With approximately 1200 miles of coastline, Florida is home to some of the most beautiful and award-winning beaches in the U.S. and beyond. The beaches offer a fantastic view of the ocean, the best resorts and clubs, and a ton of activities to do, such as swimming, fishing, and surfing.
With so many beaches to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. To make your decision easier, we've compiled a list of our top picks!
Siesta Key Beach
This award-winning beach stretches for miles along the Gulf and is famous for its quartz-crystal powdery sand. Ranked the #4 Beach in the world by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™, Siesta Beach is the perfect destination for families because of its amenities and shallow shorelines. The crystal-clear turquoise waters offer gorgeous views during the day and even more at night with the breathtaking sunsets.
The beach also has volleyball courts, a playground, food stands, a trolley for moving around the island, and beach wheelchairs.
Sanibel Beach
Sanibel Beach located on the barrier island of Sanibel off the southwest coast of Florida, is a captivating coastal gem that has earned its reputation as a beloved destination. With its unspoiled beauty and abundant natural treasures, Sanibel Beach is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Renowned for its shell-filled shores, this award-winning beach attracts collectors from around the world who revel in the diverse and exquisite seashells that wash ashore with each tide.
Fort De Soto Park
With miles of serene, sandy shoreline, this much-loved county park covers five islands and 1,136 acres on the Gulf and Tampa Bay. With its large tidal pool, colorful seashells, and pristine white sand dollars, this park is the perfect spot for families to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the Florida coast. There are also two fishing piers and a bait and tackle shop so it’s a great place for any fishing lovers. Or if you are interested in history, explore the Spanish-American War-era fort there. Additionally, Fort De Soto Park is one of the rare places in the area where you can let your furry friends play off-leash, making it an ideal destination for pet owners.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach was named the #1 Beach in the U.S. by Tripadvisor in 2019, 2018, and 2016, and just was named the #4 Beach in Florida, making it the perfect destination for your vacation. This beautiful beach is steps away from hotels and restaurants so you can always find something to do. There’s even a large playground for the kids right at the base of Pier 60. The sugary sands and emerald water will no doubt leave you relaxing in the sunshine in no time!
Longboat Key
Longboat Key is a small barrier island off the coast of Florida, and near the hustle and bustle of Lido Key and St. Armands Circle. With 12 miles of white sandy beaches, you’ll find luxury resorts, fine dining, and even waterfront golf. In addition to its leisure offerings, Longboat Key offers activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating, taking advantage of the island's calm waters and stunning natural surroundings.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island was named the #5 Best Beach in Florida in 2024 by USA Today. With its wide, sandy beach, it’s one of the most popular in the Tampa Bay area. It's perfect for families and offers a wide expanse of sparkling sand for building sandcastles, shelling, and snorkeling. You can also rent paddle boards, kayaks, and shaded cabanas from local vendors right on the beach.
Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach was “No. 9 on America’s Top 25 Beaches for 2021” – Tripadvisor. There is so much to do and explore on Madeira Beach. Not only does the key offer a 2.5 mile beach of sugar-white sand, but also boasts Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, which is a pirate-themed mini golf that also has live alligators. Nearby is John's Pass Village and Boardwalk: a 1,100-foot boardwalk along the intracoastal, full of shops and eateries.
Ft. Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach is known as one of the best family-friendly beaches in Florida. It reached No. 5 on the list of Best of the Best Trending Destinations in the US in the 2022 Traveler’s Choice Awards. Offering seven miles of white sandy beaches, it is a top spot for family fun and offers wide beaches, calm waters, and plenty of fun activities. The barrier islands of Lovers Key State Park are a must-see, with two miles of protected beach to explore, a serene estuary for paddling and spotting wildlife, nature trails, and fishing from the bay and beach.
Are you seeking the top hidden gems and local favorites during your visit to Southwest Florida? We've curated the ultimate selection to ensure that you and your family have an exceptional vacation.
Whether you are dreaming of beautiful shelling beaches or the softest sand under your feet, these family beaches have a little bit of everything. If you are looking for other family fun activities during your stay, make sure that you come out for a round of adventure golf and to feed the live alligators at Smugglers Cove! With five pirate-themed locations all close to the best beaches in Florida, there’s sure to be a location near you. It’s an adventure for you and your whole family that you don’t want to miss! Grab the coupon below and visit us today to have an unforgettable experience!
