Caladesi State Park/Fort Desoto Park

After coming in at number two for the past 2 years, Caladesi Island State Park was ranked number one on Dr. Beach's list of America's best beaches. Dr. Beach, (otherwise known as Stephen Leatherman, director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research), made the announcement Thursday May 22 on MSNBC. While this a first for Caladesi State Park it is the second time a Tampa Bay area beach has reached the top spot.

Fort Desoto Park was ranked as the number one beach destination in 2005. Although the park was retired from Dr. Beach's list after 2005, Fort Desoto Park was named the number one beach in America this year by TripAdvisor.

Tampa Bay area beaches have the distinction of being the only community in Florida to have two beaches ranked number one in the country. Tampa Bay beaches routinely rank in the top 10 on Dr. Beach's list, which he has been putting together since 1991. Quality of sand, water cleanliness, size of waves, and presence of wildlife are just some of the 50 different criteria he uses in his selection process. Beach safety plays an important role in achieving high rankings.

There are no paved roads on Caladesi State Park and the island is accessible only by boat or ferry. Cabana rentals, a cafe and marina are some of the amenities on the island. The island itself is an undeveloped barrier island, with its palm trees and mangrove strands giving visitors a glimpse at long ago coastal Florida. The 600-acre island is located in the Gulf of Mexico about two miles off Dunedin, Florida.

For a taste of what Florida was before the condiminium invasion, schedule a daytrip to Caladesi State Park.