We independently research and recommend any products or places but we may earn a commission if you click on links we provide. Learn More.
Dreaming of crystal-clear waters, powdery soft sand, and endless sunshine? Florida’s beautiful beaches have been drawing in visitors from all over the world for many years. These are some of the most loved beaches in the state that are perfect for those beach days.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach day, family fun, or a romantic getaway, Florida’s beaches have something to offer for everyone. With long stretches of stunning coastlines, here are some of the best beaches to visit in Florida.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
At the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is home to one of the best beaches in Key West. It’s one of the most tranquil places on the island and has stunning views of the water. On the main beach, you’ll find the swimming area protected by the rocks which are a great place to snorkel with a chance of seeing tropical fish and corals.
On the site there are nice amenities with restroom facilities as well as a concession stand and a restaurant. There is also plenty of parking in the park but the entrance fee does cost $6 per vehicle.
The park is home to a Civil War-era fort which houses the largest collection of Civil War armaments in the state. You can walk around the corridors of Fort Zachary Taylor and see the cannon and gun ports. On the third weekend of each month there are local re-enactors who portray the historic demonstrations bringing history to life.
South Beach
South Beach is perhaps the most iconic beach in Florida. The beach stretches along Ocean Drive, where palm trees line the street and pastel-colored Art Deco buildings add a touch of vintage glamour to the scene. It’s definitely one of the best hangout spots in Miami and people visiting this bustling city should not miss going to South Beach.
At any time of day you will find the beach filled with people sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. There are plenty of watersports activities to try as well including jet skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking.
Strolling along the boardwalk is one of the best ways to experience the energy and beauty of Miami Beach. Nearby restaurants are some of Miami’s best dining experiences and it all being just steps away from the sand.
Siesta Key Beach
While other beaches may be more well-known, Siesta Key Beach is definitely a favorite for many and consistently gets ranked among the best beaches in the United States. With its powdery soft white sand that’s unlike any other beach in Florida, Siesta Key Beach offers the perfect setting for the beach days. The sand is made of 99% quartz so even on the hottest days it stays cool under your feet.
Not only does the beach stretch for miles it also is the widest beach in Florida where the distance from the parking lot to the water is a bit of a walk. This makes for plenty of space for all the visitors who come to Siesta Key Beach with plenty of space for volleyball nets.
Siesta Key Beach usually has very calm, shallow and clear water making it very family-friendly. There are amenities with bathrooms, picnic areas, and a small cafe in the pavilion. Just a short walk away, Siesta Key Village has charming souvenir shops, delicious ice cream parlors, and cafes.
St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast that is known for its wide shoreline, beautiful turquoise water, and vibrant beach life. Just across the bridge from the mainland, this beach town is set on a barrier island and is a popular vacation destination.
Each part of the island offers its own distinct charm. Pass-a-grille, located on the southern tip of St. Pete Beach, is laid-back with Old Florida cottages with the Don CeSar hotel stealing the spotlight as one of Florida’s castles.
Along the water there are plenty of seafood shacks serving fresh fish right out of the Gulf. There are so many more things to discover in St. Pete that visiting the area is always a fun experience.
Henderson Beach State Park
Idyllic views combined with serenity describes Henderson Beach State Park. It’s one of the beaches on this list where you will find yourself away from the crowds in the most beautiful setting. Whether you want to visit for the day or want to camp by the beach for the week, this park is worth the visit. There are 60 campsites that connect to the beach by the boardwalk.
The park sits on over 200 acres of coastal shoreline and dunes. Featuring nature trails, dune ecosystems, and coastal scrub area, the park is a protected nature giving visitors an untouched nature escape. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife and bird watching on the hikes through the nature trails.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is located on a barrier island as well, that can be accessed by a bridge. This beach is a nice destination because you get a beach with white soft sand and clear blue water with a big city that has lots of things to do. Its frequently ranked as one of the best beaches and perfectly blends relaxation with the excitement.
The beach stretches along a wide shoreline with plenty of space to spread out and has lifeguards on duty in the most popular spots. It’s great for families to visit where everyone can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and building castles in the sand.
One of the beach’s most beloved features is Pier 60, a place of leisurely strolls, fishing, and sunset watching. The Pier 60 bait house offers bait, fishing tackle, T-shirts, souvenirs, drinks and snacks.
Marco Island Beach
Marco Island is loved for its beaches and it’s no surprise when the beaches are this nice. This barrier island if located just south of Naples and it’s known for its wide, clean, white sand beaches. The Gulf waters are normally calm here and make a great place for swimming and relaxation.
Tigertail Beach is one of the island’s best beaches. It feels like you’ve stepped into the unspoiled beauty of Marco Island. It is the public beach on the island to visit if you want to get away from the crowds and find yourself basking in nature.
Another must-visit is South Marco Beach, the busier and more accessible of the island’s beaches. It features two public entrance points and around 70 parking spaces, along with convenient restroom facilities. This beach is perfect for those looking to enjoy a lively yet scenic atmosphere that is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
Bahia Honda State Park
In the Florida Keys, you will find the Bahia Honda State Park – a tropical paradise known for its unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best snorkeling. The park features three main beaches – Calusa, Loggerhead, and Sandspur Beach. It is one of the only beaches in the Florida Keys of its kind where you get miles of beaches and an escape from the crowds.
One of the park’s most unique features is a preserved section of the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, once part of Henry Flagler’s iconic Overseas Railroad. Today, visitors can walk along this elevated relic, enjoying panoramic views of the turquoise waters below while standing on a piece of Florida Keys history.
With over 500 acres of beaches and coastal habitats to explore, the park offer 80 campsites as well as six duplex cabins for those who want to enjoy the park longer. Be sure to book in advance though, because the park is popular and gets booked up way ahead of time during the busy season.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a beautiful and serene barrier island known for its natural beauty and laid-back charm. It has maintained its small-town feel and has preserved the unspoiled beauty by limiting construction. You won’t find any high-rises here, just miles of beaches and outdoor exploration.
The island’s beaches are its main draw with white soft sand and the warm waters. Perfect for swimming, relaxing, snorkeling, and fishing this Gulf Coast beach is one not to miss. It’s especially perfect for those who love to spend time finding shells. Sanibel’s beaches are a magnet for seashells making it one of the top seashell beaches in Florida.
Blowing Rocks Preserve, Jupiter
Blowing Rocks Preserve, located on Jupiter Island is a coastline you won’t find anywhere else in Florida. This unique coastal preserve is known for its limestone shoreline that is the largest outcropping of the Anastasia limestone on Florida’s coast.
This shoreline is a marvel to see in person because when the tide is high and the sea more rough, the water forces through the rocks and shoots out up to 50 feet. That happens more in the winter time and in the summer the lower tide, the rocks are fun to walk around and explore.
There are hiking trails and scenic walks along the beach including the Beach Trail, the Dune Trail, the Mangrove Boardwalk, and the Lagoon Trail. If you want to do just one short trail, the Dune Trail is one of the most scenic with views of the beach dune habitat and a sea grape tunnel.
Amelia Island
Amelia Island, being located in Northeast Florida, is different than most beach destinations that people love to visit on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This makes it less about the crowds and more about the nature. No matter what beach you find yourself on, Amelia Island is a peaceful retreat.
The island has over 13 miles of beaches to choose from with over 40 public access points. Many of these access points are equipped with convenient amenities like restrooms and outdoor showers, while some even feature playgrounds and picnic areas, making them especially appealing for families.
Fort Clinch State Park has some of the island’s most secluded pristine beaches and comprises over 1,400 acres of Florida’s nature. In addition to that, it is home to a historic fort, a pier for fishing, picnic areas, and trails to explore.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola beach, along with Destin, is a premier destination for its beaches and emerald water. With 18+ miles of sugar-white sand beaches, 72+ degree average water temperature, and year-round days full of sunshine, it’s one of the best beaches in northern Florida.
There are many beaches too choose from in the area. Pensacola beach, or otherwise known as Casino Beach, is considered the center and is one of the most popular beaches in the area. Quietwater Beach is located on the safe and shallow side of the island making it great for families with small children. It is recognized with The Shell landmark as the focal point of the boardwalk. Both beaches have a pier and nearby restaurants and shops.
Another option in the area for a little bit more wildlife is Perdido Key where you can view many species of birds and sea turtles all while enjoying the beaches. The area is also home to sections of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, including Johnson Beach, which offers lifeguards, restrooms, a convenient parking lot, and a perfect setting for water activities, hiking trails, and scenic boardwalks.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is one of those iconic beaches famous for its wide, hard-packed shoreline. It’s actually known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach” since its history goes back many years. It became famous particularly because of the automobile racing that happened right on the beach. This led to the opening of the Daytona International Speedway and played a pivotal role in the formation of NASCAR that is some of the countries best racing.
At the beach, be sure to visit the Daytona Beach Pier which dates back to 1925 and is one of the most photographed parts of the beach. When you’re done sunbathing and swimming, the Daytona Boardwalk and Pier has plenty of oceanfront dining, shops, arcades, rides and games.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island has several beaches to choose from including Coquina Beach, Manatee Beach, Holmes Beach, and Bean Point Beach to name a few. It only takes one visit to fall in love with the island and make it your vacation destination for the stunning beaches and water.
The best part is you don’t have to choose between any beaches, you can visit them all with the free trolley that is provided on the island. The trolley loops from Coquina Beach on the southern tip of the island all the way to the city pier on the northern part of the island. Visiting the beaches is one of the best things to do on the island, but there are many more activities and water sports that make this island visit-worthy.