4. Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is located on the south end of Treasure Island, a beach community at St. Petersburg. It is used mainly by the local residents. The white sand beach is stunningly beautiful and the Gulf of Mexico waters are normally less wavy than beaches on the Atlantic side of the state. While the crowds are small, so is the public parking. There are only two parking lots that fill up fast on the weekends. During the week, you often have the place to yourself.
5. Crandon Park
This is a Miami-Dade park on Key Biscayne, the south end of Miami. There’s lots of parking, and plenty of beach, almost 2 miles of it. I’ve only been there twice, both times during the week, and the beach was deserted. The weekends get busy, but this is a big park with lots of beach for everyone. Sunrise here is a glorious display of red and orange colors framed by the coconut palms that line the beach.
