Best beaches in Florida for a getaway

Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota County is one of Florida's beaches that offers fine white quartz sand and turquoise water for swimmers and visitors. The water here feels refreshing year-round, inviting you to cool off and enjoy the waves. This beach works well for relaxing, walking along the shore, or watching for dolphins and birds. It fits within the range of beach experiences across Florida's coastline, from the panhandle down to the southern tip.

Clearwater Beach in Pinellas County is a white sand beach that stretches for several kilometers. It belongs to Florida's diverse coastline, which runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Here, visitors find an active boardwalk with restaurants and chances to swim, sail, and water ski. The beach sits between the energetic shores near Miami and the remote nature reserves of the Keys, making it a popular choice for different kinds of getaways.

South Beach in this collection of Florida's best beaches is an urban beach defined by its Art Deco architecture lining the shore. You will find restaurants and shops along the coast where you can eat, drink, and shop. The Atlantic Ocean here stays warm enough for swimming throughout the year.

This beach at Palm Beach is where luxury and nature meet. The wide sandy shore is lined with palm trees and borders a shopping street filled with designer stores. The sheltered water is perfect for swimming and water sports throughout the year. The beach draws people who want to relax while enjoying the refined elegance of this wealthy coastal community. It feels like a place where natural beauty and sophistication come together.

Lover's Key is a white sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico where you can swim in shallow, warm water. The beach has designated swimming areas, walking paths, and you can rent kayaks to explore the water. This is a quiet spot perfect for families looking for a relaxed beach getaway or anyone wanting to spend time by the water without the crowds.

Caladesi Island offers three miles of natural beach with white sand and clear water. Nature trails wind through mangrove forests on this island, and sea turtles nest on the shores. This is an excellent destination when exploring Florida's coastline if you want to experience the natural landscape without the crowds that some other beaches attract.

Bahia Honda Beach sits on the Florida Keys and features sandy shores with coral reefs. The beach stretches along turquoise waters where visitors can rent snorkeling equipment to explore marine life in shallow areas.

New Smyrna Beach is a wide strand of firm sand that allows vehicles to drive directly onto the shore along 13 miles of Atlantic coastline. The consistent waves here make it a popular spot for surfing throughout the year. This beach draws both surfers seeking good conditions and visitors who enjoy the experience of driving along the water's edge.

Daytona Beach stretches for 23 miles of white sand and is known for allowing automobiles to drive on marked sections. The beach hosts NASCAR events and attracts large crowds during spring break. This central Florida beach offers calm waters and gentle slopes that appeal to families who want to swim or catch waves on a surfboard.

Panama City Beach offers 27 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and fits into Florida's range of beach experiences. This beach draws visitors with water parks, marine life encounters, and fishing spots. It serves as a popular spring break destination and represents the energetic beach experience that many travelers seek when visiting Florida.

Fort Lauderdale Beach sits along Florida's Atlantic coast, offering clear blue water and palm trees that line the Highway A1A corridor. This beach provides boat tours where you can explore the waterways, diving sites for those interested in underwater exploration, and a brick-paved walkway where restaurants and shops line the shore. The location works well for visitors seeking beach time with easy access to urban conveniences, dining, and water-based activities.

This six-mile-long beach is known for its consistent waves and excellent surfing conditions. Located near Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, where rockets launch into space, Cocoa Beach offers a different kind of Florida beach experience. Visitors come here to catch waves on a surfboard while enjoying the unique setting of being close to a major space program. The beach combines water sports with a sense of history and scientific achievement, making it appealing to both surfers and those curious about space exploration.

Tigertail Beach is a beach in this collection of Florida's best getaway beaches, featuring shallow water pools during low tide where visitors can observe local birds, crabs, and fish. The water is warm from April to October, making it comfortable for swimming.

This beach in Sarasota County is known for fossilized shark teeth embedded in its sand. Visitors collect them along the shoreline, especially after storms. The sand appears dark in color due to the presence of these fossils. This beach offers a different experience from other Florida beaches and attracts people who enjoy searching the shore while swimming and taking in the natural surroundings.

Fort Myers Beach stretches for seven miles and features numerous restaurants and retail shops close to the shore. Free trolley service runs along the beach during peak season. As part of Florida's varied beach options, this beach suits visitors who enjoy shopping and dining while spending time on the water.

Smathers Beach in Monroe County is one of Florida's coastline destinations where you can swim in shallow waters, try surfing, or fish from the shore. The beach stretches for 3 kilometers and provides shaded areas under coconut palms, with volleyball courts and water sports rentals available. This location works well for families looking for a relaxed beach day.

Amelia Island is a barrier island with 13 miles of beaches and several access points where you can swim, ride horses along the shore, and explore protected natural areas. This beach fits into Florida's range of coastal options, offering a quieter alternative to the busy urban beaches while still providing activities and outdoor recreation.

This beach in Brevard County offers consistent surf breaks, two fishing jetties, and sits where the Indian River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Sebastian Inlet fits perfectly into Florida's range of beach experiences, appealing especially to surfers and anglers who want to experience where two bodies of water meet.

Honeymoon Island State Park offers a romantic beach retreat for couples visiting Florida's coastline. The park features four miles of sandy beaches perfect for swimming and relaxing, a three-mile hiking trail that winds through pine forest, and excellent spots for shelling along the shore. Visitors can wade in gentle waters, explore shaded forest paths, and search for shells and sea treasures washed up by the Gulf.

Grayton Beach is a state park beach in Florida that offers a quiet escape along the Gulf of Mexico. White sand dunes line the shore, creating a natural setting for swimming, camping, and hiking. The trails wind through coastal vegetation, giving you chances to spot local birds and wildlife. This beach attracts fewer crowds than the urban beaches near Miami, making it a good choice if you want a more relaxed experience without the nightlife and busy atmosphere of larger coastal towns.

Miramar Beach is a long stretch of white sand with restaurants, shops and water sports rentals located near residential areas and hotels. This beach fits perfectly into Florida's range of coastal experiences and offers a relaxed place to swim, enjoy water sports and unwind. The beach has calm waters and gentle slopes that make it family-friendly.

Anna Maria Island is a 7-mile barrier island along the Gulf Coast and fits perfectly into Florida's range of beach experiences. This island has three public beaches, fishing piers, local restaurants and rental cottages. You can swim in the calm waters, try fishing from the shore, or spend time watching the water and wildlife from the restaurants and cottages that line the coast.

Captiva Island is a small barrier island that offers an ideal getaway for those exploring Florida's beaches. The island features shores where you can search for seashells, watch dolphins swimming in the water, and try your hand at fishing. Several resorts and restaurants are located on the island, providing visitors with accommodations and dining options for their stay. The beaches here are quieter than those near major coastal cities, making them a good choice for travelers seeking a more relaxed experience away from crowds.

Surfside Beach is a Miami-Dade County beach known for gentle water currents and designated swimming areas for children. The shoreline features paved walking paths and public facilities close to the sand. This beach fits well into Florida's range of coastal experiences, especially for families seeking calmer waters and easy access to amenities.

Juno Beach in Palm Beach County is a protected coastal area where sea turtles nest from March to October. The beach has observation points and educational programs about marine life. This beach offers visitors a chance to witness nature up close and learn about the protection of sea turtles and other ocean creatures.

Little Talbot Island is a state park with 5 miles of white sand beaches. The island sits along Florida's Atlantic coastline and offers a quieter beach experience with natural reserves that feel remote. Here you will find maritime forests, salt marshes and coastal dunes planted with native species. This is a place to swim, fish from the shore, or watch dolphins and birds in their habitats.

Big Pine Key is an island in Florida's Keys that appeals to visitors looking to combine beach days with exploration. The island has sandy beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling. You can observe local deer species and water birds in their natural habitat here.

Cape Canaveral National Seashore is an undeveloped beach with natural character that stretches for 24 miles along a barrier island in Brevard County. This beach offers visitors the chance to watch sea turtles nesting and collect shells on white sand near Kennedy Space Center. It fits well into Florida's range of beach experiences, providing a quieter alternative to the bustling urban beaches near Miami and offering visitors a chance to see wildlife in a less crowded setting while still having easy access and facilities.