Wondering Where To Swim in the Sunshine State? Here Are the 23 Best Beaches in Florida

Swim, walk the shoreline and get some sun at these beautiful Florida beaches.

With all due respect to Mickey Mouse and the ions of golf courses in Florida, the best days are spent at the beach. And since the Sunshine State lives up to its name more often than not—it's not uncommon to have a 70-and-sunny day in December—many days can be a beach day.

When it's time to enjoy the sun and sea, there are plenty of options to choose from. Florida boasts Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico beaches, totaling 825 miles of sandy beaches.

They vary in terrain, activities and personality. Some Florida beaches are boisterous, while others are laid-back as a sea breeze. Some offer more rugged beach-day experiences, like white-sand trails. Others are boaters' havens, and many more are your quintessential beach — full of sand, sun and not a worry in the world. Regardless of where the tide takes you, you can't go wrong by drifting to one of these 23 best Florida beaches.

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23 Best Beaches in Florida

1. Siesta Beach

Located in Siesta Key, Siesta Beach is loved for its cool, powdery white sand and an endless supply of seashells by the seashore. It's one of Florida's most popular beaches—expect crowds and ample people-watching opportunities.

2. Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park sits along the Gulf of Mexico in Dunedin. A trip to the pristine barrier island destination, accessible only by boat, feels like an escape. Unlike more heavily populated beaches, Caladesi Island State Park's white sand and crystal clear waters are unspoiled, inviting the resident wildlife, from dolphins to tortoises, to share the space with beach-goers.

3. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Also known simply as "Fort Taylor," this state park is a National Historic Landmark for its previous life as a Civil War-era fort. These days, guests can explore the collection of Civil War armaments—the world's largest—or take in some of the Sunshine State's best sunset vistas.

4. Blue Mountain Beach

This hidden gem beach in the quiet Santa Rosa Beach is ideal for couples and families looking to ditch the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Expect plenty of room to roll out a beach towel and little nightlife disturbing your sleep (most bars and restaurants close by 10 p.m.).

5. Tigertail Beach Park

Situated on the barrier island known as Marco Island, Tigertail Beach Park is home to a tidal lagoon and serves as an important nesting spot for shorebirds. Other residents include horseshoe crabs and needlefish. But there's no shame if you prefer to stick your toes in the soft white sand and shut your eyes instead of wildlife spotting.

6. South Pointe Beach

This park is situated on the southern tip of South Beach and offers a more relaxed beach day than the area's happening resort beaches. Though there are sandy shores to sit on, there's also plenty of green space (with waterfront vistas).

7. Miramar Beach

The main beach in this Destin community is open to the public. Its emerald and pristine white sand are reminiscent of a Caribbean getaway. Heads up: It feels up fast in the summer. Pack breakfast and lunch and arrive early.

8. Clearwater Beach

This lauded beach community offers a long stretch of public beach access. Soft-as-velvet white sand, warm Gulf waters and quintessential palm trees set the stage for a relaxing day. But a bustling foodie scene serving seafood classics, street performances and energetic nightlife keep it hopping. Sunsets at Pier 60, which offer crafts and entertainment before, during and for about two hours after sunset, begs to be experienced at least once.

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9. Fort Lauderdale Beach

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You'll find plenty to do at the largest public beach in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale Beach has basketball and volleyball courts, picnic tables, charcoal grills, restrooms, playgrounds and chances to rent water sports gear. But many set down a beach chair and stay a while — or all day.

10. Delray Municipal Beach

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Set on more than a mile of coastline, Delray Municipal Beach is known as one of the top public beaches in South Florida. Its calm waters, cabana rental opportunities and proximity to Delray's ample dining scene annually draw more than 3 million guests to its shores.

11. Crab Island

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Technically not an island, Crab Island is actually a submerged sandbar. It's a haven for boaters — a spot where you'll spend time on the water, not in the sand. As for the water, it's so crystal-clear you can see the bottom.

12. Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach has six miles of Atlantic beaches and four beachfront parks (Alan Shepard, Sidney Fisher Park, Lori Wilson Park and Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park). Guests can parasail or take a casino cruise when not digging their toes into the sand.

13. South Beach State Park

Set on more than 24 miles of beach in Boca Raton, South Beach Park offers opportunities for surfing, fishing and, of course, swimming. Grills and picnic tables have turned it into an ideal day-trip destination.

14. Bill Baggs Florida State Park

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A stone's throw from downtown Miami, this state park offers otherworldly Atlantic Ocean views. It's home to Cape Florida Light, Greatest Miami's oldest standing structure. The state park is considered not only one of the best in the state but the entire country. As such, expect the sand to be dotted with countless umbrellas during peak season.

15. Peanut Island

Peanut Island is a hotspot for boaters and active types looking to do more than sunbathe. Kayaking, fishing, swimming and snorkeling are a blast in the glimmering waters. It's also home to campsites for those who want to stay on the beach past the gorgeous Florida sunset (Pro tip: Book ASAP, they go fast).

16. Okaloosa Island

In Fort Walton's Okaloosa Island, clear blue waters juxtapose with clear blue skies for a postcard-perfect destination. A boardwalk, picnic areas and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park make it a popular spot for family vacays.

17. Bowman's Beach

This Gulfside beach on Sanibel Island has sugar-white sand and an endless supply of seashells, drawing beachcombers from east and west annually. Massive bonuses: Parking and bathrooms are known to be accessible (and clean, in the latter's case).

18. Juno Beach Park

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Juno Beach Park is nestled in the dazzling Palm Beach County and offers public beach access. Sink toes into the sand. A pier with a bait shop and concessions offer convenience for fishers and hungry beach-goers.

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19. Fort de Soto Park

This sprawling park spans 1,136 acres across five islands on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. It offers miles of sandy shoreline as far as the eye can see. You'll also find a Spanish-America War-era fort, a seven-mile paved path ideal for walking and biking, and opportunities to kayak. A pirate ship playground is ideal for kids who get bored of sand fast, while a Dog Beach and Paw Playground is as cute as it sounds.

20. Main Beach Park on Amelia Island

One of the most popular beaches on Amelia Island, a go-to spot for vacationers, Main Beach Park is a short stroll from downtown Fernandina. Two sand volleyball courts, a playground, several picnic shelters and beach access (with lifeguards on duty during the summer) make this spot a hot one for recreation, al fresco lunches and long days by the water.

21. St. George Island

One of few unspoiled, uninhabited Floridian barrier islands, St. George Island feels like a true vacation. The beaches along the 22-mile barrier island are generally not crowded. The untouched land, marshes and quiet atmosphere make it wildlife-friendly. Birdwatchers rejoice — hummingbirds, owls and hawks are among our avian friends who love the shore just as much as beach-goers.

22. Lowdermilk Park

This premiere beachfront park in Naples has Gulf vistas, a duck pond and plenty of spots to picnic (including the sand). Kayaks, bodyboards and paddleboards are available to rent.

23. Jupiter Beach

An off-leash dog beach 15 miles north of West Palm Beach. Enough said, really.

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