Plan an exciting seaside escape with the best beaches in Florida

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, Florida offers hundreds of kilometres of coastline with pristine beaches and vibrant towns and resorts. From the historic wonders of Key West to the vibrant nightlife of Miami to the family-friendly atmosphere of the Gulf Coast, you’ll have it all with a trip to Florida’s beaches. Whether you want romantic beach time with nightlife and dining after dark, memorable family experiences and quality time, or exciting adventures in the water and on land, check out the best beaches in Florida to plan an incredible vacation.

Best beaches in Key West for family attractions

Located in the Florida Keys, Key West is one of the most popular keys and the southernmost city in the United States. Key West offers a diverse range of natural and man-made beaches as well as a rich historic thoroughfare with shopping and dining. Smathers Beach is one of the largest and most famous of Key West’s beaches and offers a soft, sandy shoreline and intimate atmosphere for family fun, sunbathing, parasailing, and other activities. If you want something low-key, Higgs Beach boasts a tropical landscape, a palm-lined backdrop, and crystal-clear waters.

Best beaches in Fort Lauderdale for family beach trips

Fort Lauderdale has plenty of beaches to enjoy on your trip. Known for its casual vibe, Deerfield Beach is a popular spot for family fun in the sun, fishing, and waterfront bars and entertainment. There’s also Hillsboro Beach, a charming beach area with a historic lighthouse and a group of native sea turtles that use it as a nesting site. If you want more adventure, Pompano Beach is home to numerous shipwrecks and offers some of the best diving in the world, as well as sport fishing charters, paddle-boarding adventures, sea kayaking, and more.

Best beaches in Miami for seaside amenities

One of the most famous beach destinations in the United States, Miami has an array of public beaches with stunning white sand, lush palm trees, vibrant beach parks, and exciting waterfront dining and nightlife. Lummus Park Beach is a top beach in the area and boasts wide, sandy spaces, a beachfront promenade, and grassy areas for children to play. There’s also Surfside, a laid-back beach area with lifeguard patrols, picnic areas, beachfront bars, and live music venues, and Haulover Beach, a scenic beach with dramatic dunes and a clothing-optional area.

Best beaches in Sanibel Island for watersports

Sanibel Island has some of the most picturesque beaches in all of Florida. The island is popular for surfing, beachcombing, scuba diving, snorkelling, paddle boarding, sea kayaking, and sunbathing. You’ll have numerous beaches to choose from in Sanibel Island, such as the popular Blind Pass Beach, the picturesque Lighthouse Beach, and the thrilling Causeway Beaches. One of the best beaches can be found at Gulfside City Park, which boasts grassy and sandy areas for children to play and adults to sunbathe, excellent facilities, picnic areas, and calm waters.

Best beaches in Florida Keys for a tropical retreat

Bathed in warmth and sunshine much of the year, the Florida Keys are a prime vacation destination for Northerners. The keys have 43 islands that form the chain that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll find many stunning beach destinations in the Florida Keys, such as the family-friendly Harry Harris Park and the wild John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. You can have a little of everything with a trip to the Florida Keys, from water sports and shipwreck dives to beachcombing and volleyball with the kids.

Best beaches in Tampa for children’s activities

Tampa is home to incredible beaches and a rich variety of attractions and culture. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa’s beaches boast gorgeous white sand and emerald waters, such as Ben T. Davis Beach and Madeira Beach. If you want relaxation, Sand Key Park is the best place for family beach days, nature walks, and water sports. The Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is another excellent beach with soft sand, quiet waters, and opportunities for wildlife walks and fishing. Along with the beach areas, Tampa also has fascinating museums, vibrant nightlife, fine dining, and the famous Busch Gardens amusement park.