The peninsula of Florida provides hundreds of miles of shoreline and seashores, from the Atlantic on the east, the state’s “panhandle” within the northwest, and the Gulf Coast with postcard-perfect sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
These are a number of the most stunning locations in Florida, and every one is price taking the time to discover. Whereas it appears inconceivable to slender down the seaside choices to a “better of” record, we do have some favorites to share.
The perfect areas for a Florida seaside getaway
From Panama Metropolis Seaside to the southernmost level of the U.S. in Key West, there’s an amazing variety of Florida seaside trip choices. Undecided the place to begin? Let’s start by breaking down every area.
Atlantic Coast seashores
There are three sections of the Atlantic coast: the Northeast, Central East and Southeast. Every area is additional divided into “coasts.” The First Coast is discovered on the northeastern finish of Florida. The Area Coast is within the central area. And, within the southeastern portion of the state, you may discover the Treasure Coast, Gold Coast and Florida Keys.
Panhandle seashores
The Panhandle is a beautiful a part of the state, with the kind of sugar-soft sand seashores that most individuals dream about. Lodging right here will not drain your pocket as rapidly as a keep in Miami or Naples.
The Panhandle stretches from the Florida-Alabama border close to Pensacola east to the state capital of Tallahassee. In between these two factors are loads of seaside cities like Fort Walton, Destin, Panama Metropolis and Port St. Joe. There are additionally standout nature reserves corresponding to Apalachicola Nationwide Forest, Tate’s Hell State Forest and Wakulla Springs.
Associated: A beginners guide to 30A — one of the best-kept beach town secrets in the US
Gulf Coast seashores
What’s the lure of Florida’s Gulf Coast? Cities like Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples populate the realm and are house to glorious motels, eating places and purchasing. These vibrant locations are paired with barrier islands and miles upon miles of beachfront — all with unbelievable sundown views over the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether or not you are in search of a nightclub providing salsa dancing or a hidden cove the place you’ll be able to spy manatees, you may discover it on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Day by day Publication
Reward your inbox with the TPG Day by day publication
Be part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s consultants
Now that you’ve got been absolutely downloaded on the geography, it is time to dive into our record of the 17 finest seashores in Florida.
Ponte Vedra Seaside
The St. Augustine space, house to Ponte Vedra Seaside, is a wonderful place to decamp for a sunshine-filled trip. This Atlantic Coast enclave is only a 35-mile drive southeast of Jacksonville Worldwide Airport (JAX). When you would possibly know this space attributable to its affiliation with the PGA Tour, Floridians trip right here for the broad seashores comprised of coquina shells and Appalachian quartz.
The 40-foot sand dunes are a number of the highest on any Florida seaside and whereas there are many palm timber in sight, guests are additionally handled to stately reside oaks draped with Spanish moss and maritime hammocks. Canines are allowed on this seaside and there are picnic tables and grills on the South Ponte Vedra Seaside recreation space.
Associated: These are the best times to visit Florida
Cocoa Seaside
Individuals from throughout the U.S. have most likely heard about famed Cocoa Seaside, which is definitely a bunch of seashores that span 72 miles alongside the Atlantic Ocean. On a barrier island, the secluded stretch of sand at Playalinda Seaside inside Canaveral Nationwide Seashore is a can’t-miss vacation spot.
Should you’re cruising out of Port Canaveral, a go to to the 3-acre seaside at Jetty Park is so as. There is a 1,500-foot fishing pier on-site, together with coated picnic pavilions, showers and restrooms. You’ll be able to lease chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and boogie boards from distributors on the seaside.
Surfers congregate round Cocoa Seaside Pier, the place there are additionally some good eating places and purchasing. The 5-acre Alan Shepard Park with its oceanfront picnic areas can be well-liked, as is the 10-acre Sidney Fischer Park with picnic pavilions, showers and restrooms.
Associated: TPG’s guide to cruising from Florida’s Port Canaveral
Vero Seaside
4 recreation areas make up Vero Seaside, a tony enclave on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Should you’re a Disney fan, you might already be accustomed to Wabasso Seaside Park because it’s proper subsequent door to Disney’s Vero Seaside Resort. It is a fantastic broad stretch of golden sand with calm waters which are nice for swimming.
Associated: How you can save hundreds of dollars by renting Disney Vacation Club points
North of Wabasso is Golden Sands Seaside Park, the place you’ll be able to swim and snorkel (lifeguards are on responsibility) and luxuriate in a picnic lunch. Seating and grills are on-site. Jaycee Park is on the southern finish of Vero Seaside; it is a huge 8-acre oceanfront park with an on-site restaurant, playground, boardwalk and picnic space. There’s additionally a buoyed swimming space.
Lastly, nearly a mile south of Jaycee Park is Humiston Seaside Park, which is near Vero Seaside’s purchasing district and hosts many festivals all year long.
Juno Seaside
Nestled between West Palm Seaside and Jupiter, Juno is finest identified for its nesting sea turtles (from Could to October) that deliver vacationers to the barrier island sandwiched between the Atlantic and Intracoastal.
12 months-round, the Juno Seaside Pier attracts loads of fishing exercise, in addition to sightseers and dawn chasers in search of prime viewing spots. Moreover, the seaside brings surfers and kiteboarders trying to catch giant swells among the many salty breezes.
Get to know extra concerning the space’s turtle-famed historical past at Loggerhead Marinelife Middle, paddle by mangroves at Juno Dunes Pure Space and wind down with loads of haunts devoted to craft brews and reside tunes.
John D. MacArthur Seaside State Park
If you wish to know what Southeast Florida regarded like earlier than industrialization and commercialization, look no additional than Singer Island in Palm Seaside County. It is a barrier island alongside the Atlantic Coast and residential to John D. MacArthur Seaside State Park.
Guests come for the swimming, snorkeling and fishing alternatives, however there are additionally nature trails, a playground, picnic areas and a spot to lease kayaks. There is a 1,600-foot boardwalk resulting in the seaside that stretches 2 miles alongside the coast.
Should you’ve bought children and seaside toys in tow, take the complimentary tram and save that stroll. Simply bear in mind that there is no such thing as a lifeguard on responsibility at this seaside.
Associated: These 12 state parks will make you fall in love with Florida
South Seaside
Perhaps you have already heard all the pieces you’ll want to find out about South Seaside, Miami’s hot spot. However we now have to incorporate it on the record as a result of it is not simply the place to go to in Miami — it is also one of the crucial well-known seashores in America. The two.2-mile white sand seaside on the Gold Coast stretches from twenty third Road south to the tip of the barrier island.
Lummus Park is thought to deliver the volleyballers, whereas the adjoining promenade is nice for breezy canine walks and jogs. Ocean Drive runs parallel to the seaside, and the realm between fifth and fifteenth streets might be essentially the most touristy and positively the busiest.
Associated: The best hotels in Miami, from luxury beach stays to points properties
Storied artwork deco motels line the seaside and even if you happen to’re not staying close by, you could go to and spend a while strolling alongside the water’s edge right here to see all of the glamorous locals and guests.
Bahia Honda State Park
An island positioned within the decrease Florida Keys, this seaside is a tropical vacation spot framed by iconic palm timber and identified for its pristine, crystal-clear waters. A preferred spot for birding — particularly to see species wading and alongside the shore — it is identified to herald nature lovers.
A scorching spot for boaters, it’s also possible to park for the day and luxuriate in a while paddling or snorkeling. You’ll be able to even stargaze at night time since there’s such low gentle air pollution within the space. To your comfort, there are cabins and a campground, concession stands and a restaurant, picnic pavilions, bathe stations and restrooms. Plus, leashed pets are permitted in sure areas of the park.
Whereas Bahia Honda could have as soon as been a hidden Keys gem, it is not a secret. Arrive early to keep away from park closures when it is at capability.
Fort Jefferson Seaside
It is distant, it is remoted and you may must take an extended experience by ferry or quick experience by seaplane to get right here, however the shores of Fort Jefferson Seaside in Dry Tortugas National Park are arguably one of the best within the Florida Keys.
Associated: The best US national parks you should visit at least once (or twice)
Simply 70 miles from Key West, the historic Nineteenth-century fort atop a distant island housed troopers all through the Civil Battle earlier than being designated a nationwide monument. Immediately, it sits empty, save for the few vacationers who go to every day to stroll its halls and snorkel its sandy shores, the place tropical fish and dwelling coral are simply seen within the shallow, clear waters.
Panama Metropolis Seaside
The factor to recollect when planning a Florida seaside trip is that there’s a lot of shoreline. So, once we say “Panama Metropolis Seaside,” you might consider a mile or two of sand on the state’s Emerald Coast — but it surely’s really 27 miles of sand alongside the Panhandle with almost 100 public entry factors.
Should you’re in search of solitude and sunshine, try the jap fringe of Panama Metropolis Seaside. Look to Shell Island, a 7-mile-long barrier island — it is solely accessible by boat, but it surely’s price the additional effort.
In order for you an undeveloped seaside with out the boat experience, try close by St. Andrews State Park, the place it’s also possible to ebook a campsite. Households (and anybody in search of a extra energetic vibe) desire Pier Park, which provides hundreds of sq. toes of purchasing proper alongside the seaside and quite a lot of oceanfront eating places.
Navarre Seaside
Should you’re in search of a laid-back refuge, think about a visit to “Florida’s most enjoyable place,” alongside the Emerald Coast, located on Santa Rosa Island simply west of Destin.
For watersports, there’s snorkeling and diving, or you’ll be able to discover the attractive environment on a hike or bike experience. Plus, the 1,500-foot fishing pier sits 30 toes above the water providing nice casting circumstances.
Go to native wildlife on the Gulf Breeze Zoo, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Navarre Seaside Sea Turtle Conservation Middle, then seize a chunk at one of many award-winning eateries identified for recent fare paired with gorgeous seaside views.
St. Pete Seaside
St. Pete Seaside has been a significant vacationer vacation spot for the reason that Don CeSar Lodge was first in-built 1928; the distinctive pink palace was designed as a homage to a Moorish-style property.
The seaside, alongside a barrier island simply west of St. Petersburg, is a draw as a result of it provides each undeveloped stretches of sand together with locations the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in water sports activities like kiteboarding, windsurfing, parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding.
The revitalized 26-acre St. Pete Pier overlooking Tampa Bay debuted in Could 2020. It is a spot to stroll, cycle, swim, store and extra. Eating places like Doc Ford’s Rum Bar, Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro and Driftwood Cafe line the pier.
Clearwater Seaside
With its comfortable, sugar-white seashores and shallow waters, Clearwater Beach is a high spot for households. One of many state’s widest seashores, it is excellent for all the pieces from kite flying to sandcastle constructing.
Wind down on the seaside’s iconic Pier 60, which has been internet hosting nightly sundown occasions full with reside music, entertainers and humanities and crafts distributors for many years.
The 1,080-foot fishing pier is the premier spot to attempt to catch the “inexperienced flash” because the solar takes its final dip into the Gulf. Go to in April for the annual Sugar Sand Pageant, when artists from world wide create jaw-dropping sculptures made fully of sand.
Siesta Key Seaside
It is broad sufficient to accommodate seaside volleyball video games, sandcastle constructing and its justifiable share of sunbathers. The sand is ok, fluffy and vibrant white, and the water is calm and clear. If that is not the recipe for an ideal Florida seaside, what’s?
It is no secret the 8-mile-long island referred to as Siesta Key’s among the many Sunshine State’s best. However few wander right down to the small stretch referred to as Crescent Seaside, the place you’ll be able to climb over a seawall to Level of Rocks, a set of boulders that give technique to serene tidal swimming pools. Go to on Sunday evenings for the weekly drum circle that gathers on the seaside.
Associated: From beach bonfires to VIP theme park tours: 7 ways to upgrade your Florida vacation
Blind Go Seaside
Whereas the present is usually too swift for swimming at Blind Go Seaside, positioned on the Lee Island Coast — on each the Sanibel and Captiva sides of Blind Go Bridge between the islands — that is the place for shelling. Should you’re on the hunt for the area’s elusive junonia, you can discover one right here, together with conch, whelk, murex, tulip, olive and coquina shells.
There are parking spots on either side of the bridge, however the restrooms and bathe are on the Captiva aspect. You will see locals fishing right here and most are prepared to supply tricks to guests casting a line, too.
Should you go within the morning, go early after which stroll throughout the road to take pleasure in some Key lime French toast on the Sundown Grill. Or, arrive as night falls to see one of the crucial spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
Associated: 11 things to do on Florida’s Sanibel and Captiva islands
Naples Municipal Seaside
There’s something particular concerning the Naples space. Vacationers go to to take pleasure in these white-sand seashores with emerald-green water lapping on the shore.
Should you’re in search of luxurious lodging, corresponding to The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples, or Inn at Pelican Bay, you may discover them right here. However if you happen to gravitate towards seaside cottages and bungalows, there are lots to select from right here as properly.
Naples is house to nature reserves, stylish purchasing thoroughfares and unbelievable eating places. Should you’re trying to spend a day trip within the sunshine, head to Naples Municipal Seaside and Fishing Pier. Should you’re fortunate, you may see dolphins swimming proper off the shoreline.
Marco Island
Upscale vacationers love this luxury island simply south of Naples. It is the one developed island alongside Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands and provides easy accessibility to the well-preserved pure habitat with direct entry to the Gulf of Mexico and neighboring estuaries.
A fishing city additionally identified for its high-end resorts, Marco Island provides a style of the great life with laid-back vibes. Bookmark strolls at Tigertail Seaside and South Marco Seaside alongside the best way.
For individuals who are touring on a price range, there are reasonably priced motels or motels, in addition to tenting supplied at Collier Seminole State Park. Go shelling, take pleasure in an abundance of recent seafood, peruse artwork and store for beachy trinkets galore.
Lovers Key State Park
A part of the appeal of this magnificence is that it is hidden away on a barrier island between Naples and Fort Myers. It is a haven for wildlife, together with bald eagles and bottlenose dolphins.
Hop in a kayak to discover the island’s canals and you may probably spot manatees, turtles and loads of shorebirds. Reality be instructed, Lovers Key’s extra usually near-empty than not, overshadowed by the glitzier choices within the close by seaside cities, but it surely’s hands-down one of the crucial romantic seashores consequently, greater than incomes its moniker.
Associated studying:
Trending Merchandise
