The name “Florida” might as well be synonymous with “vacation.” The United States’ sunny outpost has more than 8,000 miles of coastline. Florida is a popular vacation destination year-round except for peak hurricane season during August-October.
When you’re visiting a place with so many beaches, how do you possibly choose the best one for your vacation? Based in sunny Sarasota, FL, the Beach.com team felt we were the most equipped to outline Florida’s best beaches and what each is good for.
1. Siesta Key Beach – Sarasota, Florida
Named No. 1 Beach in the United States in 2011 and No. 5 in the World in 2017 by TripAdvisor, plus the number one spot on Dr. Beach’s highly-regarded annual list, Siesta Key Beach is undoubtedly Florida’s crown jewel. The Gulf Coast Beach sits just an hour south of Tampa in Sarasota and with 99 percent quartz makeup, the sand is crystal-white and fine as can be. Siesta Key Beach is popular for all ages and types of travelers, hosting families, spring breakers and retirees in droves. The calm turquoise waters and lifeguard watch make it especially popular for families with small children.
The different colored lifeguard stands work as the perfect landmark, so you can lay out your beach setup and let your friends know which color lifeguard stand you’re near.
Just down the road from the Siesta Key Public Beach, you’ll find Siesta Key Village—a colorful strip of Midnight Pass with ice cream shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping. Pick up a souvenir at longstanding Beach Bazaar, get an ice cream cone at Big Olaf Creamery and after the sun sets, bar hop popular haunts Gilligan’s, Daiquiri Deck and Beach Club.
2. Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida
Also named the United States’ No. 1 Beach by TripAdvisor in 2018, Clearwater Beach is a happening stretch of golden sand with kid-friendly waters just 20 miles from Tampa. The convenient Beach Walk Promenade lines the beach so guests and locals have a safe place to walk, rollerblade or bicycle, and grab a bite to eat right off the sand.
Fishing enthusiasts and families alike will love Pier 60. Pier 60 has a fully-equipped bait and tackle shop, food vendors, 24-hour public restrooms and one of the largest playgrounds on the Gulf. You won’t want to miss Sunsets at Pier 60 where every night from 6-9 pm locals and visitors gather to watch the mesmerizing sunset and enjoy entertainment for all ages.
3. Caladesi Island – Dunedin, Florida
Just north of Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island offers exclusivity and unparalleled relaxation. This beach is only accessible via boat, making it much less crowded and giving it a “deserted” feel though it’s just offshore. Take the ferry to Caladesi from Honeymoon Island State Park or even kayak over from the Dunedin Causeway. You’ll want to bring your own chairs and plenty of snacks and water, as there are no provisions here.
4. Pensacola Beach – Pensacola, Florida
Up in the Florida Panhandle on Santa Rosa Island, 18 miles of flour-white sand lined with beach hotels, restaurants and bars make for an easy vacation spot. Pensacola Beach Boardwalk has plenty to keep kids entertained and the public beaches have lifeguards and provisions so family beach days are simple. For a more active day, rent bicycles and ride through protected Gulf Islands National Seashore where you can stop along the way to enjoy the beach and snorkel, and see historic Fort Pickens. When it’s time for sunset, Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier and Observation Post offers a breathtaking view.
5. Miami Beach – Miami, Florida
Miami Beach is the epitome of a city beach. Forget about the white sand, this beach has entrancing people watching, a lively restaurant and bar scene lining its shore and, of course, the glamour that Miami is known for. Families will appreciate North Miami Beach for it’s more kid-friendly atmosphere while those looking for full-fledged Miami vibes will enjoy the rest of the beach all the way through South Beach. Plus, a free trolley serves all of Miami Beach making transportation easy, including multiple stops along the four-mile Miami Beach Boardwalk where pedestrians can freely walk with easy access to beaches, hotels and restaurants.
Though not the most budget-friendly, Miami has world-renowned restaurants, shopping and an international music scene that pulls in DJ-loving listeners from across the globe. You can’t leave without strolling iconic Ocean Drive and taking in its many art-deco buildings, rows of Palm Trees and classic Miami Flair.
6. South Beach – Miami, Florida
It’s likely you’ve heard of South Beach for its nightlife, but there’s so much more here. Just down the road from Miami Beach, South Beach typically attracts a crowd with plenty of money to spend as some of Miami’s most expensive hotels are in this area along with top-tier shopping and dining. Year-round, art shows and music festivals are held here, which make a great excuse to get some sun. If you’re not staying somewhere on South Beach, be sure to bring your own umbrella and chairs or plan on spending upwards of $30/day on these little luxuries.
7. Palm Beach – Palm Beach, Florida
Though Palm Beach is one of the wealthiest cities in the USA, a vacation visit offers a little bit of everything. Lake Worth Lagoon separates the city from the mainland, making Palm Beach its own little sliver of paradise on the Atlantic Ocean. Public beaches Palm Beach and Palm Beach Municipal Beach are kept seaweed-free by the town and the golden sand is often crowded with beachgoers from all walks of life. From Palm Beach Municipal Beach, you’re walking distance to the glitzy shopping strip on Worth Avenue where you can take in the architecture or shop high-end brands. But if you’re more interested in the area’s history, plan a day at Flagler Museum and the 1926 church, Bethesda-by-the-Sea.
8. Cocoa Beach – Cocoa Beach, Florida
Home of Ron Jon Surf Shop and world-famous surfer Kelly Slater, golden-sand Cocoa Beach has some of the best surfing in Florida along with plenty of hotels right on the beach. This Atlantic Coast beach doesn’t have the friendliest swimming water for small children, but the beach is perfect for relaxing and plenty of qualified surf schools are nearby if the whole family wants to learn. If you’re not into watersports, it’s also popular for visitors looking to enjoy the sun and sand with plenty to entertain for a full-on beach vacation. Be sure to check out colorful Historic Cocoa Village and the Cocoa Beach Pier during your stay.
In addition, Cocoa Beach is within proximity to some of Florida’s most-visited attractions like Orlando theme parks, Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral—a popular cruise departure port.
9. Naples Beach – Naples, Florida
Naples typically draws an older crowd of consistent vacationers, but its quiet beaches are suited for all ages. Naples Municipal Beach & Fishing Pier is 10 miles of white sand lined with beach resorts and all the amenities you could need including a covered concession stand, restrooms, showers and a bait shop. This one of the most convenient beaches in Naples as there’s plenty of parking near the pier and Downtown Naples shops and restaurants are within walking distance. If you’re looking for more undeveloped beaches, Naples has plenty. Consider checking out Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Lowdermilk Park, Vanderbilt Beach or Clam Pass County Park. They don’t have beachfront resorts or much development but most have picnic areas with everything you need for the perfect beach day like grills, restrooms and showers.
10. Sanibel Island – Sanibel Island, Florida
Few beaches are as pristine and shell covered as beaches on Sanibel Island and it’s known as one of the best shelling beaches in Florida. You’ll find plenty of beachfront hotels along the island plus more secluded beaches where kayaking and fishing are popular, like Bowman’s Beach, Tarpon Beach, Gulfside City Park and Lighthouse Beach. Almost all beaches on Sanibel have restrooms and showers, along with picnic tables and grills. Plan a picnic, beachside dinner or watch the sunset over a bottle of wine.
11. St. Pete Beach – St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Pete Beach is as trendy and current as it gets on the Gulf Coast while still retaining old Florida charm. Stay in chic beach hotels, locally-owned-and-run motels or vacation rentals on St. Pete Beach where you’ll be walking distance to beach bars and restaurants. The white sand and calm sea draw young professionals looking to blow off some steam and families in need of a livelier vacation with plenty to keep both parents and kids entertained. Aside from the city, you can go parasailing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing and more.
12. Fort Lauderdale Beach – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Golden sand, swaying palms and loungers welcome you to vacation when you choose Fort Lauderdale Beach. There’s a wide range of accommodation options right on the beach from top-tier The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale to beachy Snooze Hotel. There’s still access to nightlife here, but overall Fort Lauderdale Beach is a cleaner, calmer version of Miami Beach. You’re more likely to see families relaxing on the beach vs. wild spring breakers.
Tags: Florida
