Florida, hailed because the Sunshine State, is a paradise for seashore lovers. Its shoreline, stretching over a surprising 1,350 miles, is residence to among the most breathtaking seashores in the US. We’ve got visited Florida numerous occasions over time and have been fortunate sufficient to expertise so a lot of its finest seashores.
From the long-lasting Artwork Deco structure and pulsating nightlife of Miami Seaside to the extra tranquil Siesta Key for individuals who simply wish to chill out. Whether or not you’re in search of a serene getaway, a family-friendly shore, or a vibrant get together scene, Florida’s various seashores cater to each whim and fancy.
Greatest Seashores in Florida
We wished that will help you make your best option in your subsequent trip so we got here up with our favourite seashores in Florida so we may help make your travels just a bit bit simpler.
1. South Seaside Miami
You may comprehend it for its Thirties artwork deco vibes, or scorching nightlife, however South Seaside in Miami additionally affords powdery white seashores and many actions in addition. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, South Seaside has two distinct areas that entice completely different crowds.
Lummus Park and Seaside permits topless sunbathing and is a hub of exercise with road meals, cyclists, skaters, and extra. If you happen to’re searching for a extra chill vibe, then the world of First Avenue Seaside at South Level may simply be your factor. It’s an space widespread with surfers in South Seaside in addition to fishing fanatics and households.
Apart from surf and solar, you possibly can buy groceries on the widespread Lincoln Highway Mall. To grasp the actual heartbeat of South Seaside, you possibly can take a guided artwork deco tour, get pleasure from all types of delicacies, Cuban in particular, and dance the evening away at any variety of golf equipment.
2. Panama Metropolis Seaside
This is likely one of the finest Florida seashores for the Spring Break crowd in addition to for households. With 27 miles of fresh, pristine shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, Panama Metropolis Seaside was voted one of many high 3 seashores in the US by TripAdvisor. There are a ton of actions you may get into at this seashore with seashore volleyball, snorkeling, and browsing.
As soon as you’re uninterested in catching some rays and have had your fill of sand and surf, go to close by points of interest like Ripley’s Imagine It Or Not. Some of the enjoyable day journeys you are able to do is head to Shell Island the place you get an opportunity to see bottlenose dolphins up shut.
Panama Metropolis Seaside has loads of vacation trip leases out there within the high-rise condos alongside the seashore. This may be a cost-effective various to staying in a lodge when touring in a gaggle. The well-known George Island State Park is situated a 2-hour drive from right here.
3. Miami North Seaside
It could be extra recognized for glitz and glam and The Actual Housewives of Miami, however Miami Seaside has greater than 12 spectacular beaches to experience. Miami Seaside is Florida’s most fun and cosmopolitan metropolis with artwork deco buildings, eating places, nightclubs, and really tanned, engaging folks. Nonetheless, there are distinct areas and sandy stretches inside it.
The closest factor to the official Miami Seaside could be North Miami Seaside. The seashore is central and also you’ll discover locals and vacationers alike sunbathing all day lengthy. Since all of it’s fairly central, there are a ton of eateries close by. The seashore can be residence to the North Seaside Bandshell which supplies nice musical leisure all year long. And naturally, after you’re achieved sunning, the nightlife in Miami Seaside is second-to-none. We’ve got coated all of it in our publish 30 Fun Things to do in Miami, Florida
Getting on the water is one of the simplest ways to expertise the Sunshine State. Take this City Cruise to see the Millionaires mansions of Miami and cruise to the Venetian Islands and South Seaside.
4. Clearwater Seaside
If you happen to’re searching for among the best Florida seashores with an actual neighborhood really feel, Clearwater Seaside is the place it’s at. One can find the general public seashore staffed with a lifeguard all yr lengthy. Artwork festivals happen all year long just like the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Pageant. This sand sculpture competition takes place in April attracting artists to create sand sculpture masterpieces.
Some of the pristine seashores, Clearwater is thought for its easy white sands in addition to spectacular sunsets. In reality, the sunsets are so spectacular that there’s a nightly competition to have fun them with road musicians and actions for youths.
Moreover, there’s a number of enjoyable stuff to do close to the seashore like taking a go to to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or Aspirations Vineyard. You possibly can even take a ship tour to get aware of extra of Clearwater’s shoreline.
5. Daytona Seaside
Daytona Seaside could also be an apparent alternative, however it’s certainly one of our favourite seashores in Florida. We used to return right here with my household once I was youthful to trip for the winter.
This mammoth seashore on the Atlantic Coast is 23 miles lengthy with resorts lining the waterfront. The Halifax River – a lagoon separated from the Atlantic by barrier seashores separates the seashore from town. Daytona is an attention-grabbing seashore you could drive on. The Daytona Seaside Pier additionally has points of interest and rides and the Daytona Speedway isn’t too distant.
This will get very busy, particularly by the pier, however we advocate staying at Daytona Beach Shores for a romantic escape on Daytona Seaside. Ormond Seaside is situated simply north of Daytona Seaside and is a quieter possibility. Learn extra at: Best Things to do in Daytona Beach.
6. Fort Lauderdale
There may be by no means a boring second in Fort Lauderdale, with 1000’s of yachts and cruise ships visiting its coastlines every year. Fort Lauderdale Seaside is likely one of the metropolis’s premier seashores situated on the coronary heart of Fort Lauderdale.
Seize an umbrella and seashore chair and simply soak in the truth that you’re gazing out over the Atlantic Ocean. Or you may get out and become involved in any one of many dozens of actions taking place concurrently on certainly one of Florida’s most lovely seashores. You possibly can check out parasailing, scuba diving, jet snowboarding and even hire a ship and take it for a sail.
Though just a few a long time again, Fort Lauderdale Beach was recognized for its faculty get together ambiance, nowadays it welcomes every kind of tourists. You’ll discover high-end eating places and stay music bars in addition to museums, spas, and enjoyable actions for youths like Bluefoot Pirate Adventures.
7. Santa Rosa Seaside
This is likely one of the finest Florida seashores while you’re searching for a mixture of issues to do with a gaggle. Santa Rosa Seaside attracts households to its prolonged shoreline working from the Gulf of Mexico to Choctawhatchee Bay. Stretching 26 miles alongside the northwest coast, Santa Rosa Seaside sits within the protected space of the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore.
It’s a fantastic various to keep away from the crowds of Panama Metropolis Seaside. Seashores close to Santa Rosa Seaside are Grayton Seaside State Park and Blue Mountain Seaside.
You’ll discover folks doing all the pieces from paddleboarding to fishing or just basking within the solar on seashore chairs. Off the seashore, there are additionally a ton of issues to do like visiting the native craft breweries or the historic Wesley Mansion which dates again to the late nineteenth century. You need to word that Santa Rosa Seaside has skilled an actual enhance in reputation so that you’ll wish to get to the seashore early within the morning to attain a chief spot.
8. Cocoa Seaside
Cocoa Seaside is situated simply south of Cape Canaveral on the House Coast. It is likely one of the finest locations to study to surf in Florida due to its calm waters. However it is usually nice for execs too.
This space is called the East Coast surf capital of the US. Cocoa Seaside can be residence to the biggest surf store on this planet, Ron Jean Surf Store is an enormous 52,000 sq. toes. You will discover all the pieces from bathing fits to top-of-the-line surfboards within the store and it’s open 24/7.
One other factor you may wish to try on the east coast is the Barrier Island Sanctuary which is devoted to the safety of sea turtles. It’s a half-hour drive from the seashore and you may go on a guided stroll by means of the sanctuary and study all in regards to the conservation of sea turtles. This east coast seashore is lower than an hour’s drive from Orlando and sits on Florida’s East Coast.
9. Pensacola Seaside
Pensacola Seaside sits on Santa Rosa Island and also you’ll discover that Pensacola Seaside is the place extra of the motion takes place whereas Santa Rosa Seashores are quieter. The waters surrounding this barrier reef seashore are crystal clear and the sands are comfortable and white.
You’ll discover that there are lifeguards on the principle seashore areas however when you head into extra of the quiet areas, you’ll get a fantastic seashore, however no lifeguards. You possibly can take dolphin-watching excursions from the seashore or head out to the pier to go fishing.
There’s an outside journey park out there for these searching for one thing sportier. Some of the enjoyable issues to do at Pensacola Seaside is to go canoeing at evening in glow-in-the-dark boats.
10. Key West
No record of Florida’s finest seashores could be full with out mentioning the laid-back attraction of Key West. On the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, Key West is a mix of gorgeous seashores, historic websites, and a full of life road life. The seashores listed below are excellent for snorkeling, with clear waters and vibrant marine life.
If you happen to don’t make it to Dry Tortugas, Key West’s different seashores may be discovered at Fort Zachary Taylor Nationwide Historic Website and Smather’s Seaside. Learn extra at 27 of the Best Things to Do in Key West
11. Sunny Isles Seaside
If you happen to want being underwater slightly than floating on high, then you definately’re going to wish to try Sunny Isles Seaside in Miami Seaside. It’s well-known for its world-class diving and snorkeling. The well-known Newport Seaside Fishing Pier sits on Sunny Isles Seaside too.
And it’s not only for present, you possibly can truly carry your fishing gear and fish right here too. Close by there are many cafes to get some high-end lunch. And talking of high-end the Sunny Isles is thought for luxurious resorts and luxurious dwelling so meals and lodging are on the pricier aspect.
12. Naples Seaside
Positioned alongside the Gulf of Mexico, Naples Seaside is famend for its miles of sentimental, white sandy shores, which provide a way of tranquility and an escape from the hustle and bustle of on a regular basis life. The calm and clear waters right here are perfect for swimming, making it a fantastic spot for households and people searching for a refreshing dip within the sea.
Naples Seaside is legendary for its 1000-foot-long pier that juts out from its white sand. Named after Naples in Italy, this seashore city retains the Italian custom alive with a fantastic meals scene. Town boasts an enthralling downtown space, the place you possibly can stroll alongside Fifth Avenue South and Third Avenue South, exploring upscale boutiques, artwork galleries, and quite a lot of eating choices.
The realm can be near a number of nature reserves and parks, such because the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Everglades Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can expertise Florida’s distinctive wildlife and landscapes by means of guided excursions and hikes.
13. Tigertail Seaside Park
From Naples make your approach to Marco Island to go to the biggest of the Ten Thousand Islands often known as the Barrier Islands. You possibly can drive instantly from Naples to Marco Island taking the bridges throughout McIlan Bay and East Marco Bay. Many seashores are personal on this island, however fortunately there are two lovely public seashores. One in every of which is Tigertail Seaside.
Tigertail Seaside Park affords paddleboard and jet ski leases plus watersports leases. You possibly can discover its tidal swimming pools on guided excursions or self-guided excursions, and there’s a bird-watching tower the place you possibly can preserve a watch out for migrating birds and see overhead views of the seashore and lagoon. It was as soon as solely a sandbar off the coast of Florida however with shifting climate patterns, it’s now related to the mainland.
14. Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is for individuals who like secluded seashores and rugged surroundings. It has a 1200-foot seashore however most individuals come to this space for the actions they’ll do within the water and within the forests. The park has a ton of biking trails and climbing trails all through.
You may as well hire gear to go kayaking and canoeing on the Oleta River which sits on this Florida state park. The enjoyable half about this seashore space is you could sleep over in certainly one of their cabins. There’s a youth tenting space too, however you’ll need to test with the park for guidelines and laws on who can keep there.
15. Grayton Seaside State Park
For a mixture of nature trails and sand dunes, you’ll wish to go to Grayton Seaside in Grayton Seaside State Park. This Gulf Coast seashore attracts a totally completely different crowd than Miami Seaside or the Florida Keys seashores. The highest seashores on Florida’s southern tip entice flash luxurious and paparazzi, however on this state park, you reside life on the quieter aspect with extra secluded adventures.
The aquamarine water of Western Lake is the right place to swim and do some deep sea fishing in addition to get in some paddleboarding. There are nearly 100 acres of snowy sand dunes alongside the coast. The state park seashore has restrooms and out of doors showers however it is best to pack your meals and drinks with you earlier than heading right here.
16. Siesta Key
Have you ever ever sat in million-year-old sand? If you happen to go to Siesta Seaside you possibly can. It’s believed that the sand that’s discovered on the barrier island of Siesta Key has arrived there over hundreds of thousands of years from the rivers of the Appalachian mountains flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.
This sand is sort of pure quartz crystals and it’s so nice that while you stroll on it, it appears to make a little bit of a squeaking sound. These sugar-white sands have typically been known as among the finest sands on this planet, making this seashore in Siesta Key one of many nation’s world-class seashores.
Apart from basking in nice white quartz sand, you possibly can get pleasure from some swimming and snorkeling at Siesta Seaside. Close by is Siesta Key Village which is filled with beautiful cafes in addition to pubs and boutiques for procuring too. You may as well hire a motorbike and take a leisurely sundown cruise by means of the small seashore city.
17. Harry Harris Seaside
That is the right seashore to take your youngsters to within the Florida Keys. Harry Harris Seaside sits in Harry Harris Park on the biggest key among the many Florida Keys situated in Key Largo. The seashore space has a breakwater so the ocean is actually become a pool that’s no greater than 5′ in your youngsters to swim round in. Key Largo can be among the best locations in Florida to go scuba diving.
If you happen to enterprise out previous the breakwater you are able to do some snorkeling, scuba diving boating, and fishing too. The seashore grounds have a child’s playground, picnic areas with BBQs in addition to clear restroom services. You also needs to pack a picnic as there aren’t actually any locations shut by to get a snack.
18. Dry Tortugas
Key West has among the finest seashores in Florida however essentially the most pristine and secluded is the seashore at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. Positioned 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas is a superb day journey by ferry or seaplane. However you may also keep in a single day within the Nationwide Park and do some tenting to actually respect these white sand seashores. It’s nice for snorkeling too! Try: Where to Stay in The Florida Keys
19. Sanibel Island
We’re glad to report that Sanibel Island is open after the devastating Hurricane Ian in September 2022. They’ve made an unimaginable restoration with nearly the entire main points of interest re-opening. On the time of this writing, the one main issues not open are the Lighthouse Fishing Pier and Lighthouse Tower space, however Lighthouse Seaside is open.
Don’t miss Bowman’s Seaside which is likely one of the finest seashores in Florida, however it is usually typically voted as one of many best beaches in the United States. Sanibel Island is situated simply off the coast of Fort Myers and sits within the Gulf of Mexico. The realm is thought for high-end resorts and seafood eating places in addition to historic structure.
It’s a sheller’s paradise and one of the family-friendly areas within the state. The Sanibel Stoop is a time period coined for all of the folks you’re going to see hunched over looking for distinctive shells on Sanibel seashores. In accordance with space shellers, you’re going to seek out essentially the most completely different number of shells within the morning at low tide.
Florida Seashores Incessantly Requested Questions
Which seashore in Florida has the clearest water?
The seashore in Florida famend for having among the clearest waters is Destin Seaside, situated on the Emerald Coast. Destin is a part of Florida’s Panhandle, which is much less densely populated and developed in comparison with different elements of the state like Miami Seaside or the Keys. It additionally affords lovely white sand seashores, a spread of lodging choices, and a family-friendly ambiance, making it a best choice for each leisure and recreation.
Which aspect of Florida is finest for seashores?
If you happen to’re searching for calm waters, nice sand, and a extra relaxed ambiance, the Gulf Coast may be your preferrred alternative. If you happen to want extra energetic waters, a various vary of experiences, and entry to cultural and historic websites, the Atlantic Coast could also be extra interesting. Each coasts boast lovely seashores, so it in the end comes all the way down to the kind of seashore expertise you need.
What’s the prettiest seashore in Florida?
Siesta Key Seaside is steadily lauded as one of the lovely seashores in Florida. Positioned close to Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key has this unimaginable, nice white sand, composed of 99% pure quartz, which stays cool underfoot even within the warmth of the solar. The seashore’s clear, shallow waters and large expanse make it excellent for swimming, sunsets and every kind of seashore actions.
What are the warmest Florida seashores?
West, situated on the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, constantly boasts among the warmest seashore waters, notably as a consequence of its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Miami Seaside and the seashores across the Miami space additionally supply heat waters year-round, making them widespread locations for these in search of a seashore expertise even within the cooler months.
Why We Love These Seashores in Florida
As we wrap up our tour of Florida’s best seashores, keep in mind that every seashore has its distinctive attraction and points of interest. Whether or not you’re searching for journey, leisure, or a little bit of each, Florida’s seashores supply one thing particular for everybody. So, pack your sunscreen, seize your sun shades, and prepare to discover the sun-kissed shores of the Sunshine State.
