Best Beaches in Florida

What are the best beaches in Florida? Visit these thirteen beautiful beaches in Florida! 

Are you looking for the perfect place to go on vacation, or are you planning on moving to an area with a tropical feel? Florida is the ideal place for these situations. Whether you want to see a beach on the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, Florida has both options. 

Florida is considered the "sunshine state" because of its warm and sunny climate for more than half the year. It is known for its beaches, natural attractions, and perfect summer weather. When living in a state with such a climate, having access to open waters to enjoy water activities and cool off is very convenient.

Florida has some of the most famous beaches you hear people chatting about. Florida has around 360 miles of coastline, with 189 official beaches. These beaches have powder-white soft sand, crystal blue waters, fun amusement parks, boardwalks, and restaurants. If you are moving to Florida, check out these best beaches. 

Here are the best beaches in Florida

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Florida. Clearwater Beach is located in Clearwater, just northwest of Tampa and St. Petersburg. When you picture soft white sand and clear blue waters, this beach comes to most people's minds. It is a must-see because of its resort-like nature and is found near beautiful homes for sale in Clearwater. 

If you are moving to Clearwater, this beach is probably only one of many options for a more private, relaxing beach. It is a calm beach with lots of space, but the area is very touristy because it is one of the well-known beaches in the state. So, if you are looking for a place just a short walk from oceanfront restaurants, bars, and shops, Clearwater Beach is the right area.

Local Favorites:

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise
• Badfins Food & Brew

Siesta Key Beach 

Siesta Key Beach is also a well-known beach in Florida. It is famous for its highly soft, powdery, pure quartz sand, which is always cool and features prime real estate. This beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico, which gives it that crystal blue water. 

Siesta Key is near Sarasota, Florida, and has been ranked highly on the "Top Beach" list by worldwide travelers and coastal experts. If you are moving to Sarasota or looking for the perfect relaxing beach spot with fun, family-friendly activities nearby, then this beach is a good option.

Local Favorites:

• Siesta Key Oyster Bar
• Turtle Beach Grill
• Siesta Key Watersports

Marco Island

This place is unique since it is the largest and only developed land in Florida's Ten Thousand Islands. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Everglades and Naples. At Marco Island, luxury resorts and scenic parks have been untouched since the city's emergence.

Marco Island is perfect if you are looking for a place to visit or move to with a calm atmosphere that isn't touristy. It is super relaxed and isn't as crowded as most other beaches in Florida. Marco Island is also famous for its magnificent golf courses and waterfront restaurants, which is why so many people want to move to Marco Island. 

Local Favorites:

• Kayak Marco Island
• Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
• The Snook Inn

Palm Beach

Palm Beach, Florida, is considered the wealthiest city in Florida. Palm Beach is a small town with fewer than 15,000 residents, and 30 are known billionaires. Palm Beach has some of the most incredible and beautiful mansions on the beach. 

Palm Beach is the perfect place to move to and vacation if you are looking for an area that has a beautiful beach to relax at during the day and then party at night at the beachfront bars and restaurants. Palm Beach is full of luxurious resorts, mansions, and historical landmarks open to the public. 

Local Favorites:

• The Breakers Ocean Course
• Echo
• Flagler Museum

Delray Beach

Delray Beach is located near Palm Beach and is considered one of the best places to live in Florida. This beach town is known for its lively main street and exciting culture that goes back to the beginning of Delray Beach.

Delray Beach is one of the only downtown areas in the country that is located right on the ocean. If you are moving to Delray Beach, this beach is convenient for those who love the beach and the city atmosphere. At Delray Beach, you get them both within walking distance of each other. Spend a day at the beach and immediately hit the town to visit some of the most delicious beachfront restaurants. 

Local Favorites:

• Silverball Museum
• Saltwater Brewery
• Boston's on the Beach

Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach is known to be geographically the largest beach in the neighborhood. It is located in South Walton, Florida. Santa Rosa touches the Choctawhatchee Bay on the North and south ends; it connects the Gulf of Mexico.

Santa Rosa is a beautiful beach with history and prime real estate. It was founded in 1910 and is home to the historic community of Point Washington. Not only is there a variety of history throughout this beach town, but there are also tons of activities to enjoy. 

Travel and Leisure named Santa Rosa Beach as one of its top five favorite towns in America. There are breweries, tons of restaurants, fishing, hiking, and much more to do, along with spending the day at the beach.

Local Favorites:

• Eden Gardens State Park
• Grayton Beer Company
• Point Washington State Forest

Sanibel Island

This stunning beach is near Fort Myers, Florida, and is home to the world-famous J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is 6,000 acres of mangrove jungles and wetlands that take up most of the Island. It is home to endangered species, manatees, alligators, unique tropical birds, and more.

One significant aspect of Sanibel Island is the overwater bungalows you can stay in if you visit. These bungalows are in the middle of the water, so you can only imagine how cool it would be to stay in one.

Sanibel Island is known for its beautiful pastel-colored seashells. You can find over 250 kinds of shells located right on this Island. Whether moving to Fort Myers or visiting, Sanibel Island is worth the trip. 

Local Favorites:

• Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum
• Sanibel Island Farmer's Market

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is located a few miles from Destin, but they have different zip codes. People often confuse Miramar Beach with Miramar, Florida. They are 450 miles apart from each other and are not in the same town or area. Miramar is in South Florida, and Miramar Beach is in northern Florida.

Miramar Beach has the most fantastic scenery on the Gulf of Mexico. The atmosphere of Miramar Beach is like experiencing what a small beach town would feel like in your childhood. You can experience the classical coastal feel with Miramar Beach's scenic beach roads, surf shops, and beachfront homes. 

Local Favorites:

• Rainforest Black Light Golf and Arcade
• Emerald Coast Wine Cellars
• Baytown Adventure Zone

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach can be found in Destin, Florida. This beach is a perfect spot for families if you are considering moving to a beach area or visiting for a family vacation. Fort Walton Beach is a touristy destination known for its beautiful wide beaches. 

Fort Walton Beach was founded in 1937 and had a small-town feel, but it also feels like an urban city. The area has tons of history dating back 14,000 years. This town has so much to do; it is a perfect place to visit or relocate near Destin. 

Local Favorites:

• Indian Temple Mound Museum
• Goofy Golf
• Wild Willy's Adventure Zone

St. George Island

If you are looking for a small, unique beach, St. George Island is the place for you. This beach is way less crowded than any beach on this guide and is only home to 1,006 residents.

St. George Island is not populated because it is not home to prominent hotel names or substantial tourist attractions like most other beaches in Florida. This Island is the perfect destination if you want a more relaxed atmosphere.

However, St. George Island is home to some famous people. These celebrities have their vacation homes right on the Island. Walter T.S. Widener, Jimmy Buffet, and Hank William Jr.'s homes can be found. Other celebrities who frequently visit the Island are Kid Rock and Angelina Jolie.

Local Favorites:

• St. George Island State Park
• Island Adventures
• Blue Parrot

Naples Beach 

Naples is known to be one of the wealthiest cities in Florida; it is safe to say that Naples is not a cheap place to live. It is home to over 19,618 residents with a median household income of over $135,657. Not only is it a prosperous city, but it is a beautiful beach town as well. 

Naples has some of the prettiest beaches that people from all over the world travel to experience. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico, with soft white sand and insanely clear waters. 

Many people are moving to Naples for its high-end shopping, abundant golf courses, real estate in Naples, and pristine beaches.

Local Favorites:

• Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
• Tin City Waterfront Shops
• Celebration Food Truck Park
• Bone Hook Brewing Company

Amelia Island

Amelia Island is located on the east coast of Northern Florida. People love visiting or relocating to Amelia Island because it has no oppressive heat like southern Florida.

Amelia Island has 13 miles of beautiful beaches. These beaches are less crowded than the other famous islands in the area. Not only do they have incredible beaches for relaxing, but they also have fun activities throughout the Island.

From five-star restaurants to family-friendly activities, Amelia Island has everything for you to enjoy what this town offers. They also have the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival all season long.

Local Favorites:

• Amelia River Cruises and Charters
• Salt at the Ritz-Carlton
• Marlin and Barrel Distillery

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, also known as St. Pete, is a highly-ranked beach town that has become very popular among those considering moving to Florida. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico near Tampa and Clearwater, well-known beach cities among the best places to live in Florida. 

St. Petersburg has a vibrant downtown area where you can explore and enjoy gorgeous beaches. It used to be where people would retire, but now St. Petersburg has grown and attracts young professionals moving to the area. 

Local Favorites:

• Sunken Gardens
• St. Pete Pier
• Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

FAQs 

What is the prettiest beach in Florida? 

Florida is home to many beautiful beaches, including Siesta Key Beach, one of the prettiest, with eight miles of white sand and crystal-clear water. 

Where is the clearest water in Florida? 

Much like its name, Clearwater Beach offers some of the clearest water in Florida, which makes it the perfect destination for snorkeling and water sports. 

What is the cleanest beach in Florida in 2023? 

Named one of the prettiest beaches in Florida, Siesta Key is also one of the cleanest, making it an ideal beach for relaxation. 

Best Beaches in Florida - Our Last Words

In reality, whichever beach you visit or move to, you will be greeted with a fantastic atmosphere and fun things to do in and around the beach towns. Some beaches are more relaxed and calm, and some are touristy beaches. After reading this guide, you can decide which area suits your liking better.

Florida has so much to offer to its visitors and residents. Because of the warm atmosphere in Florida almost year-round, having access to a beach to sunbathe or enjoy water activities can be beneficial.

If you, or anyone you know, are considering moving to Florida, contact us to connect with a local Real Estate Specialist. They are there to answer any questions and help you with the buying and selling.