Florida, hailed because the Sunshine State, is a paradise for seaside lovers. Its shoreline, stretching over a shocking 1,350 miles, is dwelling to among the most breathtaking seashores in the US. We’ve visited Florida numerous occasions over time and have been fortunate sufficient to expertise so a lot of its greatest seashores.
From the long-lasting Artwork Deco structure and pulsating nightlife of Miami Seashore to the extra tranquil Siesta Key for individuals who simply need to calm down. Whether or not you’re searching for a serene getaway, a family-friendly shore, or a vibrant social gathering scene, Florida’s numerous seashores cater to each whim and fancy.
Greatest Seashores in Florida
We needed that can assist 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 Seashore Miami
You would possibly understand it for its Nineteen Thirties artwork deco vibes, or scorching nightlife, however South Seashore in Miami additionally gives 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 realm of First Avenue Seashore at South Level would possibly simply be your factor. It’s an space common with surfers in South Seashore in addition to fishing fans and households.
Moreover surf and solar, you’ll be able to buy groceries on the common Lincoln Street Mall. To grasp the true heartbeat of South Seashore, you’ll be able to take a guided artwork deco tour, get pleasure from all types of delicacies, Cuban particularly, and dance the night time away at any variety of golf equipment.
2. Panama Metropolis Seashore
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 Seashore was voted one of many prime 3 seashores in the US 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’re uninterested in catching some rays and have had your fill of sand and surf, go to close by sights like Ripley’s Imagine 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 Seashore has a variety of vacation trip leases accessible within the high-rise condos alongside the seaside. This may be a cheap different to staying in a lodge when touring in a bunch. The well-known George Island State Park is situated a 2-hour drive from right here.
3. Miami North Seashore
It might 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 individuals. Nonetheless, there are distinct areas and sandy stretches inside it.
The closest factor to the official Miami Seashore can 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 also be dwelling 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 lined all of it in our put up 30 Enjoyable Issues to do in Miami, Florida
Getting on the water is one of the simplest 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 top-of-the-line Florida seashores with an actual group really feel, Clearwater Seashore is the place it’s at. You will see that 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 clean white sands in addition to spectacular sunsets. In actual fact, the sunsets are so spectacular that there’s a nightly competition to rejoice them with avenue 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 possibly can even take a ship tour to get aware of extra of Clearwater’s shoreline.
5. Daytona Seashore
Daytona Seashore could also be an apparent alternative, however it’s one among our favourite seashores in Florida. We used to return 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 fascinating seaside that you could drive on. The Daytona Seashore Pier additionally has sights and rides and the Daytona Speedway isn’t too distant.
This will get very busy, particularly by the pier, however we suggest staying at Daytona Seashore Shores for a romantic escape on Daytona Seashore. Ormond Seashore is situated simply north of Daytona Seashore and is a quieter possibility. Learn extra at: Greatest Issues to do in Daytona Seashore.
6. Fort Lauderdale
There’s by no means a boring second in Fort Lauderdale, with 1000’s of yachts and cruise ships visiting its coastlines every year. Fort Lauderdale Seashore is among the metropolis’s premier seashores situated 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 one among Florida’s most stunning seashores. You possibly can check out parasailing, scuba diving, jet snowboarding and even lease a ship and take it for a sail.
Though just a few many years again, Fort Lauderdale Seashore was recognized for its faculty social gathering environment, nowadays 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 Seashore
This is among the greatest Florida seashores while you’re searching for a mixture of issues to do with a bunch. Santa Rosa Seashore attracts households to its prolonged shoreline operating 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 different 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 individuals doing every part 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 is best to observe that Santa Rosa Seashore has skilled an actual enhance in recognition so that you’ll need to get to the seaside early within the morning to attain a major spot.
8. Cocoa Seashore
Cocoa Seashore is situated simply south of Cape Canaveral on the House Coast. It is among the greatest locations to study to surf in Florida due to its calm waters. However it’s also nice for execs too.
This space is named the East Coast surf capital of the US. Cocoa Seashore can also be dwelling to the biggest surf store on the planet, Ron Jean Surf Store is a large 52,000 sq. toes. You will discover every part 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 take a look at 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 study 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 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 delicate and white.
You’ll discover that there are lifeguards on the principle seaside areas however when you head into extra of the quiet areas, you’ll get an attractive seaside, however no lifeguards. You possibly can take dolphin-watching excursions from the seaside or head out to the pier to go fishing.
There’s an outside journey park accessible for these searching for one thing sportier. Some of the enjoyable issues to do at Pensacola Seashore is to go canoeing at night time in glow-in-the-dark boats.
10. Key West
No listing of Florida’s greatest seashores can be full with out mentioning the laid-back allure of Key West. On the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, Key West is a mix of gorgeous seashores, historic websites, and a energetic avenue life. The seashores listed here are good 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 might be discovered at Fort Zachary Taylor Nationwide Historic Web site 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 slightly than floating on prime, then you definitely’re going to need to take a look at 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’ll be able to really 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 dwelling so meals and lodging are on the pricier facet.
12. Naples Seashore
Situated 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. The town boasts an enthralling downtown space, the place you’ll be able to stroll alongside Fifth Avenue South and Third Avenue South, exploring upscale boutiques, artwork galleries, and a wide range of eating choices.
The realm 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’ll be able to 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 biggest of the Ten Thousand Islands generally known as the Barrier Islands. You possibly can drive instantly 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 Seashore.
Tigertail Seashore Park gives paddleboard and jet ski leases plus watersports leases. You possibly can discover its tidal swimming pools on guided excursions or self-guided excursions, and there’s a bird-watching tower the place you’ll be able to 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 will do within the water and within the forests. The park has a ton of biking trails and mountaineering trails all through.
You can too lease 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 one among their cabins. There’s a youth tenting space too, however you’ll should examine with the park for guidelines and rules 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 facet 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 nearly 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’ll be able to. 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 tremendous that while you stroll on it, it appears to make a little bit of a squeaking sound. These sugar-white sands have typically been known as among the greatest sands on the planet, making this seaside in Siesta Key one of many nation’s world-class seashores.
Moreover basking in tremendous white quartz sand, you’ll be able to get pleasure from some swimming and snorkeling at Siesta Seashore. Close by is Siesta Key Village which is filled with beautiful cafes in addition to pubs and boutiques for purchasing too. You can too lease 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 biggest key among the many Florida Keys situated in Key Largo. The seaside space has a breakwater so the ocean is basically was a pool that’s no greater than 5′ to your youngsters to swim round in. Key Largo can also be top-of-the-line 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 amenities. You also needs to pack a picnic as there aren’t actually any locations shut by to get a snack.
18. Dry Tortugas
Key West has among the greatest seashores in Florida however essentially the most pristine and secluded is the seaside at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. Situated 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 admire these white sand seashores. It’s nice for snorkeling too! Try: The place to Keep in The Florida Keys
19. Sanibel Island
We’re comfortable to report that Sanibel Island is open after the devastating Hurricane Ian in September 2022. They’ve made an unbelievable restoration with nearly the entire 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 Seashore is open.
Don’t miss Bowman’s Seashore which is among the greatest seashores in Florida, however it’s also typically voted as one of many greatest seashores in the US. Sanibel Island is situated simply off the coast of Fort Myers and sits within the Gulf of Mexico. The realm is thought for high-end resorts and seafood eating places in addition to historic structure.
It’s a sheller’s paradise and one of the crucial family-friendly areas within the state. The Sanibel Stoop is a time period coined for all of the individuals you’re going to see hunched over trying to find distinctive shells on Sanibel seashores. In response to space shellers, you’re going to search 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 among the clearest waters is Destin Seashore, situated 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 gives stunning white sand seashores, a spread of lodging choices, and a family-friendly environment, making it a best choice for each leisure and recreation.
Which facet of Florida is greatest for seashores?
If you happen to’re searching for calm waters, tremendous sand, and a extra relaxed environment, the Gulf Coast may be your ultimate alternative. If you happen to want 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 finally comes all the way down to the kind of seaside expertise you need.
What’s the prettiest seaside in Florida?
Siesta Key Seashore is continuously lauded as one of the crucial stunning seashores in Florida. Situated close to Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key has this unbelievable, tremendous 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 good for swimming, sunsets and all types of seaside actions.
What are the warmest Florida seashores?
West, situated on the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, persistently boasts among the warmest seaside waters, significantly attributable to its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Miami Seashore and the seashores across the Miami space additionally supply heat waters year-round, making them common 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 allure and sights. Whether or not you’re searching for 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.