Best Beaches in Florida for 2024
Florida is home to some of the most stunning and diverse beaches in the United States, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. In 2024, beachgoers can look forward to visiting popular destinations like Clearwater Beach, South Beach, and Siesta Key, which continue to rank among the best due to their pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant local scenes.
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Clearwater Beach, known for its powdery white sand and gentle Gulf waters, is perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts. South Beach in Miami boasts a lively atmosphere with its iconic Art Deco architecture, world-class dining, and nightlife, making it a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. Siesta Key, often hailed for having the finest sand in the world, provides a more laid-back experience with its tranquil waters and charming village area. Additional noteworthy beaches include Naples Beach, ideal for spectacular sunsets and luxury shopping, and Daytona Beach, famous for its boardwalk and motorsport events. Each of these beaches offers a unique slice of the Sunshine State's coastal beauty, ensuring there's a perfect spot for every type of beach lover in 2024.
View AllDestin - Destin: Beautiful beaches, clear waters, family-friendly, lively atmosphere.
View AllClearwater Beach - White sandy beaches, clear waters, vibrant atmosphere, family-friendly.
View AllSt. Petersburg, FL - Sunny coastal city with vibrant arts and waterfront parks.
4
View AllSanibel Island - Tropical paradise known for seashells, wildlife, and beaches.
- 5
View AllKey Largo - Tropical paradise with beaches, diving, and marine life.
Best Beaches in Florida for 2024
1.
Destin
Destin, located on Florida's Emerald Coast, is renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Often referred to as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," it offers exceptional deep-sea and inshore fishing opportunities. The vibrant HarborWalk Village is a hub of activity with its array of waterfront restaurants, boutique shops, and lively nightlife. Families can enjoy a day at Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park or visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to experience marine life up close. Henderson Beach State Park provides a serene escape with nature trails and picnic areas. With its blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, Destin is a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Hotels
- Henderson Beach Resort
- The Island by Hotel RL
- Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
- Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
- Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Dining
- Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
- The Back Porch
- Harbor Docks
- Louisiana Lagniappe
- Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant
- Beach Walk Cafe
- Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer
- McGuire's Irish Pub
- Mimmo's Ristorante Italiano
- Marina Cafe
2.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach, located on Florida's stunning Gulf Coast, is renowned for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. This picturesque destination offers a plethora of activities for visitors, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. The Beach Walk promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes that cater to every taste. Pier 60, a focal point of the beach, features daily festivals with street performers, artisans, and breathtaking sunsets. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter the dolphin, provides an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. With its family-friendly atmosphere and natural beauty, Clearwater Beach is a quintessential coastal retreat.
Hotels
- Sandpearl Resort
- Opal Sands Resort
- Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
- Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
- Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel
- Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
- Sheraton Sand Key Resort
- Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
Dining
- Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
- Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
- Clear Sky Cafe
- Island Way Grill
- Marina Cantina
- Crabby's Dockside
- Columbia Restaurant Sand Key
- Sea-Guini
- The Bait House
- Badfins Food + Brew
3.
St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg, FL, often known as "St. Pete," is a vibrant city on Florida's Gulf Coast renowned for its stunning waterfront parks, arts scene, and pleasant weather. The city's downtown area is bustling with unique shops, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions like the Salvador Dalí Museum, which houses an extensive collection of the surrealist's works. St. Pete's pristine beaches, particularly St. Pete Beach, offer powdery white sand and clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water activities. The Sunken Gardens, a botanical paradise over a century old, provides a tranquil escape with its exotic plants and cascading waterfalls. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and year-round sunshine, St. Petersburg, FL, offers an appealing destination for visitors of all interests.
Hotels
- The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
- The Don CeSar
- Hollander Hotel
- Hyatt Place St. Petersburg / Downtown
- The Birchwood
- Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg/Downtown
- Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront
- Courtyard by Marriott St. Petersburg Downtown
Dining
- The Mill
- Birch & Vine
- 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House
- Red Mesa Cantina
- Parkshore Grill
- Sea Salt St. Pete
- The Library
- Stillwaters Tavern
- Teak
- Il Ritorno
4.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island, located off the southwest coast of Florida, is a charming barrier island renowned for its pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. Known as a shell collector's paradise, the island's shores are scattered with a variety of beautiful seashells, thanks to its unique east-west orientation. Sanibel offers a tranquil escape with its natural beauty preserved through strict building regulations. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, covering over half the island, provides sanctuary to diverse bird species and other wildlife. Visitors can explore scenic bike paths, kayak through mangrove forests, or enjoy the island's quaint shops and restaurants. Sanibel's stunning sunsets and serene ambiance make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.
Hotels
- Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
- Sanibel Island Beach Resort
- Island Inn
- Casa Ybel Resort
- Song of the Sea
- Seaside Inn
- Waterside Inn on the Beach
- Sanibel Moorings Resort
Dining
- Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant
- The Island Cow
- Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille
- The Bubble Room
- The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
- Blue Giraffe Restaurant
- Mucky Duck
- Sweet Melissa's Cafe
- George & Wendy's Sanibel Seafood Grille
- The Mad Hatter Restaurant
5.
Key Largo
Key Largo, the first and longest island in the Florida Keys archipelago, offers an idyllic tropical escape renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Often referred to as the "Diving Capital of the World," it is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States, where visitors can snorkel, dive, and explore the captivating underwater scenery. The island also features the enchanting Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, which houses a variety of rare and endangered species. Key Largo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like kayaking, fishing, and boating, while its charming waterfront restaurants and bars provide the perfect setting to unwind and savor fresh seafood with stunning sunset views.
Hotels
- Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
- Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort
- Hampton Inn Key Largo
- The Pelican Key Largo Cottages
- Bungalows Key Largo
- Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Dining
- The Fish House
- Mrs. Mac's Kitchen
- Ballyhoo's Historic Seafood Grille
- Lazy Lobster Seafood Restaurant
- Skipper's Dockside
- The Buzzard's Roost
- Sundowners
- Hobo's Cafe
- Snook's Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki
- The Key Largo Conch House
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