27 Best Beaches in Florida to Visit This Year
Are you looking to take your next beach vacation in the beautiful state of Florida? Whether you are looking to hit the eastern coastline, or hang out on the gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of different options to choose from. In this article, we break down our favorite beaches in the state of Florida!
Last updated: April 11, 2024
15 min read
Contents
The Sunshine State wouldn’t have earned such a lovely nickname if it didn’t have some of the most beautiful, sunny beaches in the entire United States. If you’re heading to Florida soon, make sure to visit its lovely shores!
Whether you are visiting the Gulf of Mexico, or traveling to the eastern coastline, there are plenty of different options to choose from. There are perfect places to for singles, and for both small or large families.
If you are looking for a weekend trip, or a week long stay, Florida beaches have it all. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best beaches to visit in the lovely state of Florida!
Palm Beach
Activities
Relax on Worth Avenue, Visit Norton Museum, Enjoy Upscale Dining, and More.
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to March)
Weather
Hotels
Palm Beach is located on a barrier island off the east coast of Florida. The town is known for its tropical beauty and is enjoyed by many guests and visitors throughout the year. The beaches here are beautiful and a great place to simply sit back and relax.
Palm Beach is popular with both locals and visitors, but if you’re looking to spend some time away from the crowd the Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park is a great option as well. It’s serene and peaceful while still being close to great facilities.
Palm Beach provides visitors with almost 30 tropical beaches to explore along 47 miles of shoreline. There’s also some amazing marine life hanging around the beach, so make sure to keep an eye out!
Daytona Beach
Activities
Speedway, Sandy Shores, Ponce De Leon Lighthouse, Boardwalk, Water Sports, Marine Life
Peak Season
Spring Break (March to April)
Weather
For nature lovers, Daytona Beach is a great spot that provides the chance to spot sea turtles in their natural habitat.
These animals nest at Daytona from May to October, and you may even see baby turtles hatching on the shore! Because these little guys are so fragile, beach driving is prohibited in certain zones for their protection.
Daytona’s shoreline is 500 feet wide and 23 miles long, so there is plenty of space to relax and unwind, play beach sports, or have an energetic day out with the kids.
There are also lots of places to eat nearby, as well as comfortable accommodation; spend the day at the beach, grab a bite to eat, and then settle in for the night!
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on the beach, but there are a few pet-friendly hang-out spots near the beach that you can take your pup to. Check them out here.
South Walton Beaches
Activities
Relax on Seaside and Grayton Beaches, Bike 30A, Discover Coastal Dune Lakes
Peak Season
Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
Weather
The South Walton Beach group spans 26 miles and comprises 16 unique beach neighborhoods. These beaches are popular, but not too busy at the same time; you’ll easily be able to find your own stretch of sand for you and your family!
The beaches here are excellent for taking some time off and relaxing. If you’re looking for some laid-back leisure, get your fill of historic landmarks or explore a plethora of cafes and restaurants in the area. If you want a little more action, there are also some great things to do around the beach.
Plus, there are many walks and trails near the coast if you’re looking to get a bit of fresh air and exercise!
Panama City Beach
Activities
Sunbathe, Water Sports, Explore Gulf World, Scenic Tours, Shopping, Dining, and More
Peak Season
Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
Weather
Panama City Beach has 27 miles of beaches, all providing entirely unique experiences.
No matter what you’re looking for in a beach, Panama City Beach can provide it; these beaches have experiences for families, couples, thrill seekers, foodies, and more!
If you’re into water sports, Panama City Beach has everything you’ll ever need. Choose from parasailing, jet skiing, diving, snorkeling, and many other action-packed activities.
Or, if you just want to lay back and relax, there are spas and massage salons aplenty located conveniently near the beach.
If you get hungry after a long day of beach fun, there’s a surplus of unique and tasty food available close by. One great restaurant nearby is Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant, which is super popular with both locals and visitors alike!
South Beach, Miami
Activities
Ocean Drive’s Art Deco, Lincoln Road, Vibrant Nightlife, Water Sports, Wolfsonian-FIU Museum
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to February)
Weather
This iconic beach is the perfect location for a family day out. Miami Beach is a thin 9-mile barrier island, and its southern section is the most famous and popular area.
One thing you must make time to visit in South Beach is Lincoln Road, an area filled to the brim with incredible shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as galleries and museums.
Lincoln Road is closed off from automobile traffic and runs as a massive pedestrian mall. You’ll find dozens of awesome ways to spend your trip here.
And once you’re done, head over to the beautiful beach with its soft sand and abundant space to relax and play.
South Beach, Miami will make you feel as if you’re in a movie. Check out the famous restaurants, name-brand clothing stores, and more!
Pensacola Beach
Activities
White Sands, Gulf Pier, Water Activities, Shopping, Dining, Eco-Trail, Dolphins, Fort Pickens
Peak Season
Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
Weather
With sugary-textured sand and beautiful sunny weather, Pensacola Beach is an absolute paradise.
Pensacola is the “longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the United States”, meaning that you won’t be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of tourists. At Pensacola, you’ll discover serenity and relaxation.
There are many trails and hikes that lead to beautiful and isolated smaller beach spots. You could set up a picnic here, or just sunbathe in peace.
For nature lovers, there’s plenty of wildlife all around — dolphins, turtles, and stingrays are often spotted in the beautiful blue water.
If you’re looking for an exciting experience, you’ll have the opportunity to go snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and more at Pensacola. You can also book ocean tours, boat rentals, and guided fishing experiences.
For those interested in history, check out the iconic Fort Pickens, a military fort built to protect Pensacola in the 1800s. Aside from this, Pensacola is dog-friendly, so take your pup along with you – just make sure he stays mindful of the wildlife!
Dry Tortugas National Park
Activities
Snorkel Fort Jefferson, Explore Windjammer Wreck, Camp, Kayak, Hike, Birdwatch
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (November to April)
Weather
History lovers will be thrilled to visit Dry Tortugas National Park. This national park has a rich history and is home to the iconic Fort Jefferson.
The fort itself makes for amazing photographs and is a great place to take your kids to teach them a little about Florida’s history.
You can also camp at the park as there are plenty of sites that are equipped with picnic tables and elevated grills to cook on.
Since the national park is located on an island, access to the islands is usually via ferry. Your camping gear will be safely stored and transported with the provided wheeled carts.
If you want a higher view, there are seaplane tours available for booking. If you book the guided sightseeing tour, you’ll fly over the “Flats” – a body of water that’s only 3 to 5 feet deep and 20 miles long.
The tour is narrated and you’ll most likely see beautiful marine life such as sharks and stingrays!
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Activities
Relax on Sandy Shores, Historic District, Merry Pier Stroll, Water Sports, Beachfront Dining
Peak Season
Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
Weather
The last beach in St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille is a totally unique sight. There are many amazing things to experience at this beach; ring the nightly sunset bell with Jim LeBlanc, go deep sea fishing, or relax at the Spa Oceana.
If you want to relax with a book on the sand, go ahead and rent a beach chair with an umbrella and sit around for as long as you want.
There’s always food available close to the beach, as well as restrooms and showers for your convenience.
For thrill-seekers, try St. Petersburg Speed Boat Adventures where you can drive your own speedboat!
Or, if you’re in the mood to brush up on some history instead, have a wander around Gulf Beaches Historical Museum. Pass-a-Grille is also completely dog-friendly, so bring your canine pal!
Bonita Dog Beach
Activities
Sun-Soaked Fun, Fetch in Dog Zones, Sunset Spectacles, Nearby Attractions
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to March)
Weather
This beach is the perfect location for you and your pup to take a vacation together!
Dogs are allowed to run free on the Bonita Dog Beach, so you won’t need to worry about bringing the leash with you. The tide at this beach is calm and beautiful, and just perfect for splashing around with your pet.
Free parking is available right at the beach, so all you need to do is pack up the car and head on over.
This beach is so popular among dog owners that even people without dogs come along just to see the adorable pups play in the sand and water.
Bring your family and dogs to this puppy paradise and spend the day meeting new canines and having a great time!
Fort Lauderdale beach
Activities
Sunbathe, Explore the Strip, Indulge in Water Sports, Stroll Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (November to April)
Weather
If you’re missing your self-care routine on your trip, make sure you try out Fort Lauderdale’s beach yoga.
These classes are inexpensive and are held every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Needless to say, they’re extremely fun and super satisfying.
Looking for something to do with the kids? Try the Bluefoot Pirate Adventure. This short cruise involves a daily treasure hunt and offers pirate gear such as eyepatches, bandannas, and toy swords.
Not only is this experience super fun for both kids and adults, but it’s also educational. On this trip, children learn the basic layout of a vessel and what safety measures they need to take when on a boat.
For a relaxing end to your fun-packed days, there are several amazing spas and salons located right by the beach, as well as delicious food and drink options!
Naples Beach
Activities
Vanderbilt Beach, Fifth Avenue, Art, Water Activities, Zoo, Golf, Waterfront Dining
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (November to April)
Weather
Hotels
Home to the beautiful Naples pier, this beach contains some amazing sights and experiences. The pier extends an entire 1,000 feet into the ocean and has been an iconic part of Naples Beach since 1888.
There are great shops and cafes located in the area of 3rd Street, just a short walk from the beach. There are also often volleyball nets set up on the sand, so you can have a fun game of volleyball with old friends or new ones that you meet!
If the sun is a bit excessive, you’ll find ice cream and cold drinks available for purchase on the pier.
Destin Beach
Activities
Sunbathing, Harbor Boardwalk, Dolphin Cruises, Gulfarium, Golf, Dining, Shopping, Views
Peak Season
Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
Weather
Hotels
Destin, Florida, is an incredible city with gorgeous beaches. This city is often referred to as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, so make sure to bring along your fishing gear on your trip!
Destin’s beaches include Ft. Walton Beach and Miramar Beach, which both have white sand and emerald waters.
There are several unique attractions near the beaches in Destin such as Crab Island, a shallow sandbar safe for boats, and the Baytowne Wharf, which has a fantastic nightlife scene.
For a variety of boat tours, check out HarborWalk Village – home to several great shops and places to eat. Other than that, HarborWalk Village also offers several spas and salons for you to put your feet up in.
In terms of activities available on the beach itself, there are pontoon rentals and charters available to satisfy any cravings for exploration and adventure!
Clearwater Beach
Activities
Relax on Pristine Shores, Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Stroll Clearwater Beach Walk
Peak Season
Late Winter to Early Spring (February to April)
Weather
This award-winning beach is the perfect place for a fun-filled beach day. The beach is a total paradise and is very popular with both locals and visitors.
However, if you feel like a bit of peace and quiet, head over to the typically calmer northern end of the beach.
For an ocean life experience that won’t leave you sandy, check out Clearwater’s incredible Marine Aquarium, where the staff and volunteers care for rescued marine animals.
After all, Clearwater Aquarium’s goal is not just to entertain the public, but also to rehabilitate injured animals. They’re released back into the wild once healthy, or given a forever home if they can no longer survive in their natural habitat!
There are also many amazing watersports and boating options at the beach itself, such as kayaking, sunset cruises, sightseeing tours, and more.
St. Augustine Beach
Activities
Discover St. Augustine Beach’s History, Beaches, Castillo De San Marcos, and More.
Peak Season
Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
Weather
St. Augustine is sunny and tropical, and you’ll find several different amazing experiences along the coast.
Because of its hard, packed sand, St. Augustine Beach makes for a great place to enjoy a bike ride. If cycling isn’t your thing, you can also drive on this beach in certain areas!
There are also a few golf courses around the beach, as well as an awesome fishing pier. To hire out beach gear, check out Barney’s Beach Service for some great prices on rentals.
If you’re traveling with the kids, make sure to stop by St. Augustine Splash Park. Splash Park is equipped with fun water fountains and sprinklers for the kids to play in, and it’s 100% free entry. There’s also a great playground for when they’re ready to dry off.
Lighthouse Beach Park
Activities
Explore Sanibel Lighthouse, Relax on Sandy Shores, Birdwatch, Bike Scenic Trails
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (November to April)
Weather
Located on Sanibel Island, Lighthouse Beach Park is also home to the historical Sanibel Island Lighthouse.
This structure has been on the island for more than 139 years and people from all over the nation come to visit. If you’re into history, this lighthouse makes for a great sightseeing trip.
If you’re looking to try something new, make a stop at Rogue Waves – an eFoil school located at the beach that will teach you everything you’d want to know about the sport. Trust us – this is an exhilarating way to experience the water!
Nature is all around you at Lighthouse Beach Park, and marine life such as dolphins can often be spotted right from the beach.
Jupiter Beach
Activities
Sun-Soaked Shores, Jupiter Inlet, Loggerhead Center, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Golf, Wildlife
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to February)
Weather
Jupiter is a great place to plan a trip, especially because of its 3.4 miles of incredible beachy shoreline.
Surrounded by nature and with some of the clearest water you’ll ever see, these beaches are great to sit back and relax on for the day.
To see more of Jupiter’s natural beauty, head on over to the Blowing Rocks Preserve.
These beautiful limestone rocks will leave you breathless, as the rough tides crash and shoot up 50 feet in the air during high tide. You’ll also find fossils, coral, and beautiful seashells embedded in the cliffside.
If you’re looking to learn more about Jupiter’s history, look to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum with all of its tours and experiences!
Marco Island
Activities
Beach Relaxation, Ten Thousand Islands Tours, Wildlife Discovery, Golf, and Dining
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to March)
Weather
Hotels
This beautiful island is the largest and only developed land in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, and has the most incredible beach areas. You’ll find all sorts of quirky experiences and sights here!
A large portion of the Ten Thousand Islands is reserved as wildlife refuges and national parks, so there is plenty of beautiful flora and fauna everywhere.
For a full experience, take guided tours through these areas or hire a kayak and go exploring on your own. You’ll be bombarded with endless, incredible natural sights!
If you want to learn more about the human history of the island, there are historic sites spread throughout.
These include one of the most valuable and significant excavation sites in North America, where archaeologists have discovered numerous priceless artifacts.
Mexico Beach
Activities
Relax on Pristine Shores, Fish at Mexico Beach Pier, Kayak, Savor Seafood, and Join Local Events
Peak Season
Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
Weather
Hotels
The most magical thing about the shoreline of Mexico Beach is its incredible glistening sand.
Most beaches contain sand that’s made up of several different materials, such as shells, stones, and rocks. However, Mexico Beach’s sand is very rare in that it’s only made up of beautiful quartz crystal!
There are some great watersports services around the beach for you to have a go at. Try your hand at paddleboarding, parasailing, or kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and admire the beautiful shoreline.
For nature lovers, this beach is a nesting spot for sea turtles, and you can sometimes see them in the sand on certain sections of the beach. Keep an eye out for these little guys, and remain mindful of them at all times.
Amelia Island
Activities
Discover Amelia Island’s Beaches, Historic Landmarks, Water Activities, Golf, Tours, Festivals
Peak Season
Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
Weather
Amelia Island’s beaches have some of the warmest water you’ll ever swim in. This, in tandem with beautiful white sands, may make you never want to leave!
The “fun zone” of Amelia Island is the central area known as Seaside Park, which is packed with ice cream shops, family-friendly restaurants, and more.
This is a fantastic place to bring the kids for a holiday, especially since there are so many great hotels and accommodation options.
Amelia Island’s America Beach has a beautiful, inspiring history. The area was once bought and privatized in response to Florida’s segregation laws, in an attempt to create a segregation-free safe haven for African American people to enjoy a beach holiday.
Captiva Island
Activities
Pristine Beaches, Scenic Boat Tours, Wildlife Refuge Kayaking, Waterfront Dining
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (November to April)
Weather
For a magical, wonderland experience, you must visit Captiva Island.
Often associated with Sanibel Island, this island is quirky and a little odd, and you’ll discover many amazing experiences on your trip. The coastline of Captiva Island is incredible as you’ll find a variety of colorful seashells and treasures along it.
While there are no reefs near the island, marine life has made a home out of the artificial reefs and wrecks in the water – making diving and snorkeling here a once-in-a-lifetime, ethereal experience. For wildlife enthusiasts, you’ll see dolphins, rays, and more.
For a fun and kooky dining option, experience Christmas in the summer at The Bubble Room. This restaurant has Christmas decorations up all year round and serves delectable foods and drinks sure to please even the toughest of customers!
Longboat Key
Activities
Discover Longboat Key’s Allure With Beach Relaxation, Golf at the Resort, Gulf Kayaking
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to February)
Weather
Hotels
The beaches of Longboat Key are peaceful and serene, as there are never too many people in the bay. This shoreline is a beautiful sanctuary with soft sand and clear waters that beckon visitors and locals alike.
For some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste, try out Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. This is a well-loved spot where you’ll truly be able to taste the difference between decadent fresh seafood and the type you find in a grocery store.
For some live entertainment, check out Ski-a-Rees, a watersports show that has been running since 1957! If you’re looking for a more close-up look at the marine life, head over to Mote Marine Aquarium for a fun day out.
Anna Maria Island
Activities
Relax on Bean Point, Explore Historic Sites, Enjoy Water Sports, Bike Scenic Paths, Immerse in Arts
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to March)
Weather
Right next door to Longboat Key is the picturesque Anna Maria Island. Wander down onto the sugar-sand beaches and check out the delicious seafood restaurants spotted around and on the dunes. My family and I were in Anna Maria in late 2021 for a family trip, and this has been one of our favorite family-friendly location spots we’ve been to in the entire state.
If you’re looking for a fun way to get around the island, there are bike, segway, and scooter rentals near the beach. And if you’ve got your pup with you, the dog park in Holmes Beach is a great place for you and your best friend to visit!
For those wanting to catch some fish, Anna Maria Island has three great fishing piers; just bring along your gear and have a relaxing day fishing with family or friends.
Cedar Key
Activities
Historic Downtown, Local Art, Fresh Seafood, Cedar Key Museum State Park, Scenic Boat Tours
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (October to April)
Weather
Hotels
This artsy little town has a unique and fascinating coastline. The people of Cedar Key are friendly and willing to help out with any questions you may have. It’s also a fairly quiet town as the closest cities are about 60 miles away.
Cedar Key is the second oldest town in Florida. If you’re feeling brave, try kayaking to Atsena Otie Key – a ghost town island that had several hundred residents before an 1896 hurricane came and left the settlement abandoned.
The waterfront here makes for a great stroll, with informative signs and placards spotted around telling you interesting facts about the sea and marine life that reside in and around Cedar Keys.
Cocoa Beach
Activities
Surf Cocoa Beach Pier, Explore Kennedy Space Center, Relax at Lori Wilson Park
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to February)
Weather
Hotels
If you’re a surfer, this beach will be perfect for you!
Cocoa Beach is one of the best spots for surfing on the East Coast, so you’ll be able to catch some great waves. The Ron Jon Surf School is located on the shore if you want to get into or learn more about the sport.
There are several different museums spotted around the beach, such as the Florida Surf Museum and the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science.
There are other awesome water sports available at the beach too, such as airboat rides and parasailing.
Vero Beach
Activities
McKee Garden, Vero Beach Museum, Pelican Island, South Beach, McLarty Museum, Ocean Drive
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (November to April)
Weather
Hotels
Vero Beach is a great vacation town with 13 beautiful public beaches, which include South Beach, Humiston Park, and Jaycee Beach. Its shoreline is 26 miles long, providing visitors with a restful, quiet beach to relax.
For artists and art lovers, check out the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Here, you’ll find breathtaking statues, paintings, photographs, and much more. There are often new exhibitions at the museum, so you’ll often never know what you’ll find.
There are also some awesome guided fishing and sightseeing tours around the beach, so make sure that you bring your fishing gear along!
Cape Florida State Park
Activities
Lighthouse, Beaches, Water Activities, Hiking, Wildlife, Sunsets
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (November to April)
Weather
The beach of the Cape Florida State Park is 1.25 miles long, but this short length hides a tropical paradise. The waves are nice and gentle due to the reef barrier, making this a safe, fun place to take the kids on vacation.
If you have a boat, you can anchor overnight in No Name Harbor for a minimal fee. This is a convenient way to connect with the water as you get to dive off and swim right to the beach every morning.
The Cape Florida Lighthouse is open for guided tours. As part of the area since 1825, this historic lighthouse provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the park’s storied past.
Smathers Beach
Activities
Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Golden Sands, Wildlife Center, Biking, Snorkeling, Marine Life
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to March)
Weather
Courtesy of its calm waters and gentle waves, Smathers Beach in Key West isn’t so great for pro surfers – but it’s perfect for snorkelers!
The reef just offshore contains beautiful, unintimidating sea life, making it great for first-time, nervous divers.
There are conveniently placed food trucks and bathroom facilities near the beach so that you can relax and enjoy the sunshine. There’s no entrance fee for the beach, making it as accessible as can be.
Smathers will provide all your rental gear needs. Here, you get to hire paddle boards, kayaks, Hobie cats, beach chairs, umbrellas, and more!
Key Takeaways
It’s no secret that Florida’s beaches are some of the best in the nation. With beautiful white sand shores, fascinating sea life, and sparkling waves, you’ll be spoiled for a choice of gorgeous beaches on your trip to Florida.
Make sure to check out the beaches on this list when you’re in the state, as they’re definitely worth the visit! And while you’re checking out Florida’s coastline, be sure to explore all the other hidden treasures you can uncover along the way.
