Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, is a year-round vacation destination that offers something for everyone.
It boasts over 1,300 miles of coastline, making it a paradise for beachgoers.
And with year-round sunshine and warm waters, you can enjoy swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, and other water activities almost any time.
But I know it is overwhelming when planning a vacation trip, especially an out-of-town trip.
But don’t worry, because I am here to help you.
As a seasoned traveler, I have a wealth of information about this popular vacation destination.
It includes insider tips, local recommendations, and helpful insights to help you plan your perfect trip.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-filled escape, Florida has it all.
In addition, I assessed the beaches according to their accessibility, family friendliness, safety, facilities, and water quality.
So, join me as we explore what Florida offers and discover the hidden gems that make this state a top destination for travelers worldwide.
Best Beaches in Florida Compared
From the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida’s beaches offer something for everyone.
Here’s a handy list of the beaches you can visit with your family.
Editor’s Choice
Destin
Up on the northwest coast of Florida, Destin is a city that fronts the scenic Gulf of Mexico.
- Family-Friendliness: 5/5
- Safety: 4/5
- Amenities: 5/5
- Water Quality: 5/5
- Accessibility: 4/5
#2nd Best Choice
Sanibel Island
Known as the world’s Shelling Capital, Sanibel Island is famous for its award-winning seashell-covered shores, making it one of Florida’s top beaches for beachcombing.
- Family-Friendliness: 5/5
- Safety: 5/5
- Amenities: 4/5
- Water Quality: 5/5
- Accessibility: 3/5
#3rd Best Choice
Clearwater Beach
Although it’s within 25 miles of Tampa and St. Petersburg, this 2.5-mile beach feels like a world away from Florida’s metropolitan vibe.
- Family-Friendliness: 4/5
- Safety: 4/5
- Amenities: 5/5
- Water Quality: 4/5
- Accessibility: 4/5
Here are the top 15 beaches in Florida.
1. Destin (Editor’s Choice)
Destin, FL 32540-32550
(850) 837-6241
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Up on the northwest coast of Florida, Destin is a city that fronts the scenic Gulf of Mexico.
Ratings Criteria
- Family-Friendliness: 5/5
- Safety: 4/5
- Amenities: 5/5
- Water Quality: 5/5
- Accessibility: 4/5
Pros
- Beautiful white-sand
- Vibrant nightlife
Cons
- Limited public transportation options
Why We Recommend This Beach
Sitting on the Florida Panhandle, Destin overflows with Vitamin Sea and tropical warmth.
With clear turquoise waters and sands so white you’d easily mistake them for snow, Destin guarantees an unforgettable beach escape.
Aside from being one of the most popular beaches in Florida and boasting some of the whitest sand in the world, Destin also features wildlife encounters and waterfront restaurants.
Expert Tip
Crystal Beach is for the typical beach bum longing for sugar white, powdery sands against teal waters.
Henderson Beach and Grayton Beach, on the other hand, offer nature trails aside from the usual seaside experience.
Henderson Beach has the impossibly whitest sand!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin
Related: Best Beaches Near Orlando
2. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
(239) 472-1080
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Known as the world’s Shelling Capital, Sanibel Island is famous for its award-winning seashell-covered shores, making it one of Florida’s top beaches for beachcombing.
Ratings Criteria
- Family-Friendliness: 5/5
- Safety: 5/5
- Amenities: 4/5
- Water Quality: 5/5
- Accessibility: 3/5
Pros
- Quiet and Peaceful
- Excellent seafood restaurants
Cons
- Limited nightlife
Why We Recommend This Beach
Aside from Sanibel’s world-renowned shells, its shores are also home to mangroves, wetlands, and protected habitats that are rich sanctuaries for wildlife.
Have your pick of the most eye-catching shells, go island-hopping, be spectators of crab races, and visit the wildlife refuge.
Expert Tip
Don’t forget to remind your squad or family to wear aqua socks in this part of the Florida gulf coast to protect your feet.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Island Inn
Related: Best Beaches in Miami
3. Clearwater Beach
1 Causeway Boulevard
Clearwater, FL 33767
(727) 562-4920
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Although it’s within 25 miles of Tampa and St. Petersburg, this 2.5-mile beach feels like a world away from Florida’s metropolitan vibe.
Ratings Criteria
- Family-Friendliness: 4/5
- Safety: 4/5
- Amenities: 5/5
- Water Quality: 4/5
- Accessibility: 4/5
Pros
- Easy access to nearby attractions
- Beautiful and expansive beaches
Cons
- Heavy traffic and limited parking during peak season
Why We Recommend This Beach
Famous for its breathtaking white sand beauty, this laid-back cove is often named as one of the best beach spots in Florida.
The shallow, calm, and clear waters make Clearwater excellent for swimming, and fun classic beach activities await at the shore.
Expert Tip
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll find a bevy of kid-friendly attractions around Clearwater Beach, like an educational aquarium, parks, theaters, a baseball stadium, and a theme park.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Related: Best Beaches Near Clearwater, FL
4. Siesta Key
Siesta Key
Sarasota, FL 34242
(941) 349-3800
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Facing the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida island of Siesta Key is heaven on earth.
In fact, it is often recognized as the best beach for swimming in Florida.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you want a more adventurous place other than Sanibel Island and Clearwater Beach, you can visit Siesta Key.
It is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and outdoor activities.
Siesta Key’s soft and quartz-fine, blinding white sand, calm and incredibly healthy sea, clean air, perfect weather, and watchful lifeguards consistently earn the island a place among the most stunning beaches in Florida and in the entire country.
Expert Tip
Siesta Key is also surrounded by exciting attractions you shouldn’t miss, such as the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Smuggler’s Cove, Ringling Museum, Mote Marine Aquarium, and many more.
At night, the island comes alive with music, lights, drinks, and revelry.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Ringling Beach House
Related: Restaurants: Sarasota
Related: Best Beaches in Sarasota
5. Panama City Beach
17001 Panama City Beach Parkway
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
(850) 233-5070
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Panama City Beach has over 27 miles of beaches along northwest Florida’s coast, with shores softened by fine white sand and clear pastel blue waters.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Arguably one of the prettiest beaches in Florida, Panama City Beach amazingly costs zero dollars to enjoy.
Go swimming or snorkeling to see the abundant life underwater.
If you’re lucky, you might even see a sea turtle or two swimming past you.
Expert Tip
If you want to spend less, just bring your swimsuit and pack a picnic.
If you have extra cash, on the other hand, you can take a fishing trip, search for dolphins, and go parasailing and jet skiing.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront, an IHG hotel
Related: Panama City Beach: Best Restaurants
Related: Best Beaches Near Panama City Beach
6. Amelia Island
Amelia Island, FL 32034
(904) 277-0717
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About 30 miles from Jacksonville, Amelia Island is our best pick for wanderers who seek tranquility from crowds and noise.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If nice beaches devoid of flocks of tourists sound like your type of beach escape, Amelia Island is chock-full of the kind of shores you’re looking for.
Expect horseback rides, dolphins, whales, hawks, and historical remnants dappled all over the island.
Expert Tip
If you’re looking for a full nature immersion during your island escape, Amelia Island welcomes camping in the historic Fort Clinch State Park.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Omni Amelia Island Resort
Related: Best Weekend Getaways in Florida
Related: Best Beaches in West Palm Beach
7. Naples
Naples, FL 34102-24112
(239) 225-1013
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Though more popular for its golf courses, Naples has some of the many wonderful Florida beaches along the Gulf Coast, making it a great family vacation spot.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Naples’ waves are gentle, its 30 miles of sandy shores are soft and white, and the weather is warm throughout the year.
Shelling, kayaking, and fishing off the iconic pier remain popular any time of year you visit, while the city abounds with cultural and natural attractions for everyone.
Expert Tip
Lowdermilk Beach, Naples Pier, and Clam Pass Park are Naples’ crowning jewels.
Brought the little ones along?
Head to the Naples Zoo or Caribbean Gardens and explore the wonders of nature.
Golisano’s Children’s Museum is also a great idea for a fun afternoon.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Inn On Fifth
Related: Best Beaches in Naples
Related: Best Family Vacation Spots in Florida
8. St. George Island
1900 E Gulf Beach Drive
St George Island, FL 32328
(850) 927-2111
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St. George Island is a barrier island off the Florida Panhandle, one of the last inhabited yet unspoiled barrier islands in Florida.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Barely touched, St. George Island’s beaches showcase the most spectacular Gulf of Mexico sunsets and the best stargazing opportunity in the Panhandle — a sight to behold both during the day, at night, and in between.
Expert Tip
St. George Island has more than just pristine beaches.
There’s a 19th-century lighthouse in the area, roaming wildlife, beach rentals for exciting activities, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: St George Inn
Related: Best Places to Visit in Florida
9. Key West
Key West, FL 33040-33045
(800) 352-5397
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Key West is a charming island city in the southernmost region of Florida.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Key West is a popular cruise-ship stop well known for its conch-style homes, beautiful gardens, nature parks, and crystal-clear cerulean ocean.
Spanning a measly 4.2 miles, this island paradise packs a wealth of snorkeling opportunities, water sports equipment rentals, and historical sites amidst views of the horizon.
Expert Tip
Key West hails Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park for having the best beach in the island.
Smathers Beach, on the other hand, is where everything in Key West happens, owing to its location at the heart of the key.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Opal Key Resort & Marina
Related: Best Clear Water Beaches in Florida
Related: Best Beaches in Key West
Related: Best Beaches in South Florida
10. St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-33784
(727) 893-7111
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Nicknamed Sunshine City, St. Petersburg is surrounded by three bodies of water: the Old Tampa Bay, Middle Tampa Bay, and Lower Tampa Bay.
Why We Recommend This Beach
With its seat on the western coast of sun-kissed Florida, it is no wonder why St. Petersburg abounds with award-winning beaches featuring the state’s signature snow-white sand.
Treasure Island Beach is popular among beachcombers, while Sunset Beach is, well, where wanderers go for unrivaled sunsets.
Expert Tip
Sunshine City prides itself with Fort de Soto, a five-island park that will surely delight history buffs who also happen to love the ocean, as well as parents looking for the safest beach for kids.
The beach at Fort de Soto has the calmest shallow waters perfect for little feet.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Vinoy® Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Related: Best Beaches in St. Petersburg
11. Marco Island
50 Bald Eagle Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
(239) 389-5000
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Marco Island is the largest and only developed island among the Ten Thousand Islands at the Everglades.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Marco Island flaunts its size in the Ten Thousand Islands through ideal tropical activities and family-friendly destinations.
Resorts, beaches, pristine parks, picnic grounds, and trails populate the island, along with wildlife that have long called it home.
Expert Tip
Marco Island is an ideal family getaway, with its relaxing beaches, kiddie pools, and entertainment centers.
If you need a fun time with the teens and the kids, head to the arcades.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa
Related: Best Florida Beach Resorts for Families
12. Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(800) 822-6877
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Formerly known as Hogtown in the late 1700s, Santa Rosa is located along South Walton’s 26-mile sugar white stretch of beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The quaint, remote community of Santa Rosa evokes a beachside old-fashioned charm, offering a swarm of art galleries and boutiques, sand dunes, and a 15,000-acre state forest.
Expert Tip
Beach lovers recommend Grayton Beach State Park and Blue Mountain Beach for top-rated coastlines and natural landscapes.
Don’t miss the Old World inspired architecture at Santa Rosa by strolling its quiet streets.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: 30-A Inn & Suites
13. Fort Walton Beach
107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 833‑9500
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Nestled between Pensacola and Panama City, Fort Walton offers major tourist attractions minus the crowds.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Watersports and water activities abound in Fort Walton, exactly what many vacationing families are after.
Whether you’re up for a banana boat, jetski, or waverunner excursion, Fort Walton has it for you.
Snorkelling adventures and dolphin sightings also await!
Expert Tip
Don’t forget to drop by the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to watch marine animals such as dolphins and seals perform incredible tricks.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Island by Hotel RL
Related: Best Family Beaches in Florida
14. Islamorada
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305) 664-4503
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Islamorada, nicknamed the Village of Islands, consists of five lovely islands in the Florida Keys.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Aside from being a beach bum’s haven, Islamorada is also known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, hosting the largest fishing fleet per square mile on the planet.
There’s somewhere to go and something to do anywhere on the village shores 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Expert Tip
Get to know more about Islamorada’s marine life at the Theater of the Sea, or see a real 1500s treasure chest at the History of Diving Museum!
Meanwhile, nature lovers should drop by the state parks all over the islands for outdoorsy activities.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Related: Best Beaches in The Florida Keys
15. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-7009
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Located 70 miles away from Key West, this remote 100-square mile park guarantees one of the best beaches in Florida and a historical adventure like no other.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Getting to this secluded and one-of-kind haven is an experience in itself.
It’s, after all, only accessible by seaplane or boat.
Once you get to the park, you’ll be rewarded by wildlife areas, coral reefs, and a 19th-century fort.
Expert Tip
The fort is so inviting it’s almost imperative to explore it and learn about this area’s role in Civil War history.
When frolicking in the beach, don’t just enjoy the view above water; there’s a whole different world underwater too.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Parrot Key Hotel & Villas
Related: Best Beaches Near Daytona Beach
Beachgoer Guide
Comparing Beaches: Which One Is Right For You?
When it comes to planning a beach vacation in Florida, there are a variety of options to consider.
Check out the advantages and disadvantages of each nearby beach spot for a pleasant and unforgettable sunny getaway.
Then, choose the option that best suits your preferences.
Destin is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches.
However, it can get busy and crowded during the peak seasons.
We once visited it in summer, and navigating through the crowds and traffic was challenging.
I also had to double my sunscreen application because of the heat.
Another well-known beach is Sanibel Island.
While strolling along the shore, we noticed that shells were everywhere.
So if you are a shell collector, this is your bet.
And the best part is it was serene and heavenly, thanks to its relaxing ambiance and picturesque views.
But it may not be the best place for swimming due to shallow waters and strong currents.
Next is Clearwater Beach, which has much to offer when it comes to amenities and activities.
As a bonus, there are many restaurants and shops nearby.
But it can be more expensive and crowded than other beach locations.
If you want a more diverse option, Siesta Key has some of the most excellent beaches in the world, with soft, powdery sand and stunning sunsets.
Although during busy times, parking can be difficult, and the neighborhood can get crowded.
How I Picked The Beach Spots
As a sun seeker and traveler, I always pick Florida for a beach vacation.
With years of experience visiting the beaches in Florida, I cross-checked my findings to provide accurate and reliable information to help you choose the best beach destination.
I’ve also gathered comprehensive information about Florida’s top beach destinations from trusted sources.
I talked with residents, local tour guides, and travel experts and read credible online reviews.
Our Beach Rating Method
I rate these beaches based on the following criteria:
- Family-Friendliness: I use this to evaluate if the beach is ideal for families with children. Does the beach offer kid-friendly activities and playgrounds? Does the beach have shallow waters and gentle waves? I ask myself these questions when I rate the family-friendliness criterion.
- Safety: This is used to assess the safety of every beach destination. Are there lifeguards manning the beach? Does it have safety equipment? What are the other safety measures at the beach? I consider these factors when evaluating the safety of every beach.
- Amenities: I use it to evaluate the quality and availability of facilities on every beach. Is it equipped with restrooms, showers, and changing rooms? Does it have ample parking? These questions are important whenever I rate the amenities of each beach.
- Water Quality: This evaluates the cleanliness and clarity of the water at the beach. Are there algae in the water? Is the water safe and clean enough for swimming and other activities? I ask myself these questions in order to rate the beach’s water quality.
- Accessibility: This measures how accessible the beach is for visitors. How far is it from the major cities? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Is the beach wheelchair accessible? I use these questions to evaluate the accessibility of every beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Beach Is The Prettiest In Florida?
The prettiest beach in Florida is Destin.
What Are Florida’s Most Visited Beaches?
The most visited beaches in Florida are Clearwater Beach and Siesta Key.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that the top beaches in Florida have something unique and exciting to offer every tourist, according to the evaluation criteria and my own experience.
If you don’t mind the challenging traffic, limited parking, and cost, I can attest that Sanibel Island is a great place to relax and connect with nature.
You can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature here and get lost gazing at the endless scenic sights around you.
For those traveling with their family, you will love Clearwater Beach.
Despite its expensive rates and huge crowds, it’s a solid pick.
I personally enjoyed walking on the pier above the sea and watching the sunset over the horizon.
But if you’re going for a laid-back vacation, Siesta Key is your destination.
Though it can be crowded during peak seasons, it’s still a heavenly place for sun-seekers.
My highlight was the feeling of warm white sand and the subtle sound of turquoise waves on my bare feet as I strolled on the shore.
But one of the best beaches in Florida that stick out for me the most is Destin.
While expensive, I joined a boat tour with other tourists, witnessing majestic marine life under the emerald waters.
Based on my experience, it depends on what you are looking for in a vacation.
Remember, each beach has something unique, from relaxation to excitement, nature, and history.
So, choose the one that suits your preferences and budget.
Editor’s Choice
Destin
Up on the northwest coast of Florida, Destin is a city that fronts the scenic Gulf of Mexico.
- Family-Friendliness: 5/5
- Safety: 4/5
- Amenities: 5/5
- Water Quality: 5/5
- Accessibility: 4/5
