Florida, hailed because the Sunshine State, is a paradise for seaside lovers. Its shoreline, stretching over a surprising 1,350 miles, is house to a number of the most breathtaking seashores in america. Now we have visited Florida numerous occasions over time and have been fortunate sufficient to expertise so lots of its greatest seashores.
From the long-lasting Artwork Deco structure and pulsating nightlife of Miami Seashore to the extra tranquil Siesta Key for many who simply wish to loosen up. Whether or not you’re looking for a serene getaway, a family-friendly shore, or a vibrant occasion scene, Florida’s various seashores cater to each whim and fancy.
Finest Seashores in Florida
We needed that can assist you make your best option to your subsequent trip so we got here up with our favourite seashores in Florida so we can assist make your travels just a bit bit simpler.
1. South Seashore Miami
You may understand it for its Nineteen Thirties artwork deco vibes, or scorching nightlife, however South Seashore in Miami additionally gives powdery white seashores and plenty of actions in addition. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, South Seashore has two distinct areas that appeal to totally different crowds.
Lummus Park and Seashore permits topless sunbathing and is a hub of exercise with road meals, cyclists, skaters, and extra. Should you’re in search of a extra chill vibe, then the world of First Avenue Seashore at South Level may simply be your factor. It’s an space fashionable with surfers in South Seashore in addition to fishing fans and households.
In addition to surf and solar, you possibly can buy groceries on the fashionable Lincoln Highway 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 particularly, and dance the night time away at any variety of golf equipment.
2. Panama Metropolis Seashore
This is likely one of the greatest 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 america 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 might be uninterested in catching some rays and have had your fill of sand and surf, go to close by points of interest 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 numerous vacation trip leases out there within the high-rise condos alongside the seaside. This may be a cheap various to staying in a lodge when touring in a gaggle. The well-known George Island State Park is situated a 2-hour drive from right here.
3. Miami North Seashore
It could 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 fun and cosmopolitan metropolis with artwork deco buildings, eating places, nightclubs, and really tanned, enticing 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 house to the North Seashore Bandshell which offers nice musical leisure all year long. And naturally, after you might be achieved sunning, the nightlife in Miami Seashore is second-to-none. Now we have coated all of it in our publish 30 Enjoyable Issues to do in Miami, Florida
Getting on the water is one of the best 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
Should you’re in search of the most effective Florida seashores with an actual group really feel, Clearwater Seashore is the place it’s at. You can see 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 understood for its clean white sands in addition to spectacular sunsets. In truth, the sunsets are so spectacular that there’s a nightly competition to rejoice them with road musicians and actions for youths.
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 accustomed to extra of Clearwater’s shoreline.
5. Daytona Seashore
Daytona Seashore could also be an apparent alternative, however it’s one in every of 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 will not be too distant.
This may 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: Finest Issues to do in Daytona Seashore.
6. Fort Lauderdale
There may be by no means a uninteresting second in Fort Lauderdale, with hundreds of yachts and cruise ships visiting its coastlines annually. Fort Lauderdale Seashore is likely one of 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 in every of Florida’s most stunning seashores. You’ll be able to check out parasailing, scuba diving, jet snowboarding and even lease a ship and take it for a sail.
Though a couple of many years again, Fort Lauderdale Seashore was recognized for its faculty occasion environment, as of late it welcomes all types of tourists. You’ll discover high-end eating places and dwell music bars in addition to museums, spas, and enjoyable actions for youths like Bluefoot Pirate Adventures.
7. Santa Rosa Seashore
This is likely one of the greatest Florida seashores while you’re in search of a mixture of issues to do with a gaggle. 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 a terrific various 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 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 notice that Santa Rosa Seashore has skilled an actual enhance in reputation so that you’ll wish to get to the seaside early within the morning to attain a primary spot.
8. Cocoa Seashore
Cocoa Seashore is situated simply south of Cape Canaveral on the House Coast. It is likely one of the greatest locations to study to surf in Florida because of its calm waters. However it’s also nice for professionals too.
This space is called the East Coast surf capital of america. Cocoa Seashore can also be house to the most important surf store on the planet, Ron Jean Surf Store is an enormous 52,000 sq. ft. You’ll find every thing from bathing fits to top-of-the-line surfboards within the store and it’s open 24/7.
One other factor you may wish 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 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 smooth and white.
You’ll discover that there are lifeguards on the principle seaside areas however for those who head into extra of the quiet areas, you’ll get a fantastic 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 out there for these in search of 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 checklist 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 full of life road life. The seashores listed here are good for snorkeling, with clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Should you don’t make it to Dry Tortugas, Key West’s different seashores will be discovered at Fort Zachary Taylor Nationwide Historic Web site and Smather’s Seashore. Learn extra at 27 of the Finest Issues to Do in Key West
11. Sunny Isles Seashore
Should you choose being underwater quite than floating on high, then you definitely’re going to wish 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 really deliver 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
Positioned alongside the Gulf of Mexico, Naples Seashore is famend for its miles of soppy, white sandy shores, which supply 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 terrific spot for households and people in search of 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 terrific meals scene. Town boasts a captivating downtown space, the place you possibly can stroll alongside Fifth Avenue South and Third Avenue South, exploring upscale boutiques, artwork galleries, and a wide range of eating choices.
The world 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 guided excursions and hikes.
13. Tigertail Seashore Park
From Naples make your method to Marco Island to go to the most important of the Ten Thousand Islands generally known as the Barrier Islands. You’ll be able to drive immediately 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 all which is Tigertail Seashore.
Tigertail Seashore Park gives 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 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 related 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.
It’s also possible to 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 which you could sleep over in one in every of their cabins. There’s a youth tenting space too, however you’ll should verify with the park for guidelines and laws on who can keep there.
15. Grayton Seashore State Park
For a mixture of nature trails and sand dunes, you’ll wish to go to Grayton Seashore in Grayton Seashore State Park. This Gulf Coast seaside attracts a very totally 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 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 out of doors 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? Should 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 hundreds of 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 fantastic that while you stroll on it, it appears to make a little bit of a squeaking sound. These sugar-white sands have usually been known as a number of the greatest sands on the planet, making this seaside in Siesta Key one of many nation’s world-class seashores.
In addition to basking in fantastic 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 beautiful cafes in addition to pubs and boutiques for buying too. It’s also possible to lease a motorbike and take a leisurely sundown cruise by the small seaside city.
17. Harry Harris Seashore
That is the right seaside to take your kids to within the Florida Keys. Harry Harris Seashore sits in Harry Harris Park on the most important key among the many Florida Keys situated in Key Largo. The seaside space has a breakwater so the ocean is actually became a pool that’s no increased than 5′ to your children to swim round in. Key Largo can also be the most effective locations in Florida to go scuba diving.
Should 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 amenities. 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 a number of the greatest seashores in Florida however probably the most pristine and secluded is the seaside at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. Positioned 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas is a good day journey by ferry or seaplane. However it’s also possible to 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 pleased to report that Sanibel Island is open after the devastating Hurricane Ian in September 2022. They’ve made an unbelievable restoration with nearly all the 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 likely one of the greatest seashores in Florida, however it’s also usually voted as one of many greatest seashores in america. Sanibel Island is situated simply off the coast of Fort Myers and sits within the Gulf of Mexico. The world is understood for high-end resorts and seafood eating places in addition to historic structure.
It’s a sheller’s paradise and some of the 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 line with space shellers, you’re going to search out probably 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 a number of 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 components 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 aspect of Florida is greatest for seashores?
Should you’re in search of calm waters, fantastic sand, and a extra relaxed environment, the Gulf Coast is likely to be your superb alternative. Should you choose 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 in the end 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 some of the stunning seashores in Florida. Positioned close to Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key has this unbelievable, fantastic 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 vast 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 a number of 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 fashionable locations for these looking 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 points of interest. Whether or not you’re in search of 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.