If you are looking for a vacation with lots of sun, sea and sand, Florida is the perfect destination. With more than 1,100 miles of beaches along its sensuous shores, Florida has something for everyone. But what are the best beaches in Florida and what can you expect to find there?
Here are ten best beach picks:
1. Panama City Beach, also known as PCB, consistently ranks among the best beaches in Florida, with sparkling white quartz sand that’s beautiful to look at and soft enough for kids to play on. At over 25 miles long, it borders the Gulf of Mexico, ensuring warm, clear waters for swimming.
2. Daytona Beach, as seen on MTV, has hard-packed sand, which is great for sports and dancing. A former racing venue, much of it is still accessible to cars. Daytona Beach is a popular bodysurfing spot and is a great spot for swimming. Its gently sloping shoreline means you’re less likely to unexpectedly find yourself out of your depth.
3. The St Joseph Peninsula offers a beautiful white sand beach with all the benefits of a national park. Its high dunes offer beautiful views of St Joseph’s Bay. This is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking fans, and fishing is available just offshore. St Joseph is often ranked in the top 10 beaches in Florida for those who enjoy active vacations.
4. Cocoa Beach is located just minutes from the Kennedy Space Center, so if you time your trip right, you can lie on the soft sand and watch a shuttle lift off. Cocoa Beach is a great place to surf and there is always a party atmosphere around the pier.
5. South Beach is popular with international celebrities and those looking for a luxury vacation where they can be seen by the right people. South Beach bars and restaurants are priced to match, but this is a great place to hang out if you like to look stylish.
6. Clearwater Beach is always buzzing with activity. With arts and cultural activities to enjoy, it also offers free evening concerts at Pier 60. And the kids will enjoy visiting the nearby aquarium. Kids often declare this to be one of the best beaches in Florida.
7. Fort Walton Beach is a great place to relax, especially for families, with plenty of room for kids to play and lifeguards to look after them. Dolphins play in the bay just offshore and you can take a boat ride if you want to meet them.
8. Captiva Beach on Captiva Island is a popular destination for both young couples and older tourists. Its miles of glittering sand are laced with exotic shells. Captiva Beach is situated near the Bahia Honda Channel, with its impressive reefs, making it a great spot for snorkeling.
9. Fort Lauderdale offers 23 miles of stunning beaches between its capricious waterways and the open sea. Here you can watch the manatees play or just walk out into the water to explore the reef. Often listed in the top 10 beaches in Florida, its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to charm visitors of all backgrounds.
10. Sanibel Island Beach is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Florida, and also one of the best kept secrets in the state. Although it’s a popular spot for weddings, it’s still largely undiscovered, and its tranquil atmosphere attracts wildlife such as sea turtles. It is a great place to find shells and is popular with windsurfers.
