The 23 Best Beaches in Florida

Best Beaches in Florida for Families

Sunshine State is a beach-lovers paradise and if you're a family looking to stay, you'll be in for a treat - with award-winning family-friendly beaches to soak up. Here are some of our favorite best beaches in Florida for families.

Panama City Beach

With 27 miles of free white quartz sand beaches to bask on and enjoy, Panama City Beach is a popular Gulf Coast gem for families seeking a fun beach break. Embark on watersports, fishing trips, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, parasailing and even a lively themed adventure, aboard the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise. Awash with fun land-based attractions including WonderWorks and the 200-ft tall SkyWheel, Panama City offers plenty of family-friendly action during a Florida beach break.

Fort De Soto Park

Home to a wide expanse of white sand beach with sandbar and calm, shallow waters, as well as a large tidal pool, this less-crowded beach is perfect for families with young children. Accompanied by a pirate ship playground, two fishing piers, shady picnic pavilions, scenic nature trails, and a historic fort to explore, this beach promises equal measures of relaxation and fun. Bike and kayak rentals add to the list of family-friendly activities here in Tierra Verde. Located near our vacation rentals in the Clearwater area, this beach is a great choice for multigenerational families.

Amelia Island

For a family day filled with coastal charm, head to Amelia Island. Part of the Sea Islands chain of barrier islands on Florida's Atlantic coast, this peaceful east coast beach is renowned for shelling. The beach on Amelia Island is also a great spot for horseback riding and timeless family bike rides along scenic trails. Its charming, peaceful vibe is great for young families seeking laidback coastal capers.

Destin

The Destin Area is renowned for its iconic emerald waters and sugar-white sands. What's more, families are attracted to its 7 miles of beaches, which are lifeguard patrolled from March through October. Destin beach itself features picnic areas, nature trails, and calm waves, perfect for beach-loving families. Buzzing boardwalks and nearby waterparks offer plenty for families to soak up, whilst an endless array of outdoor activities and coastal trails await nature fans in the nearby Henderson Beach State Park and James Lee County State Park.

Naples Beach

A family favorite nearby our Marco Island vacation rentals, families can kick back and soak up a day of gentle surf and sunsets. Families will also enjoy heading to the picturesque pier for dolphin spotting and experiencing popular nearby attractions, including manatee tours and the Naples Botanical Garden.

Cocoa Beach

For a unique family beach day, head to Cocoa Beach on Florida's east coast. Located just over an hour's drive from the theme parks of Orlando, Cocoa Beach offers plenty of its own distractions - whether it's diving into the kid-friendly surf lessons hosted in its calm waves, or a trip to the Florida Surf Museum and famous nearby Kennedy Space Center.

Anna Maria Island

When it comes to the best family beaches in Florida, Anna Maria Island offers a quaint beach destination for families seeking out a laid-back beach break. Soak up the clear, shallow waters and abundant local wildlife, before kicking back within the charms of this small-town resort. Families looking to wind down will love Anna Maria Island for its scenic bike rides and picnic spots, as well as peaceful downtime vibes.

White Sand Beaches in Florida

For those seeking the ultimate beach escapism, these top white sand beaches in Florida promise the ultimate photogenic back drop. Arguably some of the prettiest beaches in Florida, these amazing hotspots showcase the state’s unrivaled beauty and diversity, promising a beachtrip that will both dazzle and replenish the senses.

Siesta Key Beach

Arguably one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Florida if not the US, Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota is renowned for its pearly white sand and clear turquoise waters. Awash with 99% soft, powdery quartz from the Appalachian Mountains, which stays pleasantly cool underfoot, the gleaming sands of Siesta Key Beach are a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking and shelling. With lifeguards, a playground, and nearby restaurants, this beach sets the scene for a carefree, family-friendly beach day. Off the beach, soak up other major Gulf Coast attractions including the Ringling Museum and Gardens, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Mote Aquarium and the Big Cat Habitat.

Clearwater Beach

One of the most pristine and well-maintained Gulf Coast beaches has to be Clearwater Beach. This iconic beach promises the signature fine sugar-white sand of the Gulf, as well as warm shallow waters which are patrolled by lifeguards year-round and its popular 1,080-ft "Pier 60" - home to fishing, glorious sunset viewing spots and lively evening entertainment. You'll also find popular dolphine tours, a pleasant palm-lined beach promenade and walkable downtown, offering plenty of dining options and family-friendly activities. Off the beach, soak up nearby attractions such as Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Henderson Beach State Park

One for nature enthusiasts, this tranquil Panhandle treasure is the last remaining coastal scrub area in the Destin locality and offers soaring 30-ft white sand dunes, emerald-green waters and tranquil hiking trails. Amongst the shifting sand dunes and unspoilt stretch of 6000-ft shoreline, look out for a rich offering of birdlife and mammals which call this unique habitat home. The Henderson Beach State Park is also popular spot for fishing, picnicking, swimming, camping and kicking back in nature.

Navarre Beach

Dubbed “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place,” this secluded Gulf Coast beach boasts soft, pure white sand lapped by turquoise waters, a rich abundance of wildlife and a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. With less crowds to contend with, this pretty beach in Florida still upholds its other accolade of "Florida's best kept secret". Enjoy surf lessons, a dolphin cruise, snorkeling or diving at the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary. Families will also relish a fun adventure out on the open water, with a jolly trip on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise.

Fort Walton Beach

Another photogenic Emerald Coast beach to shout about is Fort Walton Beach. Combining brilliant white quartz sands with glistening emerald waters and a throng of popular nearby attractions, this beach on Okaloosa Island is one not to miss. Offering a plentiful supply of public access points, Fort Walton Beach is a popular spot with families and those seeking fun water-based activities, whilst staying in the Destin Area. Offshore enjoy fishing, watersports and snorkeling, whilst onshore, head to the Emerald Coast Science Center or Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and spot a rich variety of marine life.

Penascola Beach

Tucked away in the upper northwestern arm of Florida, this popular Gulf beach on the barrier island of Santa Rosa promises endless coastal capers. The sweeping white sand sets a captivating backdrop for swimming, surfing and paddleboarding. The Portofino Boardwalk also offers shops and tempting eateries, whilst the pier stretches into the inviting Gulf of Mexico waters, making it a great fishing spot. Nature fans can also enjoy embarking on the "Footprints in the Sand" eco trail or a scenic dolphin tour.

Florida West Coast Beaches

Located on the Florida's Gulf Coast, the best west coast Florida beaches offer a stunning mix of tranquility, natural beauty, and family-friendly fun, making them ideal destinations for soaking up an effortless beach vacation.

Fort Myers Beach

Along its sandy stretch, Fort Myers Beach blends laid-back old Florida charm with an exciting offering of watersports and ocean-front dining options. The beautiful sand and buzzing atmosphere set the scene for a fun and varied day of sunbathing, shelling and sunset beach strolls to dolphin tours and high-octane fun from jet skiing and parasailing.

Sanibel Island

Gulf Coast beachgoers craving some coastal serenity will find a peaceful and secluded retreat along the shell-covered shores of Sanibel Island. Rich in wildlife, including sea turtles, this unique barrier island promises pure escapism. Relish the perfect opportunity to go swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Along the quaint and unspoilt 12-mile long shoreline, soak up some of the best shelling opportunities in North America and discover scenic bike trails. Beachgoers searching for shops and restaurants will find a plentiful supply in Periwinkle Way.

Captiva Island Beach

Just north of Sanibel, Captiva Island Beach promises even more serenity, for a peaceful Gulf Coast beach day, with stunning sunsets and upscale resorts to dip into and enjoy. Experience the gentle, laid-back pace and go fishing, shelling and for unhurried walks along the unspoilt beach shore. The crystal clear waters are ideal for snorkeling too, during the calmer, warmer months of April through November.

Best East Coast Florida Beaches

Each beach on Florida’s East Coast provides something unique, making it an unbeatable destination for beach lovers heading to Sunshine State! The best East Coast Florida beaches offer a mix of lively attractions, natural beauty, and serene getaways, so read on to discover our favorite.

Delray Beach

Just over an hour north of Miami, Delray Beach is a charming upscale coastal town with plenty to offer! Home to a lively, historic downtown and two miles of soft sand and clear, calm waters perfect for families, Delray Beach promises a rich assortment of East Coast fun. Off the blue flag beach, soak up scenic yacht cruise tours, numerous art galleries and shops, gourmet dining venues, the Delray Beach Market and 9000-sq-ft Silverball Retro Arcade, or slow the pace right down, with a scenic walk within the Wakodahatchee Wetlands.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a surfer’s haven and is known as the gateway to the world-famous Kennedy Space Center. This laid-back beach resorts offers gentle waves along its 6-mile long beaches, with proximity further up the coast to an exciting blend of motorsports, a family-friendly boardwalk, the Florida Surf Museum and the picturesque maritime forest at Lori Wilson Park. Another unique appeal of Cocoa Beach is its glowing algae, which is a natural phenomenon - lighting up the waterways and offering a memorable experience, when casting off on a cleak kayak bioluminescence tour from the nearby Kiwanis Park.

Flagler Beach

Looking to beat the crowds? With its welcoming cinamon-colored sands, sand dunes and unspoilt natural beauty, the underdeveloped Flagler Beach offers a quieter and scenic dog-friendly beach destination on Florida's East Coast. With an off-the-beaten-track appeal, the peaceful 6-mile stretch of Flagler Beach paints a timeless scene for relaxation. You'll also find plenty to enjoy off the beach. From swimming with dolphins, horseback riding on the beach, fishing and kayaking through the wetlands to experiencing the quaint charms and amenities of its laid-back fishing village, which include a winery, farmers market and retro-style shops.

Famous Beaches in Florida

When it comes to famous beaches in Florida, the Sunshine State offers a variety of iconic shorelines that draw visitors, from all over the world. Our favorite promise a heady mix of beach beauty, world-class buzz and a wealth of things to see and do, for an unforgettable beach day.

South Beach

The iconic South Beach in Miami is famed for its vibrant atmosphere, historic art deco architecture, and its buzzing nighlife and beachfront, perfect for those seeking a revved up beach break. As one of the most iconic and cosmopolitan Florida beaches on our list, you'll find endless things to see and do. Those seeking out a classic beach day will find sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, deep-sea fishing and oceanfront dining to enjoy alongside scenic walking trails, family-friendly water playgrounds and parks and more. Sightseers will also be able to indulge in some celebrity spotting too!

Smathers Beach

With nearly two miles of imported Bahamian white sands to relax on, the palm tree-fringed Key West resort of Smathers Beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, calm waters, and relaxed island vibe. Making it perfect for a laid-back beach day, enjoy soaking up the panoramic Atlantic Ocean views with a thirst-quenching drink or good book. Located close to the historic sites, lively nightlife, watersports and pretty pastel conch-style architecture, Smathers Beach offers a charming and quintessential beach spot on the Florida Keys.

Daytona Beach

Further north, Daytona Beach stands out with its historic drive-on sand areas and its lively boardwalk, attracting motorsports fans and families alike. As beach days go, the wide, hard-packed white white sand stretches for miles, offering an appealing place to spend a day. Home to the Daytona International Speedway, this race mad city is also the headquarters of NASCAR, for a truly unique beach day in Florida.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

The wide and expansive Fort Lauderdale Beach offers calm waters perfect for families and is best known for its scenic promenade, upscale resorts and accompanying waterways. Relax and soak up a sun-drenched beach break and water-based activities including boating, riverboat cruises and watersports.

How many Beaches are in Florida?

Florida is home to over 1,300 miles of stunning coastline and boasts approximately 663 miles of accessible beaches - with nearly to soak up, making it a paradise for beach lovers. Luckily, we've dived into all of them and bring you the best 23 beaches in Florida.

From the powdery white sands of the Gulf Coast to the golden shores of the Atlantic and the secluded stretches of the Florida Keys, you'll find a beach to soak up every mood and activity.

Whether you're looking for lively family-friendly spots, tranquil nature escapes, or iconic party destinations, Florida's diverse beach offerings ensure there’s always a perfect shoreline waiting for you to discover. Read on to discover the best beaches in Florida to experience on your next travels.