With top-rated US tourist destinations like Walt Disney World in Orlando and Everglades National Park, Florida records millions of local and international tourists annually. But there’s more to the Sunshine State than just these spots, as this recreational haven is home to some of the best beaches in the US, making it one of the most visited southeastern states in the United States.
Each of Florida’s most beautiful beaches has its distinct charm, entrancing tourists who embark on a coastal adventure. But they’re not all made equal. Pretty-wise, they offer more in the way of beauty than the Sunshine State’s other serene shores. Plus, the absolute best of the state’s seaside spots boast pristine white sands, sparkling clear waters, and bird-watching opportunities, which are shared similarities tourists should expect.
In any case, when spending a coastal vacation in the Southeastern United States, here are the prettiest and most scenic beaches in Florida that deserve recognition on every explorer’s itinerary.
10 Fort Lauderdale Beach, Broward County
Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida
Florida boasts many scenic highlights, including the must-visit Fort Lauderdale Beach, a coastal paradise on its southeastern coast.
With thousands of positive reviews, thrill-seekers need no further proof that Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the best Florida beaches to spend a day out in nature.
The beach offers plenty of exciting recreational activities and is within proximity to several other tourist spots. And, once tourists have worked up an appetite, they can go on a Riverwalk food tour, as there are several top-rated restaurants around this enchanting Florida beach destination.
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Where:
1100 A. Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
9 Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota County
An aerial view of a white sandy beach and clear waters in Siesta Key, Florida, USA
One of the best beaches in Florida, Siesta Key Beach is known for its turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and luxurious amenities. But that’s not all; this scenic beach boasts other jaw-dropping features that make it one of the nicest beaches in Florida to enjoy the state’s serene coastlines.
While at Siesta Key Beach, tourists can explore Point of Rocks, a gorgeous geological formation from which they can spot various bird species, observe marine life, and catch the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
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Where:
948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242
8 Santa Rosa Beach, Walton County
The Coast of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Tourists are always looking for the most beautiful beaches in Florida to spend a memorable vacation along the captivating coastlines. Santa Rosa Beach fits that bill, so it is always populated with nature enthusiasts.
Despite its popularity, Santa Rosa Beach remains surprisingly peaceful, making for the perfect family vacation along the Emerald Coast of Florida.
Besides capturing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, tourists can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from fishing to hiking, and can even explore the vibrant coastal communities that are only miles away from the beach.
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Where:
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, USA
7 St. Augustine Beach, St. Johns County
An aerial view of St. Augustine Beach at sunset in Florida, USA
Even locals can attest to the stunning beauty of St. Augustine Beach — a must-see natural attraction in St. Augustine, America’s oldest city.
Featuring a serene stretch of soft, white sands, clear blue waters, and breathtaking natural wonders, it is no surprise that St. Augustine Beach is considered one of the most breathtaking beaches in Florida, even though it is as old as time.
This gorgeous beach also serves up iconic views of the Florida sunset, which tourists can capture when relaxing on its shores or embarking on a scenic drive along the coastline.
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Where:
St Augustine Beach, FL 32080, USA
6 Destin Beach, Okaloosa County
A man and a dog at Destin Beach, one of the many pretty beaches in Florida to visit in summer
Destin Beach is renowned for its natural beauty, which explains why both tourists and locals can always be seen exploring the area. This scenic beach is situated in the northwestern corner of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico.
With emerald green waters and dramatic sunsets, Destin gives the other headliners among Florida’s best beaches a tough challenge, as it has just the perfect combination of natural attractions to entice every tourist.
One spectacular thing about Destin is its diverse marine life, hence its title as the world’s luckiest fishing village.
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Where:
720 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541, United States
5 Clearwater Beach, Pinellas County
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Reputed as one of the prettiest Florida beaches, Clearwater Beach (famous for its clear water, boardwalk, and nearby attractions) is an invitation for tourists to relax, unwind, and explore the scenic beauty of nature.
Although it is surrounded by other stunning natural attractions in its namesake town, it still stands out for its irresistible allure, with a Nation’s #1 Beach in 2018 award to its name.
Tourists who take a day trip to Clearwater Beach will enjoy splashing into the clear waters, vibing along with talented street performers at dusk, or catching the most picturesque views of the Florida sunset from iconic spots around the beach.
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Where:
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
4 Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County
West Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach is one of the best beach towns in Florida, and it looks so clean that it appears almost surreal. This well-maintained beach town is dotted with world-class tourist attractions, making it well worth a visit.
Tourists can head into any of the shopping districts and museums around this resort town or head to the beach to soak up the sun. Alternatively, tourists can simply enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from iconic spots such as the Palm Beach Lake Trail, a popular trail that offers idyllic views of sparkling waters populated with marine life.
In particular, lovers of the underwater world and its creatures within will be glad to know that they can see sea turtles in Palm Beach in Florida (loggerhead turtles especially).
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Where
: Palm Beach, FL 33480
3 Pensacola Beach, Escambia County
Pensacola Beach, Florida, USA
For decades, Pensacola has remained one of the most affordable beach destinations in Florida. An unincorporated area, Pensacola Beach is situated in the City of Pensacola, where it steadily gains popularity for its beautiful white sand beaches, considered by many as some of the top beaches in Florida.
Here, dolphin cruises take tourists around the beaches on a boat ride; this is one of the best days to explore the scenic beauty of these clear waters, as visitors can spot adorable penguins amid the waves.
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Where:
Pensacola Beach Blvd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
2 Honeymoon Island State Park, Pinellas County
Honeymoon Island State Park, Near Tampa in Florida
Judging by the name of this enchanting state park, tourists know to expect a romantic setting. One of Florida’s best beach destinations, the beautiful Honeymoon Island State Park boasts four miles of soft, white sand and tranquil waters.
The park is endowed with coastal dunes and lush pine forests, among other natural attractions, but none of these hypnotize tourists as the beach does.
With crystal-clear waters and diverse wildlife species for wildlife enthusiasts, couples can enjoy a romantic getaway here at one of the most stunning beaches in Florida.
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Where
: #1 Causeway Blvd. Dunedin FL 34698
1 Pass-A-Grille Beach, Pinellas County
Pass-A-Grille Beach, One of the Best Beaches Near Tampa in Florida
Pass-A-Grille Beach in Pinellas County also finds itself among the best beach destinations in Florida for coastal beauty and gives tourists yet another reason to make a trip to the Southeastern United States.
Reputed as one of Florida’s prettiest beaches, Pass-A-Grille Beach is a stunning coastal destination where tourists can catch colorful views of the Florida sunset.
Tourists who love shelling will definitely want to spend a day at Pass-A-Grille Beach, as this coastal gem is a treasure trove of seashells!
Adding to its allure as one of Florida’s top beaches in terms of scenery and beauty, Pass-A-Grille Beach has a less touristy feel and is a perfect waterfront vacation for families who want to spend a day away from the crowds.
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Where:
155 Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706