How do you describe the best beaches in Florida? Think of 1,400 miles of sun. That’s the Florida coastline. Think of 840 miles of beaches. That’s more than half of Florida’s coastline. Think of a swimsuit and flip flops and head into the best sand Florida has to offer. Choose the east coast, west coast or the Florida Keys. Let’s start with the east coast.
South Beach
Practically everyone has heard of Miami’s South Beach. People from across the world travel to or live in this American Riviera. Ocean Drive is dotted with public access beaches. White sand and clear blue water are perpetual. If you’ve had enough sun, water and breeze, take a walk on Lincoln Road for architecture, fashion or just people watching.
Ft. Lauderdale
The Clean Beaches Council certified over 20 miles of Ft. Lauderdale area beaches as Blue Wave Beaches for the last 15 years. It is less crowded and glitzy than South Beach but still has its own vibrant flavor. There are countless places along the beach for a drink and a bite to eat.
West Palm Beach
In West Palm, try the 1,300 foot long Phipps Ocean Park. Some small public beaches still remain on Palm Beach Island. A water taxi is also available for Peanut Island and offers great snorkeling if you bring your own gear. The park has a large, clean beach area for additional fun.
Vero Beach
The gem of Florida’s “Treasure Coast” is Vero Beach which is consistently voted one of America’s best cities. Beaches at family oriented Humiston Park and Jaycee Park have lifeguards and full facilities. Vero Beach itself is one of the most all around beautiful beaches in Florida.
Cocoa Beach
From Cocoa Beach to Cape Canaveral there are over 15 miles of beaches. Crossover locations from free parking lots are plentiful. Cocoa’s Lori Wilson Park is a favorite & rarely is this long stretch of beach crowded. Make sure you bring your umbrella as fewer facilities are in this area.
Daytona Beach
Daytona has 23 miles of breezy Atlantic beaches, calling itself “The World’s Most Famous Beach.” There are areas of the beach where you can drive or bicycle ride from sunrise to sunset. Daytona is very popular & very crowded especially on holidays so get there early for the best spots in the sand.
Clearwater
On the Gulf side, accessible by boat or ferry, Caladesi Island has 2.5 miles of natural beach and was rated the best beach in the country in 2008. It hasn’t changed as it remains one of the most popular areas in Florida. Caladesi is also linked by a short bridge to Sand Key Park which is another terrific beach option with facilities.
St. Petersburg
At the southern end of St. Petersburg is Ft. Desoto Beach, also rated a top American beach. The park is so well planned that a group traveling together can stay busy for days at Desoto’s full facilities. The City of St. Petersburg also operates Spa Beach and North Shore Beach in the downtown area.
Naples
For those that enjoy nice walks on the beach, Naples has over 10 miles of sand waiting for your toes. Every sunset is spectacular from Naples Municipal Beach or Naples pier and they’re both free. The pier itself extends out for a mile. Vanderbilt beach is also a favorite with clear water, soft waves and shells everywhere. Don’t pass on Clam Pass Beach either.
Key West
A ferry out to Fort Jefferson takes the beach lover to a perfect location. The fort is surrounded by beaches with excellent snorkeling due to reefs so don’t forget to bring your gear. Also on Key West is 2.5 mile Smather’s Beach. There are multiple other beaches off of resort properties also.
Now deciding on which of the best beaches in Florida your going to visit will be the hard part, but no matter which you choose your going to be in for a wonderful time all the way around.
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