10 Best Beaches in Florida

Fort Zachary is found where the Atlantic meets the Gulf of Mexico, a protected park in Key West offering an activity-filled day out with clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling, as well as nature trails to explore. Snorkeling gear is available for rent in the park, with reams of tropical marine life to see just a short swim offshore.

Stop by Fort Zachary for a guided tour to learn about its role in the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Take a lunch break at Cayo Hueso Cafe or use the park's public picnic tables and grills to prepare your own meal. Those who linger on into the evening are rewarded with spectacular sunsets.

Sanibel Island, a barrier reef island near Fort Myers, is a seashell paradise, with millions of shells washing up on its shores every year. Shellers love to come here to search for beautiful specimens like conches or sand dollars to add to their collection, especially from January through March.

Blind Pass Beach has lovely soft white sands with some of the best shelling grounds, while those looking for a more secluded escape could head to Bowman's Beach. Sanibel and Captiva island are reached via a 3 mile long causeway with a toll for cars. Measuring about 12 by 3 miles long in size, Sanibel is ideal for exploring by bicycle.

Make your way to South Beach, if you're in search of a lively Florida beach with some glitz and glam. Many people flock to “SoBe” to see and be seen, but there's also a ton of stuff to do including yachting, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and kite surfing.

Wander off the beach to explore the vibrant Art Deco district or stop by the museums, art galleries and shops lining the streets. Enjoy a cocktail at an Ocean Drive bar before whirling off to party in the clubs late into the night. Nearby 12th Street Beach is an LBGT haven, while clothing-optional Haulover Beach is great for working on your full-body suntan.

With Grayton Beach's powder-soft sands and 2,000 acres of wilderness, this Emerald Coast state park is a breathtakingly beautiful place to explore. Spend the day trail hiking or paddling a canoe on the dune lake. Birds and wildlife thrive here, including green sea turtles that can sometimes be seen digging nests in the sand.

Scuba divers will not want to miss the Underwater Museum of Art – an amazing sight that blends nature with human creativity. Sculptural works from artists around the world are installed in an underwater garden just offshore, attracting marine life and eventually transforming into a living reef.

Running barefoot on Siesta Beach is a joy, with its incredibly fine sands of 99% pure quartz and gentle surf rolling in from the Gulf of Mexico. Set on Siesta Key near Sarasota, it’s a fun beach for spending a day with your kids swimming, relaxing in the sun, and sandcastle building.

Siesta Key Village and its boutique shops, restaurants and bars is just a short walk away, while every Sunday evening the beach comes to life with the sounds and carefree spirit of the Siesta Key Drum Circle. All are welcome to come to watch and dance on the sand.

Pensacola Beach extends along the coast of the narrow barrier island of Santa Rosa, offering a mix of lively, hotel-lined sections and tranquil stretches of sand away from the crowds. The 450-meter-long Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier offers a great vantage point for spotting dolphins and manatees. The pier is also perfectly located for watching the sun go down in a fiery blaze over the Gulf.

Find a variety of open-air bars, restaurants and shops along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, or for a more secluded day at the beach, head to the Gulf Islands National Seashore and enjoy a peaceful stroll along its sugar-white sands.

Fort Lauderdale used to be a party destination for college kids on spring break, but it has transformed into a place that’s more about chic shopping than beer chugging. The spectacular string of white-sand beaches lining greater Fort Lauderdale’s coast extends for nearly 24 miles.

Fort Lauderdale’s main beach is a thriving place with boutique shops, dining spots and a beachfront promenade to stroll while you take in the lively human spectacle. Find quieter stretches of sand at Dania Beach or Hillsboro Beach, where there's a lighthouse and yacht-studded inlet. And there’s a fascinating underwater world for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore with 60 miles of coral reef just offshore.

Caladesi Island is a paradise of pristine beaches and mangrove forests off the coast of Clearwater, about 24 miles west of Tampa Bay. Hike the nature trails to search for birds and majestic trees like cabbage palms, towering slash pine trees and live oaks. Paddle a kayak through the mangroves or simply relax on the soft white sands.

To get to the island, catch the 20-minute car ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park, or for a more strenuous journey, rent a kayak along Dunedin Causeway and paddle in. With a marina on the island, Caladesi’s also a fine spot for a boat cruise.

Amelia Island boasts 12 miles of soft-sand beaches, making it an exquisite destination for your whole family and those seeking a beach escape sprinkled with history and culture. Found just off the northeast Florida coast, it's the perfect place for you early risers to catch inspiring sunrise views over the Atlantic before wandering the sands in search of seashells and fossilized shark teeth.

Enjoy a horseback riding session, rent a kayak to explore the clear coastal waters, or ride a bike down trails shaded by ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss. Off the beach, you'll find museums, spas, a diverse dining scene, and town streets lined with historic Southern Victorian homes.

Pass-A-Grille is located on the southernmost end of St. Pete's Beach, the perfect place to enjoy an easy, breezy day in the Florida sun. Stroll the flour-soft sands, paddle a SUP board, or see colorful boats at the Merry Pier.

Days at Pass-A-Grille Beach wind down with a romantic flourish, with vivid sunsets lighting up the sea and sky. Discover the area’s Old Florida history and charm while wandering through the town streets including historic 8th Avenue.