The Absolute Best Beaches in Florida, from the Keys to the Panhandle
Florida may be known as the Sunshine State, but it might as well rebrand itself as the Shoreline State. With 8,436 miles of shoreline—second only to Alaska, which arguably, has less beach-friendly weather year-round—the peninsula has no shortage of beaches. But that doesn’t mean that you can plan your dream beach vacation just anywhere. Do you want something close to the city or with a private island feel? Are you planning on soaking up the sun all day or do you want a spot that offers activities, too? And if you’re bringing your kids or dog, then that changes things as well. That's why we turned to a few locals to spill the tea on the best beaches in Florida that are absolutely worth slathering up in sunscreen and planning a road trip. Consider your next beach trip planned.
1. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
- Location: North West Palm Beach
- Why We Love It: private island feel, family friendly, water activities
2. Crescent Beach
- Location: Augustine
- Why We Love It: less touristy, local feel
3. Honeymoon Island
- Location: Dunedin
- Why We Love It: dog friendly, low key, hiking trails with nature center
4. St. George Island
- Location: Franklin County (just off the Panhandle)
- Why We Love It: great for swimming and shelling, pet friendly, family friendly
5. Blue Mountain Beach
- Location: South Walton
- Why We Love It: picturesque landscape, fresh seafood, local eats
6. Delray Beach
- Location: Delray Beach
- Why We Love It: the best of city and beach
7. Bahia Honda State Park
- Location: The Keys
- Why We Love It: unbeatable views, water activities, close to Key West
8. Juno Beach
- Location: Juno Beach
- Why We Love It: next-level sunrises, spacious beaches
9. Madeira Beach
- Location: Pinellas County
- Why We Love It: boardwalk with local eats and shops, quiet beaches, family friendly
10. Navarre Beach
- Location: Pensacola
- Why We Love It: fishing, marine science center, gorgeous beaches
11. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- Location: Key Biscayne
- Why We Love It: private island feel, super-quiet beaches, close to restaurants and shops
12. Little Gasparilla
- Location: Charlotte County
- Why We Love It: only reachable by boat, super-quiet beachy escape
13. Hutchinson Island Beach
- Location: Lucie County
- Why We Love It: gorgeous beaches, famous spa
14. Siesta Key Beach
- Location: 20 minutes from downtown West Palm Beach
- Why We Love It: private island feel, family friendly, water activities
15. Jupiter Beach
- Location: Jupiter
- Why We Love It: one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the state
16. Bowman’s Beach
- Location: Sanibel Island
- Why We Love It: great shelling, family friendly
17. South Beach
- Location: Miami Beach
- Why We Love It: lively bar and restaurant scene, great for groups
18. Main Beach Park
- Location: Amelia Island
- Why We Love It: family friendly, land and water activities
19. Matheson Hammock Park
- Location: Coral Gables
- Why We Love It: picturesque sunsets, rarely gets crowded
20. Haulover Beach Park
- Location: Sunny Isles
- Why We Love It: best of beach and city, clothing-optional area
21. Lovers Key State Park
- Location: Fort Meyers
- Why We Love It: eco-friendly beauty, quiet
22. Venice Beach
- Location: Sarasota
- Why We Love It: sparkling waters, charming restaurants, shark teeth collecting
23. Captiva Beach
- Location: Captiva Island
- Why We Love It: 15 miles of gorgeous coastline to choose from
RELATED: The Absolute Best Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida