Florida is known as “The Sunshine State” because of the beautiful and unique Florida beaches that continuously enhance the tourism rate.
It is the state at the South American Bay – one corner is the Atlantic, and the other is Mexico’s Gulf.
Florida became the house of heated wars until 1842 with Seminole Native Americans in the 19th century. It is the 3rd most populous and 8th densest populated state in the USA.
Moreover, it also has the 16th largest economy in the world if it was the country itself. This US state’s economy relies entirely on agriculture, transportation, and tourism.
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Furthermore, it is distinctive for its Cuban community today and is also the magnet for sun’s worshipers worldwide. Let’s dive into the mesmerizing shore destinations in Florida!
Unwind and Relax at These Heavenly Beaches, FL
Our favorite sun and sand spots along the 1,350-miles coastline!
The reason behind Florida’s tourism and fame is the pure and clear water of beaches. You guys will surely love the nature of these beautiful and romantic beaches!
The beaches are 580 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, and 770 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. Moreover, the state of Florida has a total of 1,350 miles of coastline!
The following list is extracted on the basis of most visited and rated beaches by Google. Ratings and reviewers are mentioned with each one of them.
1. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key
User Ratings: 4.8 (24K)
Beach Type: Family and Couple Beach
Location: The Siesta Key Island is located at 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242, where it encompasses Siesta Beach, Palmer Point Beach, Turtle Beach, and Crescent Beach.
White-sand beaches do not have to be found in the Caribbean!
Siesta is incredibly wide beach situated along the Gulf of Mexico. It has the world’s finest and whitest sand with more than 99% quarts, which keeps it cool even in highest temperatures.
This beach is the highlight and popularly known area of the 8-mile-long Siesta Key Island. It has plenty of hippies, sand sculping artists, and families enjoying in the sun. To reach there, cross the bridge from Siesta Key and reach Sarasota which is Florida’s hottest emerging cities on the west coast.
The Siesta beach is popular for families and couples and considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It features a vast number of amenities along with white quartz sand such as crystal-clear water, lively and fresh atmosphere, nearby dining, shopping options, and plenty of nighttime entertainment.
Facilities
The amenities of Siesta Beach include:
- a concession and restaurant
- pickleball
- picnic tables
- a playground
- restrooms
- a shelter and pavilion
- tennis
- a paved trail, and
- volleyball.
The rentals on Siesta Beach are available at it’s main pavilion, seven days a week.
2. Las Olas Beach, Fort Lauderdale
User Ratings: 4.7 (11K)
Beach Type:
Location: The Las Olas Beach is located at 240 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, which is about 1 mile east of downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
You’ll find Las Olas beach on east of Las Olas Boulevard or towards north from Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. It’s a small beach of remarkable sand that attracts people from around the globe. It is few steps away from trendy restaurants and shops of Las Olas Avenue.
The Las Olas beach is a small calm waters beach with a family friendly environment during the day. In the evening, a bit more lively atmosphere heat up the surroundings with nightlife crowd.
Facilities
Beach amenities are plentiful, including:
- an amphitheater
- splash pad
- beach chair
- water sports equipment rentals
- restrooms
- metered parking
- restaurants
- bars
- shops
In addition to chair and umbrella rentals, you can also rent water sports equipment.
3. Manatee Public Beach, Holmes
User Ratings: 4.7(7.2K)
Beach Type: Family-friendly beach
Location: The Manatee Public Beach is located at 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL 34217 in Florida.
Manatee Public beach is situated on the Anna Maria Island in the Holmes Beach. The special thing about this beach is that its open to sunrise till 10 pm and is a great place to visit during any time of the day. It has three access points which makes it easier to reach there from around the area.
It is a white sand beach with crystal clear blue waters along with nicest seaside vistas which you can only find on Manatee Public Beach other than the Anna Maria beach.
The beach has an abundance of local facilitates, making it a go to place for everyone. Additional chairs, bike racks, barbeques, and picnic tables are available here.
Facilities
The Manatee Public Beach has plenty of amenities, including:
- benches
- bike racks
- gift shop
- grills
- picnic tables
- recycle container
- restrooms
- trash
- trolley stop
- volleyball
- water fountains
- wheelchair (beach)
Also, there are changing cabanas as well as full facilities and showers, as well as a foot wash.
4. Indian Rocks Beach, Gulf Coast
User Ratings: 4.8(5.8K)
Beach Type: Family-friendly beach
Location: The Indian Rocks Beach is located at 1700 Gulf Blvd, FL 33785 in Florida.
It’s a quiet destination with easy access from big cities like Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Indiana Rocks Beach is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It’s a part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. It has turquoise water to swim and a beautiful sea shell’s view.
Indiana Beach has a family-friendly spot Splash Harbour Water Park, which is a must visit. This park is located at Holiday Inn & Suites Habourside and is open for public and features a 42-foot tall water slide.
It has a library and boardwalk stretching through mangroves and a stunning view of the Boca Ciega Bay Intercoastal waterway. This makes it a best vacation spot by lodging nearby.
Plenty of restaurant options are available along with shops and cafes. Specifically the Indian Shores Coffee Co., a crepe from Café de Paris Bakery, a Salt Rock Grill, and Jake’s Coastal Cantina.
Facilities
The Indiana Rocks Beach has plenty of amenities, including:
- playgrounds
- historical museum
- art center
- seaside seabird sanctuary
- boat rentals
- fishing charters
- kayak tours
- city parks
- restaurants
- spa
- villa, cottage, or oceanfront hotel.
Related Pick: Shore Fishing in Florida: What You Need to Know
5. Coquina Beach, Anna Maria Island
User Ratings: 4.8(5.6K)
Beach Type: Family-friendly beach
Location: The Coquina Beach is located at 2651 Gulf Dr. Bradenton Beach 34217, Florida.
This Beach is the longest stretch on the southern end of Anna Maria Island which situated on the Gulf of Mexico. It has a relaxing atmosphere with calm waters and plenty of place to spread out and enjoy the sun-bath.
Coquina is a flat beach with sand dunes lined up having waving grass and sea oats. It has white sand where families enjoy this place at its best.
This beach has a paved walking/bike path, and there are several volleyball courts as well. Furthermore, lifeguards are always on duty to make your stay safe to swim and discover.
Facilities
The Coquina Beach has several amenities, including:
- full-service concession stand
- ample parking
- barbecue pits
- picnic facilities
- playground
- beach volleyball
- restrooms
- showers and
- lifeguards
6. Lido Key Beach, Sarasota
User Ratings: 4.7(5.3K)
Beach Type: LGBTQ+ and dog-friendly beach
Location: The Lido Key Beach is located at 2651 Gulf Dr. Bradenton Beach 34217, Florida.
The Lido Key Beach is the main reason for the Sarasota being a popular resort destination. It is just a half a mile from the upscale shopping center of St. Armands Circle. This popular beach is very relaxing and relatively less rush compared to the famous nearby beaches of Siesta Key.
It features more than a mile of beachfront extending through North Lido where North Lido Beach Park is situated as well. This makes it a great place for enjoying a beach stroll and is easily accessible from Ben Franklin Drive.
Lido Beach has a paved walkaway which was once the site of the historical Lido Casino from 190 to 1969. Moreover, this is one of the very few LGBTQ-friendly beaches. North Lido was historically known as Sarasota’s Gay Beach where LGBTQ+ events in the area includes the Big Gay Beach Party.
Facilities
The Lido Beach includes a lot of amenities, such as:
- concession stand
- restaurants/cafes
- nightlife/parties
- bars/grills
- fishing
- boat tours
- tunnel tours
- beach wheelchairs
- resorts
- inns and cottages
7. Venice Beach, Sarasota
User Ratings: 4.6(4.9K)
Beach Type: It’s a family and dog-friendly beach
Location: The Venice Beach is situated at Venice, FL 34285, Florida.
Venice Beach is located in Venice, at south of Sarasota on Florida’s Southwest Coast. It is a certified Blue Wave Beach and is the city’s most hyped and popular stretch of coastline.
At Venice Beach, visitors can look for fossils and reefs even a quarter mile from the shore. You can take sunbathe on the soft white sand and swim around in turquoise water as it is easily reachable by foot from the downtown area.
Venice beach comes under the best must visit beaches for 2023 where several historical points can also be seen. It also has Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery and the famous Venice Myakka River Park which has plenty of water adventures.
Facilities
The Venice Beach has several amenities such as:
- shark spotting
- fountain
- historic walking tours
- performance art center
- museum/ archives
- gallery
- theatre
- scuba
- hiking
- kayak
- diving
- pet-friendly
- golf club
8. Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel
User Ratings: 4.6(4.7K)
Beach Type: Family and dog-friendly beach
Location: The Bowman’s Beach is situated at 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957, Florida.
This family-friendly beach is located off the main unspoiled Sanibel-Captiva Road. So you’ve to take a road trip to reach the destination. Bowman’s beach is probably the most popular on Sanibel. Its top-notch amenities make it worth the hike of five minutes from the parking area to the beach.
It has soothing white sand covered in shells where you can take a barefoot stroll on the immaculate sand here, taking in the Gulf views and collecting as many shells as you can carry.
Bowman’s beach offers all of Sanibel Island’s pastel-colored sunsets, excellent shelling, and gentle surf. It’s also one of top Florida’s places for various sports, including canoeing, sailing, and surfing!
Facilities
The Bowman’s Beach has several amenities, such as:
- charcoal grills
- fishing
- fitness stations
- hiking trails
- paddlecraft landing/launch
- pavilion
- playground
- restrooms
- showers
9. Clearwater Beach, Pinellas County
User Ratings: 4.8(4.6K)
Beach Type: Family-friendly beach
Location: The Clearwater Beach is situated at is at the west end of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, FL 33767 or State Road 60, Florida.
Clearwater beach has several impeccable beaches and warm welcoming waters. Situated in the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County at the west-central coast of Florida. It was named as the nation’s #1 beach in 2018.
Besides the beach, there is Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured marine animals. It also does public education, conservation, and research.
It has abundance of activities to offer which will suit people of every age. This family-friendly beach has fine restaurants and lodges along with exciting beach adventures. It has the famous Honeymoon Island State Park which is best for a romantic honeymoon gateway and Caladesi Island State Park
Facilities
The Clearwater Beach has plenty to offer, including:
- state parks
- marine aquarium
- pier 60
- museums
- baseball
- restaurants
- nightlife
- hotels
- motels and
- resorts
10. Sombrero Beach, Marathon
User Ratings: 4.5(4.6K)
Beach Type: Family and dog-friendly beach
Location: The Sombrero Beach is situated at Sombrero Beach Rd, Marathon, FL 33050, Florida.
Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key is best for islanders and is one of the best kept beaches. Marathon is a 10-mile-long, family-oriented island community. It is situated between Key Largo and Key West, so there is plenty of adventure to experience.
It is the most famous beach for its bars, sunsets, sea adventures, and for being mangrove-free. It has soft sand and turquoise waters that serves the locals as well as visitors with such beautiful views.
Dogs are allowed on Sombrero Beach, in fact, all Marathon Florida parks allow dogs. Except the baseball fields and the Community Park soccer that are not pet-friendly.
Along with unlimited adventures, the Sombrero Beach Park is handicapped accessible with level paths to sands and ramps adjacent to the facility buildings.
Facilities
The Sombrero Beach has plenty of amenities, including:
- free adjacent parking
- handicap
- a picnic pavilion
- children’s playground
- volleyball court
- restrooms
- showers
Dogs are allowed on the condition of keeping them leashed while roaming around.
Best Beaches in Florida
The top 10 Florida beaches are mentioned above whilst the next top beaches on the basis of Google ratings are listed below along with the important features these beauties have.
| Sr.No. | Beach | Ratings (Google) | Location | Beach Type | Amenities |
| 11 | Miami Beach | 4.7 (4.4K) | Miami, FL | Family-friendly | Lifeguards on duty Restrooms Beach chair rentals Water sports rentals Nearby dining options |
| 12 | Fort Lauderdale Beach | 4.7 (3.8K) | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Family-friendly | Lifeguards on duty Restrooms Beach umbrella rentals Volleyball courts Promenade with shops and restaurants |
| 13 | Naples Beach | 4.7 (3.2K) | Naples, FL | Family-friendly | Lifeguards on duty Restrooms Picnic areas Beachfront dining options Parking facilities |
| 14 | Fort Island Beach | 4.4 (2.7K) | Crystal River, FL | Family-friendly | Shaded picnic areas Restrooms Boat ramp access Wildlife viewing opportunities |
| 15 | Sunset Beach | 4.6 (2.6K) | Tarpon Springs, FL | Family-friendly | Volleyball courts Restrooms Beachfront dining Spectacular sunsets |
| 16 | Daytona Beach | 4.6 (2.2K) | Daytona Beach, FL | Family-friendly | Lifeguards on duty Restrooms Pier Amusement Park nearby Beachfront shops and restaurants |
| 17 | Pass-a-Grille Beach | 4.8 (2.2K) | St. Pete Beach, FL | LGBTQ+ friendly | Quiet and serene atmosphere LGBTQ+ friendly community Beachfront bars and restaurants nearby |
| 18 | Caspersen Beach | 4.7 (2.1K) | Venice, FL | Family and Dog-friendly | Designated dog area Shelling and fossil hunting Picnic areas Restrooms |
| 19 | Tigertail Beach | 4.3 (2.1K) | Marco Island, FL | Family-friendly | Nature trails Butterfly Garden Picnic areas Shelling opportunities |
| 20 | Hollywood Beach | 4.7 (1.7K) | Hollywood, FL | Family-friendly | Boardwalk Bike rentals Beachfront cafes and bars Live music events |
Find the Answer to Your Questions
No, there are only some areas where locals aren’t allowed.
Yes, it is legal.
No, it is strictly banned in public places.
Yes, you can, but within the safety range.
They are everywhere because it is pretty famous for its beaches.
Not on all beaches.
Yes, if you want.
You can’t grill on the shoreline; there are rental properties to do BBQ.
Yes, there are many beaches in FL, which are dog-friendly.
1. Caladesi Island
2. Clearwater Beach
3. St. Pete Beach
4. Anna Maria Island
5. Longboat Key
6 Lido Key
7. Siesta Key
8. Fort Myers Beach
Beaches of East Cost have a red tide.
Fort Mery’s beach that’s on the list; it has clear water.
Every beach has the exact safety measurements.
There is no time restriction, but there is the possibility that some specific areas, such as parking, close after a particular time.
Beaches are open 24/7 for a walk and swimming except for private beaches, but they are few.
663 miles of coastline with 189 official beaches.
Final Verdict: MUST-Visit the Florida Beaches
The Sunshine State is a year-round travel destination for inhabitants of the East Coast and beyond, with over 663 miles of coastline. It boasts a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, each offering its own paradise.
The variety of beaches in Florida, from family-friendly destinations, a pet-friendly escape to party-oriented spot, attracts a wide range of individuals from kids to couples, and elderly after retirement relaxation.
Because of their beauty, atmosphere, and convenience, Florida beaches are a must-see! So, pack your sunscreen and towel, and head to Florida’s beaches for a truly memorable seaside getaway.
You May Also Like: Discover the Ultimate Best Beach Resorts / Islands
Editor’s Note: I hope you liked the list of top Florida beaches. This list has been extracted from ratings and visitors by Google. Do share your favorite beach spots in Florida. Happy Surfing!