Florida is a year-round travel destination and attracts a wide variety of tourists, but especially those who love to sunbathe on the sand on a beautiful beach.
The southern state has nearly 1,200 miles of coastline. Many people are unsure of which is the best area to visit with family, friends or even to go alone to meditate and enjoy the silence in summer.
U.S. News published a list of the best beaches in florida for 2024taking into account reader votes and factors such as environment, services and convenience.
List of the best beaches in Florida in 2024
- Siesta Key: Popular with couples and families, it is located on the coast of Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has white quartz sands, crystal-clear waters and a lively atmosphere with restaurants, shops and nighttime entertainment.
- Anna Maria Island: With an “Old Florida” feel, it’s located south of St. Petersburg. It offers quaint accommodations, beachside restaurants and a well-preserved main street.
- Delray Beach: Known as the “Villa by the Sea”, it combines the friendly atmosphere of a small town with the entertainment options of a big city.
- Santa Rosa BeachLocated along Highway 30A on the northwest coast of Florida, it offers white sands, emerald waters, first-class restaurants and a diverse cultural and leisure offering.
- Palm Beach: This luxurious resort town, north of Miami, offers exclusive shopping and a beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, shelling and snorkeling.
- Destin: It is very popular with families thanks to its white sand beaches, Gulf waters and constant sunshine.
- Marco IslandLocated south of Naples, Tigertail Beach Park combines luxury resorts with natural habitats and is ideal for wildlife viewing and kayak rentals.
- Fort Walton Beach: It is located in the Florida Panhandle, and is known for its quiet beaches, deep-sea fishing, and family-friendly attractions.
- St. George Island: It is perfect for those seeking relaxation and ideal areas for swimming, fishing, camping or picnicking.
- Clearwater Beach: Its calm waters and white sand make it a perfect beach for swimming and relaxing. It also has Pier 60, where you can enjoy sunsets and fairs.
- Amelia IslandLocated northeast of Jacksonville, it has 13 miles of beaches, including Amelia Island State Park where you can even go horseback riding, play golf and stroll under the oak trees.
- Sanibel Island: Hurricane Ian in 2022 greatly affected its infrastructure but it is in the process of recovery. Many of its beach areas are active with great natural beauty and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Key Largo: It is known for its reefs and wrecks, which make it a top diving destination. It has beach areas such as Cannon Beach and Far Beach, in a serene setting.
- St. Petersburg: This city offers a combination of relaxing beaches and an urban landscape. Its water activities and its natural park for bird watching and being in the middle of nature are popular.
- Islamorada: It is known for its sport fishing and diving areas. The beaches are not the best but the summer atmosphere is noticeable all year round. In this case, it is recommended to consider a beachfront resort to enjoy the sun and sand.