When it comes to beaches, South Florida is unrivaled in popularity.
There are many beaches in the area to satisfy your wanderlust, from lively seaside hangouts to secret getaways.
South Florida has the perfect beach for you, whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a wild waterside bash.
To assist you in organizing the perfect beach vacation, we have compiled a list of the finest beaches in South Florida.
- Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park
This 324-acre park was ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States by Dr. Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This stretch of Barefoot Beach is like a little piece of heaven right here on Earth.
Its sugar-white sand beach and relaxed vibe are the ideal antidotes to a hectic lifestyle.
Several turtle species, including the critically endangered gopher tortoise, find refuge in the park.
The area features a picnic area, a network of hiking trails, and an estuary where visitors can paddle a kayak.
Expert Tip
When you’ve had enough of the park’s sand and surf, you can always visit one of the nearby attractions.
The Everglades Wonder Gardens, the Bonita Springs Historical Museum, and Koreshan State Park are among our top picks in the area.
- Cayo Costa State Park
This state park is so remote and beautiful that the only ways to get to its nine miles of unspoiled beaches are by boat or helicopter.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Want to find more quiet, undeveloped beaches in southern Florida?
Then your time at Cayo Costa State Park will be nothing short of fantastic.
The park is not only a perfect place to go swimming, snorkeling, and birdwatching but also stunningly beautiful, secluded, and quiet.
Expert Tip
Please take advantage of the island’s many opportunities for outdoor activity by exploring it on foot or by bike.
Spend the night in a quaint rustic cabin or set up camp on the island for a truly unforgettable beach vacation.
- Clam Pass Park
This 35-acre park is located 6 miles from Naples and features the same fine white sand as other South Florida beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The 3,000-foot-long boardwalk in Clam Pass is perfect for taking in the breathtaking scenery.
A free tram will take you past beautiful mangrove forests, swamps, and even alligators, where you can see a wide variety of birds up close.
There is a relaxing white-sand beach complete with a snack bar, picnic area, water sports, and various sanitary facilities.
Expert Tip
Need to experience the park’s wilder side?
Skip the boardwalk and go straight to this!
Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through the park to get a different perspective.
- Siesta Key Beach
Located on Siesta Key, this sandy stretch of beach is renowned for its crystal clear waters and pure white sands made from quartz crystals.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Siesta Key Beach is the best option for a pleasant beach experience with the kids.
The beach has lifeguards, mild waves, and shallow water, making it ideal for children.
In addition, the beach is the site of some of the most well-known sand-sculpting competitions in the world.
Expert Tip
In the morning, the beach is a beautiful place to be.
There are 1,000 parking spots at the beach, but they fill up quickly, especially on the weekends.
Additionally, South Florida typically has cooler mornings.
- South Beach
Miami Beach is a vibrant area that shines thanks to its famous beaches, high-end hotels along the water, and exciting nightlife.
As a bonus, it has some of the finest attractions in Southern Florida.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beach’s pristine white sands and turquoise waters are legendary, and for a good reason.
The beach’s electric vibe is a bonus.
This area is a nighttime mecca for party animals and jet-setting hipsters.
Expert Tip
I recommend the Go Miami Card if you want to save money on admission to local attractions.
With this card, you can save money at over 25 attractions, including the Miami Zoo and the Miami Seaquarium.
- Hollywood Beach
This sandy strip is one of the finest in South Florida, between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Hollywood Beach has everything you need if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway.
The beach is known for more than just its sandy stretch; it also features oceanfront bars, restaurants, and events all year long.
In addition, it is famous for its boardwalk, which provides a wide variety of ocean-related activities.
Expert Tip
When it comes to shopping, Hollywood is a paradise.
There is a diverse selection of shopping places, from high-end department stores to hipster boutiques.
If you’re in the mood to go on a shopping spree, the fabulous Aventura Mall can be found in the heart of Hollywood.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
An incredible four miles of this beach are accessible to anyone who wants to see them.
In addition, this Blue Wave-designated nook is among the most frequented beaches in all of South Florida.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This all-ages hangout is South Florida’s premier swimming beach, thanks to its clean waters and sandy shore.
There is also a vibrant selection of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, as well as other forms of entertainment, along the beachfront.
Expert Tip
Get away from the sand, surf for a while, and visit some of Fort Lauderdale’s other must-see destinations.
The Bonnet House Museum is a must-see for garden and art lovers.
Check out the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project while you’re there.
- Hallandale Beach
Located on the southernmost tip of Greater Fort Lauderdale, this seaside city has all the makings of a traditional beach getaway.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Hallandale Beach has everything you could want from an outstanding South Florida beach and more.
If you’ve had your fill of Vitamin Sea, the city also offers a variety of other recreational opportunities, such as tennis, golf, and saltwater fishing.
Expert Tip
If you’re looking for a five-star meal without leaving the beach, ETARU is the place to go.
This restaurant serves delicious grilled wagyu beef and seafood dishes that satisfy any appetite.
- Lovers Key State Park
There are barrier islands and tidal lagoons among the natural wonders that fill this state park’s massive 712 acres.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The park’s name suggests it’s perfect for a couple seeking some seclusion on their beach getaway, and that’s precisely what you’ll find here.
Even though it has one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, few people know about it.
In addition, there is a wide variety of outdoor pursuits, such as kayaking and birdwatching, available in the park.
Expert Tip
A free outing is being offered to anyone interested in learning more about fishing and nature photography.
If you wander the park, you can see roseate spoonbills, pelicans, ibis, herons, bald eagles, and osprey.
- Pompano Beach
Gold Coast’s “heart,” this city is midway between Palm Beach and Miami on the Atlantic coast.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This modern beach town has a little bit of everything, from high-end restaurants to fantastic shopping.
In addition to being a great and peaceful alternative to some of the crowded beaches in the area, its warm crystal clear waters and easygoing vibe make it an excellent option for anyone.
Expert Tip
Spend an evening appreciating the unparalleled beauty of a moonlit sea at the accessible, always-open pier.
Also, check out the city’s schedule so you won’t miss any fun happenings, such as the Fishing Rodeo and the Pompano Seafood festival.
- Deerfield Beach
This award-winning beach has more than two thousand five hundred feet of pristine coastline.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beach is perfect for relaxing with loved ones or a special someone.
There are many fun things on this beach for those who feel bold and carefree.
First, sandcastles are a great way to show off your architectural skills.
Water skiing is an option to add some adrenaline to your vacation.
Expert Tip
Here at this beach, good food is easy to come by.
Just head over to the renowned Brooks Restaurant and feast on various dishes that feature a fusion of French cooking methods and American ingredients.
- Crandon Park Beach
Park covers 800 acres on Key Biscayne, once the site of the largest coconut plantation in the United States.
Why We Recommend This Beach
When looking for a park suitable for the whole family in Southern Florida, consider Crandon Park.
A nearby sandbar creates calm, kid-friendly swimming conditions at this beach.
Picnic areas and eco-adventure tours characterize the hangout, and many families chill out and grill.
Expert Tip
Visit the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center for an interactive educational experience.
You can go on a seagrass adventure with a naturalist or observe sea turtles.
Children will love visiting this attraction.
The Thirteenth Beach on Hobie Island
The most daring visitors to Miami flock to Hobie Beach, located just off the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Planning on going to the beach and need to inject some excitement into your trip?
What are you waiting for? Go to Hobie Island and enjoy the many water sports available.
Windsurfing, sailboard rentals, sailboats, and jet skis are just a few exciting water sports available to beachgoers.
Expert Tip
Are you taking Fido along on your trip?
The situation would improve if you didn’t just leave your dog or cat behind at the house.
The beach on Hobie Island is one of the few in South Florida that allows dogs.
If you don’t want to swim with other dogs, this beach isn’t for you.
- John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
This 437-acre park has been welcoming guests since 1989, and its breathtaking scenery never fails to impress.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This park is arguably the most photogenic in all of Southern Florida, and not without good reason.
This park’s diverse, lush foliage backdrop and fine, sandy stretch have drawn visitors for years.
A nature center and sea turtle education initiative are also available.
Expert Tip
When the beach starts to feel stale, you can switch things up by taking a hike along the adjacent nature trail and the boardwalk.
In addition to the breathtaking scenery, it’s a thrilling activity for birdwatchers.
- Tigertail Beach Park
Towards Marco Island’s north end is a beautiful park that spans 32 acres.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This extraordinary beach park is double-sided.
There is a pristine, three-mile beach on one side of the lagoon where dolphins frequently play in the water.
More amenities like a playground, picnic areas, and a snack bar can be found at the park’s opposite end.
The concession stands also rent out paddle boards and kayaks.
Expert Tip
Stop by Cape Romano on the way, and marvel at the strange ruins of a vacation home.
Believe me when I say these ruins resemble something from a science fiction movie.
- Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a tranquil beach town with two and a half miles of pristine shoreline and a picturesque pier.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is known as the “diving capital of South Florida” due to its abundance of aquatic life.
Submerge yourself in its depths, and you may encounter tropical fish, turtles, reefs, and even lobsters.
The town’s pier and easygoing atmosphere will also win you over.
Expert Tip
Do you happen to have some vacation time to kill in this city?
The best way to see all that Florida offers is in the comfort of your car, which you should rent from us.
The Florida Keys, Everglades, Miami, and West Palm Beach are all within a couple of hours’ drive.
- Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
It was established in 1973, and the park’s pristine coastline continues to amaze visitors.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This state park is not as popular as some of South Florida’s best beaches, but it is still well worth the trip.
This uninhabited and peaceful 250-acre barrier island offers pristine and uncrowded coves, far from the madding crowds of sunbathers.
This state park provides a wealth of exciting activities to enjoy.
Paddling a kayak or scuba diving in the mangrove-lined waterways is a must-do for tourists.
They, too, might choose to do nothing more than lounge on the expansive, sun-kissed beach.
Expert Tip
The park is an essential location for sea turtle nesting in the United States.
In addition, every summer, a program is designed to raise awareness and teach people about these animals.
The nesting of sea turtles is a natural phenomenon seen on this show.
