With greater than 1300 miles (2170 km) of shoreline and over 4000 islands, it’s laborious to determine which of the finest seashores in Florida to go to. Florida seashores come in all sizes and styles and every comes with a definite really feel. One factor you will be certain of is that whether or not you’re trying for a seashore to combine and mingle with the get together crowd, or trying for a seashore for a quiet household getaway, you’ll discover it in the Sunshine State.
We’ve compiled a listing of the most stunning seashores in Florida that can assist you determine the place to ebook your subsequent trip. Catering to households, {couples} and singles on a Spring break, you might be assured to search out some sand that’s going to tickle your seashore fantasies. And if you get tired of one, it’s straightforward to search out one other seashore only a hop, skip, and a leap away.
Best Beaches in Florida
Many seashores have been impacted by hurricanes in the previous few years nevertheless, Florida is resilient and residents proceed to rebuild. Don’t let the storms hold you away from visiting these stunning Florida seashores.
1. Panama City Beach
This is one in every of the finest Florida seashores for the Spring Break crowd in addition to for households. With 27 miles of fresh, pristine shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach was voted one in every of the prime 3 seashores in the United States by TripAdvisor. There are a ton of actions you may get into at this seashore with seashore volleyball, snorkeling, and browsing.
Once you might be bored with catching some rays and have had your fill of sand and surf, go to close by sights like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. One of the most enjoyable day journeys you are able to do is head to Shell Island the place you get an opportunity to see bottlenose dolphins up shut.
Panama City Beach has loads of vacation trip leases accessible in the excessive rise condos alongside the seashore. This will be a cheap different to staying in a lodge when touring in a gaggle. The well-known George Island State Park is positioned a 2-hour drive from right here.
This Beachfront Apartment – has an indoor and outside beachfront pool, sizzling tub and sleeps 6 positioned in the Shores of Panama.
2. Miami North Beach
It could also be extra recognized for glitz and glam and The Real Housewives of Miami, however Miami Beach has greater than 12 spectacular seashores to expertise. Miami Beach is Florida’s most fun and cosmopolitan metropolis with artwork deco buildings, eating places, nightclubs and really tanned, enticing individuals. However, there are distinct areas and sandy stretches inside it.
The closest factor to the official Miami Beach could be the North Miami Beach. The seashore is central and also you’ll discover locals and vacationers alike sunbathing all day lengthy. Since all of it’s fairly central, there are a ton of eateries close by. The seashore can be dwelling to the North Beach Bandshell that gives nice musical leisure all through the 12 months. And in fact, after your performed sunning, the nightlife in Miami Beach is second-to-none.
Getting on the water is the finest option to expertise the Sunshine State. Take this City Cruise to see the Millionaires mansions of Miami and cruise to the Venetian Islands and South Beach.
3. South Beach Miami
You would possibly understand it for its Nineteen Thirties artwork deco vibes, or sizzling nightlife, however South Beach in Miami additionally provides powdery white seashores and plenty of actions besides. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach has two distinct areas that appeal to completely different crowds.
Lummus Park and Beach permits topless sunbathing and is a hub of exercise with road meals, cyclists, skaters, and extra. If you’re trying for a extra chill vibe, then the space of First Street Beach at South Point would possibly simply be your factor. It is an space standard with surfers in South Beach in addition to fishing fans and households.
Besides surf and solar, you’ll be able to buy groceries at the standard Lincoln Road Mall. To perceive the actual heartbeat of South Beach, you’ll be able to take a guided artwork deco tour, take pleasure in all types of delicacies, Cuban in explicit, and dance the evening away at any variety of golf equipment.
One of the hottest locations to remain in South Beach is Marriott Vacation Club Pulse – positioned in the coronary heart of the motion of simply throughout from South Beach and strolling distance from Lincoln Road eating places to the nightclubs of Collins and Washington Avenues.
4. Clearwater Beach
If you’re trying for one in every of the finest Florida seashores with an actual neighborhood really feel, Clearwater Beach is the place it’s at. You will discover the public seashore staffed with a lifeguard all 12 months lengthy. Art festivals happen all through the 12 months like the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. This sand sculpture competition takes place in April attracting artists to create sand sculpture masterpieces.
One of the most pristine seashores, Clearwater is understood for its easy white sands in addition to spectacular sunsets. In truth, the sunsets are so spectacular that there’s a nightly competition to have fun them with road musicians and actions for youngsters.
Additionally, there’s a number of enjoyable stuff to do close to the seashore like taking a go to to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or Aspirations Winery. You may even take a ship tour to get conversant in extra of Clearwater’s shoreline.
Clearwater Beach additionally has all kinds of lodging to suit any finances. You can discover apartment-style lodgings which have kitchenettes for you to cook dinner your individual meals in addition to motels and high-end inns too. This cute cottage is steps away from the seashore with a shared Key West model again yard has a wooden get together deck, swimming pool, and sizzling tub.
5. Honeymoon Island State Park
Just slightly additional north of Clearwater Beach is the pristine Honeymoon Island, State Park. This secluded seashore is definitely accessible by bicycle or automobile but feels worlds away from the mainland. With watersports, wildlife and strolling trails it’s the good place to chill out and unwind. There are 4 miles of seashores right here together with a canine seashore.
This is an accessible seashore with an accessible elevated boardwalk and free seashore wheelchairs to make use of. Since it’s a state park there’s a price to enter, however that is price spending a day on. Pack a picnic lunch, and your seashore umbrella, and luxuriate in a day of kayaking or biking (there’s a rental at the concession stand) the place you’ll take pleasure in a day of enjoyable in the solar.
6. Santa Rosa Beach
This is one in every of the finest Florida seashores once you’re trying for a mixture of issues to do with a gaggle. Santa Rosa Beach attracts households to its prolonged shoreline operating from the Gulf of Mexico to Choctawhatchee Bay. Stretching 26 miles alongside the northwest coast, Santa Rosa Beach sits in the protected space of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
It’s an important different to keep away from the crowds of Panama City Beach. Beaches close to Santa Rosa Beach are Grayton Beach State Park and Blue Mountain Beach.
You’ll discover individuals doing every thing from paddleboarding to fishing or just basking in the solar on seashore chairs. Off the seashore, there are additionally a ton of issues to do like visiting the native craft breweries or the historic Wesley Mansion which dates again to the late nineteenth century. You ought to observe that Santa Rosa Beach has skilled an actual improve in reputation so that you’ll need to get to the seashore early in the morning to attain a primary spot.
This Beachwood Villas rental is only a quick stroll to the white sugar sand seashores and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and sleeps as much as 4 individuals.
7. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is positioned simply south of Cape Canaveral on the Space Coast. It is one in every of the finest locations to study to surf in Florida because of its calm waters. But additionally it is nice for professionals too. This space is named the East Coast surf capital of the United States. Cocoa Beach can be dwelling to the largest surf store in the world, Ron Jean Surf Shop is an enormous 52,000 sq. ft. You can discover every thing from bathing fits to top-of-the-line surfboards in the store and it’s open 24/7.
Another factor you would possibly need to take a look at on the east coast is the Barrier Island Sanctuary which is devoted to the safety of sea turtles. It’s a half hour drive from the seashore and you may go on a guided stroll via the sanctuary and study all about the conservation of sea turtles. This east coast seashore is lower than an hour’s drive from Orlando and sits on Florida’s East Coast.
8. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach could also be an apparent alternative, however it’s one in every of our favorite seashores in Florida. This mammoth seashore on the Atlantic Coast is 23 miles lengthy with resorts lining the waterfront. The Halifax River – a lagoon separated from the Atlantic by barrier seashores separates the seashore from the metropolis. Daytona is an fascinating seashore that you may drive on. The Daytona Beach Pier additionally has sights and rides and the Daytona Speedway just isn’t too far-off.
This can get very busy, particularly by the pier, however we advocate staying at Daytona Beach Shores for a romantic escape on Daytona Beach. Ormond Beach is positioned simply north of Daytona Beach and is a quieter possibility. Read extra at: Best Things to do in Daytona Beach.
9. Fort Lauderdale
There isn’t a uninteresting second in Fort Lauderdale, with 1000’s of yachts and cruise ships visiting its coastlines every year. Fort Lauderdale Beach is one in every of the metropolis’s premier seashores positioned at the coronary heart of Fort Lauderdale.
Grab an umbrella and seashore chair and simply soak in the truth that you simply’re gazing out over the Atlantic Ocean. Or you may get out and become involved in any one in every of the dozens of actions taking place concurrently on one in every of Florida’s most stunning seashores. You can check out parasailing, scuba diving, jet snowboarding and even hire a ship and take it for a sail.
Although a number of a long time again, Fort Lauderdale Beach was recognized for its faculty get together ambiance, today it welcomes all types of tourists. You’ll discover high-end eating places and dwell music bars in addition to museums, spas, and enjoyable actions for youngsters like Bluefoot Pirate Adventures.
10. Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach sits on Santa Rosa Island and also you’ll discover that Pensacola Beach is the place extra of the motion takes place whereas Santa Rosa Beaches are quieter. The waters surrounding this barrier reef seashore are crystal clear and the sands are gentle and white.
You’ll discover that there are lifeguards on the essential seashore areas however in case you head into extra of the quiet areas, you’ll get an exquisite seashore, however no lifeguards. You can take dolphin-watching excursions from the seashore or head out to the pier to go fishing.
There’s an outside journey park accessible for these trying for one thing sportier. One of the most enjoyable issues to do at Pensacola Beach is to go canoeing at evening in glow-in-the-dark boats.
11. Sunny Isles Beach
If you favor being underwater reasonably than floating on prime, you then’re going to need to take a look at Sunny Isles Beach in Miami Beach. It is known for its world-class diving and snorkeling. The well-known Newport Beach Fishing Pier sits on Sunny Isles Beach too.
And it’s not simply for present, you’ll be able to really deliver your fishing gear and fish right here too. Nearby there are many cafes to get some high-end lunch. And talking of high-end the Sunny Isles is understood for luxurious resorts and luxurious residing so meals and lodging are on the pricier aspect.
12. Naples Beach
Naples Beach is known for its 1000 foot lengthy pier that juts out from its white sand. Named after Naples in Italy, this seashore city retains the Italian custom alive with an important meals scene. Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Naples has a laid again vibe that’s good for {couples} in search of a quiet trip. Here you’ll see native fisherman catching their each day catch off the pier at sundown.
The Cove Inn on Naples Bay is a waterfront resort on the Bay that’s 8 blocks from the seashore. Walking distance to buying and eating it’s a quiet escape in Florida.
13. Tigertail Beach Park
From Naples make your option to Marco Island to go to the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands often called the Barrier Islands. You can drive immediately from Naples to Marco Island taking the bridges throughout McIlan Bay and East Marco Bay. Many seashores are personal on this island, however fortunately there are two stunning public seashores. One of which is Tigertail Beach.
Tigertail Beach Park provides paddleboard and jet ski leases plus watersports leases. You can discover its tidal swimming pools on guided excursions or self guided excursions, and there’s a bird-watching tower the place you’ll be able to hold an eye fixed out for migrating birds and see overhead views of the seashore and lagoon. It was as soon as solely a sandbar off the coast of Florida however with shifting climate patterns, it’s now related to the mainland.
14. Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is for individuals who like secluded seashores and rugged surroundings. It has a 1200-foot seashore however most individuals come to this space for the actions they will do in the water and in the forests. The park has a ton of biking trails and mountain climbing trails all through.
You can even hire gear to go kayaking and canoeing on the Oleta River which sits in this Florida state park. The enjoyable half about this seashore space is that you may sleep over in one in every of their cabins. There is a youth tenting space too, however you’ll should examine with the park for guidelines and laws on who can keep there.
15. Grayton Beach State Park
For a mixture of nature trails and sand dunes, you’ll need to go to Grayton Beach in Grayton Beach State Park. This gulf coast seashore attracts a totally completely different crowd than Miami Beach or the Florida Keys seashores. The prime seashores on Florida’s southern tip appeal to flash and luxurious and paparazzi, however in this state park, you reside life on the quieter aspect with extra secluded adventures.
The aquamarine water of Western Lake is the good place to swim and do some deep sea fishing in addition to get in some paddleboarding. There are nearly 100-acres of snowy sand dunes alongside the coast. The state park seashore has restrooms and outside showers however you need to pack your meals and drinks with you earlier than heading right here.
16. Siesta Key
Have you ever sat in million-year-old sand? If you go to Siesta Beach you’ll be able to. It is believed that the sand that’s discovered on the barrier island of Siesta Key has arrived there over thousands and thousands of years from the rivers of the Appalachian mountains flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.
This sand is nearly pure quartz crystals and it so tremendous that once you stroll on it, it appears to make a little bit of a squeaking sound. These sugar white sands have usually been known as a few of the finest sands in the world, making this seashore in Siesta Key one in every of the nation’s world class seashores.
Besides basking in tremendous white quartz sand, you’ll be able to take pleasure in some swimming and snorkeling at Siesta Beach. Nearby is Siesta Key Village which is filled with pretty cafes in addition to pubs and boutiques for buying too. You can even hire a motorbike and take a leisurely sundown cruise via the small seashore city.
17. Harry Harris Beach
This is the good seashore to take your kids to in the Florida Keys. Harry Harris Beach sits in Harry Harris Park on the largest key amongst the Florida Keys positioned in Key Largo. The seashore space has a breakwater so the ocean is basically changed into a pool that’s no greater than 5′ for your youngsters to swim round in. Key Largo can be one in every of the finest locations in Florida to go scuba diving.
If you enterprise out previous the breakwater you are able to do some snorkeling, scuba diving boating, and fishing too. The seashore grounds have a child’s playground, picnic areas with BBQs in addition to clear restroom services. You also needs to pack a picnic as there aren’t actually any locations shut by to get a snack.
18. Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a protracted strip of white sand that’s the longest essential road seashore in Florida. It is positioned between West Palm Beach and Boca Ratan. This south Florida neighborhood was voted the most enjoyable small city in the USA. Take a stroll alongside Atlantic Avenue to browse its artwork galleries, boutiques and reward outlets. The seashore itself is standard for kite browsing, seashore volleyball, paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Make certain to cease into Delray Beach Market which is Florida’s largest meals corridor and you should definitely go to the Wakodahatchee Wetlands to see 150 species of birds and wildlife together with alligators, turtles and foxes.
19. Dry Tortugas
Key West has a few of the finest seashores in Florida however the most pristine and secluded is the seashore at Dry Tortugas National Park. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas is a superb day journey by ferry or seaplane. But you can even keep in a single day in the National Park and do some tenting to essentially respect these white sand seashores. It’s nice for snorkeling too!
20. Key West
If you don’t make it to Dry Tortugas, Key West’s different seashores will be discovered at Fort Zachary Taylor National Historic Site and Smather’s Beach. Read extra at 27 of the Best Things to Do in Key West
21. Islamorada
Located between Key Largo and Key West, Islamorada is a water lovers dream. With nice watersports, stunning seashores and seashore volleyball courts, it’s much less touristy than Key West, however simply as enjoyable! Spend time at Holiday Isle Beach to take pleasure in its seashore bars and inns or head to the quieter Annes Beach. Read extra: Things to do in Islamorada Florida Keys
22. Amelia Island
If you’re looking for seashores in northern Florida, look no additional than Amelia Island. Boasting 13 miles of lovely seashores, pristine waters and world-class resorts, this barrier island off the northeastern coast of Florida is a hidden gem. The Ritz Carlton has a waterfront property the place you’ll be able to keep for a pampering the place you’ll stroll down the seashore barely seeing one other soul.
23. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is at present closed attributable to the results of Hurricane Ian. The Sanibel Causeway is closed and is off limits to non-residents and emergency automobiles. However, it’s scheduled to reopen in 2023. As of now, entry to Sanibel’s seashores additionally stays closed attributable to particles in the water and crimson tide.
Not solely is Bowman’s Beach one in every of the finest seashores in Florida, however additionally it is usually voted as one in every of the finest seashores in the United States. Sanibel Island is positioned simply off the coast of Fort Myers and sits in the Gulf of Mexico. The space is understood for high-end resorts and seafood eating places in addition to historic structure.
It’s a sheller’s paradise and one in every of the most family-friendly areas in the state. The Sanibel Stoop is a time period coined for all the individuals you’re going to see hunched over looking for distinctive shells on Sanibel seashores. According to space shellers, you’re going to search out the most completely different number of shells in the morning at low tide.
Don’t overlook to go to Lighthouse Beach Park when you’re there and likewise take a look at one in every of the many wildlife refuges on Sanibel Island.
Florida Beaches Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the clearest waters are discovered in the Florida Panhandle in the northwest of the State. This space consists of Destin Florida Beach and Panama City Beach. In the southwest, we will look to Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West. This key west seashore is taken into account to have a few of the finest seashores clearest water.
The Gulf Coast has a few of the finest seashores in all of the US. We’ve talked about a lot of them on our listing however our prime decide is Siesta Key.Additionally, Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island is taken into account to be one in every of the prettiest stretches of sand on the Gulf. They even have water actions like parasailing and kayaking.
Clearwater Beach in Tampa Bay has a few of the whitest sand in Florida and can be one in every of the most stunning Florida Beaches. Additionally, we will’t overlook about Siesta Key Beach which has the best white quartz sand in the world. The sand is so white at Siesta Key Beach that it’s cool on the toes on the hottest days.
One of the finest Florida seashores for white sand just isn’t very properly often called it sits on an undeveloped barrier rief. Caladesi seashore in Caladesi Island State Park has a few of the whitest sand in the state. This slim barrier island offers you loads of privateness, however be certain that to take alongside meals and drinks as the seashore is sort of secluded.
And these are a few of the finest seashores in Florida to go to. How many have you ever been to? And the place ought to we function subsequent?