The ‘Florida Man’ is infamous. But Florida beaches are some of the best and most famous beaches America has to offer. Florida beaches rank as a top tourist destination, and annually generate more than $640 billion for the U.S. economy. Its mix of a warm climate with plenty of sun and sand is why Florida competes with California for the most visited destination for domestic travel.
At least 189 ‘official’ beaches dot the 360 mile long Florida coastline.Whether you’re looking for a wildlife refuge to get closer to nature or a tourist heavy spot for fun and adventure, you’ll find it amongst this list of Florida’s best and most unique beaches.
1. South beach
South Beach needs no introduction. But it’s impossible not include SoFlo’s most famous beach on a list like this. The bustling party scene and hip crowd keep visitors returning to South Beach. If you’re there, be aware that Lummus Park offers the most Instagram-worthy views of pure sand, an endless aqua sea, palm trees for miles, and everything else you would imagine as a vacation paradise.
On weekends, you can explore the beachfront market stands selling all kinds of crafts. Also, the entire area is as posh as people-watching gets; you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or a movie set.
Tip: For LGBTQ+ visitors, 12th Street and Ocean Drive are the official gay neighborhoods of Miami.
2. Haulover Nude Beach
This one is for the nudists. Haulover Nude Beach is consistently listed as one of the best clothing-optional beaches in the world. The clothing-optional area is only a tiny part of the 177-acre urban park, but stretches for 0.4 miles and invites visitors from all over to be themselves in the purest of forms. Are you not quite as freeing as others? You can still participate without taking your bathing suit off, and the waters are ideal for swimming and surfing.
Tip: Don’t get naked on the wrong side! The nude beach is situated between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Just be sure to mind the signs.
3. Crandon park
Most people appreciate the fun and magic of beaches, but every beach is not for everybody. This can be especially true if you have children. So for family friendly, Crandon Park is definitely somewhere you want to play. It’s located 10 minutes from downtown Miami and its 808 acres offer plenty of room for visitors to spread out. The park offers picnic areas, cabanas for rent, barbecues, volleyball courts, and a small nature center. But what parents will certainly appreciate about Crandon Park is that there is a nearby restroom to almost any beach spot you decide to claim. No need to secretly convincing your kids to pee in water!
Tip: You can use a mobile app to rent chairs and umbrellas, significantly reducing cargo for large groups or families.
4. Smathers beach
Most Key West beaches don’t even have sand, but Smathers Beach is the exception. Thanks to local authorities who invested a significant amount in importing its half-mile stretch of soft sand. As the largest beach in Key West, Spring Breakers have designated Smathers as their go-to destination. At this beach the waves are calm, making them ideal for swimmers. However, the sand is often packed with action and a youthful crowd.
Tip: Take a jet ski out for a ride.
5. Tigertail beach
Tigertail Beach is a “newer” development, because fifteen years ago it was an off-shore sandbar. So it might not be surprising that upon arrival you must cross a saltwater lagoon to get to reach the beachside. But it’s well worth experiencing three miles of shell-encrusted shores, the chance to catch dolphins swimming in the distance, and it also offers bird wildlife that has made Tigertail a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. In the age of social media, hidden gems have vanished, but the obstacle to reaching Tigertail makes it feel like one.
Tip: Seashell collectors will love this beach and its variety of pickings,with over 100 variations!
6. Siesta Key beach
The scene at Siesta Key Beach is a picture-perfect backdrop. It was ranked the #1 Beach in the U.S. in 2020 by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards. Once you step foot on the powdery quartz-crystal sand while the sun kisses your skin, you’ll quickly understand the magic of Siesta Key. During sunsets, few views can compete with the contrast of warm colors against some of the whitest, finest sand you will ever see.
Tip: If you don’t want to spend all day lounging on the beach, there’s a free trolley to ride around the island.
7. Fort Lauderdale Beach
What makes Fort Lauderdale Beach phenomenal is its so accessible. Goodbye traffic, hello, more time getting your tan on. Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of Florida’s Blue Wave Beaches. The label recognizes cleanliness and swimmable waters. It’s as pristine as Miami Beach without the perpetual Spring Breaker party scene, though that’s not to say you won’t find a good time here.
Fort Lauderdale’s community is incredibly diverse, which explains their official slogan, “Everybody under the sun.” In 2021, the city invested $29.5 million back to renovate the 6-mile-long beach, replacing about 388,000 cubic yards of sand along the county shoreline that had been lost to Hurricane Irma and erosion. The surrounding area is being revamped for a new era of hospitality, as proven by six new hotels that opened in 2020, 10 new hotels in 2021, and another seven anticipated openings throughout 2022.
Tip: You might not know this area is the “Venice of America,” so be sure to experience Fort Lauderdale’s gondola rides.
8. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is best known for its 1,080-foot Pier 60, making it an extraordinary place to watch the sunset, over the Gulf of Mexico. There’s also a pedestrian-friendly beach walk in addition to the white sand and turquoise waters. There’s a reason this places was named Clearwater! If you’re looking for entertainment, you won’t be disappointed by the sand volleyball courts, snorkeling, jet skiing, and parasailing. Parents with kids appreciate the playground and the inflatable slides.
Tip: There’s a nearby fishing shop if you want to try fishing from the pier.
9. Palm beach
This is one of Florida’s beaches where the privilege is palpable in the surrounding mansions and five-star hotels. If you’re looking for tranquility with an impressive ocean view, this highly sought-after area offers various gardens, art exhibits, and walking trails accessible directly from the beach.
Tip: There are only two marked graves on the island, the tombstones of Johnnie Brown (monkey) and Laddie (dog), discreetly placed amid the sophistication of Pizza Al Fresco.
10. Delray Municipal beach
At the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and A1A, Delray Municipal Beach offers you a place to see and be seen. But, if crowds make you anxious, steer clear of this beach on the weekends, especially at the southern end where it tends to get the most lively. On the other hand, if you’re a morning person, this is a beach you want to get up early to capture its charm without the midday traffic. Surprising fact, it’s been rated one of the best beaches in the U.S. to build sandcastles.
Tip: Remember, dogs are not allowed.
11. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach’s proximity of within an hour from all of the theme parks in Orlando allows you to have the best of both worlds. The world-famous Cocoa Beach Pier draws over a million annual visitors, so it’s already an attraction of its own. This is also a prime Airbnb location, with many houses available to rent at just a stone’s throw from the ocean. During the spring and summer seasons, the Cocoa Beach area ranks as one of the best fishing destinations.
Tip: Cocoa Beach is the surfing capital of Florida, so there’s no better time to give the sport a try.
12. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Home to plenty of rare or endangered native tropical and coastal plant species, nature lovers need not look further than John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Soaring above you may see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers, and gulls. However, don’t let the innate beauty of the beach fool you. visitors must beware of warning flag signs indicating the strength of the ocean and, when it’s not safe to swim. The park covers 438 acres on land and underwater. There are even picturesque nature trails if you’re in the mood for a green stroll.
Tip: The park has three beach wheelchairs available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
13. The Nature Conservancy Blowing Rocks Preserve
Another one of Florida beaches for the nature lover. The Nature Conservancy impeccably restored 73 acres of native vegetation on a barrier island in Jupiter, Florida. The result is a sanctuary for endangered wildlife and a respite for visitors looking to experience a beach environment like never before. Blowing Rocks Preserve embodies the bridge between preserving native coastal habitation and modern innovation. The Preserve contains the largest Anastasia limestone, maritime hammocks, mangrove wetlands, and beach dunes. During its highest tide, the seas “break against the rocks and force plumes of saltwater up to 50 feet skyward”, hence its name of Blowing Rocks.
Tip: Donate to the Nature Conservancy so they can continue maintaining and empowering nature.
14. Henderson Beach State park
The best of Florida beaches aren’t all in South Florida. Located near Destin, in the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, Henderson Beach State Park won’t disappoint even the pickiest beachgoers. Snow-white dunes up to 30 feet in height anchor its shoreline, and sunlight sparkles against its warm, emerald waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are 60 campsites connected to the beach via the boardwalk. What better way to appreciate the organic enchantment of nature than to live in it? If only for a night or two.
Tip: There is a $6 entrance fee per vehicle.
Which Florida Beaches Are for You?
Florida beaches have something to offer virtually any traveler. In fact, there are so many of various types that you can mix things up during a visit to the Sunshine State. Do you have any favorites not in this list? let us know in the comments!
