If there’s something that you’ll find in the State it’s that some of the best beaches in Florida are also the among the best in the US. Florida is a holiday destination throughout the year.
It has beaches which can represent an oasis of calm for families and couples (and dogs) seeking to get away from busy work and city living.
Equally, for those crazy spring-breakers, the yearly draw of the hot Florida weather and the best party beaches of Florida can holiday yield the holiday of a lifetime.
With so many beaches to choose from we’re just going to be dealing with the best beaches in Florida and why they are ranked as a best beach in Florida based on various criteria.
What to Expect? If you’re looking for the best beaches for swimming, nicest beaches for untroubled, romantic walks, family walks with your pet or looking for decent nightlife then read on, we’ve got you covered.
Read this article if you are looking for all the best party beaches in Florida. Springbreakers, Hen parties and Stag Parties delight!
What is The Prettiest Beach in Florida?
Henderson Beach State in Destin is also known as the prettiest beach in Florida.
This is because this area of the Emerald Coast is famous for its snow white sand and lack of seaweed that are ideal for swimming or snorkelling.
The majority of people who visit Henderson Beach state park go there to swim because it’s one best beaches for swimming in Florida due to the calm waters which make it perfect for children while others enjoy taking a sea kayak or paddle board out on the water.
Henderson Beach State Park is around 3 miles outside of Destin, costs between $2-$6 for your entrance fee is is open all year around from 8 am to sundown. It’s totally worth the price for a relaxing afternoon on cool pure white sands
Destin Harbor Boardwalk & Nightlife(Destin)
While so close to Destin when visiting the nearby prettiest beach, you have to experience Destin’s Harbor Boardwalk which extends a quarter mile along the waterfront and features many bars, restaurants and shopping outlets.
There are also various water rides, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, and plenty of activities for kids to enjoy at The Track.
If you’re looking for nightlife then this area offers some decent options with plenty of live music venues as well as casinos nearby should you want that little extra excitement!
The main attractions here include:
- the boardwalk itself
- an art museum
- numerous shops offering local arts & crafts
- plus lots more family fun stuff like games arcades
Make sure to put Destin and Henderson Beach State Park at the top of your holiday destination list.
What is the Best Clear Water Beach For Swimming?
As the name would suggest none other than Clearwater Beach should have the title of best clear water beach for swimming. Turquoise waters are the norm here with powdery white sand.
Located a few miles south of St Petersburg, Clearwater offers an absolutely fantastic beach with clear blue water perfect for swimming. This family-friendly destination offers a pedestrian walkway and best know for it’s picturesque Pier 60.
It has great restaurants nearby as well as lifeguards patrolling every day until late evening making it one of the safest beaches in Florida if you have little children who want to play by the sea.
Read our comprehensive blog relating to Honeymoon Island State park as it’s a hop-skip up the coast to Dunedin and across to the island where further white shores await.
For couples we highly recommend taking a sunset tour with Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise with champagne onboard the 1 hour 45 minute Gulf Coast trip.
Read next – Is St. Pete Beach as Nice as Clearwater?
What is the Most Affordable Beach town in Florida?
Budget Friendly Florida Beaches for Families are a thing you’ll need to consider when looking for a perfect holiday to suit your financial means.
The best budget friendly beaches in Florida are not always the most attractive.
There is a time and place to enjoy what you can afford, but it’s important to have an escape from your wallet as well!
With that being said, there are some hidden gems out there that won’t break the bank.
Cocoa Beach
This beach ranks as one of the finer yet budget friendly beach locations in Florida. It’s much more family friendly than Fort Lauderdale or Miami, and not as crowded when you want to get away from it all.
Read next – Is Fort Lauderdale An Expensive?
Cocoa Beach, in particular Lori Wilson Park is a favorite with locals and visitors alike, owing to its affordability, old-school charm, and family-friendly ambiance.
When it comes to lodging, you’ll discover a plethora of cheap yet decent hotels and apartments right on the beach, all just steps from the sand.
Read later
Best Luxury Beach Resorts in Florida
Marco Island is known for its sugar white sands, emerald green waters and luxurious resorts.
The island is home to several of the most beautiful luxury beach resorts in Florida meaning there are plenty of great places to stay if you’re holidaying here with your family or partner.
If it’s a fun-packed beach break that you’re looking for then Marco Island has some fantastic attractions including an aquarium where children can see sharks up close as well as turtles, stingrays and dolphins at feeding time.
There are also two famous lighthouses on the coastline which offer spectacular views out over the sea whilst being surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
If all this wasn’t enough there are even festivals held every year during springtime such as Memorial Day Weekend when visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the music, fireworks and fun family activities.
Some of the most luxurious beach resorts in Florida. This is undoubted. The Ritz-Carlton ranks as one of Marco Island’s most luxurious beach resorts offering opulent suites which are all equipped with private balconies or terraces making them a perfect place for a romantic getaway away from the kids.
The resort has four restaurants including an award winning Italian restaurant called Terra Mare serving coastal cuisine whilst also overlooking beautiful bayside views.
Another popular choice among guests at The Ritz-Carlton is their Seafood Shack where diners can enjoy fresh local seafood caught daily by skilled fishing boats based right on site.
Marco Island’s has some amazing beaches, in particular Tigertail Beach Park attracting couples and families alike.
The beach’s name is derived from a famous Florida Seminole chief, Thlocklo Tustenuggee. During the Second Seminole Indian War, he was given his name by the United States Army soldiers because he wore a long strip of Panther skin from his waist.
In 2018 – Coastal Living Magazine voted Tigertail among the Best Secret Beaches in the World. If that’s not reason enough to visit Marco Island I don’t know what is. Enjoy the trip.
Best Florida Beach For Relaxation
St. George Island is considered by many to be the best place to spend time at the beach and relax.
St. George Island State Park is one of the most serene and tranquil places you can visit, with an almost untouched landscape that stretches out before you.
It offers miles of unspoiled dunes surrounded by white sand beaches where visitors are free to roam around – or just laze on a hammock under shade trees until hunger strikes!
Located about 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee, the island is perfect for all to unwind with playgrounds, picnic areas and for nature and wildlife enthusiasts watch out for dolphins and turtles.
Best Florida Beach For Family Days Out
With so many beaches to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is best for a family day out.
Luckily, you can’t go wrong with any of the one we have chosen!
Daytona Beach makes any list of the top beaches in Florida but in this instance, it makes our list for best beach for family days out.
Normally associated with partying and spring-breakers along with Miami Beach, the reason why Daytona is great for families is because it is clean, safe and has plenty of amenities.
If you are traveling with children, try to stay near the main beach area.
This way you will be able to watch them in the water and when they explore. There are also many options for older teens like jet skis and scooters.
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Of course if you’re hitting Daytona you have to get a look at the speedway and try to coincide your visit with an exhilarating NASCAR race.
Best Beach For Sunsets In Florida
When you’re looking for the most beautiful, breath-taking sunsets in Florida, head over to St George Island State Park.
This state park is located on a barrier island along the northeastern Gulf Coast of Florida and contains some three miles of gorgeous white sand beaches which are perfect for setting up your beach towels or camping overnight with family during spring break.
The best thing about this particular beach is that it offers an incredible view of both sunrise and sunset so whatever time of day you choose to visit you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic experience.
Kid-Friendly Beaches Near me in Florida
- Siesta Key Beach
- Deerfield Beach
- Sanibel Island
- Manatee County Beach – Holmes Beach
- St. Augustine Beach
- New Smyrna Beach
- Fernandina Beach
- Amelia Island
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Best Beaches in Florida For Couples
Fort Desoto Park
The beach at Fort Desoto Park is great for couples because of its romantic feel and guaranteed to leave you with amazing memories for the rest of your days.
The sand here has a pinkish hue, which makes it different from other beaches in the area and gives this location an added charm.
The Emerald Coast Park is a natural reserve located on the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County, Florida. It covers five nearby islands and is the largest park in the Pinellas County Parks system.
There are 7 kilometers of beach in the park. East Beach is quieter than North Beach since most people visit that area.
If you want to make a night of it, you may camp here as well; it’s a lovely location with enough to keep you occupied.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Sanibel Island read our Sanibel Island vs. Key West Travel Guide. Also check out our post answering the question Is It Expensive To Stay At Sanibel Island?
Lover’s Key
If you love to find places where it’s peaceful and pretty, this is the beach for you.
Lover’s Key in Fort Myers Beach is a secluded location with lovely white sand beaches that will have you swooning over your partner even more than usual.
Read next – Is Fort Myers Beach A Nice Area?
What’s More – You can get married here with the stunning gulf as the backdrop and pristine white sands. I can’t a more idyllic beach location to wed your loved one.
Conclusion
The Florida coastline is home to some of the best beaches in America. There are so many wonderful beaches in Florida to enjoy, and we’ve only scratched the surface with this list.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an exciting vacation or somewhere that’s perfect for your family, there are plenty of options available.
If you have a favorite beach that isn’t on our list, please let us know! We want to make sure we cover all of your favorites while providing more information about some of these lesser-known gems.
