Fun and Sun in Florida: Top 10 Beach Options
If you are looking for a vacation with lots of sun, sea and sand, Florida is the perfect destination. With more than 1,100 miles of beaches along its sultry shorelines, Florida has something for everyone. But which are the best beaches in Florida, and what can you expect to find there?
Here are ten best beach picks:
1. Panama City Beach, also known as PCB, is consistently ranked among the best beaches in Florida, with brilliant white quartz sand that’s beautiful to look at and soft enough for kids to play on. At over 25 miles long, it borders the Gulf of Mexico, ensuring warm, clear waters for swimming.
2. Daytona Beach, as seen on MTV, has hard-packed sand, which is great for sports and dancing. A former racing venue, much of it is still accessible to cars. Daytona Beach is a popular spot for bodysurfing and is a great place to swim. Its gently sloping shoreline means you’re less likely to find yourself unexpectedly out of your depth.
3. The St Joseph Peninsula offers a beautiful white sand beach with all the benefits of a national park. Its high dunes offer beautiful views of St Joseph’s Bay. This is a popular spot for fans of canoeing and kayaking, and fishing is available just offshore. St Joseph is often ranked in the top 10 beaches in Florida for those who enjoy an active vacation.
4. Cocoa Beach is located just minutes from the Kennedy Space Center, so if you time your trip right, you can stretch out on the soft sand and watch a shuttle take off. Cocoa Beach is a great surf spot and there is always a party atmosphere around the pier.
5. South Beach is popular with international celebrities and those looking for a luxury vacation where they can be seen by the right people. South Beach’s bars and restaurants are priced to match, but this is a great place to hang out if you like to look classy.
6. Clearwater Beach is always buzzing with activity. With arts and cultural activities to enjoy, it also offers free evening concerts at Pier 60. And the kids will enjoy visiting the nearby aquarium. Kids often declare this one of the best beaches in Florida.
7. Fort Walton Beach is a great place to relax, especially for families, with plenty of space for kids to play and lifeguards to look after them. Dolphins play in the bay just offshore and you can take a boat ride if you want to go meet them.
8. Captiva Beach, on Captiva Island, is a popular destination for both young couples and older tourists. Its miles of sparkling sand are intertwined with exotic shells. Captiva Beach is located near the Bahía Honda Channel, with its impressive reefs, which makes it an excellent place to practice snorkeling.
9. Fort Lauderdale offers 23 miles of stunning beaches between its capricious waterways and the open ocean. Here you can watch the manatees play or just wade into the water to explore the reef. Often listed in the top 10 beaches in Florida, its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to charm visitors of all backgrounds.
10. Sanibel Island Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Florida, and also one of the best kept secrets in the state. Although it is a popular wedding venue, it is still largely undiscovered, and its tranquil environment attracts wildlife such as sea turtles. It is a great place to find shells and is popular with windsurfers.