Florida is also often referred to as the Sunshine State. It would appear that tourists rather like this part of the country. Coming into view, with the state bordered by both the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise that this southeastern US state is sheltering immense lengths of stunningly beautiful beaches. Whether soft, powdery sand, crystal-clear water, or vibrant marine life-the coastline in Florida just about has it all. Its main cities, such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, are filled with great restaurants, hotels, and nightly activities. Their picturesque settings right next to sparkling turquoise waters add a lot to their charm.
In addition to the vibrant cities, magnificent natural parks, and lovely beaches, the state will offer its guests a great many outdoor activities and water sports. You could have had the best of both worlds-from world-class attractions to world-class beaches in Florida. That is why it is so well-loved among people on holiday. Here are some of the best beaches in Florida State that you surely would not want to miss.
15 Best Beaches in Florida
Below are discussed the 15 best beaches in Florida :
1. South Beach, Miami
#Best Beaches in Florida
One of the most popular tourist spots in the United States, Miami Beach brims with grandiose Art Deco architecture, pulsating scenes of nightlife, and, of course, the gleaming white sands of South Beach. Contrary to what many tourists might think, however, Miami Beach actually lies on a barrier island, just a little ways off from Miami itself and separated by the glittering Bay of Biscayne.
Therefore, there are a lot of great water sports to try out and many fantastic hotels and restaurants with views of the water. Furthermore, South Beach also offers an interesting cultural life, as much as it does great architecture and cool nightclubs. And there’s always something to do, like visiting one of the world-class museums or wonderful theaters after a day spent lounging on the beach. A rating of a highly trendy area should be placed on South Beach, considering the waving palm trees and tall skyscrapers all around. It has gained the reputation of being one of the country’s top beaches because of its inviting sands.
2. Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota
#Best Beaches in Florida
Siesta Beach appears just like in the travel brochures, boasting some of the purest and finest white powder sand on the face of the Earth. No wonder it’s been rated highly in international awards as one of the world’s best beaches.
This vast dazzling bright quartz beach was incredibly long and wide, fringed by the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of good restaurants, bars, and hotels in Siesta Key. That barrier island off Florida’s Treasure Coast is offering countless water sports and other recreational activities, plus a fair dose of entertainment for visitors to this sugary-white sand beach paradise. It’s family-friendly and consistently ranked among the best beaches in America.
3. Clearwater Beach, Clearwater
#Best Beaches in Florida
Clearwater Beach is perhaps one of the prime jewels among all of the beaches found along the Gulf of Mexico, and it is only a short drive if one wishes to mix a visit to the beach with a visit to the city of Tampa.
One of Florida’s—maybe even the nation’s—most beautiful beaches, Clearwater Beach comes filled with lovely white sands to sprawl out on. The sparkling waters all around are basked in an incredible sunset every single evening.
The Pier 60 is the best place to view the sunset. From several great restaurants and stores to beautiful resorts, a ton of water sports, this destination becomes quite great for families. In this famous beach town, there is a lot that visitors can do and see, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
4. Sanibel Island Beaches
#Best Beaches in Florida
Of the many beautiful barrier islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sanibel Island is one of the few known for its immaculate white-sand beaches and large amount of flora. It has a heaven of shell collectors because of the types that collect on the beach from its east-west orientation. It has limited development and maintains a quiet atmosphere, with many outdoor activities from which to choose. Attractions include the J.N.
Besides all this, the area also provides excellent birding and wildlife viewing at the “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and island bike paths that wind along scenic routes through its natural areas. Sanibel Island has found favor in environmental stewardship and preservation of its relaxed, small-town character. Beaches on Sanibel Island are a delightful experience both to shell seekers and to lovers of nature.
5. Naples Beach
#Best Beaches in Florida
The Naples Municipal Beach and Fishing Pier is the main beach in this community. It is 2 miles long and comprises all facilities, among which are restrooms, showers, lifeguards, volleyball courts, and picnic pavilions. On-site there is also a fishing pier to provide an opportunity for fishers who would like to try their luck catching redfish, snook, snapper, and many other marine lives.
For a whole day at the beach, some other nice places to go are the J.B. Loudermilk Beach Park, which has a gentle surf, plenty of facilities, and loads of games, including volleyball, Frisbee, and fishing. There is a big playground with a concession, serving drinks and snacks.
And if you are in need of a more relaxed environment, one of the best beaches to check out is Clam Pass Park. Found just south of Naples, this beach is situated near the beautiful mangrove trees and has likewise good views of the Gulf of Mexico, either to go for a walk along the boardwalk or just come to the beach for leisure.
6. Marco Island Beaches
#Best Beaches in Florida
Marco Island is a barrier island located at the southwestern coast of Florida, consisting of ivory sandy beaches combined with the crystal waters of the area. Being the biggest amongst the Ten Thousand Islands, it is one of the counties situated in Collier County. The island is involved with many outdoor activities: boating, fishing, and kayaking, with delightful dining and great shopping centers. The tropical climate on Marco Island brings a large number of people for relaxation and participating in water sport activities. It contains several lovely resorts and vacation rentals that cater to a large number of tourists and seasonal visitors.
7. Cocoa Beach
#Best Beaches in Florida
One of the most famous beaches in Florida, Cocoa Beach is on the Space Coast and offers a good many activities ranging from beautiful beaches to great surfing conditions, and of course, an attraction closer to space—the Kennedy Space Center. Catch some waves and get wet at famous Cocoa Beach, which takes pride in calling the most legendary surfers on the East Coast home, including the incomparable Kelly Slater, 11-time world surf champion.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting to hang ten, Cocoa Beach has a little something for everyone. Take a lesson from one of the many local surf schools and ride the perfect wave; kick back, relax, and soak up the laid-back local atmosphere at one of the cool waterfront bars on the beach; or view the pros from the fishing pier. This is a good place to spend time, relax, and have some adventure—all in one. The warm weather, friendly people, and an unusual combination of natural beauty with space history attract many visitors to this area.
8. Fort De Soto Park, St. Petersburg
#Best Beaches in Florida
The beautiful Fort De Soto Park is located at the southernmost tip of Saint Petersburg, Florida, and comprised of five linked islands, boasting some miles of undeveloped beaches and indeed great views across the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. North Beach is the most visited beach in the park and an ideal place for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. The beach is a large expanse of white sanded shore lapped with gentle waves. It has numerous restrooms, outdoor showers, and a big pavilion stocked with dozens of open-air picnic tables. East Beach constitutes the most renowned sunrise watch location within the park.
The district is tremendous for bird watching, walking, beachcombing, and fishing from the pier. Located on the park’s west side, West Beach provides dramatic sunset views. This area is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking and is loaded with amenities that include restrooms, outdoor showers, and areas for picnicking. South Beach sits at the very bottom tip of the park and opens up with picturesque views all the way across to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.
9. Anna Maria Island
#Best Beaches in Florida
Being that it is such a big state, there are many beaches in Florida more poplar to locals than tourists. Sometimes you even want to live a little like a local, to kinda enjoy the beach and the town as if you lived here, not just like a visitor. My favorite beach found along Florida’s Gulf Coast is Anna Maria Island, near Bradenton, Florida, just south of the greater Tampa Bay area. One of the things that I and so many others love about Anna Maria Island is its ability to stay its own character, with a small town feel, even with the big places like St. Pete and Sarasota right next door.
The local laws don’t allow high-rises or chain restaurants on the island, so most of it is small, locally owned, mom-and-pop type businesses. As a matter of fact, there are no big hotel chains on the island; most places you can stay are boutique hotels and houses rented on Airbnb—those kinds of things. Good place to chill out in the week: ride a bike around town, chill at the beach, go fishing, eat some local seafood and ice cream, and just live here and be here for a little bit. There’s stuff to do but not too touristy, and the beach is really nice here.
10. Bahia Honda State Park
#Best Beaches in Florida
Bahia Honda State Park, right in the middle of the Florida Keys, is another great place to visit if one desires to feel nature at arm’s reach. This scene is just phenomenal; the blessedness of the dazzling white sand and crystal-clear waters at three great beaches is favored for swimming and snorkeling. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a wide variety of species to view, while dolphins, sea turtles, and rays can occasionally be spotted offshore. Probably the most amazing vision on the island is the old, being-used bridge of the railroad protruding from one end except for the density of natural pleasures that it has.
With Bahia Honda featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys, it sure is an attraction worth your time. If you really want to wake up in the morning from the beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico, staying even overnight in the national park for camping is allowed.
11. Fort Lauderdale Beach
#Best Beaches in Florida
Fort Lauderdale is also named “America’s Venice” as it is a city with many canals. The main attraction of Fort Lauderdale is its superb beach, flown coast to coast in miles. The extended beach, a spread-out one, has its golden soft sands with turquoise waters: a paradise for sunseekers and swimmers, the same as its famous neighbor, Miami South Beach. You will find hotels and various points of restaurants and pubs at the edge of the beach. The easy community and myriad nightlife and entertainments of the strip draw everybody, residents and revelers alike.
Besides relaxing at Fort Lauderdale Beach on the warm sands, there is a variety of interesting activities taking place, like scuba diving, jet skiing, and snorkeling. Be it a plan to spend time under the sun relaxing or going local with some jiving, Fort Lauderdale Beach has a lot to offer.
12. Key West Beaches
#Best Beaches in Florida
Key West is home to some of the best and most breathtaking beaches in Florida, perfect for those who love to be under the sun and close to the waters. One of the favorites is Smathers Beach, where a long expanse of fine white sand and very clear blue waters welcome sunbathers or swimmers. Next door lies Higgs Beach, which has a casual atmosphere, complete with a pier and a dog park.
For a quieter and serene experience, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers a mix of natural beauty and historical interest, with its isolated sandy stretch and excellent snorkeling. Every beach is special in its own way, either through the loud social scene or peace and serenity. Key West beaches offer a classic retreat to the tropics, complete with loads of activities and stunning views.
13. Destin Beach
#Best Beaches in Florida
The best in beaches is one of the major reasons many tourists are lured to Destin. Stretching from Henderson Beach State Park to the Okaloosa Island Pier is one of the main beach areas. The beaches are tawny with such soft sand that one can easily sink their toes in it. The gentle waves and warm waters make it ideal for swimming, body surfing, and snorkeling. And this beach tops things off by adding hiking trails to the mix for good measure. If you’re into an active scene, Henderson Beach State Park also provides a chance to see native wildlife, such as dolphins, tropical fish, loggerheads, and green sea turtles.
There are also so many other activities for people visiting beaches, from parasailing to jet skiing. There is something for everyone. You find a huge number of beachfront restaurants that serve delicious seafood dishes or other regional cuisine. There are also many market shops and boutiques on the beach. A very beautiful view is the sunset. The sun’s rays go under the horizon and the sky starts to change colors into sky red, orange, and pink. A very nice relaxing point to sit with friends and family and watch the sunset.
14. Daytona Beach
#Best Beaches in Florida
Unplug, relax, unwind, and treat yourself to a visit of beautiful Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach is full of perfect getaways for the whole family, from perfect and easy access to dining and entertainment to its perfectly fun atmosphere. Whether traveling with family, friends, a loved one, or solo, find a wide array of things to do. Known for its beaches and motorsports, Daytona Beach also offers plenty of arts, culture, history, shopping, golf and sporting events. If your passion is for high-speed, adrenaline-soaked action, then Daytona International Speedway is a not-to-be-missed destination. All along the boardwalk and pier, entertainment ranges from rides to games to food vendors.
15. Honeymoon Island State Park
#Best Beaches in Florida
Honeymoon Island State Park, located in Dunedin, Florida, is a beautiful coastal place that offers its visitors outstanding natural beauty and various outdoor activities. Extending over 385 acres, the park has pristine white sandy beaches and transparent turquoise waters, teeming with various wildlife, perfect for relaxation and nature cruising. There’s an area for sunbathing and swimming, and an area for shell-collecting along the shores, while nature trails for leisurely strolls wound through the mangroves and pine forests.
In addition, there are picnic areas and a dog-friendly portion, which makes this park very nice for families and people with furry little friends. Honeymoon Island State Park is one of the favorite landscapes for locals and tourists—combined with various recreational options and picturesque landscapes. It’s also perfect for families who visit the region and stay together as a family because the waves are not that huge, and most of the time they are subtle.
Above all, the beaches in Florida are far from just a delight; they are a place where memories are formed, and with each visit, more promises of a happy ending come up. Whatever your flavor, be it exciting, relaxing, or a bit of both, the Sunshine State perfectly pairs just the beach for you. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your shades, and hit one of these beautiful beaches where your sun-kissed adventure comes with pure bliss. And do not hesitate to share your best beaches in Florida travel experience with Tale of Journey.
Happy Travel!!
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