Florida, hailed because the Sunshine State, is a paradise for seaside lovers. Its shoreline, stretching over a shocking 1,350 miles, is residence to a number of the most breathtaking seashores in the USA. We have now visited Florida numerous occasions over time and have been fortunate sufficient to expertise so lots of its greatest seashores.
From the long-lasting Artwork Deco structure and pulsating nightlife of Miami Seaside to the extra tranquil Siesta Key for many who simply need to loosen up. Whether or not you’re looking for a serene getaway, a family-friendly shore, or a vibrant social gathering scene, Florida’s numerous seashores cater to each whim and fancy.
Finest Seashores in Florida
We needed that will help you make the only option to your subsequent trip so we got here up with our favourite seashores in Florida so we will help make your travels just a bit bit simpler.
1. South Seaside Miami
You may realize it for its Thirties artwork deco vibes, or sizzling nightlife, however South Seaside in Miami additionally presents powdery white seashores and many actions as well. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, South Seaside has two distinct areas that appeal to totally 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 in search of 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.
Moreover surf and solar, you may buy groceries on the widespread Lincoln Highway Mall. To grasp the true heartbeat of South Seaside, you may take a guided artwork deco tour, get pleasure from all types of delicacies, Cuban in particular, and dance the night time away at any variety of golf equipment.
2. Panama Metropolis Seaside
This is among the greatest Florida seashores for the Spring Break crowd in addition to for households. With 27 miles of unpolluted, pristine shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, Panama Metropolis Seaside was voted one of many prime 3 seashores in the USA by TripAdvisor. There are a ton of actions you will get into at this seaside with seaside volleyball, snorkeling, and browsing.
As soon as you might be uninterested in catching some rays and have had your fill of sand and surf, go to close by sights like Ripley’s Consider 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 lots of vacation trip leases accessible within the high-rise condos alongside the seaside. This may be a cost-effective different to staying in a lodge when touring in a gaggle. The well-known George Island State Park is positioned a 2-hour drive from right here.
3. Miami North Seaside
It could be extra identified 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 enjoyable and cosmopolitan metropolis with artwork deco buildings, eating places, nightclubs, and really tanned, enticing folks. Nevertheless, there are distinct areas and sandy stretches inside it.
The closest factor to the official Miami Seaside could be North Miami Seaside. The seaside 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 seaside can also be residence to the North Seaside Bandshell which offers nice musical leisure all year long. And naturally, after you might be carried out sunning, the nightlife in Miami Seaside is second-to-none. We have now coated all of it in our submit 30 Fun Things to do in Miami, Florida
Getting on the water is the easiest way 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 in search of probably the greatest Florida seashores with an actual group really feel, Clearwater Seaside is the place it’s at. You can find the general public seaside 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 actual fact, the sunsets are so spectacular that there’s a nightly competition to have a good time them with road musicians and actions for teenagers.
Moreover, there’s a number of enjoyable stuff to do close to the seaside like taking a go to to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or Aspirations Vineyard. You’ll be able to even take a ship tour to get acquainted with extra of Clearwater’s shoreline.
5. Daytona Seaside
Daytona Seaside could also be an apparent selection, 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 seaside 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 seaside from town. Daytona is an fascinating seaside which you could drive on. The Daytona Seaside Pier additionally has sights and rides and the Daytona Speedway is just not too far-off.
This will get very busy, particularly by the pier, however we suggest staying at Daytona Beach Shores for a romantic escape on Daytona Seaside. Ormond Seaside is positioned simply north of Daytona Seaside and is a quieter choice. Learn extra at: Best Things to do in Daytona Beach.
6. Fort Lauderdale
There’s by no means a boring second in Fort Lauderdale, with hundreds of yachts and cruise ships visiting its coastlines every year. Fort Lauderdale Seaside is among the metropolis’s premier seashores positioned on the coronary heart of Fort Lauderdale.
Seize an umbrella and seaside chair and simply soak in the truth that you’re gazing out over the Atlantic Ocean. Or you will get out and get entangled in any one of many dozens of actions taking place concurrently on certainly one of Florida’s most stunning seashores. You’ll be able to check out parasailing, scuba diving, jet snowboarding and even hire a ship and take it for a sail.
Though a number of many years again, Fort Lauderdale Beach was identified for its faculty social gathering environment, today it welcomes all types of tourists. You’ll discover high-end eating places and reside music bars in addition to museums, spas, and enjoyable actions for teenagers like Bluefoot Pirate Adventures.
7. Santa Rosa Seaside
This is among the greatest Florida seashores while you’re in search of 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 an excellent different 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 every little thing from paddleboarding to fishing or just basking within the solar on seaside chairs. Off the seaside, 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. It’s best to observe that Santa Rosa Seaside has skilled an actual enhance in recognition so that you’ll need to get to the seaside early within the morning to attain a primary spot.
8. Cocoa Seaside
Cocoa Seaside is positioned simply south of Cape Canaveral on the Area Coast. It is among the greatest locations to be taught to surf in Florida because of its calm waters. However it’s also nice for execs too.
This space is named the East Coast surf capital of the USA. Cocoa Seaside can also be residence to the most important surf store on the earth, Ron Jean Surf Store is a large 52,000 sq. ft. Yow will discover every little thing from bathing fits to top-of-the-line surfboards within the store and it’s open 24/7.
One other factor you may need 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 seaside and you may go on a guided stroll via the sanctuary and be taught all concerning the conservation of sea turtles. This east coast seaside 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 seaside are crystal clear and the sands are gentle and white.
You’ll discover that there are lifeguards on the principle seaside areas however in case you head into extra of the quiet areas, you’ll get a gorgeous seaside, however no lifeguards. You’ll be able to take dolphin-watching excursions from the seaside or head out to the pier to go fishing.
There’s an out of doors journey park accessible for these in search of one thing sportier. Some of the enjoyable issues to do at Pensacola Seaside is to go canoeing at night time in glow-in-the-dark boats.
10. Key West
No record of Florida’s greatest 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 lovely seashores, historic websites, and a energetic road life. The seashores listed here 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 will be discovered at Fort Zachary Taylor Nationwide Historic Web site 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 desire being underwater fairly than floating on prime, then you definitely’re going to need 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 may really deliver 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 soppy, white sandy shores, which supply 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 an excellent spot for households and people in search of 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 seaside city retains the Italian custom alive with an excellent meals scene. Town boasts a captivating downtown space, the place you may stroll alongside Fifth Avenue South and Third Avenue South, exploring upscale boutiques, artwork galleries, and quite a lot of eating choices.
The world can also be near a number of nature reserves and parks, such because the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Everglades Nationwide Park, the place you may expertise Florida’s distinctive wildlife and landscapes via guided excursions and hikes.
13. Tigertail Seaside Park
From Naples make your strategy to Marco Island to go to the most important of the Ten Thousand Islands referred to as the Barrier Islands. You’ll be able to drive straight 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 stunning public seashores. One in every of which is Tigertail Seaside.
Tigertail Seaside Park presents paddleboard and jet ski leases plus watersports leases. You’ll be able to discover its tidal swimming pools on guided excursions or self-guided excursions, and there’s a bird-watching tower the place you may maintain a watch out for migrating birds and see overhead views of the seaside and lagoon. It was as soon as solely a sandbar off the coast of Florida however with shifting climate patterns, it’s now linked 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 seaside however most individuals come to this space for the actions they will do within the water and within the forests. The park has a ton of biking trails and climbing trails all through.
It’s also possible to hire gear to go kayaking and canoeing on the Oleta River which sits on this Florida state park. The enjoyable half about this seaside space is which you could sleep over in certainly one of their cabins. There’s a youth tenting space too, however you’ll must examine with the park for guidelines and rules on who can keep there.
15. Grayton Seaside State Park
For a mixture of nature trails and sand dunes, you’ll need to go to Grayton Seaside in Grayton Seaside State Park. This Gulf Coast seaside attracts a totally totally different crowd than Miami Seaside or the Florida Keys seashores. The highest seashores on Florida’s southern tip appeal to 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 virtually 100 acres of snowy sand dunes alongside the coast. The state park seaside has restrooms and outside showers however you must 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 may. 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 nearly pure quartz crystals and it’s so positive that while you stroll on it, it appears to make a little bit of a squeaking sound. These sugar-white sands have typically been referred to as a number of the greatest sands on the earth, making this seaside in Siesta Key one of many nation’s world-class seashores.
Moreover basking in positive white quartz sand, you may 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. It’s also possible to hire a motorbike and take a leisurely sundown cruise via the small seaside city.
17. Harry Harris Seaside
That is the right seaside to take your kids to within the Florida Keys. Harry Harris Seaside sits in Harry Harris Park on the most important key among the many Florida Keys positioned in Key Largo. The seaside space has a breakwater so the ocean is basically became a pool that’s no larger than 5′ to your children to swim round in. Key Largo can also be probably the greatest 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 seaside grounds have a child’s playground, picnic areas with BBQs in addition to clear restroom services. You must also pack a picnic as there aren’t actually any locations shut by to get a snack.
18. Dry Tortugas
Key West has a number of the greatest seashores in Florida however essentially the most pristine and secluded is the seaside 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 essentially respect these white sand seashores. It’s nice for snorkeling too! Take a look at: Where to Stay in The Florida Keys
19. Sanibel Island
We’re blissful to report that Sanibel Island is open after the devastating Hurricane Ian in September 2022. They’ve made an unimaginable restoration with virtually all the main sights 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 among the greatest seashores in Florida, however it’s also typically voted as one of many best beaches in the United States. Sanibel Island is positioned simply off the coast of Fort Myers and sits within the Gulf of Mexico. The world is thought for high-end resorts and seafood eating places in addition to historic structure.
It’s a sheller’s paradise and some 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 trying to find distinctive shells on Sanibel seashores. In accordance with space shellers, you’re going to search out essentially the most totally different number of shells within the morning at low tide.
Florida Seashores Steadily Requested Questions
Which seaside in Florida has the clearest water?
The seaside in Florida famend for having a number of the clearest waters is Destin Seaside, positioned on the Emerald Coast. Destin is a part of Florida’s Panhandle, which is much less densely populated and developed in comparison with different components of the state like Miami Seaside or the Keys. It additionally presents stunning white sand seashores, a variety of lodging choices, and a family-friendly environment, making it a best choice for each leisure and recreation.
Which aspect of Florida is greatest for seashores?
If you happen to’re in search of calm waters, positive sand, and a extra relaxed environment, the Gulf Coast may be your perfect selection. If you happen to desire 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 stunning seashores, so it in the end comes right down to the kind of seaside expertise you want.
What’s the prettiest seaside in Florida?
Siesta Key Seaside is often lauded as some of the stunning seashores in Florida. Positioned close to Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key has this unimaginable, positive white sand, composed of 99% pure quartz, which stays cool underfoot even within the warmth of the solar. The seaside’s clear, shallow waters and broad expanse make it excellent for swimming, sunsets and all types of seaside actions.
What are the warmest Florida seashores?
West, positioned on the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, persistently boasts a number of the warmest seaside waters, significantly as a result 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 looking for a seaside expertise even within the cooler months.
Why We Love These Seashores in Florida
As we wrap up our tour of Florida’s most interesting seashores, do not forget that every seaside has its distinctive attraction and sights. Whether or not you’re in search of 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.