Best Beaches in Florida For 2024: Florida’s Gulf shores and Atlantic coastlines offer some of the best beaches, featuring soft sand, beach parks, rich marine life, and spots perfect for both cocktails and family fun. From the lively South Beach and the surprising surf town of New Smyrna to the natural beauty of Dry Tortugas National Park and Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, here are our top picks for Florida’s beaches. From the Panhandle to the Keys, each beach has its own unique charm. Get ready to lay out a towel, enjoy the sun in South Florida, and discover the excitement on land and sea.
Sebastian Beach, Fort Lauderdale
Despite a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, Florida’s beaches are still popular with the queer community, especially the stretch in Fort Lauderdale where diversity is celebrated. While the most striking gay men can be found at 12th Street Beach in Miami, many people prefer Sebastian Beach for its very inclusive atmosphere, often compared to the welcoming vibe of the bar in Cheers. Everyone is welcome and represented here.
Siesta Key
Best Beaches to Explore in Florida
Popular with couples and families, this exciting barrier island is located off the coast of Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico. Siesta Beach, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, boasts miles of white quartz sand, clear water, and a vibrant atmosphere, with nearby options for dining, shopping, and nightlife. Crescent Beach, another highlight of Siesta Key, is perfect for leisurely walks on soft white sand. Turtle Beach, with its shelly sand, offers a quieter setting, easy parking, and great beachcombing opportunities.
Anna Maria Island
Best Beaches in Florida
Though it’s less than 40 miles south of St. Petersburg, Anna Maria Island feels much more isolated from other beach spots. Both locals and visitors love the island’s “Old Florida” charm, seen in its cozy lodgings, beachside restaurants, and well-preserved Pine Avenue. This 7-mile barrier island also features the soft white sand typical of Florida’s central Gulf Coast. Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach, with plenty of amenities, are popular with families, while the less-known Bean Point Beach attracts couples with its stunning sunsets.
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Delray Beach
Best Beaches in Florida for 2024
Known as Florida’s “Village by the Sea,” Delray Beach attracts visitors who enjoy a small-town feel with big-city entertainment. Top attractions include the Wakodahatchee Wetlands and the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, but the beach is a major draw. Delray Municipal Beach, close to shops and restaurants, is perfect for activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. For a more peaceful experience, Atlantic Dunes Park offers a quiet beach in a serene natural setting. After the beach, walk along palm tree-lined Atlantic Avenue to explore art galleries, upscale shops, and lively nightlife.
Santa Rosa Beach
Best Beaches in Florida for 2024
Located along Highway 30A on Florida’s northwest coast, Santa Rosa Beach is known for its white sand, emerald water, great dining, and local art galleries and shops. Although it’s becoming more popular, it remains quieter than Panama City Beach or Destin. Popular spots include Grayton Beach State Park and Blue Mountain Beach, where visitors can swim, sunbathe, explore sand dunes, and bodysurf. When you’re hungry, the food trucks in nearby Seaside offer a fun and easy meal option.
Palm Beach
Best Beaches in Florida for 2024
Whether you’re browsing along Worth Avenue, playing golf at a top-notch course, or relaxing on the white sands, Palm Beach has something for everyone. This luxurious resort town, about 70 miles north of Miami, is full of high-end restaurants, grand Gilded Age mansions, and elegant art galleries. Visit the Municipal Beach for sunbathing and swimming, or go to Phipps Ocean Park for shelling and snorkeling.
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Destin
Best Beaches in Florida for 2024
Families love Destin for its white sand beaches, beautiful Gulf waters, and abundant sunshine. This popular Florida spot offers lots of fun activities for an unforgettable beach vacation. Remember that summer brings higher temperatures, more visitors, and higher room rates. Popular beaches like June White Decker Park and Crystal Beach are near resorts and vacation rentals, while Henderson Beach State Park offers a quieter vibe with its Appalachian quartz sands. You might even see dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife during your visit.
Marco Island
Best Beaches in Florida for 2024
Located about 20 miles south of Naples and accessible by two bridges, Marco Island attracts visitors with its mix of luxury resorts and untouched natural areas. Boating is a favorite activity here, and seafood lovers will enjoy the many local restaurants. The island’s pristine beaches are among the best on the Gulf Coast. Tigertail Beach Park is popular for wildlife watching, shell collecting, and kayak rentals, while South Marco Beach, with its resorts and condos, offers plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming.
Fort Walton Beach
Best Beaches in Florida
Visit Fort Walton Beach on Florida’s Panhandle for its relaxed beaches, deep-sea fishing, golf, and family-friendly attractions like aquariums and parks. Don’t miss exploring the beaches of Okaloosa Island, where you’ll find a fishing pier, boardwalk, and breathtaking sunsets. For a quieter beach experience, head to John Beasley Park on the east side of Okaloosa Island, known for its clean white sand, grassy dunes, restrooms, and picnic areas.
St. George Island
Best Beaches to Visit in Florida
About 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee, St. George Island is a favorite spot for those seeking relaxation. With no tall buildings and pristine white sand, this beach town is one of the few inhabited barrier islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast that remains mostly untouched. Visit Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and camping, and keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and pelicans. Alternatively, enjoy St. George Island Public Beach, which is dog-friendly and offers restrooms, a playground, and picnic areas.