Every region of the world offers a slice of beach haven.
I am a water person and love swimming.
As a result, I have always picked destinations with great water world during my vacations.
You can splurge on plane tickets to Bermuda or Cancún, but the reality is that you can find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches right here in the U.S.
Thanks to Florida’s 8,436 miles of coastline, beaches with soft sand and crystal clear water are just a short flight (or even drive) away.
But with all that shoreline, finding the state’s best beaches requires some research.
To help, we’ve curated some of our favorite Florida hot spots, from sprawling family-friendly stretches to tiny islands with intimate beach nooks, so you can make digging your toes into sugar-white sand a reality.
Which Florida beach is the prettiest?
Many of us my call their favorite beaches, especially if you have spent quality time in Florida.
However, not all the beaches in this state will appeal to you regarding their beauty.
I have listed some of the finest beaches in this state.
Here are some of the best beaches in Florida:
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West
If you’re searching for sunny days and temperate waters, it doesn’t get much warmer than the beaches of Key West, the state’s southernmost point.
You can pass your time here at Smathers or Higgs Beach, but it’s hard to beat Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park for calm waters and wide stretches of sand.
You can spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park’s pre-Civil War fortress.
If you can’t sit still, you’ll find nature trails and water sport rentals (hello, glass-bottom boat) nearby.
Miramar Beach, South Walton
If you find yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you won’t want to miss a day (or days) spent enjoying Miramar Beach.
Pull up a lounge chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball.
If you tire of life on the beach, Miramar’s South Walton neighborhood is full of scenic beach roads and antique shopping waiting to be discovered.
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Long called the surf capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach has produced several big-name surfers, including Kelly Slater, an 11-time world surf champion.
But whether or not you’ve got the know-how, you can expect a good time at Cocoa Beach.
With a local, laid-back feel and plenty of surf schools, you’ll be up on your board in no time.
Not a surfer?Y Maybe, you can hole up at one of the beach’s chill waterfront bars or watch surfers from the fishing pier.
South Beach Park, Vero Beach
The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores — literally.
As part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, the area draws treasure hunters who come and try their luck at finding the riches lost when early 18th-century Spanish ships sunk in a hurricane.
You can search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a pickup volleyball game.
If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Juno Beach Park, Juno Beach
This is the place to go if you’re looking for a slow oceanside afternoon.
Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno’s pristine shores.
Then, snag a shady picnic table and dive in.
You’ll find the Loggerhead Marinelife Center a 15-minute walk down the beach, and a 10- to 15-minute car ride will take you to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and John D.
MacArthur Beach State Park.
Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island
Seashell collectors have long known about this stunning island southwest of Fort Myers.
Here, seashells from the Gulf of Mexico wash ashore, attracting collectors from all over the world.
So it’s no surprise Bowman’s Beach makes this list of best beaches in Florida.
Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman’s Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun.
Delray Beach, Palm Beach County
Delray Beach is the perfect place to alternate between napping, swimming in the ocean, and people-watching.
With a wide, sandy sprawl that’s lined with grass and palm trees, you’ll have plenty of space to relax.
When you need a break from the sun, browse the shops on Atlantic Avenue or take in the murals and public art in the Pineapple Grove Arts District.
Lummus Park Beach, Miami Beach
If you’re searching for next-level people-watching, look no further.
A truly urban beach, this spot regularly sees toned locals playing volleyball or getting bronzed under the ever-shining sun.
Thanks to an ’80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park’s shaded grassy area.
When you start feeling antsy, walk along the promenade that separates the grass from the beach and keep an eye out for movie stars or film crews.
FAQs
Which Florida beach is the prettiest?
Andrews Beach is undoubtedly the most impressive one.
As it is located in a state park, the beach is as pristine as they come.
The tranquil waters of scenic Saint Andrews Bay on one side and the glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico on the other border the thin strip of land upon which it rests.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
What is the clearest beach in Florida?
Destin is commonly referred to as the Florida beach with the clearest water.
Why this beach in particular?
It’s because of the Choctawhatchee Bay just beyond the beach that acts as a filtration, taking in the darker sediment and leaving clear waters atop Destin’s fine quartz sand
What part of Florida has the prettiest water?
If you’re on the hunt for the absolute clearest water beaches in Florida, head nowhere but the Emerald Coast, which is the northern end of the west coast, just next to Alabama beaches like Gulf Shores.
This area is known for its stunning beaches and waters, so the name Emerald Coast is quite fitting.
