The 23 Best Beaches in Florida

Florida is a coastal paradise that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning array of world-class beaches. Renowned for their beauty and splendor, Florida’s pristine beaches provide an idyllic backdrop for relaxation, family fun, and sun-soaked bliss....

May 26, 2023 - 21:01

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Florida is a coastal paradise that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning array of world-class beaches.

Renowned for their beauty and splendor, Florida’s pristine beaches provide an idyllic backdrop for relaxation, family fun, and sun-soaked bliss.

Whether you seek a tranquil escape to forget the pressures of daily life, a lively family-friendly atmosphere, or an adventure-filled watersports playground, Florida has it all.

In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of the 23 best beaches in Florida that cater to every mood and moment. Have a look below and pick your next oceanfront getaway!

The 23 Most Beautiful Beaches in Florida

Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Pier, Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA.

Cocoa Beach is a wide beach with golden-hued sand. Located on Florida’s Space Coast, just an hour’s drive from Orlando, the beach is known for its calm, consistent waves, making it a prime spot for surfing.

Near the beach, you’ll find the Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop, and the Florida Surf Museum, depicting the history and culture of surfing on the East Coast.

Cocoa Beach has a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of family-friendly attractions.

Visit the famous Cocoa Beach Pier, which is the perfect place for watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach

Blue Mountain Beach is a jewel spiked in Florida’s Emerald Coast. Located in Santa Rosa, this Gulf Coast beach has inviting soft white sands, and crystal clear waters ideal for swimming.

One of Blue Mountain’s most distinct features is the rare blue lupine flowers that bloom on the sand dunes, adding a touch of enchantment to the area.

Clearwater Beach, Clearwater

Sandwiched between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach dazzles visitors with its sugar-white sand and calm, transparent waters.

The beach’s serene, transparent waters are perfect for enjoying a range of water activities like swimming, parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Clearwater Beach also features a palm-lined promenade and is surrounded by a vibrant array of breezy seafood restaurants.

St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach

Boating, snorkling, fishing at the jetties, St. Andrews State Park, Florida.

Photo Credit Terry Kelly/Shutterstock

Panama City Beach is a waterfront town located in a paradisiac area known as the Florida Panhandle.

Home to 27 miles of pristine sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach is considered one of the best summer vacations in the USA.

One of Panama City’s top beaches is the 1,200-acre St. Andrews State Park. Featuring a mile-and-a-half of sandy shore, and crystal-clear waters, the park is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

St. Andrews is also a prime destination for bird watching, and exploring majestic sand dunes.

Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key

Siesta Key Beach Sarasota Florida Beautiful Sunny Day Blue Waters Tourists Paradise Sun

Siesta Key Beach is a dreamy island in the Gulf of Mexico and one of the best clear-water beaches in Florida.

This beach is known for its powdery white sand, composed of 99% pure quartz. This unique sand is cool to the touch, even on hot days, and feels exceptionally soft, making it a pleasure to walk on and relax upon.

Siesta Beach also has clear turquoise waters where visitors can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and kayak.

Pensacola Beach, Pensacola

Also known as Casino Beach, Pensacola Beach is famous for its white sand and blue-green waters.

The beach is wide and long, meaning you have ample space for sunbathing and enjoying outdoor activities.

The water here is shallow and warm, which is perfect for swimming.

Casino Beach also has an array of amenities like showers, picnic tables, and a boardwalk (Pensacola Beach Boardwalk) dotted with restaurants, souvenir shops, and entertainment venues.

Crescent Beach, St. Augustine Beach

Situated just south of St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach stretches for miles along the Atlantic coast, with soft, white sand perfect for strolling and sunbathing.

Crescent Beach’ crystal-clear waters provide an inviting setting for swimming, boogie boarding, and other water activities.

Unlike some of the bustling beaches in Florida, Crescent Beach offers a peaceful and unspoiled escape.

It allows visitors to immerse themselves in the soothing sounds of crashing waves and the gentle sea breeze.

Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a blend of stunning natural beauty, vibrant energy, and a wide array of attractions.

The beach’s golden sands and clear blue waters design a gorgeous setting for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports.

What makes Fort Lauderdale Beach special is its lively and bustling atmosphere. Near the beach, you’ll find vibrant bars and cafes where you can have a refreshing cocktail while taking in the revigorating sea breeze.

Honeymoon Island State Park, Honeymoon Island

Panorama of Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida.

Honeymoon Island State Park is the ultimate destination for those seeing a unique beach experience.

Located on Honeymoon Island, just a short drive from Tampa, this beautiful state park has pristine shores with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands.

Tried and true activities in the Honeymoon Island State Park include swimming, shelling, surfing, and picnicking in designated areas.

There’s a pet beach on the south end, where dogs are allowed.

Jupiter Off-Leash Dog Beach, Jupiter

A dog playing with a ball in the ocean at the beach.

Jupiter Dog Beach is one of the few remaining dog-friendly beaches in Florida. Running along A1A near Ocean Cay Park in Jupiter, this 2.5-mile beach allows dogs to roam freely, splash in the waves, chase balls, and play with other four-legged friends

Please note that since dogs are not required to be on leashes in these areas, only well-behaved, non-aggressive dogs should be brought to the beach.

Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach

Grayton Beach State Park is gloriously located on Florida’s Gulf Coast and is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the state.

At nearly 2,000 acres, this state park encompasses a series of pristine beaches for swimming and sunbathing.

Visitors to Grayson State Park can spot shorebirds along the beach, as well as snorkel, paddleboard, and kayak in the Gulf of Mexico waters.

The park also has trails that wind through dune ecosystems, salt marshes, forests, and pine flatwoods.

Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach along the Atlantic Sea, Florida aerial view.

Daytona Beach is one of the most family-friendly Florida beaches. Stretching for miles along the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic beach has wide expanses of sand where kids can run freely, play, and build sand castles.

Visitors can also enjoy an array of watersports in Daytona Beach. Activities on offer include surfing, kayaking, and parasailing.

The beach also has a bustling boardwalk & pier loaded with family-friendly entertainment, including a fun-filled arcade.

Read our guide to the best things to do in Daytona Beach to make the most out of this Florida beach.

Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island

Photo Credit: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

Nestled off Sanibel-Captiva Road, the secluded Bowman’s Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and calm waters ideal for swimming.

The beach has several miles of unobstructed white sand covered in shells. Here, visitors can try the famous “Sanibel Stoop,” which is the act of bending over to collect seashells from the sand.

St. George Island State Park, St. George Island

Aerial view of Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA.

Perfectly positioned on the stunning Gulf Coast of Florida, St. George Island State Park is an earthly paradise that offers visitors a pristine and unspoiled retreat.

The park boasts miles of untouched, sugar-white sandy beaches where visitors can bask in the sun, build sandcastles, and take leisurely walks along the shore.

The crystal-clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico draw swimmers, snorkelers, and anglers to explore their depths.

Aside from enjoying pristine beaches, visitors to St. George Island can explore an array of ecosystems such as dunes, forests, and tidal marshes through hiking trails.

Inlet Beach, South Walton

Bordered by 13 acres of protected dunes along the idyllic Florida Panhandle, Inlet Beach has powdery sands and uncrowded shores that provide ample space to soak up the sun.

The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide amazing opportunities for swimming, as well as excellent snorkeling and fishing around the manmade Cobia Reef, just offshore.

If you walk down toward Camp Helen State Park, you’ll see an old pier that’s a popular photo backdrop among locals.

Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin

Accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island State Park is one of the few untouched islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The park is home to some of the best beaches in the USA. Boasting soft white sand and emerald-green waters, Caladesi provides an alluring backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, shelling, and relaxing among nature.

You also scuba dive in the crystal clear waters to discover an array of dazzling marine creatures.

South Marco Beach, Marco Island

Aerial View of Marco Island, A popular Tourist Town in Florida

South Marco Beach is another gem located along the heavenly shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

This serene Florida beach is famous for its clear, pristine waters, and powdery white sands that stretch for miles.

South Marco Beach is a great beach for families to enjoy activities like shelling, beach fishing, and dolphin watching.

Lovers Key State Park & Beach

Lovers Key Beach and the state park are located on a series of barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico.

Known for its abundant natural beauty, tranquility, and bountiful wildlife, Lovers Key is an ideal beach for those seeking relaxation in an unspoiled setting.

The beach itself features miles of untouched, soft white sand, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply strolling.

The warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico invite swimmers and kayakers to dive in and explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.

Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers

Fort Myers Beach lies on a little barrier island, about seven miles long. The beach is wide and features sugary white sand, which invites visitors to soak up the sun, build sandcastles, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shore.

The warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf deliver the perfect opportunity for swimming, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and other water sports.

Hollywood Beach, Hollywood

Hollywood Beach offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and entertainment. Nestled between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, the beach stretches for miles and its white sand creates an ideal setting for sunbathing and leisurely walks.

The beach is also famous for its well-maintained Broadwalk. Running for nearly 2.5 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Visitors can also rent bicycles, and rollerblades, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk.

Crandon Park Beach, Key Biscayne

Beautiful Crandon Park Beach located in Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida, USA.

Crandon Park Beach, is an 808-acre urban oasis nestled in the heart of Key Biscayne, just a 15-minute drive from Miami.

The park has a spectacular 2-mile beach divided into two different areas. The northern part has more waves, so it’s an ideal place for surfing. In the south, the waves are gentler and the sand is whiter, making this a prime spot for families.

Crandon Park is also dotted with towering palm trees, which provide the perfect spot for those who want to relax in the shade.

South Beach, Miami Beach

South Beach, in Miami, filled with people.

Nestled on the southern tip of Miami Beach, South Beach enchants visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and stunning coastline.

This iconic stretch of sand runs for miles along the Atlantic Ocean, offering crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sands that are ideal for sunbathing and relaxation.

South Beach is also renowned for its lively energy, with a kaleidoscope of people from all walks of life coming together to create a buzzing and cosmopolitan ambiance.

The beach’s iconic Ocean Drive showcases a mix of art deco architecture and trendy establishments. It boasts an eclectic array of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that make it a hotspot for entertainment and nightlife.

Camp Helen State Park

Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida, this alluring state park has endless miles of white sandy beaches.

The crystal-clear Gulf waters invite visitors to take a refreshing dip, while the gentle waves beckon kayakers and paddleboarders to explore the coastline.

Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails that wind through the park, providing glimpses of native wildlife and bird species.

The park is home to white-tailed deer, squirrels, opossums, and the occasional black bear.

FAQ

Where is the nicest beach in Florida?

The best beaches in Florida are:

Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Beach Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Clearwater Beach, Clearwater St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key Pensacola Beach, Pensacola Crescent Beach, St. Augustine Beach Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale Honeymoon Island State Park, Honeymoon Island Jupiter Off-Leash Dog Beach, Jupiter Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island St. George Island State Park, St. George Island Inlet Beach, South Walton Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin South Marco Beach, Marco Island Lovers Key State Park & Beach Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers Hollywood Beach, Hollywood Crandon Park Beach, Key Biscayne South Beach, Miami Beach Camp Helen State Park

Which Florida beach has the clearest water?

The 20 best clear-water beaches in Florida are:

St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach Bean Point Beach, Anna Maria Island Inlet Beach, South Walton Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Destin Beach, Emerald Coast Smathers Beach, Key West Navarre Beach, Florida Gulf Coast Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Honeymoon Island State Park, Gulf of Mexico Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key Henderson Beach State Park, Emerald Coast Biscayne National Park, Miami-Dade County Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Keys South Marco Beach, Marco Island Jupiter Inlet Beach, Jupiter St. Pete Beach, Pinellas County Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River Whitney Beach, Longboat Key Crab Island, Destin John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida Keys

What are the best white sand beaches in Florida?

The best white sand beaches in Florida are:

Siesta Beach, Sarasota; Clearwater Beach, Clearwater; St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg; Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale; Pensacola Beach, Pensacola; Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach.

What part of Florida has the clearest water?

The Emerald Coast beaches are known for having the clearest water. This happens because these beaches are from the Mississippi River entrance, which helps the water stay crystal clear.