What to do and see in Florida, United States: The Best Beaches

October 15, 2021 Merry Kessler

Not just for retirees and theme park enthusiasts, the Sunshine State offers beautiful beaches, pristine diving conditions, and sizzling nightlife. Salsa the night away in a smokin’ hot Miami club, or swing away at one of Kissimmee’s many premium golf courses. An airboat tour of the Everglades is an unforgettable adventure – just look out for alligators! For the risk-averse, a lazy day spent on the soft sands of an Emerald Coast beach is as rejuvenating as a spa treatment.
Restaurants in Florida

8543 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL 32566-6903 (850) 939-2691
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,707 reviews

Navarre Beach

Tucked away in a corner of Northwest Florida, far from crowded theme parks and packed beaches, you will find a piece of the old Florida offering solitude and simplicity for sun seekers, families, outdoor adventurers, nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Reviewed By Applejacksons

It’s horrible how great it is for just relaxing. If more people come here there will be more traffic for me as a Floridian. Beach is great. Calm on some days and not so calm on others. Just check the webcam. I agree go to Pensacola or destin so we can enjoy how pristine the beach experience is. The sound side is great as well.

2. Clearwater Beach

1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767 https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12,523 reviews

Clearwater Beach

With hundreds of things to do on Clearwater Beach, the main attraction is still pretty much its near-perfect beach (USA Today readers voted Clearwater Beach "Best Beach Town in Florida" in 2013). Beautiful white sand and clear, shallow water make this beach an ideal playground for families.

Reviewed By ideasinfluence - Forest City, United States

Spent a winter day in February walking, jogging, tanning, orgeous white sand, spacious, spent quiet time near the rocks by Opal Sand Resort's beautiful outdoor bar, the perfect spot to watch the sun set. No matter where you are in Clearwater it seems everything you need is right there.

3. Caladesi Island State Park

1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698-8561 +1 727-469-5918 https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Caladesi-Island
Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,334 reviews

Caladesi Island State Park

One of Florida's few remaining undisturbed barrier islands.

Reviewed By Kellylroche - Saint Joseph, United States

This was a simple morning paddle for our family of 4 (8 & 10 yr olds). We rented two double kayaks from Sail Honeymoon for 2 hours ($45/kayak) which was long enough to paddle over, explore the Caladesi Island and paddle back. The tide was low and we even found an area of live sand dollars on the way. Highly recommend!

4. Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach, FL
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,178 reviews

Pensacola Beach

Located on Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Beach is a popular spot for family vacations.

Reviewed By rkmcgilla - Pensacola, United States

I live on the Bay between Pensacola and NAS and we take our grandkids there every time they visit. From the Pavilion at Pensacola Beach all the way to the West end of the island at Perdido Pass it is sugar white sand and beautiful water. Several restaurants, but our favorites over there is Flounders. In Pensacola McGuire’s is tops. The views on the drive are fantastic

5. Siesta Beach

948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242-2174 941-861-5000 https://www.visitsarasota.com/article/siesta-key-no-1-beach-champion-destination
Excellent
79%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,855 reviews

Siesta Beach

Public swimming beach known for its clean, hard-packed sand.

Reviewed By Radman509 - Mechanicsburg, United States

While I can appreciate people on vacation looking forward to a spectacular time, only to arrive and see one of the most beautiful beaches in the world In a bit of disarray, does not take away from all its splendor! What it does remind me is how wonderful our natural resources are, how important it is to take care of them as much as we can, and understand what we can do to preserve it. The algae and bacteria are usually found in pockets, but this year they've mushroomed to stretch up and down the coast including Siesta Key. Warmer waters and runoff from lakes and streams can exacerbate the problem, but the ecosystems will replenish itself at this beach along with many Florida Gulf coast beaches, they will be restored. It is sad to only experience disappointment because of the current state and a bit disheartening, but it is not an amusement park that closed when you showed up at the gates because the amusement park decided to do a full restoration.. That’s is like saying you’re going to the beautiful Caribbean beaches only to be caught in a hurricane, and say it’s the worst beach in the world because of the rain and torrential winds. Silly! The beautiful white sand, the turquoise and green water and amazing weather a majority of the calendar year still makes Siesta Key one of my favorite beaches and still pne of the best in the world! I’ll be back! :-)

6. South Beach

Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/south-beach.html
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19,860 reviews

South Beach

People watching is a great pastime in Miami's South Beach, which draws celebrities and beautiful people in skimpy swim attire to see and be seen. The wide and fine, white sand-covered beaches are popular spots for fashion photo shoots, so you're sure to see models. The area is known for its hip clubs and wild nightlife as well as numerous excellent restaurants.

Reviewed By SudeshMehta - Bengaluru, India

Lots has already been said about this beach. One of the popular spots in the world known for white sand, warm waters, great beach side restaurants, beach walk way etc etc. Efforts taken to keep the place safe, secure and clean are worth appreciation. You can spend hours amidst the serenity of this beach, soaking up some sun or just watch people strolling, working out, dancing and enjoying themselves. Great getaway during chilly winters - just pack your beach wear and a pair of shades and you are all set. Advisable to not drive a car to this place because parking is painful and expensive. Uber/Lyft is the right choice.

7. Playalinda Beach

Playalinda Beach Road Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville, FL 32927 http://www.nps.gov/cana/planyourvisit/directions.htm
Excellent
74%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 330 reviews

Playalinda Beach

Reviewed By davidmU651QN

Beautiful beach, perfect place to spend a few hours listen to music and relaxing. Bring your own food.

8. Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, FL +1 850-233-5070 http://PanamaCityBeach.com
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,397 reviews

Panama City Beach

This 27-mile long beach offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy such as swimming, snorkeling, dolphin-spotting parasailing and jet skiing.

Reviewed By christopherbE4200ZM - Terre Haute, United States

The beaches in PCB are the best, soft white sand, crystal clear water, an abundance of wildlife( My wife had a sea turtle swim right past her feet while walking in the surf! How cool? Lots to do and not the prices of the more southern spots. We go every fall when it is not crowded and the prices have dropped. Plus we live in Indiana and we can make the drive in 12 hours!

9. Haulover Beach Park

10800 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL 33154-1006 +1 305-947-3525 http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/haulover.asp
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,262 reviews

Haulover Beach Park

Nestled between the Intercoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean, this scenic park boasts white sandy beaches, open ocean surf and sweeping dunes.

Reviewed By E7357MIjohnp

We totally loved the naturist beach following our Carnival Cruise before heading back home to reality Clean and secure - regular municipal patrols - nice food truck - decent chairs and umbrellas at a sensible price - loads of parking nearby ($6 day)

10. Henderson Beach State Park

17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, FL 32541-3343 +1 850-837-7550 http://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Henderson-Beach
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,320 reviews

Henderson Beach State Park

Reviewed By nylady21 - Philadelphia, United States

The soft sands are gorgeous and a beach walk is always good for my soul. Beautiful nature trail loop with informative placards and a nice playground too make this a wonderful park. You can get online tickets for Florida State Parks which makes admission easier.

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