts.
In addition to beach accolades, Florida State Parks is also a four-time National Gold Medal winner, an honor recognizing the country’s best-managed state park systems. The organization is currently a finalist for a historic fifth Gold Medal award.
For travelers seeking coastal experiences that offer both beauty and biodiversity, Florida’s state park beaches stand among the best in the world—one grain of white sand at a time.
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