Looking for the best beaches in Florida?? Here’s the list with all the travel information that you need to plan a family tour.
Florida or the Sunshine State features the best beach getaways in the United States. Its warm, sunny weather and sugary white sand beaches with crystal clear waters on the Gulf of Mexico draw millions of beach lovers annually.
And the beaches along the Atlantic Coast in Florida attract many surfers and water sports enthusiasts too.
The most popular beaches in Florida include Miami Beach, Crystal Beach, Siesta Key Beach, Clearwater Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Daytona Beach.
Let’s discover the complete list of the best and fun beaches in Florida. Just check and add them to your bucket list.
Beaches in Florida
1. Beaches in Florida: Miami Beach
Yes, Miami Beach is one of the crowdest island cities in south Florida. But still, it is one of the most scenic beaches that you should not miss in Florida.
Covering more than seven miles of shoreline, Miami Beach contains powdery white, soft sands, and turquoise, shallow waters in the Gulf of Mexico.
Therefore, it is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, cruising, kayaking, jet-skiing, parasailing, and other beach activities.
South Beach is the most attractive area in Miami Beach. Since South Beach contains the historical Art Deco District, delicious seafood restaurants, and hotels, it draws millions of beach lovers.
On the other hand, Miami Beach is an entertainers’ paradise as it features plenty of live musicals, beach parties, and street performances day and night.
So, plan your family weekend getaway to Miami Beach in Florida.
Address: Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States Phone: (888) 735-2872
Beaches in Florida
2. Beaches in Florida: Key Biscayne Beach, Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is a peaceful beach town on a barrier island between Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
If you drive from the hustle and bustle of Miami across the Rickenbacker Causeway, you will find this authentic island.
Key Biscayne features some of the most stunning beaches in Florida. And also, there are palm tree-lined streets, small shops, restaurants, hotels, and exciting art galleries.
Especially Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park features long sandy sheltered beaches, mangroves, and tropical forest areas inhabited by diverse wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and marine creatures like loggerhead turtles.
Also, you can go swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, and visiting the 19th-century Cape Florida Lighthouse on your Key Biscayne Beach tour.
And do not miss Miami Seaquarium, where you can swim with dolphins.
Are you looking for a romantic beach escape in Florida?? There’s no better place than Key Biscayne Beach.
Address: Key Biscayne, FL 33149, United States
Beaches in Florida
3. Beaches in Florida: Beaches in Destin
Destin is a beautiful city located in front of the scenic Gulf of Mexico. So, there are so many attractive beaches such as Crystal Beach.
Its warm weather, clear turquoise waters, and soft, powdery white sands (just like snow) attract thousands of beach lovers throughout the year.
Destin has some of the whitest sand beaches in the world. For example, Henderson Beach, Crystal Beach, and Grayton Beach.
And on the other hand, these Destin beaches feature wildlife encounters, exciting nature trails, and fantastic waterfront restaurants.
So, you can have a fun beach vacation in Destin, Florida.
Here’s the list of the best and fun things to do in Destin, FL. Just read and add to your list.
Address: Crystal Beach Dr, Destin, FL 32541, United States Phone: (850) 837-6241
Beaches in Florida
4. Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota
Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota is a unique beach that contains pure quartz crystal.
Hugging the waters of the Gulf Coast, this beach is ideal for seeing manatees and dolphins. You can easily paddle with your kids through Sarasota Bay to see these marine creatures. After that, you can swim, snorkel, boat, and fish on this beach as much you want.
This kid-friendly beach is perfect for spending a fun beach day with your kids. They will love to build sandcastles and beachcomb with you on Siesta Key Beach.
After experiencing all beach activities, do not miss visiting the impressive The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota too.
Address: Siesta Key Beach, FL 34242, United States
Beaches in Florida
5. Beaches in Naples, Florida
Known for golf courses and high-end shopping areas, Naples is a lovely beach city on Southern Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Naples features spectacular powdery white sand beaches with calm and clear waters. Therefore, the beaches in Naples are perfect for beach walks, watching stunning sunsets, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, boating, beach camping, and all the other water activities.
Or if you like beach sports, you can join in on a game of beach volleyball with your friends.
On the other hand, the city’s iconic Naples Pier is famous for fishing and spotting dolphins too.
Nature lovers can visit nearby nature parks like Vanderbilt Beach Park, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, and Lowdermilk Park.
For those who are looking for a winter beach vacation, Naples is great for that too.
Address: Naples, FL 34102, United States
Beaches in Florida
6. Beaches in Florida: Sanibel Island
Here’s the world’s Shelling Capital, Sanibel Island.
Sanibel Island is one of the top beach towns in Florida that features award-winning seashell-covered shores. Therefore, it attracts thousands of beachcombers throughout the year.
Aside from that, Sanibel Island is home to wetlands, mangroves, and diverse wildlife species. So, after picking your favorite shells, surely explore the natural beauty of Sanibel Island. Surely wear aqua socks to protect your feet.
Sanibel Island Lighthouse Beach Park is also a scenic beach area that stretches for 32-acres. This beach park is suitable for family picnicking, fishing, and other fun beach activities. Do not miss visiting its historic lighthouse located at the island tip too.
Address: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957, United States Phone: +1 239-472-0345
Beaches in Florida
7. Beaches in Florida: Mexico Beach
Mexico Beach is one of the most authentic beach cities located in Bay County, Florida. (just 25 miles southeast of Panama City)
Since it is undeveloped, there are no high-end hotels and condo buildings to block the stunning ocean views. But, of course, there are several shops and quaint seaside restaurants where you can shop and eat delicious seafood.
Mexico Beach offers miles and miles of soft, white sands and emerald waters which is perfect for scuba diving, boating, and fishing.
Since there are so many small fish species, Mexico Beach attracts thousand of birds for fish hunting.
At the end of the day, you can observe breathtaking sunset views by sitting on Mexico Beach without any disturbance and noise.
So, just escape from the busy world and experience this authentic beach with your family this weekend.
Address: Mexico Beach, U.S. 98, Mexico Beach, FL 32456, United States
Beaches in Florida
8. Beaches in St. Petersburg
Here’s the best destination in Florida for beach lovers and nature lovers.
St. Petersburg is a gulf coast city in Florida that is famous for its sunny weather. That’s why it calls “Sunshine City.”
Since it never rains, it makes a perfect destination for beachgoing, golfing, boating, and fishing. Actually, St. Petersburg in Florida has a world record of 768 sunny days in a row.
Obviously, it is like paradise for beach lovers because its beaches are shallow and contain pristine waters. So, you can bring your kids to play water activities on soft sands.
On the other hand, nature lovers can visit Fort De Soto Park, a preserved county park that exists on five islands in St. Petersburg. Featuring stunning white sand beaches, mangrove swamps, and diverse wildlife habitats, Fort De Soto Park is one of the best nature parks in Florida.
You can observe more than 300 species of birds, loggerhead turtles (during their nesting season from April to September), and plenty of native plants. So, surely walk along the trails through the park.
Beaches also feature all the amenities, including restrooms, lifeguards, playgrounds, picnic shelters, two fishing piers, and concessions.
Why does it call “Fort De Soto”? Because there is a historic fort with some ruins in this park, So, visit it too.
Hurry up, plan your beach getaway to St. Petersburg in Florida.
Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715, United States Phone: +1 727-582-2267
Beaches in Florida
9. Clearwater Beach, Clearwater
Like its name, Clearwater Beach is known for 2.5 miles of soft, white sands beaches with the cleanest waters.
These clean and calm waters draw thousands of outdoor enthusiasts for jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and parasailing.
Located 25 miles away from Tampa and St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach also features picturesque boardwalks, beach shacks, and beach festivals every single night like Clearwater Jazz Festival.
This laid-back beach is named as one of the excellent beaches for swimming too.
On the other hand, it features many kid-friendly attractions as well. For example, there is a baseball stadium, an educational aquarium, a theme park, and theaters.
Isn’t Clearwater Beach is perfect for a family beach vacation??
Address: 1 Causeway Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33767, United States Phone: (727) 562-4920
Beaches in Florida
10. Beaches in Cedar Key
Cedar Key is an island city located in Northwest Florida (three miles off the Gulf Coast). Actually, Cedar Key is made of several tiny islands.
This island was declared a bird and wildlife sanctuary in 1929. Then, it was named Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge, a paradise for birdwatching. Therefore, you can spot rare white pelicans, pink roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and many other bird species.
On the other hand, it is a paradise for beach lovers too. It features perfect beaches for kayaking, canoeing, beachcombing, fishing, and boating like fun outdoor activities.
If not, just sit on Cedar Key Beach watch the scenic views of the ocean.
Apart from the beach scene, Cedar Key attracts hundreds of talented artists from all over the country to its Annual Art Festival. If you are an art lover, you can participate.
Address: Cedar Key, FL 32625, United States
Beaches in Florida
11. Beaches in Florida: Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a charming seaside town that sits on Florida’s Atlantic shore. Since it is an hour away from Orlando, many visitors draw to have a fun beach day.
It is a unique beach located near the Kennedy Space Center and several museums, including BCC Planetarium. And that’s why it calls “Space Coast.”
Being a popular day trip for families, Cocoa Beach is home to Port Canaveral Cruises. And it is perfect for swimming, parasailing, surfing, kiteboarding, spotting sea turtles, and catching breathtaking sunset views.
Especially if you want your kids to learn surfing, Cocoa Beach is the best place for that.
Address: N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States
Beaches in Florida
12. Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach features 27 miles of soft, white-sand beaches with clean waters in the Florida Panhandle.
Undoubtedly, Panama City Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Florida. So, it is totally worth it driving to see its beauty. As a bonus, you can swim and snorkel to see the underwater beauty too.
Panama City Beach attracts sea turtles during the season. So, you may spot them on the beach or while swimming in the water.
If you are looking for a budget beach tour, Panama City Beach is perfect for that. But, surely bring your swimsuit and food.
Or, if you have extra cash, you can join fishing, parasailing, jet Skiing, dolphin-watching, paddleboarding, or sightseeing cruise tour on Panama City Beach.
Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater hosts beach events, festivals, and concerts for entertainers.
After grabbing all the beach activities, you can visit family-friendly attractions near Panama City Beach, like the marine and water parks.
Address: 17001 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, United States Phone: (850) 233-5070
Beaches in Florida
13. Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida
Fort Lauderdale Beach is a popular beach destination located on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. (around 23 miles north of Miami)
It is not only famous for spectacular beaches, but it is also famous for canals and cruise ships sailing from the city. Therefore, Fort Lauderdale Beach attracts over 12 million beach lovers annually.
If you visit Fort Lauderdale Beach this weekend, you can experience unlimited outdoor activities.
For example, you can scuba dive to discover the underwater world, take a gondola ride on canals, snorkel, jet-ski, walk or rollerblade along the boardwalk lined with palm trees, enjoy scenic ocean views, play games, enjoy street performances, and participate in concerts.
No need to be scared. Fort Lauderdale Beach is heavily staffed with lifeguards throughout the year.
Address: 1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States Phone: +19548287275
Beaches in Florida
14. Beaches in Florida: Amelia Island
Located just 30 miles from Jacksonville, Amelia Island features some of the most secluded beaches in Florida.
Beaches on Amelia Island is perfect for horseback riding, spotting whales, dolphins, and hawks, beach camping, and visiting the historic Fort Clinch State Park.
Especially, Amelia Island is one of the oldest tourist destinations in the United States, which is more famous among celebrities and wealthy people.
Amelia Island is believed to have been discovered by Timucua Indians thousands of years ago. If you visit its biggest town, Fernandina Beach, you can get scenic views, beautiful Victorian architecture, fantastic restaurants, and quaint shops.
Featuring over 13 miles of spectacular beaches, Amelia Island also contains several nature preserves and state parks.
So, visitors can kayak, boat, swim, tour to spot American Right Whales, surfboard, paddleboard, fishing, visit island marshes, bike, hike, and see the charming Historic District.
Therefore, add Amelia Island to your Florida bucket list.
Address: Amelia Island, Florida 32034, United States
Beaches in Florida
15. Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Fort Myers Beach is a famous beach town on Estero Island located off the southwest Florida coast.
And it features authentic beach town vibes, including miles of soft sand coastline, a fishing pier, beach volleyball play areas, rental shops, casual restaurants, ice-cream places, and beach apparel stores.
Also, Fort Myers Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for dolphin-watching too.
Therefore, Fort Myers Beach draws thousands of families, couples, and college students from everywhere.
Address: Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, United States
Beaches in Florida
16. Beaches in Florida: Venice Beach
Venice Beach is an attractive beach located in Venice City, Florida.
And this beach is famous for frequently having small prehistoric sharks’ teeth. Therefore, many beachgoers visit here looking for these prehistoric teeth that have decomposed on the seafloor.
Featuring fine sands, Venice Beach also offers you a chance to spot various shorebirds, dolphins, turtles, and much other wildlife.
On the other hand, Venice Beach features beach facilities, including volleyball courts, Venice Public Fishing Pier concessions, lifeguards, an excellent picnic area, boardwalks, and free parking.
So, if you are looking for a fun beach getaway in Florida, Venice Beach is perfect for that.
Address: 101 The Esplanade S, Venice, FL 34285, United States Phone: +19414862626
Beaches in Florida
17. St. George Island State Park
St. George Island is one of the untouched barrier islands located off the Florida Panhandle. Therefore, you can observe spectacular sunset views.
Especially, the St. George Island State Park is located on the east end of the island and features a pristine white-sand beach that is suitable for all fun outdoor activities.
Compared with other parks in Florida, St. George Island State Park is undisturbed and undeveloped. If you are looking for a relaxing and fun beach time with family, this beach is perfect.
You can swim, sunbathe, beachcomb, shell, picnic, boat, camp, spot dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and much other wildlife on the St. George Island State Park beach.
Also, you can visit a 19th-century lighthouse on St. George Island.
Address: 1900 E Gulf Beach Dr, St George Island, FL 32328, United States Phone: +18509272111
Beaches in Florida
18. Beaches in Florida: Islamorada Beach
Islamorada, or “the Village of Islands,” contains five attractive islands in the Florida Keys. Featuring stunning beaches, Islamorada is also famous as the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
So, if you are looking for a fishing experience in Florida, there’s no better place than Islamorada because it contains the largest fishing fleet.
On the other hand, you can visit the Theater of the Sea to see Islamorada’s marine life. Also, if you are a history buff, surely visit the History of Diving Museum that features impressive historical treasures.
Usually, nature lovers travel around all five islands in Islamorada to explore scenic beaches and diverse wildlife. You can try it too.
Click here to discover more fun things to do in Islamorada, Florida.
Beaches in Florida
19. Beaches in Florida: Daytona Beach
Let’s drive on the beach.
Daytona Beach is a wide sand beach that allows you to drive along the top of the beach. And it features an entertaining boardwalk and a pier with thrilling rides, games, concessions, and many other amusements throughout the year.
This beach is also perfect for picnicking with family, swimming, sunbathing, and all the other beach activities.
After that, you can visit the historical Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Home.
Another top attraction located near Daytona Beach is the Daytona International Speedway. Do not miss it too.
Address: Daytona Beach, FL, United States
Beaches in Florida
20. Beaches in Florida: Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is a beautiful nature park located near Marathon. It features some of the most spectacular beaches in Florida.
It contains two beach areas facing opposite directions. Therefore, it always has one calm beach with calm waves and calm wind.
And the water is shallow for a great distance on these beaches, making them perfect for swimming. But, the best to visit Bahia Honda State Park beach is during low tides.
So, plan a visit with your family to spend a relaxing beach time in this nature park.
Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, United States Phone: +13058722353
Beaches in Florida
Beaches in Florida
- Miami Beach
- Crystal Beach, Destin
- Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota
- Beaches in Naples
- Sanibel Island
- Mexico Beach
- Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde
- Clearwater Beach, Clearwater
- Cocoa Beach
- Panama City Beach
- Beaches in St. Petersburg
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Amelia Island
- Fort Myers Beach
- Venice Beach
- St. George Island State Park
- Daytona Beach
- Bahia Honda State Park
Beaches in Florida
