The Top 10 Best Beaches in Florida!

Siesta Key Beach isn't just another pretty face. This award-winning beach boasts the title of "The Finest Sand Beaches in the World" thanks to its quartz-based sand that's like walking on powdered sugar. It's so fine it actually squeaks beneath your feet!  Imagine sinking your toes into the softest sand imaginable, the kind that stays cool even on the hottest Florida days. Plus, calm, shallow waters make it perfect for families with little ones who can splash around safely.  But Siesta Key offers more than just a luxurious lounging experience. Kayak through lush mangrove forests teeming with wildlife, or rent a stand-up paddleboard or efoil (!) and test your balance on the calm, turquoise waters.  In the mood for a little retail therapy? Siesta Key Village is a charming collection of shops and restaurants, perfect for browsing for souvenirs or grabbing a refreshing post-beach bite.

• Closest big city: Sarasota (18 miles)
• Closest airport: Sarasota-Bradenton Airport (12 miles)
• Ocean: Gulf of Mexico
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE

Escape the bustling crowds of Key West and discover a hidden gem: Bahia Honda State Park. Imagine secluded beaches with flour-soft sand, calm turquoise waters that seem to stretch on forever, and a chance to spot nesting sea turtles on the beach at dawn. History buffs will love exploring the Spanish colonial fort ruins scattered throughout the park, remnants of a bygone era. Take a snorkeling trip to explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, or rent a kayak and paddle through the crystal-clear waters, keeping an eye out for playful dolphins. Feeling peckish after all that beach fun? Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it under the shade of palm trees, or grab a bite at the park's concession stand. Bahia Honda State Park truly offers a slice of paradise, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape from the usual tourist hotspots.

• Closest big city: Key West (7 miles)
• Closest airport: Key West Airport (7 miles)
• Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE

Calling all adventure seekers and beach purists! Caladesi Island State Park is a protected paradise accessible only by ferry or private boat, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland Florida.  Imagine stepping onto pristine beaches with untouched stretches of sugar-white sand, where seashells come in all shapes, sizes, and colors –  perfect for shelling enthusiasts who can build a collection of unique souvenirs.  Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins frolicking in the turquoise waters, and don't be surprised to spot nesting shorebirds along the coastline. Feeling adventurous? Hike the island's nature trails and explore the fascinating flora and fauna.  History buffs will be intrigued by the remnants of a fishing village that once thrived on the island, offering a glimpse into Caladesi's past.  Caladesi Island State Park is a true escape for those seeking a day of natural beauty, exploration, and relaxation.

• Closest big city: Dunedin (8 miles)
• Closest airport: Tampa International Airport (25 miles)
• Ocean: Gulf of Mexico
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE

Calling all space geeks and beach bums alike! Cocoa Beach is your launching pad to out-of-this-world fun.expand_more  Catch a rocket launch with fire illuminating the night sky (seriously, how cool is that?), explore the Kennedy Space Center and learn about the history of space exploration, or just relax on the beach and pretend you're an astronaut chilling on the moon (minus the whole no-air thing).  Cocoa Beach offers a unique blend of beach bliss and space-age wonder.  If you're looking for a beach vacation with a twist, as well as quite a few surf spots (by the pier namely) this is your spot.

• Closest big city: Cape Canaveral (7 miles)
• Closest airport: Orlando Melbourne Airport (27 miles)
• Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE

Shelling enthusiasts, rejoice! Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island is a haven for collecting unique and beautiful seashells. Imagine strolling along the shoreline, where countless shells in every color and shape imaginable lay scattered like a natural treasure trove.  Keep your eyes peeled for junonia shells, lightning whelks, and even the prized elusive coquina clam – the perfect souvenir to remember your beach adventure.  Bowman's Beach isn't just about shelling, though.  The calm, shallow waters are ideal for families with young children, and the gentle waves are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. After a day of beach fun, be sure to explore the charming shops and art galleries in Sanibel Island for a taste of the local island vibe.

• Closest big city: Fort Myers (20 miles) 
• Closest airport: Southwest Florida Airport (22 miles)
• Ocean: Gulf of Mexico
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE

Craving a sophisticated beach experience with a touch of small-town charm? Delray Beach delivers. Imagine wide, clean beaches with soft sand, perfect for lounging and soaking up the Florida sunshine.exclamation  The vibrant Atlantic Ocean beckons with its inviting waves, ideal for surfing, boogie boarding, or simply taking a refreshing dip.  Delray Beach offers more than just stunning scenery. Stroll along the scenic Atlantic Avenue, a bustling oceanfront strip lined with upscale shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Catch a live music performance at one of the many outdoor cafes, or pamper yourself with a luxurious spa treatment.exclamation  In the mood for a bit of culture?  The Norton Museum of Art offers an impressive collection of European and American art. Delray Beach is the perfect spot for those seeking a refined and vibrant beach getaway.

• Closest big city: Delray Beach (0 miles)exclamation
• Closest airport: Palm Beach International Airport (23 miles)
• Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE

Welcome to the beating heart of Miami's vibrant beach scene! South Beach is a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, perfect for people-watching and soaking up the energy. Imagine wide, sandy beaches lined with iconic Art Deco architecture (tours available), a backdrop for a scene straight out of a movie. Take a dip in the turquoise waters, work on your tan, or hit the waves for some exhilarating surfing (classes available). South Beach isn't just about lounging, though.  Ocean Drive throbs with life, a bustling promenade overflowing with trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, and vibrant nightclubs. Catch a glimpse of celebrities, or simply join the throngs and dance the night away under the Miami moonlight. South Beach is a full-sensory experience, ideal for those seeking a beach vacation with a side of excitement.

• Closest big city: Miami (0 miles)
• Closest airport: Miami International Airport (9 miles)
• Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE

Calling all families and fishing enthusiasts! Destin Beach is a haven for those seeking a fun-filled beach vacation. Imagine miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering emerald-green waters, perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and collecting seashells. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for families with young children, while the abundance of water sports rentals caters to the adventurous. Destin boasts the nickname "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" for a reason.  Take a deep-sea fishing charter and test your skills against marlin, tuna, or mahi-mahi. Explore the underwater world with a scuba diving or snorkeling trip, or go parasailing for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. In the evening, Destin comes alive with family-friendly entertainment options, from arcades and mini-golf courses to live music and firework displays. Destin Beach offers something for everyone, making it a perfect choice for an unforgettable Florida beach getaway.

• Closest big city: Destin (0 miles)
• Closest airport: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
• Ocean: Gulf of Mexico
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE

Untamed beauty and tranquility await at St. George Island State Park. Imagine miles of pristine white sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, with gentle waves lapping at the shore. This undeveloped barrier island offers a true escape from the crowds, perfect for those seeking a connection with nature. Explore the park's diverse ecosystems, including coastal dunes, maritime forests, and salt marshes, all teeming with wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for shorebirds, dolphins, and even the occasional manatee. St. George Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. In the evening, unwind by your campfire and gaze at a star-studded sky, a sight rarely seen in light-polluted areas. This hidden gem is ideal for those seeking a rustic and unforgettable beach experience.

• Closest big city: Apalachicola (27 miles)
• Closest airport: Tallahassee International (90 mi)
• Ocean: Gulf of Mexico
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE

Craving a lively beach scene with plenty of activities? Smathers Beach is your spot. This is Key West's largest beach (and prettiest in our opinion), known for its wide swaths of soft sand and calm, shallow waters.  Imagine families building sandcastles, couples enjoying a romantic stroll along the shore, and groups playing beach volleyball. Rent a jet ski for an adrenaline rush, or take a parasailing adventure for breathtaking panoramic views.  Thirsty after all that fun?  Grab a refreshing drink from one of the beachside concession stands or Margaritaville Beach House Key West.  In the evening, head to one of the nearby restaurants for a delicious seafood dinner with a stunning sunset view.

• Closest big city: Key West (2 miles)
• Closest airport: Key West International
• Our favorite hotels: SEE ACCOMMODATION HERE