35 Best Florida Beaches You Must Visit (2023)

Despite being just 25 miles from Tampa and St. Petersburg, this 2.5-mile beach seems a world apart from Florida's urban feel.

The sand is sugary and soft, and the waters are calm and shallow, making the Gulf ideal for swimming and wading.

This laid-back cove is generally referred to as one of the top beaches in Florida due to its magnificent white sand attractiveness.

The Beach Walk boulevard is nearby and attracts bikers, rollerbladers, and anybody looking for a walk.

Clearwater is also one of the best beaches in Florida for families due to the diversity of activities available, which range from beach volleyball to dolphin-watching tours offshore.

If you have children, don't miss a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or Pier 60, where you'll see fishermen and street artists doing their thing as the sun sets.

Delray Beach is one of the best Florida beaches and an underrated getaway with magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife.

It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, featuring art galleries, upmarket shopping, exquisite restaurants, and nightly entertainment.

Want to escape the crowds while still having a fun night out? Delray Beach is the place to go if you're the sort of beachgoer who wants the best of both worlds.

Delray Beach, named the "Most Fun Small Town in America" by USA Today, is a small beach town with a great personality.

It is famous for its stunning beaches and nightlife and is located less than an hour from major towns like Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale.

Surfing, kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling are some of the sports that people can do at Delray Beach.

South Beach is well-known all year for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxury hotels.

South Beach is one of Florida's best beaches, known for its blend of big-city attitudes and unique energy.

You can never be bored at South Beach since there is so much to do.

This beach is all about water activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, fishing, and windsurfing.

People-watching is literally a sport here, so wandering the beach is a pastime in and of itself.

South Beach is also the best place to have fun with beautiful people, crazy parties, fashionable pubs, and clubs.

Siesta Beach is known for its white quartz sand and beautiful sunsets.

Siesta Beach is situated on Siesta Key, a stunning eight-mile barrier island an hour outside of Tampa that spans along Florida's Gulf Coast and is, to say the least, breathtaking.

Siesta Key's soft and quartz-fine, brilliant white sand, peaceful and very healthy water, pure air, excellent weather, and vigilant lifeguards regularly position the island among the most beautiful beaches in Florida and the USA.

They are consistently ranked as one of the best white sand beaches in Florida (and the United States).

Many beachgoers like the fine quartz powder that gives this beach a specific mystical aspect and allows it to remain calm in the hot Florida heat.

Siesta Key is also bordered by intriguing sites worth seeing, such as the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Smuggler's Cove, the Ringling Museum, the Mote Marine Aquarium, and many more.

Marco Island is the biggest and only developed island in the Everglades' Ten Thousand Islands.

Marco Island makes the most of its location in the Ten Thousand Islands by offering great tropical activities and family-friendly beach vacations in Florida.

The island is home to resorts, beaches, beautiful parks, picnic spots, paths, and wildlife that has lived there for centuries.

Marco Island is a great family vacation destination with its calm beaches, kiddie pools, and entertainment centers.

Visit the arcades if you want to have some fun with your children and teens.

Fort Lauderdale is just 30 miles from Miami, yet it is well worth the trip on its own because of its own beautiful beaches, 165-mile-long canals, and 46 cruise ships that travel from the city to the gorgeous watery areas.

While there are comparable 5-star hotels and institutions, Fort Lauderdale is far more laid-back than its fancier neighbors to the south.

Fort Lauderdale has a total population of 170,000 people and about 12 million tourists every year, which is ten times the actual population.

It's no surprise, given that the city offers some of the most popular beaches in Florida.

There is nothing you cannot do here. You may put up your umbrella on the public beaches lined with palm trees or on the iconic seaside promenade.

What about a canal-side gondola ride? You won't mind visiting the surrounding Everglades, enjoying an aquatic tour of Las Olas Boulevard, or plunging into the underwater environment.

Remember: The beach is quite overcrowded during spring break when students from all over the country come; therefore, it is best avoided during that time.

Haulover Beach is among the best beaches in the US, but the main reason this beach is famous is that it does not require visitors to wear clothes.

Numerous travel magazines, including Trip Advisor, The Travel Channel, CBS News, and others, have included Haulover Beach in their top ten rankings of the greatest nudist beaches in the world.

The weather at Haulover Beach is nearly always spectacular, and several hotels are within walking distance.

Haulover Sand Park is home to one of South Florida's most stunning clothing-optional beaches—a 0.4-mile beach on the park's northern end that attracts visitors from all walks of life, neighboring states, Canada, and several other countries.

It offers pure white sand beaches, open ocean waves, numerous covered picnic areas, beautifully manicured sand dunes, and concession booths.

It is located between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

The beach is perfect for both swimming and surfing.

The Everglades and the Keys have spoilt southern Florida; however, the north should not be underestimated.

In fact, the first beach you'll see after leaving Georgia along the northeastern coast is also one of the best Florida beaches.

Amelia Island, just 30 miles from Jacksonville, is our top option for visitors looking for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Amelia Island is a serene barrier island and one of Florida's most historic locations, with gorgeous Victorian buildings, 13 miles of beach, and plenty of Southern charm.

It also has Florida's oldest lighthouse and the Palace Saloon, the state's oldest bar.

Although Main Beach Park has playgrounds, picnic tables, and volleyball courts, Amelia Island State Park is undoubtedly more beautiful.

There, you may see Spanish moss-draped oak trees and ride horses along the coastline.

Stay near Fernandina Beach by booking a hotel at Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, a 25-room inn that offers complimentary breakfast.

Henderson Beach State Park is a small beach near Destin, Florida's once peaceful fishing community.

It is one of the best Florida beaches along Florida's Panhandle.

Destin has an excellent track record of beautiful beaches and world-class entertainment.

Although the area has developed significantly over the last decade, it has retained its lovely southern ambiance.

Beachgoers enjoy renting bikes, having picnics in one of the many pavilions, fishing, bird watching, and swimming in the calm seas.

Henderson Beach State Park also has beautiful campsites and is a great place for family reunions and weddings.

Venice Beach is located on the main street of Venice Avenue, and you may drive west through downtown to the end of the road to the Gulf of Mexico.

Because of its accessibility to downtown and the abundance of condominiums and residences in the vicinity, Venice Beach is a popular destination for both tourists and residents.

In addition, the beach is just a few minutes walk from downtown and is a popular spot for an afternoon stroll or picnic.

And on most mornings and nights, there are free yoga lessons on Venice Beach (which are also fantastic for beginners!).

Although the Gulf of Mexico is calmer than the Atlantic side of Florida, there are some waves here when the wind blows.

And since Venice Beach is a popular site for surfers in the neighborhood, going out on a windy day will provide you with a show! Divers and snorkelers like visiting Venice Beach.

The jetty is located at the beach's northern end, where snorkelers may discover fish amid the rocks.

Divers also appreciate the coral reef, which is roughly a quarter mile offshore and attracts a variety of marine life and gorgeous coral species.

Hollywood, Florida, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, is famous for its magnificent length of the beach.

It is ideal for a beach vacation and is one of the loveliest beaches in Florida.

You'll discover the perfect accommodation for a weekend break or staycation with seaside hotels and resorts.

Along Hollywood's Broadwalk, you may find one-of-a-kind shops, oceanfront restaurants, bars, year-round entertainment, water sports, and live music.

The remarkable Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a 2.5-mile-long promenade along the Atlantic Ocean.

This brick-paved promenade, named one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine, attracts walkers, joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, and millions of tourists each year.

It's easy to understand why so many people enjoy a range of water sports on Hollywood Beach.

You will undoubtedly enjoy your stay here on Hollywood Beach and have the best time in the ocean.

Fort Walton Beach, located between Pensacola and Panama City on North Florida's sparkling Gulf Coast, is one of the best Florida beaches and offers tourists powdery white beaches, green waterways, delightful golf courses, and more.

Fort Walton Beach has all the enjoyment of the main holiday destinations without the hassle.

Fort Walton Beach's tranquil, emerald seas and cold, white sand make this northwest Florida location a family favorite, as do family-friendly resorts and amenities such as parks, museums, and aquariums.

Miramar Beach vacations are like taking a trip back in time to your favorite Florida beach towns.

This South Walton area is typical of traditional seaside enclaves.

It has beautiful beach roads, surf shops, fantastic restaurants, beachfront residences, seaside resorts and condominiums with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.

But don't be deceived by Miramar Beach's vintage beach ambiance.

It also boasts cutting-edge facilities and activities that are great for family entertainment.

Spend the day at Silver Sands Premium Outlets, one of the nation's biggest designer outlet malls, including jet ski rentals, parasailing, and limitless shopping choices.

During your stay, do not miss trying out the city's local seafood dish!

Great waves make laid-back Cocoa Beach a surfing and parasailing heaven, but even non-surfers will have a great time here.

Cocoa's waves are calm and consistent. It is ideal for a newcomer to the sport.

The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is a great place to see Cocoa's surfing championships before stopping by the Ron Jon Surf Shop for a gift.

Aside from the big waves, what truly distinguishes Cocoa Beach is its desirable location near some of Florida's most famous landmarks.

The beach is about an hour's drive from Orlando, making it a perfect day for visitors to Walt Disney World and its nearby attractions.

Because NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is about a 30-minute drive away, Cocoa Beach is also an excellent location for seeing shuttle or rocket launches from Cape Canaveral.

Plus, kids aren't the only ones having a good time here: alcoholic drinks are also permitted on the beach all year.

Juno Beach is mostly a beachfront residential neighborhood.

Fine coastal mansions, condos, and enterprises make for a fantastic holiday or permanent location.

Begin your day by watching the dawn at Juno Beach.

There’s something magical about how the sun rises over the sea and fishing pier.

Ideal for a long hike or simply lounging about.

The Jupiter Theatre, nationally acclaimed golf courses, tennis facilities, county parks, commercial complexes, and art galleries are all nearby, making it a great spot if you want to try some sports with the family.

Activities at Juno Beach include sunbathing, swimming, fishing, strolling, running, and biking on the coastal bike path.

You can also bring your dog since this is an off-leash dog beach, or bring your fishing stick if you like fishing.

On-site, there is also a bait store and a snack stand.

Sanibel Island has long been known for its beautiful tropical beaches, which include dazzling, sugary white sand and spectacular blue seas that can be seen all the way to the bottom.

It's the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy beach time, and each stretch of beachfront on the island has something unique to offer tourists.

There's something for everyone on each beach, from some that provide the finest seashell searching to others that are excellent for a day out on the sand—and one of the top beaches on the island is Bowman's Beach.

Bowman's Beach is the most stunning beach on the island and is well-known.

The beach is famous for its white sand, spectacular shelling, and sunsets on the gulf side.

Because of the restricted parking, the beach is seldom crowded.

There aren't any hotels in sight, and the beach is serene and lovely.

Lowdermilk Park, located just off Gulf Shore Blvd North, is one of the top beaches in Florida and parks in Naples.

This public beach area with 1,000 feet of pure white sand and warm Gulf waves is ideal for families and people searching for water-based fun and enjoyment.

It's a popular area to relax, paddle, play volleyball, and go shell searching, and it's open every day from 8 AM.

It's also a great place to enjoy a stunning Florida sunset later in the day. As the sun sets below the horizon, you can witness a rare "green flash".

The historical Naples Pier may be seen in the distance from Lowdermilk Park.

You may walk to the pier and return on a round trip if you desire a peaceful stroll along the water's edge.

However, there are plenty more fantastic attractions to keep you entertained inside the park.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Florida may be found just beyond Marathon, near mile marker 37 on US-1.

Bahia Honda is situated on Big Pine Key and has been beautifully conserved due to its protected status as a state park.

Bahia Honda State Park, one of the prettiest in the state, is the ideal Florida escape.

Tourists travel to Bahia Honda for its world-class beaches, outstanding snorkeling, and extensive animal-watching experiences.

The huge length of the beach's clear, warm waters is great for families looking to spend the day swimming, fishing, or snorkeling.

There are picturesque hiking paths and a nature center with ranger-led activities and discussions.

Pensacola Beach, considered the epicenter of Florida's Gulf Coast, is consistently ranked as one of the best Florida beaches in the Panhandle.

This beautiful Pensacola Beach is known for two things: its Naval Air Station and its picture-perfect public beach, where dolphins, sea turtles, and beachgoers wishing to cool down from the scorching sand may play.

The beach is surrounded by the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the country's longest protected seashore, ensuring that the white sands remain clean and clear.

Bring your camera: the Gulf Pier, which stretches 1,471 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, is the ideal place to see a sunrise or sunset.

During July, Pensacola Beach is one of the most incredible spots to witness Florida's annual air show, which features the United States Navy Blue Angels.

Caladesi Island State Park is famous for its pristine beach and is situated off Florida's Gulf Coast, west of the town of Dunedin and close to the city of Clearwater, away from the crowds.

Avoid the crowds by taking a boat to what appears to be a remote island all to yourself.

It's a 20-minute boat journey away from Honeymoon Island.

Caladesi Island State Park has quiet roads that run along the dunes, palms that stand against the warm coastal winds, and beach birds and sea turtles that thrive without human disturbance.

If you're looking for adventure, watch dolphins play in the sea, gopher tortoises dig on the sand, or kayak through the mangroves and bay!

Find out why Myrtle Scharrer Betz, a homesteader, called this place "paradise" in her memoirs.

Naples, located on Florida's southwest coast an hour south of Fort Myers, is an elegant vacation famous for its golf courses, high-end shops, millionaire residences, and luxury hotels.

The local beaches are open to the public, and the sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are spectacular.

Naples Beach has 10 miles of calm, warm waves with white "sugary" sand, just a two-hour drive from the bustling city of Miami.

Unlike the famous Vanderbilt Beach Park and Lowdermilk Beach, the beach at Naples Pier is less crowded and within a short walk from 3rd Street's restaurants and stores.

Its long pier is popular with fishermen and hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks display.

And if you go at the proper time of year, you could see sea turtles breeding or dolphins leaping about in the water since the Gulf of Mexico is rich in wildlife.

Naples is a luxury coastal resort with several golf courses and retail opportunities.

It is the ideal beach for relaxing in nice, calm waves.

If Palm Beach is where Florida's millionaires go to show off their wealth, Vero Beach is where they go to hide it.

This little town has been named "Florida's Hamptons," but you do not need to be wealthy to live a luxurious life here.

Vero Beach, divided between the main town and a barrier island, is packed with craft and sandwich shops, art galleries, and tour operators offering kayak and seaplane rentals.

Book a hotel at the celebrity-owned Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa to enjoy the infinity pool and famous Cuban cuisine.

Did you also know that during the 18th century, a fleet of ships carrying real riches sank off the shore here? That is why this area is also known as "The Treasure Coast".

Beachcombers may try their luck searching for the unaccounted-for Spanish galleons.

The signage outside Daytona Beach in bold red letters says, "World's Most Famous Beach".

Whether accurate now or not, it was definitely believable in the 1920s, when the crowd went from miles away to witness the car races staged on Daytona's long, broad, hard-packed beach.

Every year, millions of people visit the Daytona International Speedway.

In addition to being one of the top affordable beach holiday spots in North America, Daytona Beach is one of the few beaches that allows you to drive and park right on the sand.

Aside from the beach, the area's attractions include the Marine Science Center, the Daytona Lagoon water park, and The Riverfront Shops downtown.

The Bandshell on the famed Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier features free summer concerts and fireworks displays, and there's even more fun to be experienced at the arcade.

If you want to see a quiet state park with beautiful natural beauty, Honeymoon Island State Park is the place to go.

Honeymoon Island, one of the best beaches in Florida for couples, is a quiet state park ideal for individuals seeking seclusion and tranquility.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nature trails and breathtaking scenery.

The beach is immaculate, with soft white powdered sand and lovely crystal blue waves.

Honeymoon Island provides 4 kilometers of unspoiled bliss, ideal for an itinerary packed with sunbathing, nature viewing, and shell gathering.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the 3-mile nature walk, which is home to osprey, bald eagles, and great-horned owls.

Finish the day by enjoying a breathtaking sunset; it will be an unforgettable experience.

Pass-a-Grille Beach is a highlight among Florida beaches.

Four miles of powder-soft sand on the beach are enough for every beachgoer to lay out a blanket and admire the scenery.

Beautiful sea grapes and sea oats border the scenic trails that take you across the dunes.

The Paradise Grille, where you may have a casual dinner or snack with a view of the Gulf, is the only facility right on the sand in Pass-a-Grille, making it unique among Florida beach towns.

Sunsets are famous here, and every night, the Paradise Grille throws a sunset festival where residents and tourists come to see the day draw to a flaming close. (You may even be invited to ring the bell, which is a privilege during this nightly ritual).

On weekdays, particularly during the quieter months, getting a metered parking place along Gulf Boulevard is typically pretty simple.

Still, weekends might be a little more complicated, so plan to come early.

At Fort De Soto Park, where swimming, shelling, and exploring the white powdery sand beaches are top priorities, you can appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of Florida without the masses of tourists.

The vibrant seashell jewels that may be found along its expansive stretch of the beach provide a unique souvenir to take home.

Shells such as the sand dollar shell, the lightning whelk shell, and the jingle shell are often washed up on the beach.

Anna Maria Island, which is laid-back and beautiful, is just 20 minutes from Bradenton.

Between the azure Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida, a seven-mile stretch of stunning white-sand beaches surrounds the barrier island of Anna Maria Island.

Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Venice, and Manasota Key are all located near Anna Maria Island at the southern entrance of Tampa Bay.

The kinds of facilities and services permitted on Anna Maria Island are strictly regulated, giving the island an old-world atmosphere.

However, superb eating seafood, of course, is highly recommended.

Come here, and you could feel like you've traveled back in time.

Jupiter's coastline has around 3.4 miles of gorgeous clear water beaches in Florida.

The beaches of Jupiter are recognized for their warm, clear seas and shoreline that is surrounded by the area's natural characteristics, such as dunes, mangroves, and sea grape trees.

It is also one of the Palm Beaches' finest destinations for water activities of all types, with calm, clear waters ideal for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, and snorkeling, to name a few.

The Friends of Jupiter Beach, a local non-profit organization, works to preserve the beaches clean and conserve these natural riches, which are appreciated by both locals and visitors.

Each area of Jupiter's beachfront has a unique personality, whether you want to enjoy a picnic, catch a wave, seeking shells, or run with your dog, since Jupiter Beach is also one of the dog-friendly beaches in Florida.

Captiva's beaches are among the best Florida beaches for their white sands and vast collections of seashells.

Nonetheless, this unique island has a hidden appeal that makes you feel like you've found a spot of your own.

Captiva, located just over the little bridge at Blind Pass from Sanibel Island, welcomes you to an island full of breathtaking splendor as you travel along Captiva Drive, where bougainvilleas and other tropical flowers provide vibrant bursts of color along the route.

The cuisine in "Downtown Captiva" ranges from seafood shacks to upscale restaurants, with something to suit every taste.

Set sail from Captiva to see a variety of species playing in the waterways, including leaping dolphins and drifting manatees, as you make your way toward the more distant barrier islands.

Captiva Beach is inherently romantic, with quiet coastlines and spectacular sunsets.

Speaking of stunning sunsets, keep your eyes peeled for "the green flash," a magnificent burst of light that only emerges in a clear sky right before the sun drops beneath the water's horizon line.

Get a taste of South Florida at one of the top beaches in the country.

There will be no lack of things to do and see with so many land and marine activities.

Baggs, Bill Cape Florida State Park is located on southern Key Biscayne and is commonly regarded as one of the top 10 best Florida beaches in the United States.

The park is named for Bill Baggs, the editor of The Miami News from 1957 to 1969 and an active civil rights campaigner.

The park is huge, covering over 400 acres (160 hectares). Walk along the sandy Atlantic Ocean beach for more than a mile.

An offshore reef keeps the water relatively quiet, making it ideal for snorkeling or swimming.

Rent a boat, canoe, or kayak if you prefer to be on the water rather than in it.

Stay on your boat overnight for a low docking fee. Paddleboards and hydro bikes may also be rented.

This secluded 100-square-mile park, located 70 miles from Key West, provides one of the nicest beaches in Florida and a historical trip unlike any other.

Getting to this remote, one-of-a-kind hideaway is an adventure in and of itself.

After all, it can only be reached by seaplane or boat.

Wildlife areas, coral reefs, and a 19th-century fort await you once you arrive at the park.

The fort is so appealing that exploring and learning about the area's significance in Civil War history is nearly essential.

When you're at the beach, don't only appreciate the beauty above the water; there's a whole other world under the waves.

Higgs Beach, a genuine all-in-one beach fun zone, is one of the Florida attractions you must really visit.

Higgs Beach is the public beach in Clarence Higgs Beach Park, owned by Monroe County.

Like Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach stands out among Key West public beaches for its extraordinary diversity of activities, services, and sites of interest.

Higgs is situated on Key West's south coast, between the south ends of White Street and Reynolds Street on Atlantic Boulevard.

The Casa Marina Resort is located towards the park's western edge.

Higgs Beach Park features over 17 acres of coastline, though it is not as huge as Fort Zach Beach or as long as Smathers Beach.

Despite its urban setting, Higgs Beach has a large piece of white sand imported from the Caribbean, and there is plenty of room for a leisurely stroll or a day of sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities.

St. George Island State Park is a serene and natural barrier island in Northwest Florida.

Natural beauty is at its finest, with a breathtaking view of unspoiled beaches and sand dunes.

There are also 17 miles of concrete bike lanes, and those who wish to explore on foot may try to identify some of the over 300 bird species.

One of Florida's few remaining barrier islands, its soft sugary beaches complement quaint waterfront cafés and days spent exploring the water in a kayak or on a sunset cruise.

For top-rated beaches and natural scenery, beachgoers suggest Grayton Beach State Park.

The artistic Grayton Beach area is a local favorite because of its emerald green seas, side alleys covered with crushed oyster shells, and Hemingway-style wooden cottages.

Visit the famed beachfront and enjoy the 2,000-acre unspoiled beach scenery.

Outdoor activities abound, from biking and hiking paths to swimming in the summer.

Anastasia State Park is noted for various thrilling recreational activities and is ranked 6th as one of the greatest state parks in the United States.

Anastasia State Park offers camping, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, swimming, and sailing.

The 1600 acres of land and 4-miles of breathtaking seaside vistas continue to attract visitors from close and far.

Visitors may take their time and enjoy the beach's bright and fantastic scenery, float along the waves, or dive into the depths of a beautiful novel on the soft and sandy coast.

Anastasia State Park also has two shops.

Anastasia Water Sports is the first shop, and it rents out sailboards, kayaks, and other watercraft.

The second shop, Island Joe's, provides camping goods, refreshments, and other products to make your visit to Anastasia State Park an unforgettable experience.