If there’s a state whose name is synonymous with beaches, it’s Florida — and with 1,350 miles of coastline, it’s easy to see why. The Sunshine State is absolutely teeming with beautiful, sandy stretches to enjoy that sunshine in — and in case that sounds (understandably) overwhelming, we’ve gathered the top 10 beaches you absolutely need to know about before you head on your Florida vacation.
Top Beaches in Florida
Florida Beaches
Amelia Island State Park
Amelia Island hosts far more than just its stunning namesake state park, which offers acres of wildlife viewing both along the waterfront and in the forested canopy characteristic of this part of Florida. Locals know Amelia Island to be one of the most expensive places in the area — perhaps even the entire state — to buy or rent property. One trip will surely make you understand why.
Be sure to take advantage of one of the nearby stables that offers horseback riding along the beach here. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
Things to do near Amelia Island State Park
This river-struck part of the state is riddled with incredible wildernesses to explore, including nearby Big and Little Talbot State Parks and all of the Jacksonville beaches. Plus, there are some excellent campgrounds in the area!
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine is the oldest continually run European settlement in America — yes, really! First established by the Spanish in 1565, this town predates both Plymouth Rock and Jamestown, and the incredible beaches that inspired the Spaniards to plant their flags here remain today.
Although there are many incredible seafronts to explore here, good ol’ St. Augustine Beach is a classic with soft sands and wadable waters. Anastasia State Park has some excellent water frontage, too!
Things to do near St. Augustine Beach
The city of St. Augustine is well-known for its plethora of tourist attractions and services, including some of the best restaurants in the entire state. Be sure to stop by the Castillo de San Marcos to get your national parks passport stamped.
Clearwater Beach
It’s happened more than once that Clearwater Beach has been named the best beach in the entire country. Come visit Clearwater Beach and see why it’s such a standout. (We’ll give you a hint: the soft, white sands and epic sunsets certainly don’t hurt.)
The beach offers a large playground area, which is part of the reason it’s so popular among parents, as well as a paved promenade that’s frequented by bicyclists and rollerbladers alike.
Things to do near Clearwater Beach
Among other things, Clearwater is known for its incredible seafood. A stop by Ted Peters is absolutely critical, and Frenchy’s pretty much sets the standard as far as grouper is concerned. Then, of course, there’s the larger Tampa/St. Petersburg metro to explore — in short, you could very easily stay busy here for a good long time! Here are some campgrounds to help you do it the cozy, convenient way.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
And now, for something at least a little bit different: the Blowing Rocks Preserve, on the barrier island just outside of Jupiter, offers a classic Florida beachfront along with a unique outcropping of Anastasia limestone. Blowing Rocks Preserve is a great example of what can happen Wander along the mile-long stretch of sand and watch as the waters dance and play with the geological formations along the shore.
Things to do near Blowing Rocks Preserve
The city of Jupiter offers all the urban amenities and resources you might need. Meanwhile, the nearby J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area is an excellent place to see a different side of old Florida: one characterized by pine trees and cypress wetlands.
Hollywood Beach
Don’t make the mistake of skipping right over Hollywood Beach as you make your way south from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. This stretch of seashore offers all of the same vibrant amenities, food, shops, and more, but with a decidedly more casual attitude. Populated by volleyball nets and lifeguard stands, this beach is simultaneously well developed and relatively untouched, and it’s a beautiful place to sit back and enjoy the sun.
Bonus round: head to this beach after sunset to enjoy the almost-constant heat lightning that plays on the horizon.
Things to do near Hollywood Beach
Hollywood is full of fun things to see, explore, and do. Top of your list should be a visit to Jaxon’s, one of the best ice cream parlors in the county. Meanwhile, check out these great campgrounds to stay in.
South Beach
Perhaps the most famous beach not just in the state of Florida, but anywhere in the United States, South Beach is definitely worth a visit. This stretch of 2.2 miles of seashore is generally populated by the south Florida elite — and you can usually spot their six-figure cars lining the nearby roads as well.
The busiest part of this beach is between 5th and 15th Street, immediately alongside Ocean Drive, so if you want a more local South Beach experience, take your towel north of 15th. While much of this part of the waterfront is reserved for private hotel clubs, there are some public areas that might not be quite so crowded as the remainder of the waterfront.
Things to do near South Beach
All of Miami awaits discovering, from the murals of Wynnwood to the absolutely knock-your-socks-off Cuban food you can get there. Plus, you’re not far at all from Everglades National Park, not to mention the mostly-underwater Biscayne National Park. Here are some local campgrounds to make a whole getaway of it.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
It’s hard to find undeveloped beachfront anywhere in the state of Florida, let alone in Miami. This is probably one reason why Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park so frequently shows up on “best of” lists of beaches. Soft waves and sandy shores make for a great spot to while away a quieter beach day, all within view of the iconic Cape Florida Lighthouse, which stands sentinel some 95 feet above sea level.
Better yet, the park also includes plenty of forested areas for hiking, biking, and more. Oh, and by the way, yes, the Lighthouse is open for tours.
Things to do near Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Another beautiful Miami-area option, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is surrounded by resorts and other beach parks worth visiting, as well as options slightly further afield like the R Hardy Matheson County Preserve. Here are some Miami campgrounds to take stay in.
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park often comes up on lists of the best beaches in the Florida Keys. This state park sits at the place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico meet. This gives it unique properties from both bodies of water, as well as truly endless waterfront views on both sides.
What’s more, at more than 500 acres, this park has plenty to offer aside from the beachfront. These things include hiking trails, kayaking areas and incredible stargazing opportunities. It’s also home to the largest intact section of Henry Flagler’s elevated overseas railroad, offering history buffs some added excitement.
Things to do near Bahia Honda State Park
Located about two-thirds down the Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West, Bahia Honda State Park makes for an excellent waypoint as you travel the islands. Just a bit further south, you’ll encounter the Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve.
Smathers Beach
It might come as a bit of a surprise, but Key West isn’t actually known for a superfluity of beaches. This is because most of the island has been developed and taken up by shops, restaurants, hotels, and more. That said, Smathers Beach is a noteworthy exception and easily one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Florida Keys.
Although the sand is imported, it’s no less soft and inviting, and the beach is also lined with palm trees and restrooms making for a both scenic and convenient stay. Nearby vendors offer rental equipment for sports like parasailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding and more.
Things to do near Smathers Beach
Exploring Key West will take you a while — and no matter how you go about it, you’re sure to enjoy your time. Do be sure to swing by the Southernmost Point of the Continental US for your requisite Instagram photo, and check out these Key West campgrounds to stay in!
The Best Florida Beaches for RVers
Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park is a well-known destination for beachfront weddings as well as families simply looking for a fun day in the sun. The warm waters of the Gulf are a little less rambunctious than the ones you’ll find on the east side, making this state park a perfect choice for those traveling with youngsters who might not be the strongest swimmers just yet.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
We love that this state park offers onsite camping, making it easy to park your rig near the beach and immerse yourself in the beauty of the area.
Things to do near Henderson Beach State Park
Located just outside of the city of Destin and only a little more than an hour from Pensacola, this state park is surrounded by many other beaches and wildernesses, including Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (which also offers an RV park).
Planning an RV Trip to Florida
Beaches are only the beginning of what Florida has to offer — and an RV trip is such a perfect way to see the state. During your time there, be sure to see the best state parks and campgrounds the Sunshine State has to offer. You’ll want to take time to see the state’s major cities, too!
