Great Beach Vacation Spots In Florida
Florida is a state filled with over 1,300 miles of beautiful beaches and thousands of vacation spots to give you a fantastic taste of what the state has to offer. From Miami to Key West, here are a few of the best beach vacation spots in Florida. There are a few great beaches that I’d like to share with you. All the beaches below are great beach vacation spots in Florida that are well-known around the world.
Florida has one of the most beautiful beaches you can visit and enjoy long vacations, whether you’re going with friends or family. Here are some of the best spots you can visit:
By far, the best way to use Florida’s beaches is to head out on vacation. In fact, there are several beaches in Florida that belong on your bucket list of places to visit at one point or another. While no two beaches are the same, once you’ve been to a couple of them you’ll find many common elements among them. This is where I step in (thankfully) and detail for you a few of the features that make some of Florida’s beaches worth visiting.
Great Beach Vacation Spots In Florida
The Sunshine State may not have quite the same allure as it does when it’s actually sunny, but Florida is a year-round destination. You’re still paying less to stay at the beach during the fall and winter than you would during the peak summer season. And, escaping snowy winters in other parts of the country, even for just a week or two, is a tempting prospect.
Best Florida Beaches
With about 1,200 miles of coastline, the Sunshine State is a year-round travel destination for residents of the East Coast and beyond. The diversity of Florida’s shores – from family-friendly spots to party-focused locales – helps draw all types of vacationers. U.S. News took into account reader votes and factors like aesthetics, atmosphere and convenience to rank the best Florida beaches. To contribute to next year’s ranking, cast your vote below. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, check out our picks for the Best Hotels in Florida, the Best Resorts in Florida and the top all-inclusive resorts in Florida. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)
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Belongs on List?YesNoSiesta Key#1 in Best Florida BeachesPopular among couples and families alike (and showcased on the MTV show “Siesta Key”), this fun-filled barrier island sits off the coast of Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico. Often considered one of the best beaches in the nation, Siesta Beach features 8 miles of white quartz sand and crystal-clear water, plus dining, shopping and nighttime entertainment. Crescent Beach, another top-notch option, is ideal for travelers seeking soft white sand, beautiful scenery and a quieter atmosphere. Meanwhile, Turtle Beach is a great spot for long walks, easy parking and shell collecting.
Belongs on List?YesNoMarco Island#2 in Best Florida BeachesAccessible via two bridges from Naples, Florida, Marco Island entices visitors with its unique mix of high-end resorts and unspoiled habitats. Boating is a popular pastime here, and seafood lovers will find mouthwatering meals available at many local eateries. Of course, Marco Island’s spotless beaches are perhaps its best feature. Tigertail Beach Park attracts vacationers looking to take long walks, search for seashells or rent kayaks, while South Marco Beach – situated alongside resorts and condos – offers plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming.
Belongs on List?YesNoPalm Beach#3 in Best Florida BeachesWhether you’re window shopping along Worth Avenue, practicing your swing at one of the area’s world-class golf courses or lounging on sparking white sands, Palm Beach has something to offer every type of traveler. This glitzy resort town, located about 70 miles north of Miami, is filled to the brim with upscale restaurants, spectacular Gilded Age mansions and sophisticated art galleries. Head to the town’s Municipal Beach to sunbathe and swim, or hit up Phipps Ocean Park for shelling and snorkeling.
Belongs on List?YesNoDelray Beach#4 in Best Florida BeachesNicknamed “Florida’s Village By the Sea,” Delray Beach appeals to travelers who want the friendly atmosphere of a small town and the entertainment options of a large city. The Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens can’t be missed, but nobody could blame you for heading straight for the beach. Located near several shops and eateries, Delray’s Municipal Beach is ideal for active pursuits like snorkeling and paddleboarding. Meanwhile, Atlantic Dunes Park offers a quieter beach experience in a tranquil natural setting. When you’ve had your fill of the beach, stroll down palm tree-lined Atlantic Avenue for upscale shopping and vibrant nightlife.
- Belongs on List?YesNoSanta Rosa Beach#5 in Best Florida BeachesStretching 26 miles along Florida’s northwest coast, Santa Rosa Beach is the place to go for bright white sand, emerald water, top-notch dining and local art galleries and boutiques. Recent travelers recommend this beach town if you’re seeking prime shorelines without the crowds of Panama City Beach or Destin. Favorite spots include Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach State Park and Blue Mountain Beach, where vacationers can swim, sunbathe, explore sand dunes, bodysurf and more.
- View 30 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoDestin#6 in Best Florida BeachesFamilies flock to Destin for its white sands, gorgeous Gulf waters and frequent sunshine. With plenty of exciting activities to occupy your time – Destin boasts multiple adventure parks – this Florida mainstay has everything you need for a memorable beach vacation. Keep in mind, temperatures, visitor volume and room rates peak in summer. Travelers will find popular stretches of sand like June White Decker Park and Crystal Beach by the town’s resorts and vacation rentals, but for a more laid-back atmosphere, sunbathe on Henderson Beach State Park’s Appalachian quartz sands. Beachgoers may even spot dolphins, sea turtles and other critters during their visit. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
- View 27 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSanibel Island#7 in Best Florida BeachesYou’ll be hard-pressed to find a place in Florida with quieter and calmer shores than Sanibel Island. Here, the pastime is “shelling” – collecting assorted, colorful seashells along the sand – rather than partying, which makes this beach town an excellent choice for families. For the best seashells, head to Bowman’s Beach or Blind Pass Beach. Also, save time for a visit to Lighthouse Beach Park, where you can cast a line off of the beach’s pier and snap pictures of its 19th-century lighthouse. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
Belongs on List?YesNoFort Walton Beach#8 in Best Florida BeachesHead to Fort Walton Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida for its laid-back beaches, deep-sea fishing, golf and attractions fit for everyone in the family, from aquariums to parks. Stretches of sand worth exploring include the beaches of Okaloosa Island, which feature a fishing pier, a boardwalk and stunning sunsets. John C. Beasley Park, also located on Okaloosa Island, offers clean white sand, restrooms and designated picnic areas.
Belongs on List?YesNoSt. George Island#9 in Best Florida BeachesLocated about 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee, St. George Island is a beloved retreat for relaxation seekers. With zero high-rise buildings and pristine white sand, this beach town is one of the few inhabited barrier islands found off of Florida’s Gulf Coast that remains relatively untouched. Head to Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park to swim, kayak, fish and camp – and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like dolphins, turtles, pelicans and crabs. Or, spend time at St. George Island Public Beach, a pet-friendly option with bathrooms, a playground and picnic facilities.- View 18 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoNaples#10 in Best Florida BeachesOverflowing with golf courses, gourmet restaurants and boutiques, Naples offers travelers an upscale Florida retreat. However, the luxury resorts and costly activities can make a Naples vacation quite expensive. But luckily, nearly all of the beaches are completely free to enjoy. At Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, vacationers can snorkel, spot wildlife, go shelling and more. Meanwhile, Naples Municipal Beach beckons to beachgoers who want to gaze at stunning sunsets and enjoy top-notch fishing from its pier. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
Belongs on List?YesNoIslamorada#11 in Best Florida BeachesTravelers journeying from mainland Florida through the Florida Keys will find Islamorada after Key Largo but before Marathon. Made up of six islands, this tranquil paradise is best known for its top-notch sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing conditions. But beachgoers will be happy here, too; spots worth checking out include Anne’s Beach (a calm, quiet stretch ideal for small children and dogs, or those looking to picnic or kayak) and Holiday Isle Beach (which sits alongside bars, hotels and other amenities).- View 16 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoClearwater Beach#12 in Best Florida BeachesClearwater Beach’s gentle water and white sand attract relaxation seekers in droves. Following a few hours of swimming or lounging, beachgoers can play volleyball or go rollerblading or biking on the adjacent Beach Walk promenade. Then, visitors can make their way to Pier 60 to watch a breathtaking sunset and participate in evening crafts and entertainment. Because the 1,080-foot pier is adorned with various lights, anglers often come here at night to fish. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
Belongs on List?YesNoAmelia Island#13 in Best Florida BeachesIf you’re in search of a relaxing beach destination with old-world charm, consider vacationing on Amelia Island. Situated about 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Amelia Island features 13 miles of beaches, including Amelia Island State Park (where you can ride horses on the beach) and Main Beach Park (with a playground, an outdoor skate park, picnic tables, volleyball courts and more). When you need a break from the beach, play a round of golf on one of the island’s championship courses or enjoy a leisurely stroll beneath its Spanish moss-draped oak trees.