Florida, hailed as the Sunshine State, is a paradise for seashore lovers. Its shoreline, stretching over a shocking 1,350 miles, is dwelling to a few of the most breathtaking seashores in the United States. We have visited Florida numerous instances over the years and have been fortunate sufficient to expertise so a lot of its finest seashores.
From the iconic Art Deco structure and pulsating nightlife of Miami Beach to the extra tranquil Siesta Key for many who simply wish to calm down. Whether you’re in search of a serene getaway, a family-friendly shore, or a vibrant celebration scene, Florida’s numerous seashores cater to each whim and fancy.
Best Beaches in Florida
We wished that can assist you make the most suitable option on your subsequent trip so we got here up with our favourite seashores in Florida so we will help make your travels just a bit bit simpler.
1. South Beach Miami
You would possibly understand it for its Thirties artwork deco vibes, or sizzling nightlife, however South Beach in Miami additionally presents powdery white seashores and a lot of actions in addition. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach has two distinct areas that appeal to totally 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 in search of 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 lovers 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, get pleasure from all types of delicacies, Cuban in specific, and dance the evening away at any variety of golf equipment.
2. Panama City Beach
This is considered one of the finest Florida seashores for the Spring Break crowd in addition to for households. With 27 miles of unpolluted, pristine shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach was voted considered one 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’re uninterested in 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 a whole lot of vacation trip leases accessible in the high-rise condos alongside the seashore. This will be a cheap various to staying in a lodge when touring in a bunch. The well-known George Island State Park is positioned a 2-hour drive from right here.
3. 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 very tanned, engaging individuals. However, there are distinct areas and sandy stretches inside it.
The closest factor to the official Miami Beach could be North Miami Beach. The seashore is central and 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 which gives nice musical leisure all through the yr. And in fact, after you’re achieved sunning, the nightlife in Miami Beach is second-to-none. We have lined all of it in our publish 30 Fun Things to do in Miami, Florida
Getting on the water is the finest approach 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.
4. Clearwater Beach
If you’re in search of considered one of the finest Florida seashores with an actual group really feel, Clearwater Beach is the place it’s at. You will discover the public seashore staffed with a lifeguard all yr lengthy. Art festivals happen all through the yr 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 thought 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 teenagers.
Additionally, there’s a lot 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 accustomed to extra of Clearwater’s shoreline.
5. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach could also be an apparent alternative, however it’s considered one of our favourite seashores in Florida. We used to return right here with my household after I was youthful to trip for the winter.
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 attention-grabbing seashore that you may drive on. The Daytona Beach Pier additionally has sights and rides and the Daytona Speedway isn’t too distant.
This can get very busy, particularly by the pier, however we suggest 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 choice. Read extra at: Best Things to do in Daytona Beach.
6. Fort Lauderdale
There isn’t a boring second in Fort Lauderdale, with hundreds of yachts and cruise ships visiting its coastlines annually. Fort Lauderdale Beach is considered one 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 considered one of the dozens of actions taking place concurrently on considered one of Florida’s most lovely seashores. You can check out parasailing, scuba diving, jet snowboarding and even lease a ship and take it for a sail.
Although a couple of a long time again, Fort Lauderdale Beach was recognized for its school celebration ambiance, as of late it welcomes all types of tourists. You’ll discover high-end eating places and reside music bars in addition to museums, spas, and enjoyable actions for teenagers like Bluefoot Pirate Adventures.
7. Santa Rosa Beach
This is considered one of the finest Florida seashores whenever you’re in search of a mixture of issues to do with a bunch. Santa Rosa Beach attracts households to its prolonged shoreline working 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 ideal various 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 the whole lot 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 notice that Santa Rosa Beach has skilled an actual improve in recognition so that you’ll wish to get to the seashore early in the morning to attain a first-rate spot.
8. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is positioned simply south of Cape Canaveral on the Space Coast. It is considered one of the finest locations to study to surf in Florida due to its calm waters. But additionally it is nice for professionals too.
This space is called 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 the whole lot from bathing fits to top-of-the-line surfboards in the store and it’s open 24/7.
Another factor you would possibly wish to try 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’ll be able to go on a guided stroll by means of 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.
9. Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach sits on Santa Rosa Island and 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 delicate and white.
You’ll discover that there are lifeguards on the fundamental seashore areas however should you head into extra of the quiet areas, you’ll get a stupendous 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 in search of 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.
10. Key West
No checklist of Florida’s finest seashores could be full with out mentioning the laid-back attraction of Key West. At the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, Key West is a mix of gorgeous seashores, historic websites, and a vigorous road life. The seashores listed here are good for snorkeling, with clear waters and vibrant marine life.
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
11. Sunny Isles Beach
If you favor being underwater reasonably than floating on prime, then you definitely’re going to wish to try Sunny Isles Beach in Miami Beach. It is legendary for its world-class diving and snorkeling. The well-known Newport Beach Fishing Pier sits on Sunny Isles Beach too.
And it’s not only for present, you’ll be able to truly carry 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 thought for luxurious resorts and luxurious dwelling so meals and lodging are on the pricier aspect.
12. Naples Beach
Located alongside the Gulf of Mexico, Naples Beach is famend for its miles of sentimental, white sandy shores, which provide a way of tranquility and an escape from the hustle and bustle of on a regular basis life. The calm and clear waters right here are perfect for swimming, making it an ideal spot for households and people in search of a refreshing dip in the sea.
Naples Beach is legendary for its 1000-foot-long pier that juts out from its white sand. Named after Naples in Italy, this seashore city retains the Italian custom alive with an ideal meals scene. The metropolis boasts a captivating downtown space, the place you’ll be able to stroll alongside Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, exploring upscale boutiques, artwork galleries, and a wide range of eating choices.
The space can be near a number of nature reserves and parks, reminiscent of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Everglades National Park, the place you’ll be able to expertise Florida’s distinctive wildlife and landscapes by means of guided excursions and hikes.
13. Tigertail Beach Park
From Naples make your approach to Marco Island to go to the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands often called the Barrier Islands. You can drive straight from Naples to Marco Island taking the bridges throughout McIlan Bay and East Marco Bay. Many seashores are non-public on this island, however fortunately there are two lovely public seashores. One of which is Tigertail Beach.
Tigertail Beach Park presents 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 maintain 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 linked 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 may lease 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 considered one of their cabins. There is a youth tenting space too, however you’ll must 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 wish to go to Grayton Beach in Grayton Beach State Park. This Gulf Coast seashore attracts a totally totally different crowd than Miami Beach or the Florida Keys seashores. The prime seashores on Florida’s southern tip appeal to flash 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 must 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 hundreds of 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’s so effective that whenever you stroll on it, it appears to make a little bit of a squeaking sound. These sugar-white sands have typically been referred to as a few of the finest sands in the world, making this seashore in Siesta Key considered one of the nation’s world-class seashores.
Besides basking in effective white quartz sand, you’ll be able to get pleasure from some swimming and snorkeling at Siesta Beach. Nearby is Siesta Key Village which is stuffed with pretty cafes in addition to pubs and boutiques for procuring too. You may lease a motorcycle and take a leisurely sundown cruise by means of 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 actually changed into a pool that’s no greater than 5′ on your youngsters to swim round in. Key Largo can be considered one 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. 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 good day journey by ferry or seaplane. But you may as well 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! Check out: Where to Stay in The Florida Keys
19. Sanibel Island
We are completely happy to report that Sanibel Island is open after the devastating Hurricane Ian in September 2022. They have made an unbelievable restoration with nearly all of the main sights re-opening. At the time of this writing, the solely main issues not open are the Lighthouse Fishing Pier and Lighthouse Tower space, however Lighthouse Beach is open.
Don’t miss Bowman’s Beach which is considered one of the finest seashores in Florida, however additionally it is typically voted as considered one 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 thought for high-end resorts and seafood eating places in addition to historic structure.
It’s a sheller’s paradise and considered one 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 seek out the most totally different number of shells in the morning at low tide.
Florida Beaches Frequently Asked Questions
Which seashore in Florida has the clearest water?
The seashore in Florida famend for having a few of the clearest waters is Destin Beach, positioned on the Emerald Coast. Destin is a part of Florida’s Panhandle, which is much less densely populated and developed in comparison with different elements of the state like Miami Beach or the Keys. It additionally presents lovely white sand seashores, a variety of lodging choices, and a family-friendly ambiance, making it a best choice for each rest and recreation.
Which aspect of Florida is finest for seashores?
If you’re in search of calm waters, effective sand, and a extra relaxed ambiance, the Gulf Coast may be your ultimate alternative. If you favor extra lively waters, a various vary of experiences, and entry to cultural and historic websites, the Atlantic Coast could also be extra interesting. Both coasts boast lovely seashores, so it in the end comes all the way down to the kind of seashore expertise you want.
What is the prettiest seashore in Florida?
Siesta Key Beach is regularly lauded as considered one of the most lovely seashores in Florida. Located close to Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key has this unbelievable, effective white sand, composed of 99% pure quartz, which stays cool underfoot even in the warmth of the solar. The seashore’s clear, shallow waters and extensive expanse make it good for swimming, sunsets and all types of seashore actions.
What are the warmest Florida seashores?
West, positioned at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, persistently boasts a few of the warmest seashore waters, notably as a result of its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Miami Beach and the seashores round the Miami space additionally provide heat waters year-round, making them standard locations for these in search of a seashore expertise even in the cooler months.
Why We Love These Beaches in Florida
As we wrap up our tour of Florida’s most interesting seashores, do not forget that every seashore has its distinctive attraction and sights. Whether you’re in search of journey, rest, or a little bit of each, Florida’s seashores provide one thing particular for everybody. So, pack your sunscreen, seize your sun shades, and get able to discover the sun-kissed shores of the Sunshine State.