No flip-flopping over best beach: It's Fort De Soto

By Times Staff
Published February 29, 2008

---

Fort De Soto Park's North Beach has been named the top beach in the United States by TripAdvisor, the Web site that touts itself as the world's largest online travel community.

TripAdvisor called the beach "a portrait of tranquility, with a spectacular combination of soft, white sand, calm and clear water, and a laid-back atmosphere."

The survey of TripAdvisor members and staffers included three other Florida beaches in their top 10: St. Andrew's State Park in Panama City, South Beach in Miami and Pensacola Beach. Fort De Soto also was honored in 2005 as the nation's No. 1 beach by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. Beach. Winners are retired from his competition. Dr. Beach rated Caladesi Island State Park No. 2 in the United States last year.