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Sure, you can splurge on a bunch of plane tickets and fly to Cancun. But the reality is that you can find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches right here in our own backyard!
Thanks to Florida’s miles and miles of coastline, beaches with soft sand and crystal clear water are just a short flight away. Or even a drive, depending on where you live.
But with all that shoreline, finding the state’s best sands requires some research, and that’s where we come in!
To help, we’ve dug up some of our favorite Florida hot spots, from sprawling family-friendly stretches to tiny islands with intimate shore nooks, so you can make digging your toes into that beautiful white sand a reality. Here are 5 of the best beaches in Florida!
…Get ready to grab your sunscreen, ditch your sandals and discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
Crystal-clear waters and white sand covered in seashells. These are the things that Bowman’s Beach in Sanibel Island is recognized for. The shore is cradled in a secluded area, which means it guarantees a peaceful and fantastic seaside experience.
And while it’s isolated, you can find everything you need here, from well-maintained bathrooms to facilities and picnic areas. If you’re tired of swimming, go on the hunt for some elusive, perfectly shaped shells that can remind you of Bowman’s Beach when you get home.
Seashell collectors have long flocked to this stunning island that’s southwest of Fort Myers. Seashells from the Gulf of Mexico wash ashore here, attracting collectors from all around the world.
Spend your cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman’s Beach before laying down a towel and doing some people-watching under the warm sun.
If you’re searching for sunny days and calm waters, it doesn’t get much warmer than the shores of the state’s southernmost point: Key West.
You can pass your time here at Smathers or Higgs Beach, but it’s hard to beat Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park for calm waters and vast stretches of sand.
Spend your afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park’s pre-Civil War fortress. If you can’t sit still, you’ll find nature trails and water sport rentals nearby, including a glass-bottom boat.
Approximately a half-mile long, the largest public beachfront in Florida’s Key West is Smathers Beach. The island’s south side is very much worth your time, thanks to its beauty.
Smathers Beach is the perfect location for getting a tan, and it encourages activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. It features fine sands, crystal clear water, and a friendly atmosphere.
Cocoa Beach is famous for its pristine shores, clear waters, surf breaks, and much more on Florida’s Space Coast. This is one of Florida’s most sought-after seaside destinations if you want to experience a real water adventure.
Take a breather from the hustle and bustle and enjoy parasailing or even casino cruises. Or maybe, kayaking and playing with dolphins are more your thing. And if you’re a fishing aficionado, why not join a Cocoa Beach Fishing Tour?
With all these, it’s no wonder Cocoa Beach is so famous. Long known as the surf capital of the East Coast, this area has delivered several big-name surfers, including Kelly Slater, the 11-time world surf champion.
With a local, laid-back feel and lots of surf schools, you’ll be up on that board in no time. Not a surfer? Chill out at one of the shore’s waterfront bars or watch surfers from the fishing pier.
Naples Beach is unique because of its white sands, turquoise water, a serene atmosphere, and sunsets on the fishing pier. Situated in the Gulf of Mexico in Southern Florida, this shore is perfect for trying fantastic fishing excursions.
The coast is 7 miles long and offers plenty of amenities, from excellent outdoor restaurants to nearby golf courses and more. Naples is famous for its pearly white sand, a feature you’ll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park.
You can focus on nature, particularly the shore’s rolling waves and sandy shores, or walk along Millionaires’ Row in the Old Naples area and pick out your dream house.
If you’ve packed your snorkel gear, you wouldn’t want to miss a day at Crandon Park Beach. This is a barrier island that’s across from Miami, and it has a fossilized mangrove reef, which is home to colorful sea life that has been long attracting many divers and snorkelers.
If visiting an underwater world isn’t an interest to you, just look up! —Crandon Park is one of the Miami area’s top bird-watching destinations. Herons, ospreys, hawks, and songbirds are frequently spotted here.
And if you want to learn more about them, swing by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center at the park’s northern end.
While the Sunshine State obviously has many more shorelines to explore, we tried to stick to a few of the lesser-known ones. Be sure to let us know if you live in the area and know of some more beautiful beaches, so we can include them next time!
And if you DO decide to check out one of these stunning destinations, don’t forget to pack your camera!
In the meantime, we’ve got LOTS more for you to explore! Check out: 5 Best Low-Budget Beach Vacations in the US
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View Comments
Odd choices except maybe one or two.
ANA MARIE ISLAND
AMELIA ISLAND
SANIBEL while gorgeous, was trashed by the last storm.
No one should be visiting FL anyway. If you do, make sure you do not bring a book or the dictionary.
I have heard from a fellow visitor, the exact same response.
Please explain to me why people should not visit Florida? Why should visitors not bring a book or a dictionary?
No, Sanibel is not as beautiful as it was before the last devastating hurricane. However, there are still lots of things to do and experience on Sanibel Island. I have lived in FL for twenty-five years and have traveled to many places in Florida. Sanibel is both beautiful but also has a wonderful community spirit, beautiful beaches and welcoming people. I am certain that you would not like your state judged by one unpleasant experience.
Exactly. The Money from tourists is what keeps these places alive after a storm. If they stop coming the place can’t get back to what it was.
I Agree!
AGREED............WAAAAAAAAAY TOO HUMID IN FLORIDA...........
I love Florida and the humidity…. It is sunny and warm, the air is soft. People who do not like Florida are people who suffer from the heat and warm climates. I happen to love heat and humidity as I am thin and do not sweat much. So for me Florida is ideal plus the water ( the ocean) is warm and it is nice to go in the water when you go to the beach. I live near Malibu in California and can go in the ocean very rarely because the water is icy cold. There you have it. Different strokes for different folks. Generalizing often misses the point.
And why is that? Just because yiu don't want to go, doesn't mean others dont.
I’m from Florida and I lived through hurricane Micheal people never talk about the storms when they happen and we need help but they use it as a reason to not visit. The areas here put a lot of money into getting it back to tourist ready and two years later they need the tourist dollars to continue fixing space back to what it can be and was.
Florida is the warmest most tropical state in America. I love tropical. Even in the wintertime its nice. I'm from Michigan and I despise the cold and the region. Whomever don't like it stay where you are. But for me and my family this the only place for us! In life the main thing is to be where you want to be. Our choices are wide. My wife is Canadian. Which right now to me looks like a better country. But thats a otherchat. Lol
What about Siesta beach in Sarasota? It has some of the whitest sand in the world.
We do six and six months between Western New York and Southwest Florida. It's like twelve months of summertime weather. All the Florid beaches are great! We like the gulf side better than the ocean, but both have their appeal. Our favorite beaches are Siesta Key and Anna Maria.
What about Lido Beach in Sarasota, FL
i been to lido beachhundrends times over. white soft sand beautiful blue green waters. a beach to visit.
Naples is great
How can Bahia Honda in the keys, and St. George Island on the panhandle not be included.
Hi there Mary,
Oh YES I wish I cut be there.
Just owesome!
All of these beaches in the world are beautiful to me because God created them and what he did was create in the beginning was good and very good.
Is there camping available for RV's in the area?
Hi Lisa! Most of the state parks have an RV park in the area as well. Other than that, we recommend doing a quick Google search around the beach you're planning to visit and you should be able to find something.
Long Boat Key