From the pristine white sands of Clearwater Beach to the vibrant energy of South Beach, where sun-kissed shores and sparkling turquoise waters beckon, Florida’s best beaches are enchanting samples of incredible coastal gems offering idyllic getaways for seaside lovers.
With the summer knocking on the door, it is time to plan a fun beach vacation in the Sunshine State. The best beaches Florida has in store for sun-starved jet setters will make for a perfect summer getaway. So, pack the bag and get ready to have an experience of a lifetime while basking in the warm sunshine lying beside the beach.
10 Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, near the city of Clearwater, Clearwater Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida in summer. The beach stretches for about 3 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, offering soft, white sand and crystal-clear blue waters.
Clearwater Beach is famous for many things, but one of its most notable spits is Pier 60, a popular attraction known for its nightly sunset celebrations. Visitors can gather on the pier to watch the stunning sunsets and enjoy street performers, live music, and local artisans selling their crafts.
The warm waters of the Gulf make it an ideal spot for water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
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Beach Amenities:
Beach rentals, Showers, Restrooms, Cafes, and Restaurants
9 South Beach
Aerial view of South Beach,Miami Beach, Florida
South Beach is said to be Florida’s hottest beach. Also known as SoBe, it is a vibrant and iconic neighborhood in Miami Beach, Florida. Stretching along the eastern coastline of Miami Beach, South Beach is renowned for its stunning beach, vibrant nightlife, and Art Deco architecture.
The beach features a wide sandy shoreline and turquoise waters, making it an ideal destination for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. The beach is often bustling with activities, such as beach volleyball games and watersports like jet skiing and paddleboarding.
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Beach Amenities:
Beach Chairs and Watersport Rentals, Cafes, Restrooms, Showers, and Beachside promenade
8 Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, Florida
Stretching for approximately 8 miles, Siesta Key Beach is one of the top beaches in the United States, located on a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. Being one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, its standout feature is its powdery, fine quartz sand, which is soft and cool to the touch, even on hot summer days.
Siesta Key Beach also offers clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and other water activities. The gentle slope of the beach into the water creates a gradual entry, making it ideal for families with children. The beach also features a playground for children, volleyball courts, and tennis courts for those seeking some active recreation.
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Beach Amenities
: Parking area, Picnic tables, Grills, Restrooms, Outdoor showers, and Lifeguards
7 Captiva Island
An ariel view of Captiva Island, Florida
Captiva Island is a small barrier island located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, just off the southwestern coast near Fort Myers. It is known for its natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and captivating sunsets.
Captiva Island is often referred to as a hidden gem and offers a secluded and serene beach getaway for those who want to enjoy some of the best summer beaches in Florida. The island’s shoreline is home to some of the most beautiful beaches Florida has to offer.
The shores feature soft white sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees, perfect for long walks, shell collecting, and simply relaxing in a peaceful setting. Also, the island’s west beaches provide breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
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Beach Amenities:
Resorts, Vacation Rentals, Restaurants, and Cafes
6 Sanibel Island
A beautiful sunset view of Sanibel Island Beach, Florida
Sanibel Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. One of the main attractions of Sanibel Island is its unique shell-strewn beaches. Visitors can spend hours combing the shoreline and discovering a wide variety of shells, including conch shells, sand dollars, and intricate seashell treasures.
The fact that shell-hunting is such a popular pastime here makes this one of the most famous beaches in Florida, as many visitors come solely to enjoy shelling. Plus, the island’s beaches are tranquil and unspoiled, offering a peaceful atmosphere for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
The clear Gulf waters provide opportunities for various water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy activities like birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking amidst the mangrove forests and wetlands near the serene shoreline.
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Beach Amenities:
Beach Cottages, Resorts, Vacation Rentals, and Seafood Restaurants
Sanibel Island is a cyclist’s paradise, with over 25 miles of bike paths weaving through its scenic landscapes. Consider renting a bike to explore the island at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights and sounds of this picturesque coastal haven.
5 Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, FL, United States
Situated on the Atlantic coast of Florida, Cocoa Beach is a popular beach destination famed for its vibrant surf culture and laid-back vibe. The beach has a wide stretch of sandy shoreline, extending for several miles along the coast, offering ample space for sunbathing, picnicking, swimming, and other water sports.
Cocoa Beach is a surfing hotspot on the East Coast, with consistent waves attracting surfers of all skill levels. The beach also features a pier called Cocoa Beach Pier, stretching 800 feet into the ocean featuring restaurants, bars, gift shops, and live entertainment.
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Beach Amenities:
Parking, Restrooms, Showers, Beach Rentals, Volleyball Courts, and Picnic Areas
4 Destin Beach
A man and a dog at Destin Beach, Florida
Destin Beach offers plenty of things to do and see. It is one of the most popular beaches in Florida, located on the Emerald Coast, and is celebrated for its stunning white sand, emerald-green waters, and abundant outdoor activities. The beach is a major draw for visitors, offering over 24 miles of pristine shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico.
The waters at Destin Beach are remarkably clear, providing excellent visibility for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The area is also often referred to as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and offers both deep-sea and inshore fishing options.
One of the unique features of the beach is the sandbars, shallow areas with crystal-clear waters ideal for wading, swimming, and socializing with other beachgoers.
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Beach Amenities:
Beach Rentals, Restroom, Outdoor Showers, Bars, and Restaurants
3 Anna Maria Island
Fishing dock at Anna Maria Island, Florida, USA
Anna Maria Island is a picturesque barrier island on the Gulf Coast of Florida, featuring a laid-back atmosphere with beautiful beaches and Old Florida charm. The island boasts several pristine beaches with sugar-white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Some popular beaches on the island include Anna Maria Beach, Holmes Beach, and Coquina Beach. These beaches are easily among the top beaches in Florida and offer opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
Visitors can explore the island’s various beachfront parks, nature preserves, and hiking trails, offering beautiful views of the ocean.
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Beach Amenities:
Lifeguards, Beach Rentals, Playground, Restrooms, Picnic Areas, and Gazebos
Anna Maria Island is home to various wildlife species, including sea turtles, birds, and marine life. Respect their natural habitat and observe them from a safe distance. Please do not approach or feed wild animals.
2 Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida
Situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a popular beach featuring a vibrant atmosphere and numerous waterfront attractions. The beach is one of the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale and runs along the Atlantic Ocean for about seven miles, offering various opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking, and other water activities.
One of the highlights of the beach is the promenade, known as the Fort Lauderdale Beach Strip, which offers a vibrant scene with people walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading along the oceanfront pathway. Additionally, the beach is an excellent spot for adventure sports such as Jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing
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Beach Amenities:
Beach Areas and Grill, Lifeguards, Restrooms, Beach Rentals, and Restaurants
1 St. Pete Beach
Beautiful sunset view of St. Pete Beach, Florida, United States
St. Pete Beach is a popular beach destination off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida. The beach features miles of soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, offering a variety of beach activities such as swimming and sunbathing. Fishing is also popular in the area, with opportunities for both pier fishing and offshore charters.
The beach is home to several waterfront parks, including Pass-a-Grille Beach, Upham Beach, and St. Pete Beach Access Park. Visitors can also rent jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks or even go parasailing to get a unique perspective of the coastline.
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Beach Amenities:
Parking, Restrooms, Showers, Beach Rentals, Picnic Areas, and Restaurants