The top beaches in Florida for your next vacation. From white sands to crystal-clear waters, explore the Most Popular beach destinations in Miami, Destin, Key West, Clearwater, and more.
- Clearwater Beach – Clearwater
Clearwater Beach is a Gulf of Mexico white sand beach that is situated in Clearwater, Florida. It’s renowned for its soft sugar-white sand, tranquil blue waters, and breathtaking sunsets and is among the highest ranked beaches in America. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and family activities.
Location:
City: Clearwater
County: Pinellas County
Region: Gulf Coast, Central-West Florida
- Siesta Key Beach – Sarasota
Siesta Key Beach is an internationally acclaimed beach on Siesta Key, an 8-mile-long barrier island off Sarasota, Florida. It’s renowned for its soft white quartz sand, which remains cool to the touch and is frequently rated the #1 beach in America for its allure, spotlessness, and family-friendly environment.
Location:
Island: Siesta Key
City Nearby: Sarasota, FL
County: Sarasota County
- South Beach – Miami Beach
South Beach (SoBe) is Miami Beach’s southernmost part, renowned for its brilliant Art Deco architecture, white sand beach, turquoise sea, and glamorous lifestyle. It’s a world center for nightlife, fashion, entertainment, and beach culture — also called the “American Riviera.”
Location:
City: Miami Beach
Area: Southern end of Miami Beach (1st Street to 23rd Street)
County: Miami-Dade County
- Pensacola Beach – Pensacola
Pensacola Beach lies on Santa Rosa Island, a Florida Panhandle barrier island, linked to the mainland city of Pensacola. It’s famous for its gleaming white quartz sand, emerald-colored Gulf waters, and relaxed family-friendly atmosphere. The beach blends natural appeal with lively beach-town charm.
Location:
Beach Area: Santa Rosa Island
Nearest City: Pensacola, Florida
County: Escambia County
- Fort Lauderdale Beach – Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Beach is a lively and tidy beach strip along Florida’s southeastern seaboard, famous for its broad golden sands, teal Atlantic ocean, upscale resorts, and signature palm-lined promenade. Nicknamed the “Venice of America” for its sprawling system of canals, Fort Lauderdale Beach combines relaxation, upscale living, and vibrant nightlife.
Location:
City: Fort Lauderdale
County: Broward County
Region: Southeast Florida (Atlantic Coast)
- Destin Beach – Destin (Emerald Coast)
Destin Beach is situated on the Emerald Coast of the Panhandle of Florida, famous for its pristine white quartz sand, emerald-green Gulf waters, and vacation-friendly environment. Destin is also referred to as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, and it’s one of the most favorite vacation spots for relaxation as well as outdoor activities.
Location:
City: Destin
County: Okaloosa County
Region: Florida Panhandle (Northwest Florida)
- Panama City Beach – Panama City
Panama City Beach (PCB) is 27 miles of sugar-white sand and emerald-green Gulf waters on the Florida Panhandle. Famous for family-friendly activities, spring break vibe, and breathtaking beaches, it provides a combination of natural beauty, water sports, and vibrant entertainment.
Location:
City: Panama City Beach (separate from Panama City proper)
County: Bay County
Region: Northwest Florida (Emerald Coast)
- Sanibel Island Beaches – Sanibel
Sanibel Island Beaches are found on Sanibel Island, a peaceful barrier island along the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Renowned for their amazing shelling, soft waves, natural landscapes, and laid-back vibe, these beaches are a favorite for families, nature enthusiasts, and photographers.
Sanibel is unlike beach towns that are commercialized — no high-rises or fast food restaurants here — but pure Florida coastal charm.
Location:
Island: Sanibel Island
Nearest City: Fort Myers, Florida
County: Lee County
- Naples Beach – Naples
Naples Beach is a beautiful white-sand Gulf beach in Naples, Florida, with luxury charm, peaceful waters, breathtaking sunsets, and clean, peaceful ambiance. Naples Beach is suitable for families, couples, and retirees seeking a laid-back luxury beach vacation with a dash of nature and elegance.
Location:
City: Naples
County: Collier County
Region: Southwest Florida (Gulf Coast)
- Key West Beaches (Smathers, Higgs, Fort Zachary Taylor) – Key West
Key West is the most southernmost island of the Florida Keys and the continental United States. Though it’s more renowned for history and nightlife rather than beaches, it still has a few scenic beach areas—particularly Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. These beaches have clear blue waters, snorkeling, sunbathing, and unmatchable views of sunsets.
Location:
Island: Key West (southernmost of the Florida Keys)
County: Monroe County
- Amelia Island Beach – Amelia Island
- Anna Maria Island Beach – Anna Maria
- Delray Beach – Delray
- Hollywood Beach – Hollywood
- St. Pete Beach – St. Petersburg
- Fort Myers Beach – Fort Myers
- Cocoa Beach – Cocoa (Space Coast)
- Grayton Beach – Santa Rosa Beach
- Bahia Honda State Park Beach – Lower Florida Keys
- Vero Beach – Vero Beach
- New Smyrna Beach – New Smyrna
- Canaveral National Seashore – Titusville area
- Manasota Key Beach – Englewood
- Jupiter Beach – Jupiter
- Honeymoon Island State Park Beach – Dunedin