The peninsula of Florida gives 1000’s of miles of shoreline and seashores, from the Atlantic on the east, the state’s “panhandle” within the northwest, and the Gulf Coast with postcard-perfect sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
These are among the most lovely locations in Florida, and each is price taking the time to discover. While it appears unattainable to slim down the seashore choices to a “best of” checklist, we do have some favorites to share.
The finest areas for a Florida seashore getaway
From Panama City Beach to the southernmost level of the U.S. in Key West, there’s an amazing variety of Florida seashore trip choices. Not positive the place to begin? Let’s start by breaking down every area.
Atlantic Coast seashores
There are three sections of the Atlantic coast: the Northeast, Central East and Southeast. Each area is additional divided into “coasts.” The First Coast is discovered on the northeastern finish of Florida. The Space Coast is within the central area. And, within the southeastern portion of the state, you will discover the Treasure Coast, Gold Coast and Florida Keys.
Panhandle seashores
The Panhandle is a beautiful a part of the state, with the kind of sugar-soft sand seashores that most individuals dream about. Accommodations right here will not drain your pocket as rapidly as a keep in Miami or Naples.
The Panhandle stretches from the Florida-Alabama border close to Pensacola east to the state capital of Tallahassee. In between these two factors are loads of seashore cities like Fort Walton, Destin, Panama City and Port St. Joe. There are additionally standout nature reserves reminiscent of Apalachicola National Forest, Tate’s Hell State Forest and Wakulla Springs.
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Gulf Coast seashores
What is the lure of Florida’s Gulf Coast? Cities like Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples populate the world and are house to glorious accommodations, eating places and buying. Those vibrant locations are paired with barrier islands and miles upon miles of beachfront — all with unimaginable sundown views over the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether you are searching for a nightclub providing salsa dancing or a hidden cove the place you may spy manatees, you will discover it on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
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Now that you have been absolutely downloaded on the geography, it is time to dive into our checklist of the 17 finest seashores in Florida.
Ponte Vedra Beach
The St. Augustine space, house to Ponte Vedra Beach, is a wonderful place to decamp for a sunshine-filled trip. This Atlantic Coast enclave is only a 35-mile drive southeast of Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). While you would possibly know this space because of its affiliation with the PGA Tour, Floridians trip right here for the huge seashores produced from coquina shells and Appalachian quartz.
The 40-foot sand dunes are among the highest on any Florida seashore and whereas there are many palm bushes in sight, guests are additionally handled to stately dwell oaks draped with Spanish moss and maritime hammocks. Dogs are allowed on this seashore and there are picnic tables and grills on the South Ponte Vedra Beach recreation space.
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Cocoa Beach
People from throughout the U.S. have in all probability heard about famed Cocoa Beach, which is definitely a bunch of seashores that span 72 miles alongside the Atlantic Ocean. On a barrier island, the secluded stretch of sand at Playalinda Beach inside Canaveral National Seashore is a can’t-miss vacation spot.
If you are cruising out of Port Canaveral, a go to to the 3-acre seashore at Jetty Park is so as. There’s a 1,500-foot fishing pier on-site, together with coated picnic pavilions, showers and restrooms. You can hire chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and boogie boards from distributors on the seashore.
Surfers congregate round Cocoa Beach Pier, the place there are additionally some good eating places and buying. The 5-acre Alan Shepard Park with its oceanfront picnic areas can be common, as is the 10-acre Sidney Fischer Park with picnic pavilions, showers and restrooms.
Related: TPG’s information to cruising from Florida’s Port Canaveral
Vero Beach
Four recreation areas make up Vero Beach, a tony enclave on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. If you are a Disney fan, you could already be accustomed to Wabasso Beach Park because it’s proper subsequent door to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. It’s an exquisite huge stretch of golden sand with calm waters which can be nice for swimming.
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North of Wabasso is Golden Sands Beach Park, the place you may swim and snorkel (lifeguards are on obligation) and revel in a picnic lunch. Seating and grills are on-site. Jaycee Park is on the southern finish of Vero Beach; it is a huge 8-acre oceanfront park with an on-site restaurant, playground, boardwalk and picnic space. There’s additionally a buoyed swimming space.
Finally, nearly a mile south of Jaycee Park is Humiston Beach Park, which is near Vero Beach’s buying district and hosts many festivals all year long.
Juno Beach
Nestled between West Palm Beach and Jupiter, Juno is finest recognized for its nesting sea turtles (from May to October) that carry vacationers to the barrier island sandwiched between the Atlantic and Intracoastal.
Year-round, the Juno Beach Pier attracts loads of fishing exercise, in addition to sightseers and dawn chasers searching for prime viewing spots. Additionally, the seashore brings surfers and kiteboarders seeking to catch massive swells among the many salty breezes.
Get to know extra concerning the space’s turtle-famed historical past at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, paddle by mangroves at Juno Dunes Natural Area and wind down with loads of haunts devoted to craft brews and dwell tunes.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
If you need to know what Southeast Florida seemed like earlier than industrialization and commercialization, look no additional than Singer Island in Palm Beach County. It’s a barrier island alongside the Atlantic Coast and residential to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.
Visitors come for the swimming, snorkeling and fishing alternatives, however there are additionally nature trails, a playground, picnic areas and a spot to hire kayaks. There’s a 1,600-foot boardwalk resulting in the seashore that stretches 2 miles alongside the coast.
If you’ve got received children and seashore toys in tow, take the complimentary tram and save that stroll. Just remember that there isn’t any lifeguard on obligation at this seashore.
Related: These 12 state parks will make you fall in love with Florida
South Beach
Maybe you’ve got already heard every thing it is advisable to find out about South Beach, Miami’s sizzling spot. But we have now to incorporate it on the checklist as a result of it isn’t simply the place to go to in Miami — it is also one of the vital well-known seashores in America. The 2.2-mile white sand seashore on the Gold Coast stretches from twenty third Street south to the tip of the barrier island.
Lummus Park is thought to carry the volleyballers, whereas the adjoining promenade is nice for breezy canine walks and jogs. Ocean Drive runs parallel to the seashore, and the world between fifth and fifteenth streets might be probably the most touristy and definitely the busiest.
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Storied artwork deco accommodations line the seashore and even in the event you’re not staying close by, you need to go to and spend a while strolling alongside the water’s edge right here to see all of the glamorous locals and guests.
Bahia Honda State Park
An island situated within the decrease Florida Keys, this seashore is a tropical vacation spot framed by iconic palm bushes and recognized for its pristine, crystal-clear waters. A preferred spot for birding — particularly to see species wading and alongside the shore — it is recognized to usher in nature lovers.
A sizzling spot for boaters, you may also park for the day and revel in a while paddling or snorkeling. You may even stargaze at night time since there’s such low mild air pollution within the space. For your comfort, there are cabins and a campground, concession stands and a restaurant, picnic pavilions, bathe stations and restrooms. Plus, leashed pets are permitted in sure areas of the park.
While Bahia Honda might have as soon as been a hidden Keys gem, it is now not a secret. Arrive early to keep away from park closures when it is at capability.
Fort Jefferson Beach
It’s distant, it is remoted and you may must take an extended journey by ferry or brief journey by seaplane to get right here, however the shores of Fort Jefferson Beach in Dry Tortugas National Park are arguably one of the best within the Florida Keys.
Related: The finest US nationwide parks you must go to no less than as soon as (or twice)
Just 70 miles from Key West, the historic Nineteenth-century fort atop a distant island housed troopers all through the Civil War earlier than being designated a nationwide monument. Today, it sits empty, save for the few vacationers who go to every day to stroll its halls and snorkel its sandy shores, the place tropical fish and residing coral are simply seen within the shallow, clear waters.
Panama City Beach
The factor to recollect when planning a Florida seashore trip is that there’s a lot of shoreline. So, after we say “Panama City Beach,” you could consider a mile or two of sand on the state’s Emerald Coast — however it’s truly 27 miles of sand alongside the Panhandle with practically 100 public entry factors.
If you are searching for solitude and sunshine, try the jap fringe of Panama City Beach. Look to Shell Island, a 7-mile-long barrier island — it is solely accessible by boat, however it’s price the additional effort.
If you need an undeveloped seashore with out the boat journey, try close by St. Andrews State Park, the place you may also ebook a campsite. Families (and anybody searching for a extra energetic vibe) desire Pier Park, which gives 1000’s of sq. toes of buying proper alongside the seashore and a wide range of oceanfront eating places.
Navarre Beach
If you are searching for a laid-back refuge, contemplate a visit to “Florida’s most relaxing place,” alongside the Emerald Coast, located on Santa Rosa Island simply west of Destin.
For watersports, there’s snorkeling and diving, or you may discover the gorgeous environment on a hike or bike journey. Plus, the 1,500-foot fishing pier sits 30 toes above the water providing nice casting circumstances.
Visit native wildlife on the Gulf Breeze Zoo, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, then seize a chew at one of many award-winning eateries recognized for recent fare paired with gorgeous seaside views.
St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach has been a serious vacationer vacation spot for the reason that Don CeSar Hotel was first in-built 1928; the distinctive pink palace was designed as a homage to a Moorish-style property.
The seashore, alongside a barrier island simply west of St. Petersburg, is a draw as a result of it gives each undeveloped stretches of sand together with locations the place you may bask in water sports activities like kiteboarding, windsurfing, parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding.
The revitalized 26-acre St. Pete Pier overlooking Tampa Bay debuted in May 2020. It’s a spot to stroll, cycle, swim, store and extra. Restaurants like Doc Ford’s Rum Bar, Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro and Driftwood Cafe line the pier.
Clearwater Beach
With its smooth, sugar-white seashores and shallow waters, Clearwater Beach is a prime spot for households. One of the state’s widest seashores, it is good for every thing from kite flying to sandcastle constructing.
Wind down on the seashore’s iconic Pier 60, which has been internet hosting nightly sundown occasions full with dwell music, entertainers and humanities and crafts distributors for many years.
The 1,080-foot fishing pier is the premier spot to attempt to catch the “green flash” because the solar takes its final dip into the Gulf. Visit in April for the annual Sugar Sand Festival, when artists from around the globe create jaw-dropping sculptures made totally of sand.
Siesta Key Beach
It’s huge sufficient to accommodate seashore volleyball video games, sandcastle constructing and its fair proportion of sunbathers. The sand is ok, fluffy and vibrant white, and the water is calm and clear. If that is not the recipe for an ideal Florida seashore, what’s?
It’s no secret the 8-mile-long island referred to as Siesta Key is among the many Sunshine State’s best. But few wander all the way down to the small stretch referred to as Crescent Beach, the place you may climb over a seawall to Point of Rocks, a group of boulders that give option to serene tidal swimming pools. Visit on Sunday evenings for the weekly drum circle that gathers on the seashore.
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Blind Pass Beach
While the present is typically too swift for swimming at Blind Pass Beach, situated on the Lee Island Coast — on each the Sanibel and Captiva sides of Blind Pass Bridge between the islands — that is the place for shelling. If you are on the hunt for the area’s elusive junonia, you would discover one right here, together with conch, whelk, murex, tulip, olive and coquina shells.
There are parking spots on either side of the bridge, however the restrooms and bathe are on the Captiva aspect. You’ll see locals fishing right here and most are keen to supply tricks to guests casting a line, too.
If you go within the morning, go early after which stroll throughout the road to take pleasure in some Key lime French toast on the Sunset Grill. Or, arrive as night falls to see one of the vital spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
Related: 11 issues to do on Florida’s Sanibel and Captiva islands
Naples Municipal Beach
There is one thing particular concerning the Naples space. Travelers go to to take pleasure in these white-sand seashores with emerald-green water lapping on the shore.
If you are searching for luxurious lodging, reminiscent of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples, or Inn at Pelican Bay, you will discover them right here. But in the event you gravitate towards seashore cottages and bungalows, there are a lot to select from right here as properly.
Naples is house to nature reserves, stylish buying thoroughfares and unimaginable eating places. If you are seeking to spend a day trip within the sunshine, head to Naples Municipal Beach and Fishing Pier. If you are fortunate, you will see dolphins swimming proper off the shoreline.
Marco Island
Upscale vacationers love this luxury island simply south of Naples. It’s the one developed island alongside Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands and gives easy accessibility to the well-preserved pure habitat with direct entry to the Gulf of Mexico and neighboring estuaries.
A fishing city additionally recognized for its high-end resorts, Marco Island gives a style of the nice life with laid-back vibes. Bookmark strolls at Tigertail Beach and South Marco Beach alongside the best way.
For those that are touring on a price range, there are inexpensive accommodations or motels, in addition to tenting supplied at Collier Seminole State Park. Go shelling, take pleasure in an abundance of recent seafood, peruse artwork and store for beachy trinkets galore.
Lovers Key State Park
Part of the appeal of this magnificence is that it is hidden away on a barrier island between Naples and Fort Myers. It’s a haven for wildlife, together with bald eagles and bottlenose dolphins.
Hop in a kayak to discover the island’s canals and you may seemingly spot manatees, turtles and loads of shorebirds. Truth be informed, Lovers Key is extra usually near-empty than not, overshadowed by the glitzier choices within the close by seashore cities, however it’s hands-down one of the vital romantic seashores consequently, greater than incomes its moniker.
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Source: thepointsguy.com”