Let’s dive into this guide of Florida’s beaches to help you pick the perfect spot for your next beach getaway. With hundreds of miles of beaches, it can feel overwhelming, but I hope this guide can help you identify the best spot for your next beach vacation in Florida.
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Florida Beaches Guide
30a and the Pandhandle
Let’s kick things off with the Panhandle. If you are driving from neighboring states, this will be one of the easiest beaches to reach. The area known as 30a has grown in popularity. It’s like the Disney of Florida beach towns, with its newly built, picturesque vibes. From the colonial charm of Rosemary Beach to the Mediterranean meets Beverly Hills feels of Alys Beach, and the quaint town square of Seaside, there’s no shortage of cute vibes, great eats, and cozy stays. I still dream about the pastries at Black Bear Bread Co. and watching the sunset from a rooftop bar in Rosemary Beach.
If you’re eyeing 30a but want something more budget-friendly and right on the beach, Panama City Beach is worth checking out and is right next to 30A. To the West of 30a, is Destin which is another beautiful option for the panhandle!
Clearwater Beach
Now, let’s head south along the Gulf to Clearwater Beach. This gem on the central Florida coast has it all. Besides beachside digs, you can spice up your trip with a day at Busch Gardens or a short drive to Disney. Not into theme parks? No worries, check out Weeki Wachee Springs or Fort De Soto Park for some natural beauty.
The Gulf side tends to be calmer and warmer than the Atlantic side. Consider the time of year when deciding on a beach getaway!
Miami Beach
What is a guide to Florida beaches without mentioning Miami Beach? If you crave a lively beach vacation with endless activities, this is the spot. Explore the vibrant dining scene and art deco architecture. If you don’t want to stay in Miami, head north a bit to Hollywood or West Palm Beach.
Florida Keys
Now, I don’t consider the Keys a beach destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a worth mentioning. While the sandy stretches are limited, there’s no shortage of adventure. Plan boat outings, kayak adventures, or explore the various state parks. And if you do come here, be sure to plan a trip to one of the coolest national parks, Dry Tortugas.
Quieter Options in South Florida: Fort Pierce and Sanibel Island
Looking for a less crowded slice of paradise? Consider Fort Pierce. Nestled halfway between Cocoa and West Palm Beach, it’s a charming beach town within two hours of Orlando and Fort Lauderdale airports.
For another quieter alternative in South Florida, hop over to Sanibel Island on the Gulf side. Relax on pristine beaches or rent a boat to explore the little islands. Just remember, Gulf waters are warmer than the Atlantic—perfect for winter dips but like a hot bath in summer! If you don’t care about going into the ocean, then it’s no concern, but worth mentioning if you are an ocean lover like me. If you want to go for a dip, the ocean will not be refreshing during the Summer months.
Best Chance for Surfing: Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna and Daytona
Now, let’s hit up Cocoa Beach, the closest beach to Orlando and the hometown of surfing legend Kelly Slater. While Florida isn’t known for epic waves, East Central and North Florida offer the best chance for surfing in the state. Cocoa and Daytona are both tourist-friendly vibes lined with condos and hotels that makes dipping into a store or heading out for ice cream that much easier.
Surf Lessons in Cocoa Beach
For a more laid-back vibe, check out New Smyrna Beach, where quaint houses and local eateries abound. It’s also considered to have the most consistent wave in Florida.
Rocket Launches
If you do choose anywhere from Cocoa to Daytona be sure to check for any rocket launches because you will be able to see them in the sky. Or you can plan to visit Cape Canaveral for a closer look.
Bioluminescent Tour in the Summer
Another tip for this area in this guide to Florida beaches is to definitely do a bioluminescent tour! I’ve gone every Summer the last few years with my own paddle board and I’m in awe every time! The conditions need to be HOT, so if you are in this area in June or September, you can give it a try, but the best time is mid July through August. Also avoid the full moon if possible. The darker the skies the better!
Flagler Beach
Nestled between St. Augustine and Daytona lies Flagler Beach—a sleepy and uncrowded beach town with some good restaurants. This is a great choice, if you want an uncrowded and authentic beach town vibe.
St. Augustine
For history buffs, St. Augustine is a must-visit. You can rent a house on nearby beaches and explore the oldest city in America or enjoy their culinary scene!
North Atlantic
Jacksonville has city and beach and way fewer people than Miami. As stated earlier, surfing is best along the Central and North Atlantic side so you could potentially learn here as well. They also host a surf competition every November.
If you are looking for a quieter option with high end hotels, try Amelia Island.
Day trips to Savannah, Georgia are possible as it’s about two and half hours drive. Or head south about forty-five minutes for St. Augustine.
Consider the Time of Year
South Florida is your go-to for winter beach days, while central and north Florida can have colder days. The Florida waters get warm in the Summer, with the gulf side being VERY warm and the Atlantic being nice. However, once the winter starts setting in, the Atlantic temps drop. For locals, we stay out of the ocean or throw on a wet-suit, but I’ve seen foreigners unfazed.
Pro tip: if you’re planning to come in the Summer, it’s worth noting that most Florida schools start back the middle of August. This is our hottest month so we get out earlier in the Summer to make the most of it! That means you will less likely be battling Floridians for that beach house come August.
Day Trips
Theme Park Day Trips
If you want a day or two of theme parks mixed into your beach holiday, you can enjoy the east coast from Daytona to Cocoa or the west from Clearwater to Sarasota. Check the drive times for the various theme parks you are considering but most are within a couple hours drive.
Natural Springs and State Parks
If you prefer day trips to various springs whether to spot manatees or kayak down a river, then Central Florida beaches are again your best bet. Flagler, Daytona, and New Smyrna are great options for Silver Springs, Blue Springs, and Rock Springs as all within two hours drive of these beach towns. Clearwater Beach is near to some Springs as well. Check out Crystal River or Weeki Wachee. It’s also just over two hours from Silver Springs and Rock Springs.
So pick your preferred coast and be within a couple hours of Springs or Theme Parks!
Paved Trails Around Central Florida
Lastly, not directly related to Florida beaches, but if you are into cycling, Florida offers quite a flex. There are hundreds of miles of paved paths, though some segments are still in the works. It could be worth you bringing your bike to ride along the miles of bike trails all over the State of Florida, though predominantly in Central and North Florida.
Basic Guide to Florida Beaches
There you have it—your basic guide to Florida’s beaches! There are plenty more options, but I hope this gives you a good overview. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for some fun in the sun!
