Florida has over 1,300 beaches, each with its unique charm. From the gorgeous shores filled with corals to the pristine sandy beaches, the state has it all. Every beach offers an experience of its own.
Filled with sunshine year-round, Florida pulls a tone of locals and visitors to its beaches. If you are ready to have an exciting beach day, here’s a list of the top beaches in The Sunshine State.
Best Beaches in Florida
1. Anna Maria Island
Situated near the south of St. Petersburg, Anna Maria Island has an ‘old Florida’ feel. The beach here is soothing, with its clear waters and soft sand. There are many eateries in the place, so you don’t have to pack food when coming here.
Beaches in Anna Maria Island, such as Coquina Beach and Manatee Public Beach welcome families year-round. The Bean Point Beach is a famous destination for couples. No matter the category you belong to, beaches in Anna Maria Island will delight you.
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2. Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park is the most popular beach on the Emerald Coast. With over 600 feet of picturesque shoreline, it’s anchored by 30-foot dunes. The beach is a popular fishing spot. The warm waters are home to diverse sea creatures.
Not only sea life, Henderson Beach State Park also has numerous beach birds. While here, explore the natural trail of the park to discover the animals in the coastal dune’s unique ecosystem.
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3. Library Beach
Library Beach is a lesser-known gem in Islamorada, Florida. Located behind the library on the bay side, it has calming, clear water. The water is the habitat of many tropical fish.
Library Park, with its grassy soft patches, is perfect for stretching or relaxing in any way. The beach also has swings and a small playground. Grab some food at the Trading Post and then swim in the water. Dry yourself up in the soft grass and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you at Library Beach.
4. Delray Beach
Fondly called Florida’s ‘Village by the Sea,’ Delray Beach attracts numerous tourists and locals throughout the year. On an average day, people can be seen enjoying paddleboarding and snorkelling.
The beach is in close proximity to various eateries and shops. This beach is popular among those who crave a mix of both small-town charm and urban entertainment. After spending time here, you can walk down to the palm-tree-lined Atlantic Avenue and experience all that it has to offer, including an upscale shopping complex, art galleries, and nightclubs.
5. Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach is a picturesque place in Florida. The small beach has a vibrant community, restaurants, shops, and a thriving nightlife. The beach also has many beautiful rental homes, which make your stay even more memorable.
Miramar Beach allows water sports rentals. So, you can spend your time here enjoying exciting activities like parasailing and jet skiing. There are also many sporting facilities off the beach, such as tennis courts and bike trails.
Read More: Romantic Getaways In Florida
6. Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach personifies ‘sand, sun, and water’ like a few others. The sugary white beach sands, and emerald water, combined with a thriving urban scene make it a must-visit spot.
Even so, the beach is quieter, making it perfect for those wanting to relax and unwind. While here, explore sand dunes, bodysurf, sunbathe, and swim. If you feel hungry, hop on over to the neighbouring town of Seaside and grab a treat from one of the food trucks. How much better can it get?!
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7. Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach is a laid-back adult and kid-friendly beach on the Northeast coast of Florida. A dazzling shoreline soothing beach and warm sunshine characterize this beach.
Jacksonville Beach has a quarter-mile-long fishing pier, surf shops, and beach volleyball courts. The beach’s water is home to sea turtles and dolphins. There are several affordable and luxury accommodations on the beach, which ensures that everyone can experience its magic!
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8. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach shines with its squeaky-clean beaches and pristine water. Voted as the number 1 beach in the nation by Tripadvisor in 2018, it gives a small-town vibe.
Besides the water, there are many other attractions, such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and fine dining restaurants. Visitors can partake in all types of beach activities here. Clearwater Beach, with its inviting water and a host of recreational activity options, delights everyone.
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9. Palm Beach
Palm Beach, with its Mediterranean-style architecture and soothing blue ocean waves, is a wonderful destination for all beach lovers. You can make your trip here more memorable by staying at the luxury property here.
The town has several white sandy beaches that welcome families and solo tourists alike. Stroll along the Lake Trail gazing at the mansions and the yatches. The town was frequented by the wealthy and famous during the Gilded Age. Get a taste of history by visiting the historical landmarks in Palm Beach. You’ll acquire a true admiration for the place.
10. Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach, with its turquoise water and quartz sand, can wow anyone. The tropical destination has been voted the best in the entire USA twice. The beach is perfect for leisurely strolls and wildlife watching.
The beach’s sand is 99% quartz. Thus, it remains cool even during the hottest days. The extremely wide beach gives you plenty of space to stretch yourself and relax. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the year, ensuring that you can enjoy safe swimming during your trip to the beach.
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11. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is the place where Kelly Slater, the 11-time world champion learned to surf. Naturally, if there’s one place where you can be sure to catch the wave, it has to be this beach.
Cocoach Beach, also known as the surf capital of the East Coast has shallow waters. There are many surf schools and the beach exudes laid-back vibes. What’s more, you can come here not just for a beach day but also when you are in the mood to drink. The beach’s waterfront bars, with their range of beverages, have got you covered.
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12. Deerfield Beach
If you have kids and you are craving a family beach day, Deerfield Beach will be the perfect destination. The impeccably clean beach has a 1000-foot fishing pier and an award-winning Blue Wave beach.
The beach offers endless opportunities to have fun in the water. You can surf, ski, paddleboard, and even camp here. It’s recommended to spend a day or two here. That way, you’ll be able to camp, visit the parks, explore the trails, and eat local delicacies at one of the restaurants.
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13. Pensacola Beach
Stretching eight miles along the long island of Santa Rosa, Pensacola Beach lies in the middle of a federally protected seashore. It has the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Santa Rosa Sound to the north.
Pensacola Beach is characterized by its clean, turquoise water. Activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing can be enjoyed here. There are several high-rise hotels and that, along with turtle nesting ground gives the beach an urban laidback feel.
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Read more: Romantic Beach Getaways Florida
14. Playalinda Beach
Located inside the Canaveral National Seashore is known for its pristine shoreline and serene environment. The beach is the premier location for rocket launch.
The beach is relatively remote, being located in the longest undeveloped stretch of oceanfront on the east coast of Florida. The stunning natural beauty of the place, combined with the fact that it generally remains uncrowded makes it a must-visit spot.
Summing up
Much of Florida’s charm lies in its sandy beach with turquoise and emerald waters. The swaying palm trees, amenities, and water activities pull countless locals and visitors to the state’s beach. Now that you have this list of the top beaches, it’s time to plan that perfect beach trip!
