Florida’s Best Beaches
Florida’s reputation for world-class beaches is well deserved, with over 800 miles of coast offering something for everyone, from family-friendly sands to secluded natural escapes. Here’s an overview by region.
Northwest Florida (Panhandle)
- Destin Beach
- Highlights: Known for its sugar-white sand and emerald waters, Destin Beach is a family favorite and offers numerous water activities, from jet-skiing to parasailing.
- Visitor Stats: Approx. 4.5 million visitors annually.
- Pensacola Beach
- Highlights: With clear blue waters and a laid-back vibe, Pensacola Beach is popular among families and offers several fishing piers and boardwalks.
- Visitor Stats: Around 2.1 million visitors yearly.
- Grayton Beach State Park
- Highlights: Part of the 30A region, this park boasts pristine dunes and rich biodiversity, including hiking trails and rare coastal dune lakes.
- Visitor Stats: Approximately 750,000 annually.
- St. George Island
- Highlights: Known for its uncrowded beaches and pet-friendly environment, St. George Island is a top choice for families and nature lovers.
- Visitor Stats: Around 400,000 visitors each year.
Northeast Florida
- Amelia Island
- Highlights: Historic and serene, Amelia Island offers a unique blend of Southern charm and beach beauty, ideal for families and couples.
- Visitor Stats: Draws about 1.3 million visitors per year.
- Neptune Beach
- Highlights: Near Jacksonville, Neptune Beach has a relaxed vibe with ample restaurants and boutique shops within walking distance.
- Visitor Stats: Approximately 500,000 annual visitors.
- St. Augustine Beach
- Highlights: A historic spot with wide sandy beaches and close proximity to attractions in St. Augustine, including the iconic lighthouse.
- Visitor Stats: Receives around 1 million annual visitors.
- Vilano Beach
- Highlights: Known for its distinctive coquina sand, this beach is quieter than its neighbors and is popular with surfers.
- Visitor Stats: Estimated 400,000 annual visitors.
Central West Florida
- Clearwater Beach
- Highlights: Famous for its lively atmosphere, soft white sand, and Pier 60, Clearwater Beach is a bustling destination with abundant amenities.
- Visitor Stats: Around 4 million visitors each year.
- St. Pete Beach
- Highlights: Offers a mix of luxury resorts and family-friendly accommodations along with the pristine sand of the Gulf Coast.
- Visitor Stats: Draws approximately 1.7 million annual visitors.
- Caladesi Island State Park
- Highlights: Accessible only by boat, this untouched island offers a true escape with trails, kayaking, and beautiful shell-laden beaches.
- Visitor Stats: Estimated 300,000 visitors yearly.
- Fort De Soto Park
- Highlights: With both beaches and natural habitats, Fort De Soto is known for its pet-friendly area, historic fort, and beautiful landscape.
- Visitor Stats: Approximately 2.7 million annual visitors.
Central East Florida
- Daytona Beach
- Highlights: Known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” Daytona’s hard-packed sands are famous for car access and attract families and motorsport enthusiasts.
- Visitor Stats: Roughly 10 million visitors per year.
- Cocoa Beach
- Highlights: A surfing mecca and family-friendly destination, Cocoa Beach is close to the Kennedy Space Center and perfect for beach-goers of all ages.
- Visitor Stats: Attracts about 2.4 million visitors annually.
- Canaveral National Seashore
- Highlights: Offers a unique natural experience, as one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline in Florida, popular with nature enthusiasts.
- Visitor Stats: Estimated 1.5 million visitors each year.
Southwest Florida
- Siesta Key Beach
- Highlights: Regularly ranked as one of the top beaches in the U.S., Siesta Key is famous for its powdery, white quartz sand.
- Visitor Stats: Attracts roughly 2.1 million visitors annually.
- Sanibel Island
- Highlights: Known for exceptional shelling and quiet, family-friendly beaches, Sanibel is also popular for its natural preserves and biking paths.
- Visitor Stats: Around 1.3 million visitors per year.
- Marco Island
- Highlights: A quieter destination perfect for families and couples, offering a mix of white sandy beaches and upscale resorts.
- Visitor Stats: Approximately 950,000 annual visitors.
- Barefoot Beach Preserve
- Highlights: One of the few undeveloped beaches in Southwest Florida, it’s perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Visitor Stats: Around 500,000 visitors yearly.
Southeast Florida
- South Beach, Miami
- Highlights: Iconic and lively, South Beach is known for its Art Deco architecture, nightlife, and vibrant beach culture.
- Visitor Stats: Roughly 15 million visitors annually.
- Hollywood Beach
- Highlights: With a charming boardwalk, Hollywood Beach is a popular family destination with plenty of dining and entertainment options.
- Visitor Stats: Approximately 5 million annual visitors.
- Delray Beach
- Highlights: This vibrant beach town offers a mix of culture, dining, and a lively downtown area alongside pristine beaches.
- Visitor Stats: Draws about 1.1 million visitors each year.
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- Highlights: Located on Key Biscayne, this park offers beautiful beach views, a historic lighthouse, and nature trails.
- Visitor Stats: Around 1 million annual visitors.
Florida Keys
- Sombrero Beach (Marathon)
- Highlights: A popular beach in the heart of the Keys, with calm waters and facilities that cater to families and locals alike.
- Visitor Stats: Estimated 300,000 visitors yearly.
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Highlights: Known for its crystal-clear water and scenic views, Bahia Honda offers both a beautiful beach and snorkeling opportunities.
- Visitor Stats: Around 1 million annual visitors.
- Smathers Beach (Key West)
- Highlights: Key West’s largest beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports with a festive, relaxed vibe.
- Visitor Stats: Approximately 700,000 visitors each year.
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- Highlights: Offers a unique combination of history and natural beauty, with clear waters for snorkeling and historic sites.
- Visitor Stats: Draws about 600,000 annual visitors.
