Bushnell FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bushnell, Florida.
1. Pine Island Park
SECLUDED WHITE SAND BEACH
Pine Island Park is a charming white sand beach located a short drive from Bushnell, offering a clean and peaceful atmosphere ideal for families. Visitors can enjoy shallow waters perfect for children, swimming, fishing, and shell seeking, along with amenities including a kiddie park, restrooms, and a small restaurant. The park's natural appeal is enhanced by opportunities to witness fish jumping and even spot dolphins near the shore, making it a unique waterfront escape in Central Florida.
2. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
PRISTINE TROPICAL BEACH
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park features one of the most pristine stretches of beach in the world, characterized by soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. This park offers visitors a tropical paradise setting perfect for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and picnicking in a serene natural environment. Its unspoiled beauty and abundant wildlife make it a premier destination for oceanfront recreation on Florida's Gulf Coast.
3. Honeymoon Island State Park
GULF COAST NATURE ESCAPE
Honeymoon Island State Park offers a beautiful, natural beach environment on the Gulf of Mexico with wide sandy shores and calm waters ideal for swimming and kayaking. This park is known for its nature trails, bird watching, and wildlife viewing, including endangered species in a preserved coastal habitat. Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as well as picnic areas and beachside amenities that enhance the outdoor experience.
4. Fort De Soto Park Beach
EXPANSIVE BEACH AND PARK
Fort De Soto Park Beach is a vast waterfront park with a long sandy beach facing the Gulf of Mexico, renowned for its clean water and family-friendly environment. Visitors can engage in swimming, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the historic fort while enjoying picnic facilities and trails throughout the park. The beach's natural charm and recreational offerings make it a versatile destination for a day by the water near the Bushnell area.
5. Clearwater Beach
FAMOUS GULF COAST BEACH
Clearwater Beach is a world-famous beach destination known for its soft white sand, sparkling clear waters, and vibrant recreational scene. Visitors enjoy a variety of water activities such as swimming, parasailing, and boating, alongside numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options along the beach promenade. Its lively atmosphere and beautiful sunsets make it a top choice for oceanfront recreation on Florida's west coast.
6. Hillsborough River State Park
RIVERFRONT RECREATION ESCAPE
Hillsborough River State Park provides a tranquil riverfront escape just inland from the Gulf Coast, where visitors can swim in the river, kayak, fish, and hike scenic trails through lush forest. The park's natural springs and rapids create unique swimming holes and waterscapes that attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its combination of river activities and wooded surroundings offers a refreshing contrast to ocean beaches near Bushnell.
7. Withlacoochee River Park
SCENIC RIVERFRONT PARK
Withlacoochee River Park is a peaceful riverside park providing public access to the scenic Withlacoochee River, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and picnicking. The park features a boat ramp and shaded picnic areas, making it a comfortable day-use spot for families and water recreation enthusiasts. Its natural setting and easy access make it a favored local waterfront destination within driving distance of Bushnell.
8. Rainbow Springs State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING HOLE
Rainbow Springs State Park features one of Florida's most beautiful freshwater springs with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The park's lush gardens, waterfalls, and walking trails create a serene and picturesque environment for visitors seeking nature and water recreation. Its unique freshwater springs offer a refreshing alternative to coastal beaches, located just a short drive from Bushnell.
9. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
NATURAL SPRING AND RIVER
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is renowned for its natural spring-fed river, legendary mermaid shows, and extensive water recreation including canoeing and kayaking. The crystal-clear waters flow into the Gulf of Mexico, creating a unique setting for swimming and wildlife observation in a protected environment. The park combines entertainment with outdoor adventure, making it a distinctive waterfront escape near Bushnell.
10. Crystal River Public Beach
MANATEE VIEWING BEACH
Crystal River Public Beach offers beautiful waterfront access to the Gulf Coast and is famous for manatee viewing and snorkeling opportunities. The beach provides a peaceful spot for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the natural coastal habitat. Visitors can often see manatees in the nearby springs, adding a unique wildlife experience to the beach's recreational appeal.