Florida is a haven for beach lovers, with its expansive coastline stretching over 1,350 miles. From the soft, white sands of the Gulf Coast to the vibrant shores of the Atlantic, the Sunshine State offers an array of coastal experiences.
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly getaway or a tranquil escape by the sea, Florida has a beach to suit every taste. Below, we’ll highlight some of the best beaches in Florida, showcasing their unique features, activities and reasons to visit so you can make the most of your Florida beach vacation.
1. Siesta Key
Address: 948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points are available, typically with fees. Some free parking options are available a short walk away.
Entrance cost: Free
Consistently ranked among the nicest beaches in Florida and often nationally recognized, Siesta Key is famous for its incredibly soft, powdery quartz sand. The calm Gulf waters are perfect for families with young children, providing a safe and enjoyable environment.
In general, Siesta Key offers a vibrant beach atmosphere. Lifeguards are on duty year-round, beach volleyball courts are available and you’ll find ample space for sunbathing. Siesta Key Village, a short walk from the beach, offers charming shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy after a day in the sun.
2. Clearwater Beach
Address: 400 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
Parking: Metered parking is available along Gulfview Boulevard and in nearby parking garages.
Entrance cost: Free
Clearwater Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach boasts a lively atmosphere with plenty of things to do with friends, including dolphin-watching tours, fishing charters and sunset celebrations at Pier 60. Clearwater Beach offers a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, shops and hotels.
The iconic Pier 60 is a must-visit. It offers stunning views of the Gulf and hosts daily sunset celebrations with street performers and vendors. You’ll also find opportunities for jet skiing, parasailing and other water sports. The combination of beautiful scenery and lively entertainment makes Clearwater Beach a popular choice for visitors of all ages.
3. Destin
Address: 100 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points are available with varying fees.
Entrance cost: Free (Access to the beaches is generally free, but there may be fees for parking or specific amenities.)
Destin, a renowned destination on Florida's Emerald Coast, consistently ranks among the best Florida beaches. Known for its sugar-white sand and the stunning emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a Destin vacation offers a picturesque setting for a beach escape. The area has a vibrant atmosphere with a wide range of activities, from deep-sea fishing charters and dolphin cruises to watersports like jet skiing and parasailing.
Beyond the beautiful beaches, Destin is a popular family destination with numerous attractions, including water parks, amusement parks and golf courses. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a popular hub, offering waterfront dining, shopping and entertainment. The combination of beautiful beaches, abundant activities and a family-friendly atmosphere makes Destin a great choice if you’re looking for a quintessential Florida beach vacation.
4. Panama City Beach
Address: 16101 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points are available with varying fees.
Entrance cost: Free (Access to the beaches is generally free, but there may be fees for parking or specific amenities.)
Known for its white sand and vibrant atmosphere, Panama City Beach offers various activities for visitors of all ages. There's something for everyone, from relaxing on the beach to enjoying water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. You’ll also find several family-friendly attractions, including Gulf World Marine Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
The area boasts numerous restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, so there's never a dull moment. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach getaway or more adventure, Panama City Beach provides a diverse range of experiences.
5. Santa Rosa Beach
Address: 30 Scenic Gulf Dr, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points available with varying fees.
Entrance cost: Free (Access to the beaches is generally free, but there may be fees for parking or specific amenities.)
Nestled along the scenic Highway 30A on Florida's Emerald Coast, Santa Rosa Beach is a haven for those seeking a less crowded beach experience. While many flock to the more bustling beaches, Santa Rosa Beach quietly earns its place among the best Florida beaches with its pristine white sand, shimmering turquoise waters and laid-back atmosphere.
Santa Rosa Beach also offers a variety of outdoor activities. From kayaking and paddleboarding on the coastal dune lakes to hiking and biking along scenic trails, there are plenty of ways to explore the area's natural wonders. Overall, it's a perfect escape for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
6. Anna Maria Island
Address: Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 (This encompasses the island; specific access points will vary.)
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points available with varying fees.
Entrance cost: Free
Known for its "Old Florida" charm, Anna Maria Island offers a relaxed and idyllic beach experience. The barrier island off the coast of Florida makes for a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, with safety in mind for those enjoying the water. You'll find the Bradenton Area's “Love It Like a Local” initiative reflected in its “Beach Like a Local” program, which encourages visitors to care for the island as residents do by appreciating wildlife, preserving the natural shoreline and choosing safe practices, such as using complimentary U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests available at two north-end locations. Vests are available at pickup points near the Sandbar Seafood + Spirits restaurant on the Gulf side and at Bayfront park; the two stands offer 64 vests, with each stand stocked with 32 in sizes ranging from infant through adult and signage that shows how to fit and use them correctly. Beachgoers are invited to borrow a vest for the day and return it when finished.
Beyond time on the water, the island also is home to several charming shops, restaurants and art galleries, offering plenty to explore between hours on the sand. Whether you want to relax on the beach, browse local boutiques or enjoy water sports, Anna Maria Island delivers both relaxation and mindful recreation options, and the absence of high-rise condos and fast-food chains preserves a tranquil, residential feel.
7. Fort Walton Beach
Address: 10 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points available with varying fees.
Entrance cost: $2/person
Known for its dazzling white sand and family-friendly atmosphere, Fort Walton Beach provides a delightful coastal experience among the many beaches in Florida. The area offers a blend of relaxation and recreation, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, shelling and various water sports. The calm, clear waters are especially inviting for families with children.
The Okaloosa Island Pier is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing, while the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offers exciting encounters with marine life. The area also features numerous restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.
8. Jupiter Beach Park
Address: 1600 Marcinski Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477
Parking: Ample parking is available at the Jupiter Beach Park lot, typically with fees.
Entrance cost: Free
Located on the northern end of Jupiter Island, Juniper Beach Park consistently ranks among the best Florida beaches, offering a serene and picturesque beach experience. This stretch of coastline is renowned for its calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Loggerhead sea turtles often nest on this beach, providing a unique opportunity to witness these incredible creatures.
The park also offers amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds and restrooms, making it a great destination for families. At the adjacent Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, you can hike and explore the area's natural history.
9. Marco Island
Address: Marco Island, FL 34145
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points available with varying fees.
Entrance cost: Free
A luxurious island paradise off the coast of Southwest Florida, Marco Island is known for its upscale resorts, offering a sophisticated beach getaway. The island has various beaches, each with its own unique charm, from the bustling South Beach to the more secluded Tigertail Beach.
Beyond the beautiful beaches, Marco Island offers activities like boating, fishing and exploring the nearby Ten Thousand Islands. It’s also home to several championship golf courses, upscale shops and fine dining restaurants. The stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are also a must-see.
10. Palm Beach
Address: Palm Beach, FL 33480
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points available Palm with varying fees.
Entrance cost: Free
Palm Beach, synonymous with luxury and elegance, offers a refined beach experience that places it among the nicest beaches in Florida. Known for its iconic mansions lining the shore, Palm Beach exudes an air of sophistication. While some beaches in Florida offer a more laid-back vibe, Palm Beach provides a taste of the high life with upscale boutiques, fine dining and a vibrant social scene.
Worth Avenue, a renowned shopping district, is home to designer boutiques and art galleries. The Flagler Museum, once the winter home of Henry Flagler, offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age. While the focus here is often on luxury, the natural beauty of the beach itself is undeniable, making it a must-visit
11. Treasure Island Beach
Address: Treasure Island, FL 33706
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points are available with varying fees.
Entrance cost: Free
A charming beach town on Florida's Gulf Coast, Treasure Island Beach offers a relaxing and family-friendly beach experience. The beach boasts a wide stretch of sand, perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles and enjoying leisurely walks. If you’re looking for Florida Gulf Coast resorts that combine natural beauty with a relaxed atmosphere, Treasure Island is a great choice.
The Treasure Island Beach Trail is a popular spot for walking, biking and rollerblading, offering stunning views of the Gulf. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Sanding Ovations sand sculpting competition.
12. St. George Island
Address: St. George Island, FL 32459
Parking: Public parking lots and beach access points are available throughout St. George Island, including within the state park.
Entrance cost: Free for most beach access points outside the state park. For St. George Island State Park, there is a fee of $6 per vehicle (2-8 people) and $4 for single-occupant vehicles.
St. George Island is a serene barrier island in the Florida Panhandle that offers a tranquil escape from the more crowded destinations. Known for its natural beauty, miles of shoreline and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, St. George Island is one of the best beach towns in the U.S. to visit.
This island is less developed than many others, preserving its natural charm and providing the chance to reconnect with nature. St. George Island State Park offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. The absence of large crowds makes it a perfect destination for a quiet retreat.
13. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Address: 4200 El Mar Dr, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308
Parking: On-street parking and paid parking lots are available.
Entrance cost: Free
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a charming beach town in Broward County. With calm turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs just offshore, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. The town's proximity to the Florida Reef makes it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, who can explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life just a short swim from the shore.
Beyond the beach, the town itself offers a charming, walkable atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops and live music venues. This pedestrian-friendly environment makes it easy to stroll around, enjoy the local culture and find the perfect spot for a meal or a drink.
14. Cape San Blas
Address: Cape San Blas, FL 32456
Parking: Parking is available at various access points along Cape San Blas Road and for a fee of $6 per vehicle in St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
Entrance cost: Free for most beach access points outside the state park; $6 per vehicle for St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
Known for its white sand dunes, clear turquoise waters and abundant wildlife, Cape San Blas is one of Florida's prettiest beaches that provides a peaceful and secluded beach experience. It’s perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds, with miles of undeveloped shoreline ideal for long walks.
Cape San Blas also offers various outdoor activities. The St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, located at the tip of the cape, provides hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities and excellent fishing. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities for observing the local wildlife. The area’s emphasis on preserving its natural environment makes it a haven for nature lovers.
15. Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine
Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Parking: Parking is available within Anastasia State Park with an entry fee (see below).
Entrance cost: $8 per vehicle with up to 8 people; $4 per vehicle with one occupant; $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Located just south of historic St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is perhaps one of the best beaches near Orlando for a blend of diverse ecosystems and rich history. The park encompasses tidal marshes, maritime hammocks and ancient coquina quarries, all ideal for hiking, birdwatching and exploring Florida's diverse coastal environment.
As for the park’s history, evidence of Timucuan Native American presence dates back centuries, and the area played a role in the early Spanish settlement of St. Augustine. Explore the ancient coquina rock formations, learn more history at the visitor center or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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