Florida is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, but with over 800 miles of coastline, how do you choose the best spot to sink your toes into the sand? Whether you’re craving powdery shores, crystal-clear waters, or the picture-perfect place to catch a breathtaking sunset, we’ve got you covered. We asked travel experts to reveal the absolute best beaches in Florida—from hidden gems to iconic hotspots—so you can plan your next getaway with confidence.
Ready to find your perfect stretch of paradise? Here are the 9 must-visit Florida beaches that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
RELATED: 9 Best Family-Friendly Beach Destinations
1 | For Relaxation: Anna Maria Island
Mark Winfrey / Shutterstock
“If you’re looking for the best Florida beaches with a laid-back vibe, grab your beach chair and head to the north end of Anna Maria Island,” says Alisha dos Santos, family travel blogger of Adventure-Seeking Mom. “Located west of Bradenton on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island is a postcard-worthy destination. It’s treasured for its pristine white sand beaches and vintage beach town charm.”
The most secluded spots to “unwind on island time” are Anna Maria Beach and Bean Point Beach at the north end of the island, dos Santos shares.
“On a calm day, Anna Maria’s shallow waters are crystal clear and glisten with blue-green hues,” she notes. “It could easily pass for the Caribbean.”
2 | For Natural Beauty: Blowing Rocks Preserve
Ryan Tishken / iStock
“On the Atlantic coast of Florida, Blowing Rocks Preserve in Hobe Sound blew me away with its rugged beauty,” dos Santos says. “Restored and protected by The Nature Conservancy, the 73-acre barrier island sanctuary is a biodiverse coastal habitat vital to wildlife.”
It’s ideal for beach-goers who like to stay active: The preserve has five trails that take you through the dunes, mangroves, and sea grape tunnels. Even better, Blowing Rocks Preserve also has the largest Anastasia limestone shoreline on the Atlantic coast of the U.S., dos Santos says.
“When conditions are right, the force of the waves crashing into the rocks here can blow water up to 50 feet in the air. It’s a spectacular sight.”
RELATED: The Best Cruises for Solo Travelers
3 | For Crystal-Clear Water: Crab Island/Destin
Rotorhead 30A Productions / Shutterstock
Swimming in the ocean is one of the best parts of any beach vacation—and it’s made even better when the water is warm and crystal clear. If you want a Florida beach that offers just that, check out Crab Island. This small sandbar is only accessible by boat, but it’s just a 10 to 20-minute ride from Destin Harbor.
“Like Destin, Crab Island is sought after for its vibrant blue waters and white sand beaches,” says Samantha Saenz, founder of Eat Well Adventure Often. “Imagine a vast sandbar with shallow, pool-looking water! It’s perfect for young people and families alike.”
While you’re on the sandbar or a boat nearby, vendors also travel around peddling tropical snacks, including pineapples and coconuts, Saenz adds.
4 | For Shelling: Sanibel Island
Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock
If shells are your favorite way to commemorate a trip, dos Santos suggests a visit to Sanibel Island.
“Well-known for its fantastic Florida beaches for shelling, Sanibel Island draws seashell seekers from all over the world. A barrier island on the southwest Florida Gulf Coast, Sanibel Island features about 15 miles of shell-covered beaches,” she says. “Among the more than 250 different kinds of shells that can wash up on Sanibel’s shores, the prized Junonia shell is considered the rarest find.”
Even if you don’t stumble upon this coveted find yourself, you can still see a live Junonia snail on display at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, according to dos Santos.
“It’s the nation’s only accredited museum devoted solely to shells and mollusks,” she notes.
RELATED: 7 Best Affordable U.S. Beach Towns Where You Can Enjoy Sand and Surf
5 | For Night Life: South Beach
Vlad G / Shutterstock
“South Beach in Miami gets a lot of hate because it’s associated with the rowdy spring break crowds and partying, but if that’s what you’re into, it’s perfect for that,” Saenz says. “South Beach is also special due to historic Ocean Drive, and the water is gorgeous.”
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always rowdy in this SoFlo spot.
“Anyone looking for a more zen experience should consider visiting in the off-season and heading to the beach in the morning to enjoy the clear waters sans the party crowds and loud music,” Saenz recommends.
6 | For History: Egmont Key State Park
Norm Lane / Shutterstock
Florida is well-known for its rich history, and Egmont Key State Park on the west coast is a great place to catch some rays and learn something new.
“Egmont Key State Park, located off the coast of Tampa Bay near Fort De Soto Park, offers a unique beach experience because it used to be a military outpost,” Saenz explains. “Also, it’s very secluded and is a shelling destination. You can walk for hours and not see anyone.”
7 | For an International Feel: Key West
lunamarina/Shutterstock
If you want to feel like you’ve ventured out of the U.S. without booking an international flight, the Florida Keys should be at the top of your list.
“Many envision pristine beaches when picturing the Keys. However, there are not many—and [it requires a boat] to get to the stunning turquoise waters that the Keys are known for,” Saenz cautions.
Key West, however, has a beach inside Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
“This beach boasts gorgeous scenery and deep waters! You’ll feel like you’ve left the country,” Saenz says. “Plus, you can stop at Duval Street afterward and have some of the best key lime pie before heading to Ernest Hemingway’s house!”
RELATED: Experience the Florida Keys’ Most Decked-Out Vacation Home
8 | For an Upscale Experience: Palm Beach
8 | For an Upscale Experience: Palm BeachSean Pavone / iStock
Sometimes it’s fun to get a little bougie on a beach vacation. According to Saenz, Palm Beach on Florida’s east coast is just the spot to enjoy a bit of that glitz and glamour.
“Located on a barrier island just east of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach boasts luxurious beachfront resorts, pristine white sand, and calm turquoise waters,” she says. “While some beachfront areas are private, there are public access points where you can get to these stunning beaches.”
“Palm Beach is the perfect place for anyone looking to have an upscale experience, from five-star hotels to five-star restaurants. It’s the opposite of South Beach in terms of a party atmosphere.”
9 | For Family Fun: Cocoa Beach
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
Looking for the perfect kid-friendly vibe in Florida? Try Cocoa Beach.
“For those looking for a laid-back, family-friendly environment that has beautiful blue-green waters, Cocoa Beach is perfect,” Saenz says. “This chill beach town is known as the ‘Surf Capital of the East Coast. It’s perfect for catching a wave or chilling. After a fun day in the sun, visitors can check out the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.”
It’s also ideal if you’re on a budget. According to Saenz, Cocoa Beach tends to be more affordable than other Florida destinations on this list, like Miami and Anna Maria Island.
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.