The peninsula of Florida presents 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 a number of the most stunning locations in Florida, and every one is price taking the time to discover. Whereas it appears unattainable to slender down the seashore choices to a “better of” checklist, we do have some favorites to share.
The most effective areas for a Florida seashore getaway
From Panama Metropolis Seaside to the southernmost level of the U.S. in Key West, there’s an awesome variety of Florida seashore trip choices. Undecided the place to start out? 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. Every area is additional divided into “coasts.” The First Coast is discovered on the northeastern finish of Florida. The Area 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. Lodging right here will not drain your pocket as shortly 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 Metropolis and Port St. Joe. There are additionally standout nature reserves resembling Apalachicola Nationwide Forest, Tate’s Hell State Forest and Wakulla Springs.
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Gulf Coast seashores
What’s the lure of Florida’s Gulf Coast? Cities like Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples populate the realm and are dwelling to wonderful lodges, eating places and procuring. These vibrant locations are paired with barrier islands and miles upon miles of beachfront — all with unbelievable sundown views over the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether or not you are on the lookout 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’ve got been absolutely downloaded on the geography, it is time to dive into our checklist of the 17 finest seashores in Florida.
Ponte Vedra Seaside
The 40-foot sand dunes are a number of the highest on any Florida seashore and whereas there are many palm bushes in sight, guests are additionally handled to stately stay oaks draped with Spanish moss and maritime hammocks. Canine are allowed on this seashore and there are picnic tables and grills on the South Ponte Vedra Seaside recreation space.
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Cocoa Seaside
Individuals from throughout the U.S. have most likely heard about famed Cocoa Seaside, which is definitely a gaggle of seashores that span 72 miles alongside the Atlantic Ocean. On a barrier island, the secluded stretch of sand at Playalinda Seaside inside Canaveral Nationwide Seashore is a can’t-miss vacation spot.
If you happen to’re cruising out of Port Canaveral, a go to to the 3-acre seashore at Jetty Park is so as. There is a 1,500-foot fishing pier on-site, together with coated picnic pavilions, showers and restrooms. You possibly can lease chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and boogie boards from distributors on the seashore.
Surfers congregate round Cocoa Seaside Pier, the place there are additionally some good eating places and procuring. 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.
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Vero Seaside
4 recreation areas make up Vero Seaside, a tony enclave on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. If you happen to’re a Disney fan, it’s possible you’ll already be acquainted with Wabasso Seaside Park because it’s proper subsequent door to Disney’s Vero Seaside Resort. It is a great huge stretch of golden sand with calm waters which might be nice for swimming.
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North of Wabasso is Golden Sands Seaside Park, the place you may swim and snorkel (lifeguards are on obligation) and luxuriate in a picnic lunch. Seating and grills are on-site. Jaycee Park is on the southern finish of Vero Seaside; it is a large 8-acre oceanfront park with an on-site restaurant, playground, boardwalk and picnic space. There’s additionally a buoyed swimming space.
Lastly, nearly a mile south of Jaycee Park is Humiston Seaside Park, which is near Vero Seaside’s procuring district and hosts many festivals all year long.
Juno Seaside
Nestled between West Palm Seaside and Jupiter, Juno is finest identified for its nesting sea turtles (from Might to October) that convey vacationers to the barrier island sandwiched between the Atlantic and Intracoastal.
Yr-round, the Juno Seaside Pier attracts loads of fishing exercise, in addition to sightseers and dawn chasers on the lookout for prime viewing spots. Moreover, the seashore brings surfers and kiteboarders trying to catch massive swells among the many salty breezes.
Get to know extra concerning the space’s turtle-famed historical past at Loggerhead Marinelife Heart, paddle by means of mangroves at Juno Dunes Pure Space and wind down with loads of haunts devoted to craft brews and stay tunes.
John D. MacArthur Seaside State Park
If you wish to know what Southeast Florida appeared like earlier than industrialization and commercialization, look no additional than Singer Island in Palm Seaside County. It is a barrier island alongside the Atlantic Coast and residential to John D. MacArthur Seaside State Park.
Guests come for the swimming, snorkeling and fishing alternatives, however there are additionally nature trails, a playground, picnic areas and a spot to lease kayaks. There is a 1,600-foot boardwalk resulting in the seashore that stretches 2 miles alongside the coast.
If you happen to’ve bought youngsters and seashore toys in tow, take the complimentary tram and save that stroll. Simply remember that there is no such thing as a lifeguard on obligation at this seashore.
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South Seaside
Perhaps you’ve got already heard the whole lot you want to learn about South Seaside, Miami’s sizzling spot. However we now have to incorporate it on the checklist as a result of it isn’t simply the place to go to in Miami — it is also probably the most well-known seashores in America. The two.2-mile white sand seashore on the Gold Coast stretches from twenty third Road south to the tip of the barrier island.
Lummus Park is thought to convey the volleyballers, whereas the adjoining promenade is nice for breezy canine walks and jogs. Ocean Drive runs parallel to the seashore, and the realm between fifth and fifteenth streets might be essentially the most touristy and definitely the busiest.
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Storied artwork deco lodges line the seashore and even in case you’re not staying close by, you should 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 identified for its pristine, crystal-clear waters. A preferred spot for birding — particularly to see species wading and alongside the shore — it is identified to usher in nature lovers.
A sizzling spot for boaters, you can too park for the day and luxuriate in a while paddling or snorkeling. You possibly can even stargaze at evening since there’s such low mild air pollution within the space. In 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.
Whereas 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 Seaside
It is 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 Seaside in Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park are arguably the very best within the Florida Keys.
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Simply 70 miles from Key West, the historic Nineteenth-century fort atop a distant island housed troopers all through the Civil Struggle earlier than being designated a nationwide monument. As we speak, 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 Metropolis Seaside
The factor to recollect when planning a Florida seashore trip is that there’s a lot of shoreline. So, once we say “Panama Metropolis Seaside,” it’s possible you’ll consider a mile or two of sand on the state’s Emerald Coast — but it surely’s really 27 miles of sand alongside the Panhandle with practically 100 public entry factors.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for solitude and sunshine, take a look at the jap fringe of Panama Metropolis Seaside. Look to Shell Island, a 7-mile-long barrier island — it is solely accessible by boat, but it surely’s price the additional effort.
If you would like an undeveloped seashore with out the boat journey, take a look at close by St. Andrews State Park, the place you can too ebook a campsite. Households (and anybody on the lookout for a extra energetic vibe) choose Pier Park, which presents 1000’s of sq. ft of procuring proper alongside the seashore and a wide range of oceanfront eating places.
Navarre Seaside
If you happen to’re looking for a laid-back refuge, take into account a visit to “Florida’s most enjoyable 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 ft above the water providing nice casting circumstances.
Go to native wildlife on the Gulf Breeze Zoo, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Navarre Seaside Sea Turtle Conservation Heart, then seize a chew at one of many award-winning eateries identified for contemporary fare paired with gorgeous seaside views.
St. Pete Seaside
St. Pete Seaside has been a significant vacationer vacation spot for the reason that Don CeSar Lodge was first inbuilt 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 presents 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 Might 2020. It is a spot to stroll, cycle, swim, store and extra. Eating places like Doc Ford’s Rum Bar, Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro and Driftwood Cafe line the pier.
Clearwater Seaside
With its smooth, sugar-white seashores and shallow waters, Clearwater Seaside is a high spot for households. One of many state’s widest seashores, it is good for the whole lot 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 stay 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 “inexperienced flash” because the solar takes its final dip into the Gulf. Go to in April for the annual Sugar Sand Pageant, when artists from all over the world create jaw-dropping sculptures made solely of sand.
Siesta Key Seaside
It is huge sufficient to accommodate seashore volleyball video games, sandcastle constructing and its fair proportion of sunbathers. The sand is okay, fluffy and shiny white, and the water is calm and clear. If that is not the recipe for an ideal Florida seashore, what’s?
It is no secret the 8-mile-long island referred to as Siesta Secret is among the many Sunshine State’s best. However few wander right down to the small stretch referred to as Crescent Seaside, the place you may climb over a seawall to Level of Rocks, a set of boulders that give technique to serene tidal swimming pools. Go to on Sunday evenings for the weekly drum circle that gathers on the seashore.
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Blind Go Seaside
Whereas the present is usually too swift for swimming at Blind Go Seaside, situated on the Lee Island Coast — on each the Sanibel and Captiva sides of Blind Go Bridge between the islands — that is the place for shelling. If you happen to’re on the hunt for the area’s elusive junonia, you could possibly discover one right here, together with conch, whelk, murex, tulip, olive and coquina shells.
There are parking spots on each side of the bridge, however the restrooms and bathe are on the Captiva facet. You will see locals fishing right here and most are keen to supply tricks to guests casting a line, too.
If you happen to go within the morning, go early after which stroll throughout the road to get pleasure from some Key lime French toast on the Sundown Grill. Or, arrive as night falls to see probably the most spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
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Naples Municipal Seaside
There’s something particular concerning the Naples space. Vacationers go to to get pleasure from these white-sand seashores with emerald-green water lapping on the shore.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for luxurious lodging, resembling The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples, or Inn at Pelican Bay, you will discover them right here. However in case you gravitate towards seashore cottages and bungalows, there are loads to select from right here as effectively.
Naples is dwelling to nature reserves, stylish procuring thoroughfares and unbelievable eating places. If you happen to’re trying to spend a day trip within the sunshine, head to Naples Municipal Seaside and Fishing Pier. If you happen to’re fortunate, you will see dolphins swimming proper off the shoreline.
Marco Island
Upscale vacationers love this luxury island simply south of Naples. It is the one developed island alongside Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands and presents quick access to the well-preserved pure habitat with direct entry to the Gulf of Mexico and neighboring estuaries.
A fishing city additionally identified for its high-end resorts, Marco Island presents a style of the great life with laid-back vibes. Bookmark strolls at Tigertail Seaside and South Marco Seaside alongside the way in which.
For many who are touring on a finances, there are inexpensive lodges or motels, in addition to tenting supplied at Collier Seminole State Park. Go shelling, get pleasure from an abundance of contemporary seafood, peruse artwork and store for beachy trinkets galore.
Lovers Key State Park
A part of the attraction of this magnificence is that it is hidden away on a barrier island between Naples and Fort Myers. It is a haven for wildlife, together with bald eagles and bottlenose dolphins.
Hop in a kayak to discover the island’s canals and you may probably spot manatees, turtles and loads of shorebirds. Reality be instructed, Lovers Secret is extra typically near-empty than not, overshadowed by the glitzier choices within the close by seashore cities, but it surely’s hands-down probably the most romantic seashores in consequence, greater than incomes its moniker.
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