15 of Florida's top beaches

Palm leaves sway softly as glimmering blue waves caress the shore, sending sandpipers darting across the warm, white sand. Raising your sunglasses, you squint against the bright sun to spot gulls and pelicans diving for their afternoon meals.

Welcome to Florida, where however you choose to enjoy the sunshine, you'll find the perfect beach among its nearly 200 stunning options. Run through crashing waves, search for treasures washed ashore, start your day with sunrise yoga, watch sea turtles nest in the sand, or grab a board to ride some impressive swells. It’s all here for you.

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

Top hidden beach

Take a ferry (or seaplane) from Key West and bask in the sun as you glide over 70 miles of shimmering, emerald waters to the tranquil haven of Dry Tortugas National Park. Upon arrival, explore Fort Jefferson, rich in military history, or head directly to its pristine, white-sand beaches. Snorkel in the clear waters to discover the vibrant coral reef, or simply relax with a great book and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Travel tip: Keep the weather in mind when booking your trip. If possible, steer clear of hurricane season (October to January). The ideal visiting months are from November to April.

2. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Top serene beach

Another tranquil getaway, the little-known Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, is tucked away at the northern tip of Jupiter Island, just beyond Hobe Sound Beach (which can be filled with noisy kids and teens). Escape the chaos and enjoy a lovely two-mile walk along its unspoiled sandy coastline.

Side note: Many celebrities reside on Jupiter Island; it’s always enjoyable to walk or bike along Beach Road to admire stunning mansions—many are not gated and easy to view. Tiger Woods is a current resident, and past inhabitants include Celine Dion, Alan Jackson, and Burt Reynolds.

Travel tip: Leashed dogs are permitted only on the trails surrounding the Visitor Center and not in other areas of the park. If you're considering bringing your pet, be cautious of poisonous snakes. Don’t forget to pack dog waste bags.

3. Melbourne Beach

Top beach for observing sea turtles

Enjoy a romantic walk along Melbourne Beach during nesting season (May to October), as the moonlit sky illuminates the determined sea turtles slowly making their way to the upper part of this expansive beach to lay their eggs. About 50 to 60 days later, the hatchlings will make their way back to the sandy shore.

Local advice: Leave your flashlights behind and keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the turtles.

4. Treasure Shores Park

Top beach for treasure hunting

The Treasure Coast lives up to its name. Valuable items continue to wash up from numerous shipwrecks in the area. Any beach along Hutchinson Island is perfect for finding tidal treasures, but my favorite spot is Treasure Shores Park near Sebastian. Just off the coast lies a treasure-filled Spanish galleon that sank during a hurricane in 1715.

Side trip: Check out the nearby McLarty Treasure Museum to see impressive artifacts recovered from the ocean's depths. Meanwhile, Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum in Sebastian showcases a trove of treasures collected by this family of expert shipwreck salvagers. You can even rent metal detectors from the gift shop (which also sells real treasures!) and hunt for your own valuables.

5. Sanibel Island

Top beach for shelling

Revered as 'the shelling capital of the world,' the beaches of Sanibel Island (including Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach) are a treasure trove of nearly 400 shell species. Embrace the 'Sanibel Stoop' as you search for lightning whelks, prickly cockles, and jingle shells.

Local advice: If you're new to shelling, consider booking a guided tour with Captain Brian Holaway, a certified naturalist who will help you distinguish between conchs and whelks in no time.

6. Haulover Beach

Top mainstream clothing-optional beach

Ready to let the warm ocean breezes kiss your skin and say goodbye to those pesky tan lines? While most naturist beaches are purposely hidden away, Haulover Beach, nestled between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, embraces nudity openly. It’s like a typical beach—just without the clothes. Regardless of age or body type, you can confidently show off at this welcoming, family-friendly beach (with patrolling ambassadors ensuring that the atmosphere stays 'clean').

Travel tip: Parking at Haulover Beach costs $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends and holidays.

7. Playalinda Beach

Top discreet nudist beach

For those seeking a bit more privacy, the remote white sands of Playalinda Beach within Canaveral National Seashore offer a more reserved experience. While nudity is officially prohibited in Brevard County, the secluded area north of parking lot #13 functions as a de facto nude beach, marked by official signage.

Local advice: Bring everything you'll need, including plenty of water and sunscreen, as the facilities here are limited to portable toilets in the parking lots. Passes to Canaveral National Seashore are priced at $25 for a week or $45 for a seasonal pass.

8. Lake Worth Beach

Top family beach

Once a favored hangout for free-spirited hippies, Lake Worth Beach still dances to a Bohemian rhythm. Nowadays, its beautiful white sands lean more towards family-friendly fun than partying. With shops, eateries, and ice cream stands nearby, kids are sure to stay satisfied—and you'll find plenty of restrooms and showers available. Whether fishing off the impressive pier, building sandcastles, or riding the waves on a boogie board, there's endless enjoyment for families.

Travel tip: Save the date for the annual Street Painting Festival in February, which draws over 600 artists.

9. Frederick Douglass Park

Top beach for horseback riding

Whether you're a hopeless romantic or dreaming of epic moments from Game of Thrones, many have imagined galloping along the shore with waves crashing and the wind in their hair. For that experience, head to Frederick Douglass Park in Fort Pierce, the only beach in South Florida where horses can trot on the sand. Enjoy a guided 1.5-mile trail ride that welcomes beginners and leads you along picturesque, secluded coastlines, where you'll encounter a variety of marine life.

10. Hollywood Beach

Ultimate party beach

While South Beach may steal the spotlight, I propose Hollywood Beach as the true party hub of Florida. Take a stroll or bike along the bustling beachfront Broadwalk, and you'll quickly catch the vibrant party atmosphere. The area is dotted with tiki bars, outdoor eateries, souvenir shops, and ice cream stands, while skateboarders weave through the crowd, and street performers showcase their talents. Mornings are serene, but by afternoon, surfers take over, and the energy surges at night with lively concerts at the Bandshell, an open-air music venue. This is the essence of Florida beach culture.

Insider tip: Always wanted to try surfing? Now's your chance! Margaritaville Beach Resort features the FlowRider, a safe wave simulator perfect for beginners.

11. Jupiter Dog Beach

Top dog-friendly beach

At Jupiter Dog Beach, dog enthusiasts find themselves in excellent company, as both owners and their furry friends exude friendliness. Dogs can roam leash-free along two-and-a-half miles of sandy shoreline, with crystal-clear waters splashing around their paws. The beach is well-maintained, featuring free parking, complimentary poop bags, ample trash bins, and washing stations.

Planning tip: Dogs are susceptible to sunburn as well! Apply sunblock to their nose and ears at least 30 minutes before heading to the beach. Also, be mindful that hot sand and asphalt can burn their paws.

12. Butler Beach

Top historic beach

Located just 8 miles south of St. Augustine on Anastasia Island, Butler Beach boasts a vast stretch of coastline perfect for swimming and sunbathing, along with picturesque views and picnic spots. This historic beach is named after Frank B. Butler, a local African-American entrepreneur. It sheds light on the intricate history of Florida’s Historic Coast. When Butler began his real estate ventures, the beaches were segregated. Some local residents opposed Butler Beach's success, attempting to restrict Black individuals from other beaches. Notably, in 1953, a Black nursemaid faced backlash for walking on St. Augustine Beach while caring for white children. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Butler Beach during the Civil Rights movement, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ultimately opened beach access to everyone.

Planning tip: Explore the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center to delve into African-American history in Florida and understand the area's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Admission is priced at $10 for adults and $5 for college students and children under 18.

13. Cape San Blas

Top beach for stargazing

Experience the shimmering sands by day and the brilliant night sky at Cape San Blas. With minimal light pollution, this tranquil beach offers an incredible stargazing experience. Surrounded by tall sand dunes and emerald waters, it is a peaceful retreat on Florida’s northwest coast.

Detour: Known for its wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and scalloping, nearby St. George Island and T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park provide ample daytime activities.

14. Honeymoon Island

Top beach for a romantic getaway

For a tranquil retreat away from the hustle of nearby Tampa and Clearwater, Honeymoon Island is the perfect destination. Reach this barrier island via the Dunedin Causeway and enjoy a day of picnicking on its sugar-white sands, hiking the Osprey Trail, and observing local wildlife. Take a ferry to the nearby Caladesi Island State Park, a pristine escape where you can kayak through mangrove forests, swim in crystal-clear waters, and appreciate the natural beauty of this charming locale.

Detour: Explore Dunedin at your leisure. The Main Street area boasts delightful shops, cafés, breweries, and restaurants. From June through November on weekends, check out the Dunedin Downtown Market for fresh produce, jams, honey, handmade crafts, and unique artworks.

15. Caspersen Beach

Top beach for finding shark teeth

Known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” the rugged shoreline of Caspersen Beach offers a striking contrast to the typical sugar-white sands of the Gulf. Located just south of Venice, this coastal treasure is ideal for beachcombers seeking nautical finds, including shark teeth, sand dollars, conch shells, and fossils. The expansive beach features pristine turquoise waters, a well-kept boardwalk, ample free parking, and public restrooms.

Local tip: The prime time to collect shark teeth and intact shells is during low tide. Explore the rocks and tide pools for hidden treasures. Consider bringing water shoes to safeguard your feet from the rocky terrain and hot sand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most beautiful beach in Florida?

With nearly 200 public beaches across Florida, the competition for the title of the state’s most beautiful beach is fierce. From Destin to Miami Beach to Siesta Key, each location boasts its own unique charm, whether through natural beauty or striking architecture. For Instagram-worthy scenes, check out Alys Beach, a hidden gem in the Panhandle featuring shimmering blue waters alongside pristine white sands. The beach's brilliant white buildings evoke a Mediterranean atmosphere, offering breathtaking views all around.

Which Florida beaches boast the clearest waters?

The sparkling white quartz sand, consistent Gulf currents, and unique underwater landscape create remarkably clear waters along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Beaches in the Panhandle, from Pensacola and Destin to Panama City, as well as those stretching from Clearwater to Cape Coral, benefit from this perfect blend of natural features. The quartz crystals reflect sunlight, while the underwater sandbars and ongoing currents help filter out sediments and impurities. For the clearest waters, visit during calm and sunny weather.

What is the top white sand beach in Florida?

Florida beaches offer a vibrant palette of colors, ranging from gold and black to the sought-after powdery white sands. The stunning white shores found along the Gulf Coast are primarily composed of quartz-rich sediment that has been finely eroded. Under the sun, this quartz creates a dazzling contrast with the emerald waters, enhancing the beach experience.

Driving along Florida’s 30A reveals miles of stunning white coastline, but the beaches near Destin are beloved for their sparkling sand, crystal-clear waters, and abundant activities and amenities. Further down the coast, Clearwater Beach and the St. Petersburg area are famous for their soft, glittering sands, family-friendly attractions, and classic beach vibes.

Which side of Florida has the better beaches?

It all depends on your preferences! East coast beaches are often more suited for active beachgoers, with wind-driven waves perfect for surfing and hard-packed sands ideal for jogging or beach volleyball. The Atlantic coast's waters remain warm year-round, making these beaches popular year-round destinations.

If you're looking for white sands and a more relaxed atmosphere, you might favor the beaches on the west side of the state. Gulf Coast beaches are typically calm and shallow, making them perfect for families. This region is celebrated for its white sands, clear waters, fantastic shelling, and opportunities to build impressive sandcastles.

Are there any beaches in Florida that welcome dogs?

Absolutely! Jupiter Dog Beach is the prime spot for off-leash fun, but many top beaches in Florida have designated areas for your furry friends. A standout on the Gulf Coast is Dog Beach near Pier Park in Panama City Beach. It may be small, but it’s beautiful and well-maintained, with plenty of nearby dog-friendly shops and restaurants. Many of Florida’s state parks are also welcoming to pets; just check out Florida State Parks for locations where you can bring Fido.

Which Florida beaches are best for sunsets?

For stunning sunset views, make your way to Florida's west coast. Beaches between Clearwater and St. Petersburg, like Indian Shores and Treasure Island, boast breathtaking sunset panoramas. The Florida Keys beaches also offer unique settings to enjoy the sunset, whether you're soaking in the serene beauty at Bahia Honda State Park or participating in the lively Sunset Celebration at Key West’s Mallory Square. You really can’t go wrong catching sunsets in the Keys, and a sunset cruise enhances the experience even more.

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