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Historic Florida Town One Of Top 15 Best Small Towns To Visit In U.S.

Looking to explore new places in Florida? One historic Florida town was named one of the best small towns to visit in America. It’s quite the drive from Tampa Bay,…

Sunrise over a life guard tower in st. augustine
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Looking to explore new places in Florida? One historic Florida town was named one of the best small towns to visit in America. It's quite the drive from Tampa Bay, but totally worth it! I have been there before, but I would like to go back since it's been about 10 years since my last visit. You may not escape the large tourist crowds, but you'll learn a lot about Florida's history and see some gorgeous beaches and sites.

First, we have to shout out Frenz Hub for putting this list together. They found the best 15 small towns to visit in the U.S. They focused on towns with a unique charm, lots of history, quaint shops and downtowns, and more. This Florida town was ranked among other small towns like Sedona, Cannon Beach (where they filmed scenes for the iconic '90s movie The Goonies), Telluride, and more. You can see the full list here.

Which Florida Town Ranked One Of The Best Small Towns To Visit In The U.S.

This Florida town has been getting a lot of attention lately. Many publications have found it one of the best and most romantic Florida cities. The small town to make it to Frenz Hub's list is St. Augustine. Frenz Hub calls it "a charming coastal town known for its Spanish colonial architecture and historical significance". The oldest city in Florida is located on the northeast coast and has over 450 years of history to explore. It's known for its quaint feel and European-like downtown. Brick-lined streets, horse-drawn carriages, and historic architecture are a part of the major appeal. Many people say the best time to visit St. Augustine is during Christmas time when they light up the entire town in twinkling lights.

St. Augustine, Florida, town square.

St. Augustine, Florida, town square.

Things To Do in St. Augustine

If you plan on making a trip to St. Augustine, you'll find plenty of things to do. From ghost tours and trolley tours, gorgeous golf courses and beaches, the St. Augustine lighthouse and Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth, and so much more!

These 6 Florida Beaches Are The Best In The U.S. According To Trip Advisor

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I am ready to hit the beach! I live in St. Petersburg near St. Pete beach and I love it. If you love the beach and live in Florida as well, you have come to the right article. " These 6 Florida beaches are the best in the U.S. according to Trip Advisor" St. Pete beach did not make the list, but a beach near me did.

Worst Beaches In America

Before giving you the Florida Beaches that were voted the best, I'm going to tell you about the bad. Two Florida beaches were actually voted as some of the worst beaches in the United States. Have any idea what those beaches are?

The first one is Daytona Beach. This beach was ranked as one of the worst by Wallet Genius because of the rip currents, which can get bad. Also, there are a lot of shark sightings. Lastly, in 2022 Tropical Storm Nicole caused a lot of erosion and damage.

The second is New Smyrna Beach which is known as the shark capital of the world. They have had more shark bites at the beach than anywhere else. The reason, there are a lot of baitfish near the shore which attracts the sharks to come feed.

These 6 Florida Beaches Are The Best In The U.S. According To Trip Advisor

What's great is that one of these beaches is close to where I live in St. Petersburg. My radio station used to have our annual Wild Splashes near this beach. Any idea which beach I speak of? I like Trip Advisor because they let people decide what the best is.

According to their website, these beaches have been ranked by actual travelers. Below you will find the 6 Florida Beaches that have been ranked the best in the U.S. according to Trip Advisor. Do you agree with the travelers on Trip Advisor? Feel free to email me Babs@wild941.com

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater was voted as one of the best in the United States AGAIN. 12,836 travelers have reviewed Clearwater beach! I have also been there and I love it. It's for sure a vibe and great for spring break (if you can handle the big crowds).

Highlighted by that view of Pier 60 leading into the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is a highly recognizable Florida destination.

Highlighted by that view of Pier 60 leading into the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is a highly recognizable Florida destination.

Siesta Beach

8,552 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. If you have not been there yet, you should go check it out. Last year, it was named one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in America.

siesta key florida

Hollywood Beach

6,789 travelers have reviewed Hollywood Beach on trip advisor and it's one of the best beaches in the U.S. Since it's on the other coast of Florida, I have not been yet but will check it out. Many reviews say try the food.

HOLLYWOOD, FL - AUGUST 19: A roller blader passes the empty beach on August 19, 2009 in Hollywood, Florida. An estimated 20.1 million people visited Florida from April through June, a 9.4 percent decrease over the same period last year, Florida's tourism marketing agency reported. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Panama City Beach

No surprise that Panama city beach has been voted one of the best beaches in the United States. 6,607 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I went here on spring break once and had a great time!

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Athletes compete in the swim portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is located in the Florida Keys, so no wonder it made Trip Advisor's list. I'm surprised it wasn't ranked higher since the Keys are known to have the best beaches and attractions.

KEY WEST, FL - NOVEMBER 7: (NO SALES) In this photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, offshore power race boats make the turn in the harbor during the first of three days of racing at the Key West World Offshore Championship November 7, 2007 in Key West, Florida. The event has attracted 73 high-speed boats from as far away as England that are competing in the season-ending finale. The second and final races are scheduled for Friday and Sunday. (Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau via Getty Images)

Fort Lauderdale Beach

9.307 people have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I have been here and the food options are great on this beach. I think it's just as fun as heading down to Miami. But be careful, they do have a lot of tourist traps.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 04: People walk on the beach on March 04, 2021 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. College students have begun to arrive in the South Florida area for the annual spring break ritual. City officials are anticipating a large spring break crowd as the coronavirus pandemic continues. They are advising people to wear masks if they cannot social distance. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.