Discover The Best Beaches in Florida: A Guide to Paradise on the Peninsula
Florida, known as the sunshine state, is a haven for beach lovers. With hundreds of miles of coastline, you’re never far from beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. However, with so many options, it can be challenging to choose the perfect beach for you. So, we’ve done the research for you, and here are our top picks for the best beaches in Florida.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
The Florida Keys, the state’s southernmost area, is known for its warm, sunny days and pleasant waters. Among these is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, a beach that offers more than just sun and surf. With calm waters and wide sandy stretches, it’s an ideal destination for swimming and snorkeling.
Additionally, the park is home to a pre-Civil War fortress, providing a touch of history to your beach day. For those seeking more active pursuits, the park also offers nature trails and snorkel rentals.
Miramar Beach
Located on the Florida Panhandle, Miramar Beach is a must-visit. The white sandy beach invites you to relax and soak up the sun, or join a game of beach volleyball.
Miramar is more than just a beach; it’s a community. The nearby South Walton neighborhood is ripe for exploration, with scenic beach roads and antique shops waiting to be discovered.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, known as the surf capital of the East Coast, has produced several big-name surfers, including 11-time world champion Kelly Slater. This beach offers a laid-back, local feel and plenty of surf schools to help you get up on your board.
Even if you’re not into surfing, Cocoa Beach has plenty to offer. There are waterfront bars for relaxing and a fishing pier for those who prefer to stay dry.
Bowman’s Beach
Located on Sanibel Island, Bowman’s Beach is a paradise for seashell collectors. The beach sees shells from the Gulf of Mexico wash ashore, attracting beachcombers from around the world. Spend your mornings hunting for the perfect shell before laying down a towel and soaking up the sun.
Delray Beach
Delray Beach, located in Palm Beach County, is perfect for napping, swimming, and people-watching. This beach is wide and sandy, lined with grass and palm trees, offering plenty of space to relax and unwind.
When you need a break from the sun, explore the shops on Atlantic Avenue or check out the murals and public art in the Pineapple Grove Arts District.
Lummus Park Beach
For those seeking a vibrant beach scene in Miami, Lummus Park Beach is the place to be. This urban beach is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike, with volleyball games and sunbathing being the order of the day.
A promenade separates the beach from a grassy area, offering an alternative spot to relax. Keep your eyes open for movie stars or film crews – this beach is a favorite among the Hollywood elite.
Lowdermilk Park
Naples, known for its pearly white sand, offers a diverse range of beach experiences. At Lowdermilk Park, you can enjoy the natural beauty or take a stroll along Millionaires’ Row in the Old Naples area.
For the kids, the park offers playgrounds and a duck pond. Stick around for sunset before heading out to explore the Naples nightlife.
Siesta Beach
Siesta Key, a short drive from downtown Sarasota, offers Caribbean-like white sand beaches. Spend your day walking the beach, looking for shells, or rent a kayak to explore the tranquil blue waters.
South Beach
South Beach, located in the Miami Beach neighborhood, is known for its trendy beachgoers and beautifully tanned locals. The area also boasts historic Art Deco architecture and South Pointe Park for daytime exploration.
For a memorable meal, visit Joe’s Stone Crab – it’s a culinary experience you won’t soon forget.
Clearwater Beach
As the name suggests, Clearwater Beach is known for its transparent water and silky sand. This beach is popular among tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the calm Gulf waters and participate in various activities like parasailing and fishing.
Crandon Park Beach
Crandon Park Beach, located on Key Biscayne, is a must-visit for snorkeling enthusiasts. This barrier island, located across from Miami, boasts a fossilized mangrove reef that is home to a colorful array of sea life.
For bird watchers, Crandon Park is a top destination in the Miami area, with herons, hawks, ospreys, and songbirds often spotted. Visit the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center to learn more about the local wildlife.
Deerfield Beach
This family-friendly beach was once a gathering place for local deer. Today, Deerfield Beach offers a clean, safe environment for kids and adults alike.
Nearby Quiet Waters Park offers a change of scenery if the kids get bored, with activities like cable skiing, mountain bike trails, and a water park.
Henderson Beach State Park
Located in Destin, Henderson Beach State Park offers a unique beach experience. Spend your day exploring the 30-foot-high sand dunes, swimming, or spotting wildlife. For the more adventurous, reserve a campsite and enjoy activities like fishing and cycling.
Haulover Beach
For those who prefer to sunbathe in the buff, Haulover Park is the perfect Florida beach. This nude beach, located between the Hollywood and North Beach neighborhoods, offers some of the most beautiful waters in Florida. For those who prefer to keep their swimwear on, the park also features non-nude areas, tennis courts, and a golf course.
Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach offers more than just sand and sea. The lively boardwalk, oceanfront restaurants, and live musical performances at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theatre make this a fun-filled destination.
Marco Island
Located between Naples and the Everglades, Marco Island offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Here, you can explore the island’s wild side at Collier Seminole State Park, bird-watch at Briggs Nature Center, or simply relax on the beach.
Navarre Beach
Known as “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place,” Navarre Beach is a small town that’s light on crowds. Located between the Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Navarre Beach Marine Park, this beach offers a quiet escape with outdoor activities like hiking, diving, and fishing.
Grayton Beach State Park
This 400-acre state park in Santa Rosa Beach is home to sugar-white sand beaches and abundant wildlife. In addition to the sparkling sea, you’ll find nature trails and a coastal dune lake for paddling adventures. The nearby town offers cozy bed-and-breakfasts and the larger WaterColor Inn resort for your accommodation needs.
PLAN A TRIP TO THE BEST BEACHES IN FLORIDA
Florida offers a variety of beach experiences to suit every preference. Whether you prefer quiet, secluded beaches or bustling beach towns with plenty of activities, you’re sure to find your slice of paradise in Florida.