Florida has some of the most amazing beaches in the world. Fine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters are a wonder to the eyes.
The beaches have both State and National Beach Parks, offering a wide range of recreational activities. From family-friendly to couples-friendly, there’s a beach for everyone. Even your furry companions can play off the leash at the Dog Beaches.
This paradise is suited for everyone. But with hundreds of miles of coastline, Florida has a lot of beaches. With so many choices, it can be tiresome to select a beach.
We have sorted out the 20 best beaches in Florida.
1. Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a captivating barrier island located on the coast of Sarasota. It has one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
The crystal clear water and the world’s finest white sand ( 99% pure quartz) make it a breathtaking site. On Crescent Beach, you can experience the joy of walking on soft white sand. Turtle Beach has a more quiet atmosphere. You can take long walks and collect shells on the beach.
You can indulge yourself in shopping and nighttime entertainment. Famous restaurants and hotels include The Cottage, Ophelia’s on the Bay, and The Siesta Key Oyster Bar.
2. Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is stretched 26 miles along Florida’s northwest coast. It’s known for its spotless and attractive beaches.
The quiet atmosphere, snow-white sand, and turquoise water make it an ideal destination for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. You can also explore the dunes that grace this landscape. You can also visit the local art galleries and boutiques.
There are many excellent dining options, but the Food Trucks in Seaside are irresistible. You should try Meltdown on 30A and Mr. Gyro Hero. You can find hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts that suit your choice.
3. Marco Island
Marco Island lies in Southwest Florida. It is the largest barrier island in the Ten Thousand Islands area. You can reach the island via Jolley Bridge or S.S. Jolley Bridge.
With its unspoiled habitat, this pristine and spotless beach is well-suited for sunbathing and swimming. If you love boating, this beach is for you to have fun with your favorite water sport. Tigertail Beach Park offers wildlife exploring, shell collecting, and kayaking. You can rejoice in the cozy condos and resorts in South Marco Beach.
4. Delray Beach
Delray Beach is known as Village by the Sea. It’s famous for its friendly small-town vibe and exciting entertainment choices of a big city.
The beach is perfect for snorkeling and paddleboarding. Some cool places to check out are Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Morikami Museum, and Japanese Gardens. At the Atlantic Dune Park, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful nature. If you are a social person, you should visit Atlantic Avenue. It has fancy stores for shopping and fun things to do at night. There are many bars and clubs to choose from.
The Colony Hotel and The Seagate Hotel are excellent choices for accommodation. You should check out Deck 84, Max’s Harvest, and 50 Ocean for fine dining.
Related: Best beaches for couples in Florida
5. Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island is off the coast of Dunedin, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico. You can try a ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Beach. You can also take your vessel or even kayak your way there.
The place is famous for its stunning white sand and mesmerizing turquoise water. It’s a place where both families and couples can have a great time and enjoy themselves. As you explore the island, you’ll encounter a diverse range of bird species and other fascinating wildlife, including turtles, adding to the island’s natural charm.
Nearby hotels and restaurants include Opal Sands Resort, Sandpearl Resort, Island Way Grill, and Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill.
6. South Beach
South Beach is one of Florida’s most famous beaches. This 2.2-mile stretched beach runs parallel to Ocean Drive. It is one of the most popular and heavily visited beaches in Florida. It also includes a beach that is popular among the LGBTQ+ community.
You can enjoy exciting activities like yachting, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kite surfing. The white sand and clear water will fascinate you. You’ll also notice stylish individuals wearing skimpy bathing suits and nearby roads exhibiting the charm of flashy cars. Furthermore, it has one of the largest collections of Art Deco Architecture.
The Betsy Hotel, South Beach, and The Setai Miami Beach are popular choices for accommodation.
7. Clearwater Beach
The beach has shallow waters and soft sand making it a perfect place to have fun in the water and relax on the beach. Beach Walk Promenade ideall for bike rides and rollerblading. Witness the captivating beauty of dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, majestic stingrays, and fascinating nurse sharks at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. At Pier 60, you can watch live performances by street performers.
This barrier island on the western coast of Florida provides everything you need for a perfect beach experience. You wouldn’t want to miss the stunning sunset views of Clearwater Beach.
Some well-known hotels include the luxurious Sandpearl Resort, the iconic Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, and the elegant Opal Sands Resort. These establishments offer stunning views, top-notch amenities, and fine dining.
8. Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto is on a series of barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s stretched over 1,136 acres.
You’ll find calm and crystal-clear waters for families and children to swim and play. There are nature trails for you to explore. The patchwork of Mangroves is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. There is a Dog Beach and a Paw Playground where your furry companion can roam, play and swim off-leash.
Hotels and resorts like Don CeSar, Sirata Beach Resort, and TradeWinds Island Grand Resort provide fine accommodations. There are several restaurants located nearby. If you prefer to cook your food, the picnic area is equipped with grills too.
9. Haulover Beach
Haulover Beach is Florida’s oldest officially recognized nude beach. Located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, this public park covers 177 acres of area.
If you are a surfer, Haulover Beach boasts Miami’s most impressive tides for surfers. The beach informally divides into three sections on most days. It caters to different groups, including families, non-families, and the LGBTQ+ community.
If you have a dog companion, there’s no issue. At Dog Beach, your companion can roam freely and enjoy.
There is a concession stand called “The Grill at Haulover Beach.” where you can find a variety of food options. You’ll find various hotels like Sole Miami and Marenas Beach Resort, offering a range of budget-friendly to luxury options.
10. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is a barrier island situated off the coast of northeast Florida. It has 13 miles of coastline and a lot of public access points. The island is best suited for families.
The Main Beach Park includes a playground, outdoor skate park, volleyball courts, picnic tables, and more. The beach will offer you uncongested classic family fun. The ADA Facility offers ADA-compliant Mobi-mat and other facilities at parks and dining places.
Some popular restaurants on Amelia Island include Salt, The Patio Place, and Timoti’s Seafood Shak. For accommodation, the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island is famous for its luxurious and elegant atmosphere.
11. Destin Beach
Destin is known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village and one of the Florida’s best beach. It’s in the northwest part of Florida.
You will be fascinated by the sight of Destin’s white sand beaches, the stunning Gulf waters, and the constant sunshine, creating a true paradise to enjoy.
For recreational activities, Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, Escape Zone 60, and Destin Snorkel are among the popular picks. If you are not in the mood for adventure, you can relax at Henderson Beach State Park. Here you will find Appalachian white sand, nature trails, and picnic areas to enjoy and relax. You may get a chance to see dolphins and sea turtles on the beach.
One of the most famous hotels at Destin Beach is the Henderson Beach Resort, you can enjoy great dining and accommodation.
12. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is located about 65 miles north of Miami on a barrier island along the eastern coast of Florida. It is renowned for its luxurious and upscale resorts and shopping complexes.
It’s a paradise for food enthusiasts offering a wide range of dining options from upscale seafood restaurants to trendy bistros and charming cafes. Golfing, jet skiing, and parasailing are some popular things to do here. At certain times of the year, you can participate in special events organized at the Palm Beach Zoo.
The Breakers is a historic and luxurious oceanfront resort where you can indulge in upscale dining and accommodation.
Related: Best Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida
13. Islamorada
Islamorada, located in the Florida Keys, is a chain of islands in the southernmost part of the USA. It is known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
Ready your fishing gear because Islamorada is famous for its world-class sport fishing. If you are not a fishing enthusiast, you can chill on the sandy beaches of Islamorada. You can take a boat trip to Islamorada Sandbar, where you can snorkel, swim and relax in the shallow waters.
Many restaurants specialize in serving locally caught fish and shellfish. Amara Cay Resort, Islander Resort & Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina are famous Oceanfront accommodations.
14. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is on the northwest coast of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico. The beach has 27 miles of beautiful shoreline and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
At St. Andrew State Park, you can snorkel, swim, surf, or even explore the wildlife. Camp Helen State Park at Panama City Beach is a prime spot for fishing. You can take Shell Island Suttle to reach Shell Island. It’s famous for its large population of bottlenose dolphins and abundance of seashells.
You can enjoy the local cuisines at restaurants like Dat Cajun Place, Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill, and Firefly. You will have direct access to the beach and stunning ocean views if you stay at beachfront resorts like The Pearl Hotel and Seahaven Beach Hotel.
15. Key Largo
With crystal-clear water and beautiful white sand, this island has one of the best beaches in Florida. Sleep underwater in Jules’ Undersea Lodge at Key Largo Undersea Park. There are a lot of beaches in Key Largo but nothing like the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It has stunning reefs and diverse marine life, which you can explore via Glass Bottom Boats.
This beautiful island is in the upper Florida Keys, a chain of islands in the southeastern part of Florida. Key Largo is known as one of the world’s top dive destinations because of the beautiful reefs, underwater statues, and shipwrecks.
There are waterfront restaurants to enjoy the fresh seafood with a picturesque view. Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar
16. Beaches at Boca Raton
Boca Raton is a beach city along the Florida coastline, renowned for upscale amenities and beautiful beaches.
For swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and relaxing on the shore, visit Red Reef Park. South Inlet Park at the beachfront is where you can enjoy fishing. At the Gumbo Limbo Nature Centre, you can watch sea turtles hatching out of their shells. Spanish River Park’s Bark Beach is Boca’s only dog-friendly beach where your companion can enjoy off the leash.
Overall it’s a beach city where you and your family can have a good time.
17. St. Augustine Beach, Florida
St. Augustine having 42 miles of beaches, is in northeastern Florida. It’s famous as the oldest continuously occupied, European-established settlement in the USA.
The stunning beaches of St. Augustine have ample space for you to sunbathe, beach comb, build sand castles, and enjoy picnics by the shore. You can collect shells, rent a kayak and explore bird species at the Anastasia State Park.
The St. George Inn and Casa Monica Resort are great for accommodation. At the Conch House Restaurant and Columbia Restaurant, you can experience fine dining.
18. St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is one of the best beaches to go in Florida. It’s on the Gulf Coast of Florida, on a barrier island called Long Key.
It offers soft white sand, clear emerald water, and many amenities. You can have a family-friendly atmosphere at Upham Beach. It has a lot of lifeguards on duty, making it safe for your children. You can go fishing, kayaking, and even rent a bike at St. Pete Pier. The beach has stunning views of the bay.
Indulge in waterfront dining at Sea Salt, The Canopy Rooftop, and Oyester Bark. Enjoy St. Pete’s coastal setting at The Vinoy Renaissance, a waterfront resort.
19. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is at the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the top beaches in fl.
This crystal-clear water beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can relax on the sandy shorelines with stunning sunset views. You can also explore nature trails. You can learn about the role of Fort Zachary in the Civil and Spanish-American Wars.
You can make food at the park’s public tables and grills or go to Cayo Hueso Cafe to feed. The beach does not have an on-site accommodation facility but has hotels and resorts nearby.
20. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach in Brevard is known as the Surf Capital of the East Coast. It has a long-standing reputation as a prime surfing beach.
This fun beach in Florida is mainly famous for its surfing schools. The most famous is Ron Jon Surf School. You can enjoy fishing at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Like all other great beaches in Florida, Cocoa Beach has white sand shorelines and turquoise waters. While surfing is a hot topic, you can still relax and have classic beach fun with your loved ones.
There are waterfront bars to enjoy drinks, live music, and ocean views. Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront and The Westin Cape Canaveral Resort are some top hotels.
Plan your beach trip in Florida using this list of the best beaches easily. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a long vacation, enjoy the beauty of Florida’s beaches with your loved ones.