Florida, hailed because the Sunshine State, is a paradise for seaside lovers. Its shoreline, stretching over a surprising 1,350 miles, is house to among the most breathtaking seashores in the US. We now have visited Florida numerous instances 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 calm down. Whether or not you’re in search of a serene getaway, a family-friendly shore, or a vibrant social gathering scene, Florida’s various seashores cater to each whim and fancy.
Greatest Seashores in Florida
We wished that will help you make your best option in your subsequent trip so we got here up with our favourite seashores in Florida so we might help make your travels just a bit bit simpler.
1. South Seashore Miami
You would possibly realize it for its Nineteen Thirties artwork deco vibes, or sizzling nightlife, however South Seashore in Miami additionally presents powdery white seashores and many actions besides. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, South Seashore has two distinct areas that appeal to completely different crowds.
Lummus Park and Seashore permits topless sunbathing and is a hub of exercise with road meals, cyclists, skaters, and extra. In the event you’re on the lookout for a extra chill vibe, then the realm of First Road Seashore at South Level would possibly simply be your factor. It’s an space well-liked with surfers in South Seashore in addition to fishing fanatics and households.
Apart from surf and solar, you possibly can buy groceries on the well-liked Lincoln Street Mall. To grasp the actual heartbeat of South Seashore, you possibly can take a guided artwork deco tour, take pleasure in all types of delicacies, Cuban specifically, and dance the evening away at any variety of golf equipment.
2. Panama Metropolis Seashore
This is among 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 high 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 points of interest like Ripley’s Consider 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 plenty 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 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 identified 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, enticing folks. Nevertheless, 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 also be house to the North Seashore Bandshell which supplies nice musical leisure all year long. And naturally, after you’re accomplished sunning, the nightlife in Miami Seashore is second-to-none. We now have coated 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
In the event you’re on the lookout for among the best 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 12 months lengthy. Artwork festivals happen all year long just like the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Competition. This sand sculpture competition takes place in April attracting artists to create sand sculpture masterpieces.
Probably the most pristine seashores, Clearwater is understood 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 lot 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 one among 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 the town. Daytona is an fascinating seaside which you could drive on. The Daytona Seashore Pier additionally has points of interest and rides and the Daytona Speedway shouldn’t be too far-off.
This will 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 situated 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 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 become involved in any one of many dozens of actions taking place concurrently on one among 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 Seashore was identified for its faculty social gathering environment, lately it welcomes all types of holiday makers. You’ll discover high-end eating places and stay music bars in addition to museums, spas, and enjoyable actions for teenagers like Bluefoot Pirate Adventures.
7. Santa Rosa Seashore
This is among the finest Florida seashores once you’re on the lookout 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 a fantastic 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 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 word 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 chief spot.
8. Cocoa Seashore
Cocoa Seashore is situated simply south of Cape Canaveral on the House Coast. It is among the finest locations to be taught to surf in Florida because of its calm waters. However it’s also nice for professionals too.
This space is named the East Coast surf capital of the US. Cocoa Seashore can also be house to the biggest surf store on the earth, Ron Jean Surf Store is a large 52,000 sq. ft. Yow will discover 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’ll go on a guided stroll by way of 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 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 primary seaside areas however if you happen to head into extra of the quiet areas, you’ll get an attractive 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 on the lookout 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 gorgeous seashores, historic websites, and a full of life road life. The seashores listed here are good for snorkeling, with clear waters and vibrant marine life.
In the event you don’t make it to Dry Tortugas, Key West’s different seashores could 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
In the event you want being underwater reasonably than floating on high, then you definately’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 carry 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 understood for luxurious resorts and luxurious dwelling so meals and lodging are on the pricier aspect.
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 a fantastic spot for households and people on the lookout for a refreshing dip within the sea.
Naples Seashore 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 a fantastic meals scene. The town boasts a captivating downtown space, the place you possibly can stroll alongside Fifth Avenue South and Third Road South, exploring upscale boutiques, artwork galleries, and quite a lot 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 possibly can expertise Florida’s distinctive wildlife and landscapes by way of guided excursions and hikes.
13. Tigertail Seashore Park
From Naples make your technique to Marco Island to go to the biggest of the Ten Thousand Islands generally known 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. Considered one of which is Tigertail Seashore.
Tigertail Seashore 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 possibly can 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 mountaineering trails all through.
You can too 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 one among their cabins. There’s a youth tenting space too, however you’ll need to test 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 completely different crowd than Miami Seashore 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 proper 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 out of doors 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? In the event you 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 sort of pure quartz crystals and it’s so nice that once you stroll on it, it appears to make a little bit of a squeaking sound. These sugar-white sands have usually been referred to as among the finest sands on the earth, making this seaside in Siesta Key one of many nation’s world-class seashores.
Apart from basking in nice white quartz sand, you possibly can take pleasure in 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 purchasing too. You can too hire a motorbike and take a leisurely sundown cruise by way of the small seaside city.
17. Harry Harris Seashore
That is the proper seaside to take your kids 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 actually become a pool that’s no greater than 5′ in your children to swim round in. Key Largo can also be among the best locations in Florida to go scuba diving.
In the event you 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 among the finest 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 actually respect 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 completely satisfied 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 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 among the finest seashores in Florida, however it’s also usually voted as among the best 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 understood 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 looking for distinctive shells on Sanibel seashores. In line with space shellers, you’re going to search out essentially the most completely different number of shells within the morning at low tide.
Florida Seashores Regularly 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 presents stunning 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?
In the event you’re on the lookout for calm waters, nice sand, and a extra relaxed environment, the Gulf Coast could be your excellent selection. In the event you 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 right down to the kind of seaside expertise you need.
What’s the prettiest seaside in Florida?
Siesta Key Seashore is regularly lauded as probably the most stunning seashores in Florida. Situated close to Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key has this unbelievable, nice 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 huge 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, constantly boasts among the warmest seaside waters, notably because of its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Miami Seashore and the seashores across the Miami space additionally provide heat waters year-round, making them well-liked locations for these in search of 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, keep in mind that every seaside has its distinctive attraction and points of interest. Whether or not you’re on the lookout 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.
