Noma FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Noma, Florida.
1. Falling Waters State Park
FLORIDA'S TALLEST WATERFALL
Falling Waters State Park features Florida's tallest waterfall, which cascades down 73 feet into a cylindrical sinkhole. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the park's two-acre lake with a white sand beach, perfect for cooling off during hot summer days. The park also offers hiking trails through a lush hardwood forest, picnic areas, and camping facilities for a complete outdoor experience.
2. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRINGS
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is centered around a natural spring that pumps 14 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily at a refreshing 68 degrees year-round. The spring creates a natural swimming area that's popular with families and perfect for snorkeling to observe underwater features and aquatic life. Surrounding the spring, visitors will find picnic facilities, nature trails, and interpretive exhibits about the area's natural and cultural history.
3. Blue Springs State Park
PRISTINE NATURAL SWIMMING
Blue Springs State Park offers one of the most pristine natural swimming experiences in the Florida Panhandle with its first-magnitude spring producing 64 million gallons of water daily. The spring creates a vibrant blue swimming area that maintains a constant 68-degree temperature and features a 200-foot long spring run perfect for tubing. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing in this ecological treasure nestled among limestone bluffs and lush vegetation.
4. Matheson Hammock Park
TROPICAL ATOLL POOL
Matheson Hammock Park features a man-made atoll pool that is flushed naturally with the tides of Biscayne Bay, creating a safe and scenic swimming area. The park's sandy beach area is surrounded by tropical hammock and offers stunning views of the Miami skyline across the bay. Visitors can also enjoy the marina, restaurant, and nature trails that make this urban oasis a perfect escape from city life.
5. NOMA Beach at Redfish
SECLUDED BAYSIDE RETREAT
NOMA Beach at Redfish offers a secluded bayside experience with calm waters ideal for families and casual swimmers. Located off Old Cutler Road, this hidden gem provides a peaceful alternative to Miami's more crowded oceanfront beaches. Visitors appreciate the natural setting, picnic areas, and the opportunity to enjoy water activities away from the tourist crowds.
6. Grayton Beach State Park
AWARD-WINNING WHITE SANDS
Grayton Beach State Park boasts consistently ranked as one of America's most beautiful beaches with its pristine white sand shoreline and emerald green waters. The park encompasses 2,000 acres that include a coastal dune lake, Western Lake, offering both saltwater and freshwater recreational opportunities in one location. Visitors can enjoy swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking through maritime forests, and camping in this diverse natural playground.
7. Deer Lake State Park
UNSPOILED DUNE ECOSYSTEM
Deer Lake State Park preserves one of Florida's most pristine coastal dune ecosystems, featuring a rare coastal dune lake that gives the park its name. The park's boardwalk crosses over protected dunes covered in sea oats and rare plants before reaching a secluded stretch of white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the undeveloped shoreline, excellent bird watching, and the chance to swim in both the Gulf waters and the freshwater lake in a single visit.
8. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
DUNES AND LAKES PARADISE
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park encompasses 3.2 miles of pristine white sand beaches alongside rare coastal dune lakes, creating one of the most diverse natural areas in Florida. The park features some of the most majestic sand dunes in the state, reaching heights of over 25 feet, creating a dramatic backdrop for beach activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming in both Gulf waters and freshwater lakes, hiking through various ecosystems, fishing, and camping in this ecological treasure.
9. Frank Jackson State Park
SERENE LAKE RECREATION
Frank Jackson State Park centers around a 1,000-acre lake with multiple swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing piers that make it a popular regional water recreation destination. The park features a designated beach area with shallow entry, making it ideal for families with children looking to cool off in the Alabama heat. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking, and excellent fishing for bass, bream, and catfish throughout the year.
10. Chattahoochee State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
Chattahoochee State Park sits along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, which forms the border between Alabama and Florida, offering swimming access to the river's cool waters. The park encompasses 696 acres of mixed pine and hardwood forests surrounding a 15-acre lake that provides additional swimming and fishing opportunities. Visitors appreciate the uncrowded beaches, picnic facilities with grills, hiking trails, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife in this tranquil natural setting.