The peninsula of Florida gives hundreds 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 each is price taking the time to discover. Whereas it appears inconceivable to slim down the seaside choices to a “better of” listing, we do have some favorites to share.
The very best areas for a Florida seaside getaway
From Panama Metropolis Seashore to the southernmost level of the U.S. in Key West, there’s an awesome variety of Florida seaside trip choices. Unsure 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 House Coast is within the central area. And, within the southeastern portion of the state, you may 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 rapidly 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 seaside cities like Fort Walton, Destin, Panama Metropolis and Port St. Joe. There are additionally standout nature reserves reminiscent of 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 world and are dwelling to wonderful resorts, eating places and buying. 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 possibly can spy manatees, you may 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 listing of the 17 greatest seashores in Florida.
Ponte Vedra Seashore
The 40-foot sand dunes are a number of the highest on any Florida seaside and whereas there are many palm bushes in sight, guests are additionally handled to stately reside oaks draped with Spanish moss and maritime hammocks. Canine are allowed on this seaside and there are picnic tables and grills on the South Ponte Vedra Seashore recreation space.
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Cocoa Seashore
Individuals from throughout the U.S. have in all probability heard about famed Cocoa Seashore, which is definitely a bunch of seashores that span 72 miles alongside the Atlantic Ocean. On a barrier island, the secluded stretch of sand at Playalinda Seashore 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 seaside 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 may lease chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and boogie boards from distributors on the seaside.
Surfers congregate round Cocoa Seashore Pier, the place there are additionally some good eating places and buying. The 5-acre Alan Shepard Park with its oceanfront picnic areas can be standard, as is the 10-acre Sidney Fischer Park with picnic pavilions, showers and restrooms.
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Vero Seashore
4 recreation areas make up Vero Seashore, a tony enclave on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. If you happen to’re a Disney fan, you might already be conversant in Wabasso Seashore Park because it’s proper subsequent door to Disney’s Vero Seashore Resort. It is a fantastic vast stretch of golden sand with calm waters which might be nice for swimming.
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North of Wabasso is Golden Sands Seashore Park, the place you possibly can 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 Seashore; 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 Seashore Park, which is near Vero Seashore’s buying district and hosts many festivals all year long.
Juno Seashore
Nestled between West Palm Seashore and Jupiter, Juno is greatest recognized for its nesting sea turtles (from Might to October) that carry vacationers to the barrier island sandwiched between the Atlantic and Intracoastal.
12 months-round, the Juno Seashore Pier attracts loads of fishing exercise, in addition to sightseers and dawn chasers on the lookout for prime viewing spots. Moreover, the seaside brings surfers and kiteboarders seeking to catch giant swells among the many salty breezes.
Get to know extra in regards to the space’s turtle-famed historical past at Loggerhead Marinelife Heart, paddle by way of mangroves at Juno Dunes Pure Space and wind down with loads of haunts devoted to craft brews and reside tunes.
John D. MacArthur Seashore 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 Seashore County. It is a barrier island alongside the Atlantic Coast and residential to John D. MacArthur Seashore 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 seaside that stretches 2 miles alongside the coast.
If you happen to’ve acquired children and seaside toys in tow, take the complimentary tram and save that stroll. Simply remember that there isn’t a lifeguard on obligation at this seaside.
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South Seashore
Perhaps you have already heard every little thing you might want to learn about South Seashore, Miami’s sizzling spot. However we’ve got to incorporate it on the listing as a result of it isn’t simply the place to go to in Miami — it is also some of the well-known seashores in America. The two.2-mile white sand seaside on the Gold Coast stretches from twenty third Avenue south to the tip of the barrier island.
Lummus Park is understood to carry the volleyballers, whereas the adjoining promenade is nice for breezy canine walks and jogs. Ocean Drive runs parallel to the seaside, and the world between fifth and fifteenth streets might be probably the most touristy and positively the busiest.
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Storied artwork deco resorts line the seaside and even should you’re not staying close by, you could 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 positioned within the decrease Florida Keys, this seaside is a tropical vacation spot framed by iconic palm bushes and recognized for its pristine, crystal-clear waters. A well-liked spot for birding — particularly to see species wading and alongside the shore — it is recognized to herald nature lovers.
A sizzling spot for boaters, you can too park for the day and luxuriate in a while paddling or snorkeling. You may even stargaze at night time since there’s such low gentle 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 Seashore
It is distant, it is remoted and you may must take a protracted journey by ferry or quick journey by seaplane to get right here, however the shores of Fort Jefferson Seashore 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. At this time, 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 dwelling coral are simply seen within the shallow, clear waters.
Panama Metropolis Seashore
The factor to recollect when planning a Florida seaside trip is that there’s a lot of shoreline. So, once we say “Panama Metropolis Seashore,” you might 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 almost 100 public entry factors.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for solitude and sunshine, take a look at the japanese fringe of Panama Metropolis Seashore. 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 seaside 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 gives hundreds of sq. ft of buying proper alongside the seaside and a wide range of oceanfront eating places.
Navarre Seashore
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 possibly can 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 situations.
Go to native wildlife on the Gulf Breeze Zoo, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Navarre Seashore Sea Turtle Conservation Heart, then seize a chew at one of many award-winning eateries recognized for contemporary fare paired with gorgeous seaside views.
St. Pete Seashore
St. Pete Seashore has been a significant vacationer vacation spot because the Don CeSar Resort was first in-built 1928; the distinctive pink palace was designed as a homage to a Moorish-style property.
The seaside, alongside a barrier island simply west of St. Petersburg, is a draw as a result of it gives each undeveloped stretches of sand together with locations the place you possibly can take pleasure 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 Seashore
With its mushy, sugar-white seashores and shallow waters, Clearwater Seashore is a prime spot for households. One of many state’s widest seashores, it is excellent for every little thing from kite flying to sandcastle constructing.
Wind down on the seaside’s iconic Pier 60, which has been internet hosting nightly sundown occasions full with reside 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 around the globe create jaw-dropping sculptures made completely of sand.
Siesta Key Seashore
It is vast sufficient to accommodate seaside volleyball video games, sandcastle constructing and its justifiable share of sunbathers. The sand is okay, fluffy and brilliant white, and the water is calm and clear. If that is not the recipe for an ideal Florida seaside, what’s?
It is no secret the 8-mile-long island generally known as Siesta Secret’s among the many Sunshine State’s most interesting. However few wander all the way down to the small stretch generally known as Crescent Seashore, the place you possibly can climb over a seawall to Level of Rocks, a group of boulders that give strategy to serene tidal swimming pools. Go to on Sunday evenings for the weekly drum circle that gathers on the seaside.
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Blind Cross Seashore
Whereas the present is typically too swift for swimming at Blind Cross Seashore, positioned on the Lee Island Coast — on each the Sanibel and Captiva sides of Blind Cross 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 might 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 may 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 some of the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
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Naples Municipal Seashore
There’s something particular in regards to 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, reminiscent of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples, or Inn at Pelican Bay, you may discover them right here. However should you gravitate towards seaside cottages and bungalows, there are lots to select from right here as effectively.
Naples is dwelling to nature reserves, stylish buying thoroughfares and unbelievable eating places. If you happen to’re seeking to spend a time out within the sunshine, head to Naples Municipal Seashore and Fishing Pier. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may 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 gives easy accessibility to the well-preserved pure habitat with direct entry to the Gulf of Mexico and neighboring estuaries.
A fishing city additionally recognized for its high-end resorts, Marco Island gives a style of the great life with laid-back vibes. Bookmark strolls at Tigertail Seashore and South Marco Seashore alongside the best way.
For individuals who are touring on a funds, there are reasonably priced resorts 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 possible spot manatees, turtles and loads of shorebirds. Fact be informed, Lovers Secret’s extra usually near-empty than not, overshadowed by the glitzier choices within the close by seaside cities, but it surely’s hands-down some of the romantic seashores because of this, greater than incomes its moniker.
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