With some of the world’s whitest sand beaches, the largest fishing fleet, and beaches that have the most seashells, the Sunshine State is, without a doubt, the nation’s top choice for beach vacations.
The best beaches in Florida can be found all along the Sunshine State’s blessed coastline, so hopefully, no matter where you are in Florida, a tropical paradise is only a short drive away. Orlando’s world-class destinations currently hold the monopoly on the best things to do in Florida.
Since it might be difficult to decide which of the many alluring beaches in this state to visit, we’ve compiled a list of the top beaches in Florida to get you started on your next beach vacation.
- Destin
Destin, a community that fronts the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, is located higher up on Florida’s northwest coast.
What makes Destin so appealing? Destin, Florida’s Panhandle, is brimming with vitamin Sea and warm tropical weather.
Destin offers an unforgettable relaxing beach getaway with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and snow-white sands.
Destin is one of Florida’s most well-known beaches, with wildlife encounters and waterfront dining. It also has some of the whitest sand in the world.
For the usual beachgoer who dreams of fluffy, sugar-white sands against teal waters, Crystal Beach is the place to go.
On the other hand, in addition to the typical coastal experience, Henderson Beach and Grayton Beach offer ecological walks.
The whitest sand is found at Henderson Beach.
2. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island, often known as the “Shelling Capital of the World,” is well-renowned for its award-winning shoreline covered in seashells and is one of Florida’s top beaches for beachcombing.
You will not want to miss a visit to Sanibel Island. In addition to Sanibel’s world-famous shells, its shores are home to mangroves, wetlands, and protected habitats that serve as healthy wildlife refuges.
Choose the most beautiful shells, take a tour of the neighboring islands, watch crab races, and explore the wildlife preserve.
To ensure you have the greatest vacation possible, we urge that you remind your party or family to wear aqua socks to protect their feet along this stretch of Florida Gulf Shore.
3. Clearwater Beach
This 2.5-mile beach is only 25 miles from Tampa and St. Petersburg, but it feels a world apart from Florida’s urban vibe.
This secluded cove is frequently cited as one of Florida’s top beach destinations because of its magnificent white-sand beauty.
Clearwater’s shallow, quiet, and clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the shoreline is home to a variety of enjoyable traditional beach activities. Here’s a piece of advice: If you’re traveling with kids, you can find plenty of family-friendly attractions in and near Clearwater Beach, including a theme park, a baseball stadium, playgrounds, and an instructional aquarium.
4. Siesta Key
The Florida island of Siesta Key, which faces the Gulf of Mexico, is like heaven on earth.
In fact, it is frequently rated as Florida’s top swimming beach. The island of Siesta Key consistently ranks among the most beautiful beaches in Florida and the entire country thanks to its soft and quartz-fine, blindingly white sand, calm and remarkably healthy sea, clean air, perfect weather, and vigilant lifeguards. This is why we recommend visiting the island.
Additionally, Siesta Key is bordered by amazing sites you shouldn’t miss, such as the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Smuggler’s Cove, the Ringling Museum, the Mote Marine Aquarium, and many more, so there are plenty of additionally enjoyable things to do.
The island comes alive at night with music, lights, cocktails, and festivities.
5. Panama City Beach
Over 27 miles of beaches stretch along the coast of northwest Florida, their edges smoothed by fine white sand and crystal-clear waters of pastel blue.
Panama City Beach, arguably one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, strangely has no admission fee.
Visit the thriving underwater life by swimming or snorkeling.
If you’re fortunate, you might even spot a few sea turtles swimming by.
Just bring your bikini and prepare a picnic if you want to save money.
On the other side, if you have additional cash, you can go parasailing, jet skiing, fishing, and looking for dolphins.
6. Amelia Island
Amelia Island, which is just 30 miles from Jacksonville, is our top recommendation for travelers looking for peace away from crowds and bustle.
But why Amelia Island? Amelia Island is full of the kind of beaches you’re searching for if lovely beaches free of throngs of people seem to like your idea of a beach getaway.
Expect to see equestrian riding, hawks, dolphins, whales, and historical relics scattered over the island.
If you want to go camping, Amelia Island has a storied Fort Clinch State Park where you can do so during your island getaway.
7. Naples
Naples is a superb family holiday destination, even though it is better known for its golf courses than the many fantastic Florida beaches along the Gulf Coast. Naples, why?
Naples features gentle surf, 30 miles of smooth, white sand beaches, and mild weather all year long.
At any time of year, visitors continue to enjoy shelling, kayaking, and fishing off the famous pier, and there are plenty of cultural and natural activities in the city for all interests.
To make the visit much more enjoyable here is something for you: Naples’ most prized attractions include Lowdermilk Beach, Naples Pier, and Clam Pass Park.
Brought the young ones with you?
Visit the Caribbean Gardens or the Naples Zoo to discover the wonders of nature.
The Golisano Children’s Museum is another fantastic option for an enjoyable afternoon.
8. St. George Island
One of the remaining inhabited yet undeveloped barrier islands in Florida is St. George Island, a barrier island off the coast of Florida’s Panhandle.
You might wonder why St. George Island is so highly recommended.
A sight to behold both during the day and at night, St. George Island’s beaches feature the most breath-taking Gulf of Mexico sunsets and the best stargazing prospects in the Panhandle.
Our knowledge has led us to conclude that St. George Island offers more than just magnificent beaches.
There is a lighthouse from the 19th century nearby, as well as free-ranging wildlife, beach rentals for fun activities, and a retro ice cream shop.
9. Key West
Florida’s southernmost section has the lovely island community of Key West.
With its conch-style mansions, lovely gardens, nature parks, and crystal-clear cerulean seas, Key West is a well-liked cruise-ship stop.
This island paradise is only 4.2 miles long, yet it is jam-packed with snorkeling opportunities, places to rent equipment for water sports, and historical buildings with horizon views.
The nicest beach on the island, according to Key West, is found near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
However, due to its central location in Key West, Smathers Beach is where all of the action takes place.
10. St Petersburg
St. Petersburg, often known as “Sunshine City,” is encircled by Old Tampa Bay, Middle Tampa Bay, and Lower Tampa Bay.
Many of us may ask what makes it so special, but it is not surprising that St. Petersburg is home to numerous award-winning beaches with Florida’s distinctive snow-white sand, considering that it is located on the western coast of the state.
Beachcombers prefer Treasure Island Beach, while travelers who want the best sunsets head to Sunset Beach.
To be more interesting, you learn that the Sunshine City takes pride in having Fort de Soto, a five-island park that is likely to please both history enthusiasts and ocean lovers, as well as parents looking for the kid-safest beach.
The calmest, shallowest seas, ideal for small feet, may be found at Fort de Soto’s beach.
11. Marco Island
Among the 10,000 Islands near the Everglades, Marco Island is the largest and only built island.
To dispel the notion that this is a myth, Marco Island proudly displays its size in the Ten Thousand Islands by providing fantastic tropical activities and family-friendly vacation destinations.
The island is home to a variety of resorts, beaches, pristine parks, picnic areas, and trails, as well as long-lived fauna.
Here’s a little-known fact for you: Marco Island is an excellent family vacation destination, thanks to its kiddie pools, kiddie beaches, and entertainment venues.
12. Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Rosa, formerly known as Hogtown in the late 1700s, is located along South Walton’s 26-mile stretch of sugar-white beaches.
This beach is highly recommended for its breath-taking scenery.
Santa Rosa, a small, remote town with a 15,000-acre state forest, sand dunes, and a slew of art galleries and boutiques, evokes the old-fashioned beauty of a beachfront hamlet.
Beachgoers flock to Grayton Beach State Park and Blue Mountain Beach for their beautiful beaches and natural surroundings.
While strolling through Santa Rosa’s peaceful streets, don’t miss the Old World-inspired architecture.
13. Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach provides popular tourist destinations without the crowds that can be found between Pensacola and Panama City.
Get to Fort Walton to satisfy your thirst for water sports.
Fort Walton Beach has an abundance of aquatic activities and sports, which is what many families are looking for a vacation want.
Jetski, waverunner, and banana boat excursions are available in Fort Walton Beach.
Dolphin encounters and snorkeling excursions are also options!
For a satisfying ending and to enhance the enjoyment and memory of your day.
See amazing tricks performed by marine animals, such as dolphins and seals, at the Gulfarium Aquatic Adventure Park.
14. Islamorada
Islamorada, also known as the “Village of Islands” in the Florida Keys, is made up of five beautiful islands.
But Islamorada is also home to some lovely things.
Islamorada, which has the world’s largest fishing fleet per square mile, is not only a beach paradise but also the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.”
There is always somewhere to go and something to do on the village shoreline, seven days a week!
To make the most of your time in Islamorada, pay a visit to the History of Diving Museum to see a genuine treasure chest from the 1500s or to the Theater of the Sea to learn more about Islamorada’s aquatic life.
Nature lovers should visit any of the state parks for outdoor activities.
15. Dry Tortugas National Park
This secluded 100-square-mile park, 70 miles from Key West, offers one of Florida’s best beaches as well as a historically unique experience.
The trip there and back is an adventure in itself.
After all, the only means of transportation are by boat or seaplane.
When you enter the park, you’ll find a 19th-century fort, coral reefs, and wildlife areas.
You can afford to miss them because the fort is so enticing that exploring it and learning about the significance of this region in Civil War history are practically mandatory.
Don’t limit your beach enjoyment to the sea’s surface; there’s an entirely different world beneath the waves.
