The Sunshine State attracts tourists from the East Coast and beyond thanks to its 1,200 miles of coastline. Tourists of all stripes are attracted to Florida’s beaches because of the variety of options available to them. The greatest Florida beaches were determined by U.S. News based on reader votes and criteria including beauty, convenience, and atmosphere. Vote below to help shape the 2019 ranking. If you need somewhere to stay, we have recommendations for the best hotels, resorts, and all-inclusive hotels in Florida. Also note that Florida is prone to hurricanes, making canceling for any reason travel insurance a sensible purchase if you want to go between May and November.
Top 10 Beach Locations in Florida
Delray Beach
Delray Beach, Florida, is known as the “Village by the Sea,” and it is a popular destination for vacationers looking for a small-town feel with big-city amenities. No one would blame you if you skipped the Wakodahatchee Wetlands the Morikami Museum and the Japanese Gardens in favor of a day at the beach. Delray Municipal Beach is a great place to go snorkeling or paddleboarding, and it’s conveniently located near a number of great restaurants. Meanwhile, Atlantic Dunes Park provides a more peaceful and natural beach experience. After a day at the beach, take a trip down Atlantic Avenue, which is surrounded by palm trees, to find chic boutiques and exciting bars and clubs.
Siesta Key
This barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico is a popular vacation spot for families and couples. Siesta Beach, Florida, is home to some of the best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife in the country, not to mention eight miles of white quartz sand and glistening ocean. Crescent Beach, another Siesta Key gem, is great for vacationers seeking smooth white sand and stunning surroundings (though it can grow more crowded during peak periods like spring break). But if you’re looking for peace and quiet, a long walk, convenient parking, and shells, Turtle Beach is the place to go.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach, Florida, is a fantastic vacation destination since it caters to a wide variety of visitors with activities ranging from shopping on Worth Avenue to playing golf at one of the area’s many pristine courses to simply relaxing on the beach. About 70 miles north of Miami sits this glamorous resort town, bursting at the seams with high-end eateries, stunning Gilded Age houses, and chic art galleries. Head to the town’s Municipal Beach to tan and swim, or hit up Phipps Ocean Park for shelling and snorkeling.
Clearwater Beach
The calm waves and soft sand at Clearwater Beach draw crowds of vacationers looking to unwind. Beachgoers can play volleyball, rollerblade, or ride bikes on the neighboring Beach Walk promenade after a few hours of swimming or sunbathing. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine life, is another family-friendly option for those visiting Clearwater Beach. Then, when the sun has gone, tourists may enjoy evening entertainment and craft activities at Pier 60. Nighttime fishermen frequent the 1,080-foot pier because of its lighting options.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach is a Gulf Coast destination with activities for the whole family, from parks and aquariums to deep-sea fishing and relaxing on the beach. Okaloosa Island has beautiful beaches that are worth checking out, thanks to its fishing pier, boardwalk, and breathtaking sunsets. For a less busy beach day, John Beasley Park, also located on Okaloosa Island, has pure white sand, toilets, and designated picnic spots.
Marco Island
Marco Island, Florida, is about 20 miles south of Naples and can be reached by two bridges. The island is known for its luxurious resorts and pristine natural environments. Recreational boating is common, and fish enthusiasts will find delicious options at many of the area’s restaurants. Undoubtedly, some of the nicest beaches on the Gulf Coast can be found on Marco Island. South Marco Beach, where many hotels and condos are located, has more than enough room for sunbathing and swimming, while Tigertail Beach Park is popular with tourists who want to watch animals, look for seashells, or rent kayaks.
Amelia Island
Amelia Island is an excellent option if you’re looking for a place to unwind on the beach that also has some historic appeal. Situated about 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Amelia Island boasts 13 miles of beaches, including Amelia Island State Park (where you can cycle, fish, or seek wildlife) and Main Beach Park (with a playground, an outdoor skate park, picnic tables, volleyball courts and more). If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to see the sights, a horseback riding trip is a great option. Golf on one of the island’s championship courses or take a stroll through the Spanish moss-covered oak trees when you need a break from the sand.
Boca Raton
Boca Raton, located between West Palm Beach and Miami, has two miles of beach that is patrolled by lifeguards. South Inlet Park is a popular fishing spot with few visitors, while Red Reef Park, at roughly 40 acres, has excellent swimming, snorkeling, and surf fishing. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is located in Red Reef Park, where visitors can participate in sea turtle excursions and hatchling release programs. Bark Beach in Spanish River Park is the only beach in Boca that welcomes canine visitors.
Islamorada
If you’re driving through the Florida Keys from the mainland, you’ll reach Islamorada after Key Largo and before Marathon. The best sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing in the world can be found on these six idyllic islands. The small number of public beaches in Islamorada means that visitors who want to be sure of getting a spot on the sand should look into staying at a resort directly on the water. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in the shallow water of the Islamorada sandbar, located roughly a mile offshore and accessible by boat ride or kayak.
St. George Island
St. George Island, Florida, is a popular vacation destination located about 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee. This beach hamlet is located on one of the few populated barrier islands off the Florida Gulf Coast that has remained virtually undisturbed, featuring zero high-rise structures and pure white sand. Keep a look out for dolphins, turtles, and pelicans when swimming, kayaking, fishing, and camping at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. Or, you might visit the pet-friendly St. George Island Public Beach, which also features a playground, restrooms, and picnic areas.
