Florida, hailed because the Sunshine State, is a paradise for seaside lovers. Its shoreline, stretching over a surprising 1,350 miles, is house to a number of the most breathtaking seashores in the USA. We’ve visited Florida numerous occasions over time and have been fortunate sufficient to expertise so lots of its finest seashores.
From the long-lasting Artwork Deco structure and pulsating nightlife of Miami Seashore to the extra tranquil Siesta Key for many who simply need to chill out. Whether or not you’re searching for a serene getaway, a family-friendly shore, or a vibrant occasion scene, Florida’s numerous seashores cater to each whim and fancy.
Greatest Seashores in Florida
We wished 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 may help make your travels just a bit bit simpler.
1. South Seashore Miami
You would possibly comprehend it for its Thirties artwork deco vibes, or sizzling nightlife, however South Seashore in Miami additionally affords powdery white seashores and many actions besides. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, South Seashore has two distinct areas that entice totally different crowds.
Lummus Park and Seashore permits topless sunbathing and is a hub of exercise with avenue meals, cyclists, skaters, and extra. If you happen to’re searching for a extra chill vibe, then the world of First Avenue Seashore at South Level would possibly simply be your factor. It’s an space widespread with surfers in South Seashore 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 Seashore, you possibly can take a guided artwork deco tour, get pleasure from all types of delicacies, Cuban particularly, and dance the evening away at any variety of golf equipment.
2. Panama Metropolis Seashore
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 Seashore was voted one of many prime 3 seashores in the USA by TripAdvisor. There are a ton of actions you may get into at this seaside with seaside 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. Probably the most 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 Seashore has loads of vacation trip leases obtainable within the high-rise condos alongside the seaside. This may be a cost-effective various to staying in a lodge when touring in a bunch. The well-known George Island State Park is positioned a 2-hour drive from right here.
3. Miami North Seashore
It could be extra recognized for glitz and glam and The Actual Housewives of Miami, however Miami Seashore has greater than 12 spectacular seashores to expertise. Miami Seashore is Florida’s most enjoyable 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 Seashore could be North Miami Seashore. 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 be house to the North Seashore Bandshell which offers nice musical leisure all year long. And naturally, after you’re accomplished sunning, the nightlife in Miami Seashore is second-to-none. We’ve coated all of it in our submit 30 Enjoyable Issues to do in Miami, Florida
Getting on the water is one of the best ways to expertise the Sunshine State. Take this Metropolis Cruise to see the Millionaires mansions of Miami and cruise to the Venetian Islands and South Seashore.
4. Clearwater Seashore
If you happen to’re searching for among the best Florida seashores with an actual group really feel, Clearwater Seashore is the place it’s at. You’ll discover the general public seaside staffed with a lifeguard all 12 months 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.
Probably the most pristine seashores, Clearwater is thought for its easy white sands in addition to spectacular sunsets. The truth is, the sunsets are so spectacular that there’s a nightly competition to rejoice them with avenue musicians and actions for youths.
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 aware of extra of Clearwater’s shoreline.
5. Daytona Seashore
Daytona Seashore could also be an apparent selection, however it’s considered one of our favourite seashores in Florida. We used to come back right here with my household after 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 attention-grabbing seaside that you could drive on. The Daytona Seashore Pier additionally has points of interest and rides and the Daytona Speedway will not be too far-off.
This could get very busy, particularly by the pier, however we advocate staying at Daytona Seashore Shores for a romantic escape on Daytona Seashore. Ormond Seashore is positioned simply north of Daytona Seashore and is a quieter choice. Learn extra at: Greatest Issues to do in Daytona Seashore.
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 annually. Fort Lauderdale Seashore is likely one of 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 may get out and get entangled in any one of many dozens of actions taking place concurrently on considered one of Florida’s most lovely 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 just a few many years again, Fort Lauderdale Seashore was recognized for its faculty occasion environment, nowadays it welcomes all types 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 Seashore
This is likely one of the finest Florida seashores whenever you’re searching for a mixture of issues to do with a bunch. Santa Rosa Seashore attracts households to its prolonged shoreline working from the Gulf of Mexico to Choctawhatchee Bay. Stretching 26 miles alongside the northwest coast, Santa Rosa Seashore sits within the protected space of the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore.
It’s an incredible various to keep away from the crowds of Panama Metropolis Seashore. Seashores close to Santa Rosa Seashore are Grayton Seashore State Park and Blue Mountain Seashore.
You’ll discover folks doing every 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. You must observe that Santa Rosa Seashore has skilled an actual improve in recognition so that you’ll need to get to the seaside early within the morning to attain a first-rate spot.
8. Cocoa Seashore
Cocoa Seashore is positioned simply south of Cape Canaveral on the Area Coast. It is likely one of the finest locations to be taught to surf in Florida due to its calm waters. However it’s also nice for professionals too.
This space is named the East Coast surf capital of the USA. Cocoa Seashore can be house to the most important surf store on this planet, Ron Jean Surf Store is an enormous 52,000 sq. toes. You could find every thing from bathing fits to top-of-the-line surfboards within the store and it’s open 24/7.
One other factor you would possibly 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 by way of the sanctuary and be taught all in regards to 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 Seashore
Pensacola Seashore sits on Santa Rosa Island and also you’ll discover that Pensacola Seashore 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 comfortable and white.
You’ll discover that there are lifeguards on the primary seaside areas however when you head into extra of the quiet areas, you’ll get a good looking 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 outside journey park obtainable for these searching for one thing sportier. Probably the most enjoyable issues to do at Pensacola Seashore 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 lovely seashores, historic websites, and a energetic avenue 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 Seashore. Learn extra at 27 of the Greatest Issues to Do in Key West
11. Sunny Isles Seashore
If you happen to want being underwater reasonably than floating on prime, then you definitely’re going to need to try Sunny Isles Seashore in Miami Seashore. It’s well-known for its world-class diving and snorkeling. The well-known Newport Seashore Fishing Pier sits on Sunny Isles Seashore too.
And it’s not only for present, you possibly can truly convey 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 residing so meals and lodging are on the pricier aspect.
12. Naples Seashore
Positioned alongside the Gulf of Mexico, Naples Seashore is famend for its miles of soppy, 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 an incredible spot for households and people searching for a refreshing dip within the sea.
Naples Seashore is known 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 incredible 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 a wide range of eating choices.
The world 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 way of guided excursions and hikes.
13. Tigertail Seashore Park
From Naples make your method 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 non-public on this island, however fortunately there are two lovely public seashores. One in all which is Tigertail Seashore.
Tigertail Seashore Park affords 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 possibly can preserve 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’ll do within the water and within the forests. The park has a ton of biking trails and mountain climbing trails all through.
You may also 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 that you could sleep over in considered 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 Seashore State Park
For a mixture of nature trails and sand dunes, you’ll need to go to Grayton Seashore in Grayton Seashore State Park. This Gulf Coast seaside attracts a totally totally different crowd than Miami Seashore 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 virtually 100 acres of snowy sand dunes alongside the coast. The state park seaside has restrooms and outside showers however it’s 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 Seashore you possibly can. It’s believed that the sand that’s discovered on the barrier island of Siesta Key has arrived there over thousands and 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 wonderful that whenever 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 finest sands on this planet, making this seaside in Siesta Key one of many nation’s world-class seashores.
Apart from basking in wonderful white quartz sand, you possibly can get pleasure from some swimming and snorkeling at Siesta Seashore. Close by is Siesta Key Village which is filled with pretty cafes in addition to pubs and boutiques for procuring too. You may also hire a motorbike and take a leisurely sundown cruise by way of the small seaside city.
17. Harry Harris Seashore
That is the right seaside to take your youngsters to within the Florida Keys. Harry Harris Seashore 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 was a pool that’s no larger than 5′ to your children 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 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 finest 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 can even keep in a single day within the Nationwide Park and do some tenting to essentially admire these white sand seashores. It’s nice for snorkeling too! Take a look at: The place to Keep 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 virtually all the 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 Seashore is open.
Don’t miss Bowman’s Seashore which is likely one of the finest seashores in Florida, however it’s also typically voted as one of many finest seashores in the USA. 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 probably the most 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 keeping with space shellers, you’re going to seek out essentially the most totally different number of shells within the morning at low tide.
Florida Seashores Incessantly 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 Seashore, 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 elements of the state like Miami Seashore or the Keys. It additionally affords lovely white sand seashores, a variety of lodging choices, and a family-friendly environment, making it a best choice for each rest and recreation.
Which aspect of Florida is finest for seashores?
If you happen to’re searching for calm waters, wonderful sand, and a extra relaxed environment, the Gulf Coast is likely to be your very best selection. If you happen to want extra lively 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 finally comes all the way down to the kind of seaside expertise you want.
What’s the prettiest seaside in Florida?
Siesta Key Seashore is incessantly lauded as probably the most lovely seashores in Florida. Positioned close to Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key has this unimaginable, wonderful 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 extensive 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, constantly boasts a number of the warmest seaside waters, significantly as a consequence of its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Miami Seashore and the seashores across the Miami space additionally provide heat waters year-round, making them widespread locations for these searching 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 best seashores, do not forget that every seaside has its distinctive attraction and points of interest. Whether or not you’re searching for journey, rest, or a little bit of each, Florida’s seashores provide 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.
