Best Beaches in Florida for 2024

Popular among couples and families alike, this fun-filled barrier island sits off the coast of Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Siesta Beach features miles of white quartz sand, crystal-clear water and a lively atmosphere, with nearby dining, shopping and nighttime entertainment. The picturesque Crescent Beach, another Siesta Key standout, is ideal for travelers seeking relaxing walks on soft white sand. Meanwhile, Turtle Beach, known for its shelly sand, is a great spot for a quieter atmosphere, easy parking and beachcombing.

Though it's located less than 40 miles south of St. Petersburg, Anna Maria Island seems much more removed from other beach hubs. Locals and visitors alike appreciate Anna Maria Island's "Old Florida" feel, evident in its quaint lodgings, beachside eateries and well-preserved main street, Pine Avenue. Of course, this 7-mile barrier island also boasts the soft white sand that is intrinsic to Florida's central Gulf Coast. Amenity-filled Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach are popular with families, while the off-the-radar Bean Point Beach calls to couples with its gorgeous sunsets.

Nicknamed Florida's "Village by the Sea," Delray Beach appeals to travelers who want the friendly atmosphere of a small town and the entertainment options of a large city. The Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are top attractions, but nobody could blame you for heading straight for the beach. Located near several shops and eateries, Delray Municipal Beach is ideal for active pursuits like snorkeling and paddleboarding. Meanwhile, Atlantic Dunes Park offers a quieter beach experience in a tranquil natural setting. When you've had your fill of the beach, stroll down palm tree-lined Atlantic Avenue for art galleries, upscale shopping and vibrant nightlife.

Stretching along Highway 30A on Florida's northwest coast, Santa Rosa Beach is the place to go for sugar white sand, emerald water, top-notch dining and local art galleries and boutiques. Though this area is gaining popularity, Santa Rosa Beach has retained a quieter vibe than Panama City Beach or Destin. Favorite spots include Grayton Beach State Park and Blue Mountain Beach, where vacationers can swim, sunbathe, explore sand dunes, bodysurf and more. When hunger strikes, the food trucks in the neighboring town of Seaside make for a fun and easy meal option.

Whether you're window shopping along Worth Avenue, practicing your swing at one of the area's world-class golf courses or lounging on sparkling white sands, Palm Beach has something to offer every type of traveler. This glitzy resort town, located about 70 miles north of Miami, is filled to the brim with upscale restaurants, spectacular Gilded Age mansions and sophisticated art galleries. Head to the town's Municipal Beach to sunbathe and swim, or hit up Phipps Ocean Park for shelling and snorkeling.

Families flock to Destin for its white sand beaches, gorgeous Gulf waters and frequent sunshine. With plenty of exciting activities to occupy your time, this Florida mainstay has everything you need for a memorable beach vacation. Keep in mind that temperatures, visitor volume and room rates peak in summer. Travelers will find popular stretches of sand like June White Decker Park and Crystal Beach by the town's resorts and vacation rentals, but for a more laid-back atmosphere, sunbathe on Henderson Beach State Park's Appalachian quartz sands. Beachgoers may even spot dolphins, sea turtles and other critters during their visit.

Located about 20 miles south of Naples and accessible via two bridges, Marco Island entices visitors with its unique mix of high-end resorts and unspoiled habitats. Boating is a popular pastime here, and seafood lovers will find mouthwatering meals available at many local eateries. Of course, Marco Island's spotless beaches are some of the best on the Gulf Coast. Tigertail Beach Park attracts vacationers looking to observe wildlife, search for seashells or rent kayaks, while South Marco Beach – populated with resorts and condos – offers plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming.

Head to Fort Walton Beach on Florida's Panhandle for its laid-back beaches, deep-sea fishing, golf and attractions fit for everyone in the family, from aquariums to parks. Stretches of sand worth exploring include the beaches of Okaloosa Island, which feature a fishing pier, a boardwalk and stunning sunsets. For a less crowded beach day, John Beasley Park, located on the east side of Okaloosa Island, offers clean white sand backed by grassy dunes, restrooms and designated picnic areas.

Located about 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee, St. George Island is a beloved retreat for relaxation seekers. With zero high-rise buildings and pristine white sand, this beach town is one of the few inhabited barrier islands found off of Florida's Gulf Coast that remains relatively untouched. Head to Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park to swim, kayak, fish and camp – and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like dolphins, turtles and pelicans. Or, spend time at St. George Island Public Beach, a dog-friendly option with restrooms, a playground and picnic facilities.

Clearwater Beach's gentle water and white sand attract relaxation seekers in droves. Following a few hours of swimming or lounging, beachgoers can play volleyball or go rollerblading or biking on the adjacent Beach Walk promenade. For more kid-friendly fun, Clearwater Beach also offers the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which focuses on marine life rescue and rehabilitation. Then, visitors can make their way to Pier 60 to watch a breathtaking sunset and participate in evening craft fairs and entertainment. Because the 1,080-foot pier is adorned with various lights, anglers often come here at night to fish.

If you're in search of a relaxing beach destination with old-world charm, consider Amelia Island. Situated about 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Amelia Island features 13 miles of beaches, including Amelia Island State Park (where you can bike, fish or look for wildlife) and Main Beach Park (with a playground, an outdoor skate park, picnic tables, volleyball courts and more). Don't forget to book a horseback riding tour for a fun way to explore the area. When you need a break from the beach, play a round of golf on one of the island's championship courses or enjoy a stroll beneath its live oak trees.

After sustaining devastating damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, Sanibel Island has reopened many of its main beaches, renowned for their relaxing vibe and natural beauty. The island, which is connected to Fort Myers via a 3-mile causeway, has resiliently restored serene spots like the sprawling Bowman's Beach (which features a playground, picnic area and prime shelling opportunities) and Lighthouse Beach Park (beloved for its iconic lighthouse that withstood the storm). Though the island lost many of its hotels, stores and restaurants during the hurricane, several local businesses and a handful of hotels are now welcoming visitors as the island continues to recover.

Located in the upper Florida Keys, Key Largo is best known as one of the world's top dive destinations, with stunning reefs, shipwrecks and underwater statues. However, travelers don't need to strap on a scuba tank to enjoy this island paradise. Vacationers can head to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to lounge on the sands of Cannon Beach, named after its 17th-century cannons, or the palm-lined Far Beach, known for its shallow waters and serene setting. For more elbow room, consider a stay at a top-rated resort with a private beach.

The Sunshine City offers the best of both worlds. Visitors will find miles of relaxing shorelines and an urban cityscape – perfect for those looking to escape to the beach without feeling disconnected. Plus, the city holds the world record for having the most consecutive days of sunshine, making it an ideal place to lounge on picturesque white sands. Active travelers also won't want to miss St. Pete Beach's shores: The area's Pass-a-Grille Beach is an easygoing spot for activities like paddleboarding and deep-sea fishing. There's also Shell Key Preserve (accessible by ferry), which offers few amenities but ample opportunities to spot shorebirds while sunbathing.

Travelers journeying from mainland Florida through the Florida Keys will find Islamorada after Key Largo but before Marathon. Made up of six islands, this tranquil paradise is best known for its top-notch sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing conditions. Since there aren't many public beaches in Islamorada, beachgoers should consider an oceanfront resort with beach access for a guaranteed spot on the sand. Meanwhile, adventurers can take a boat trip or kayak to the Islamorada sandbar, about a mile offshore, to snorkel, swim and relax in the shallow water.