Best beaches in Florida to visit
The best beaches in Florida are some of the most beautiful in the entire country. White sand beaches, nature trails, warm weather, scuba diving, fishing piers, and many beautiful attractions can be found in these coastal areas. Locals and tourists alike love Florida’s beaches and visit them at every chance they get.
With over a thousand miles of natural beauty, there will be no need to look up “beaches near me” when you’re in the state of Florida. Just go to the nearest place with a sizable population and ask where the coastline is. The downside to this is that plenty of people go to these beaches to relax, have an adventure, or whatever it is they do on beaches — sometimes too many. However, it might just be worth your while to brave the crowds. Check out some of the best beaches in Florida below.
Florida the Land of Sunshine
If you’re after the beautiful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, Western Florida’s beaches are the place to be. The northern beaches are for nature lovers who want to witness hatching sea turtles, snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and other amazing events. The Atlantic coast is perfect for water sports and also tends to be less crowded. Florida’s east coast is also lined with nature’s riches and even houses museums and historic buildings.
Whether you’re out for vacation or traveling on the job, the best beaches in Florida won’t disappoint. There’s always something to do or someplace not to do anything at all. Some of these places you may have even seen featured on reality shows or where many Hollywood films were shot. The Sunshine State boasts of many beautiful beaches and nature reserves, something that would be good to remember if you’re already planning your next weekend trip.
Most beautiful and best beaches in Florida
It’s no secret that Floridians suffer from some of the most extreme weather conditions. Being a state on the edge of a continent makes them vulnerable to the open water, even from their many beautiful beaches. But because of the resilience and innovativeness that Florida citizens have, people have mostly adapted to unprecedented natural disasters. People have made homes and a living in many coastline towns and the best beaches in Florida.
If you’re planning on visiting some of the best beaches the state has to offer, Palm Beach isn’t your only option. If you want other options, there are so many more beaches to see in the Land of Sunshine. Although that place is a good start, you want to feel what a Floridian crowd looks like. Below is a list of Florida beaches near you that you may be interested in visiting.
St. Petersburg
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Aptly named the “Sunshine City,” St. Petersburg holds the Guinness World Record for the longest consecutive days of sunshine. The city boasts of beautiful, white, sandy beaches while catering to the urban side of tourism. You can go camping, hiking, do triathlons, eat at cookouts, or relax while watching a spectacular sunset by the beach. Families love St. Petersburg with its vibrant outdoors and lively town life. It is one of the best beaches in Florida to go on a trip with family and friends.
Bahia Honda
Located in a state park, Bahia Honda is left in its beautiful, natural state. The place has two beach areas facing the opposite direction, so you already have two options in the same area. One of the best beaches in Florida, it is best for shallow-water activities but better to be safe and visit during the low tide. According to the thousands of tourists that visit the place every year, Bahia Honda is also great for just walking along the shore for some peace.
Marco Island
Photo Credit: Paradisecoast.com
Marco Island is beloved by many tourists with a good mix of high-end resorts and natural, untouched habitats. Although the cost of vacationing here may be on the more expensive end of the price tag, it’s worth it. Some of the most popular attractions are boating, kayaking, coastal walking, swimming, and it also hosts a mouthwatering list of seafood. There are also condos and other private properties that you can scout if you’re interested in real estate by one of the best beaches in Florida.
Islamorada
Made up of six islands, some of the best beaches in Florida are found in Islamorada. Beachgoers love the calm and quiet of Anne’s Beach, while others enjoy the bars and amenities of Holiday Isle Beach. The tranquil paradise found in the Florida Keys is also famous for sport fishing and other water activities. It is ideal for visiting the area during the calmer season so you can go island hopping without the water being too rough or the weather interfering.
Cocoa Beach
Photo Credit: www.cityofcocoabeach.com
Popular for its waves, Cocoa Beach is among the best beaches in Florida for great surfing, parasailing, kiteboarding, and other water sports. The beach sits on Florida’s Atlantic shore and is nicknamed the “space coast.” It is a popular spot for a day trip to the beach for families or groups of friends staying in Orlando’s famous resorts. There are plenty of other attractions in the area, such as museums and theme parks — perfect for children and adults of all ages.
Sanibel Island
Laid-back and casual is the vibe for this secluded island. Sanibel is considered not only as one of the best beaches in Florida but also the least crowded. The gentle, quiet vibe of the island attracts many tourists, but less than its other Gulf Coast neighbors. The most popular activity here? Shelling. You can find millions of beautiful seashells lining the coast and hundreds of guests doing the Sanibel Stoop, which locals call shelling activity. If you want to relax, this is the place to be.
Key West
Photo Credit: Keywest.com
Populated with locals who call themselves Conchs, Key West makes it to the list of the best beaches in Florida because of its eccentric yet warm residents and vibe. Its natural reserves and modern hotspots are all beloved by locals and tourists alike. The area is famously known for trying to create The Conch Republic in 1982, so you can imagine the free and adventurous spirit that will be ignited within you if you’re in the area.
Pensacola
Extending along the coast of the barrier island of Santa Rosa, this beach offers both commercial areas and a long line of coast away from the crowded areas. The 450-meter long Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is a great place for spotting dolphins and manatees, natural inhabitants of the waters. One of the best beaches in Florida, Pensacola is the place to be for a fun day and an entertaining night.
What is the most popular beach in Florida?
South Beach in Miami is one of the most popular areas and one of the best beaches in Florida. That goes to say. It is also one of the most crowded. Many locals and tourists enjoy the more than seven miles of shoreline, complete with cafes and restaurants where they can dine and hang out. There is plenty of other entertainment as well like water sports and lounge areas. While it is a tourist hot spot — which can mean a bad thing or a good thing, depending on who you ask — South Miami Beach remains one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
Though it isn’t as pristine or preserved as it once was, the many people and commercial buildings surrounding the area have contributed to the pollution, both land and sea. It’s a shame, but hopefully, the many ongoing cleanup drives will help with these issues and help people become more conscious of their surroundings.
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What is the most affordable beach town in Florida?
Photo Credit: southernliving.com
Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s best beaches, yet it is also affordable. It sits on Florida’s west coast near St. Petersburg and Tampa. With white sands and tranquil waters, people of all ages flock to the beach. The place is laid-back and perfect for relaxing, but there are also plenty of fun activities. The best part? They are either free of charge or won’t make a big dent in your travel money.
You have sunset celebrations complete with artisans and performers, parasailing, quaint diners, watching the Philadelphia Phillies train during the season, visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, or simply strolling down Caladesi Island — all affordable or completely free activities. One of the most beautiful beaches of Florida is within your reach, and budget too.
Summary
By now, you must be dreaming of sand between your toes and the waves gently lapping in front of your eyes. Some of the best beaches in Florida are definitely worth the trip, even if you’re halfway across the country. The state is filled with hundreds of islands and coastlines that can fulfill your need for adventure, relaxation, or simply a place to get away for a little while. Time to take some time off, focus on yourself, and enjoy some of mother nature’s most beautiful gifts.
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