If you’re planning a family vacation to Florida, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at the beach. Florida is known for its stunning beaches, warm weather, and crystal-clear waters. However, with so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your family. In this article, we’ll explore the best family beaches in Florida and reveal which one is our top pick.
1. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its soft white sand and calm, clear waters. The beach is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and hotels, making it easy to stay close to the action. Clearwater Beach is also home to Pier 60, a popular spot for fishing, and nightly sunset celebrations.
2. Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach, located in Sarasota, has been named the number one beach in the United States by Dr. Beach. The beach is known for its soft, white sand that is 99% quartz, making it cool to the touch even on the hottest days. Siesta Key Beach also offers a playground, volleyball courts, and plenty of picnic areas.
3. St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is another best family beaches in Florida located at Gulf Coast beach, known for its wide expanse of white sand and calm waters. The beach is home to many resorts and hotels, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops. Families can also enjoy water sports, such as parasailing and jet skiing, or take a dolphin-watching tour.
4. Cocoa Beach
One of the best family beaches in Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Cocoa Beach is a great option for families who love to surf. The beach is home to several surf schools, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch some waves. Cocoa Beach is also home to the Kennedy Space Center, making it a great choice for families who want to mix some education into their beach vacation.
5. South Beach
South Beach, located in Miami, is known for its iconic art deco architecture and lively atmosphere. While it may not be as calm or quiet as some of the other beaches on this list, it offers plenty of activities for families, including rollerblading, biking, and people-watching. South Beach is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops.
6. Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park, located near St. Petersburg, offers a more natural beach experience. The park is home to several beaches, including North Beach, which has been named the best family beach in America by Parents magazine. Families can also explore the park’s trails, kayak through the mangroves, or take a ferry to nearby Egmont Key. If you are on vacation this beach is must and best family beaches in Florida to stay and enjoy.
7. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island, located near Fort Myers, is known for its shelling opportunities. The island is home to more than 250 types of shells, making it a great spot for families who love to collect treasures from the sea. Sanibel Island also offers plenty of opportunities for biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
8. Naples Beach
Naples Beach, located in Southwest Florida, is a best family beaches in Florida who want to combine beach time with cultural activities. The beach is located near downtown Naples, which offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Families can also visit the nearby Naples Zoo or take a boat tour of the Everglades.
9. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, located on the Atlantic Coast, is a classic family-friendly beach destination. The beach is wide and flat, making it perfect for sandcastle building and beach games. Families can also enjoy the nearby Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, which offers plenty of restaurants and shops.
10. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a small barrier island located near Sarasota. The island is known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Families can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, as well as exploring the island’s many art galleries and shops.
11. Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore, located in the Panhandle, is a great choice for families who want to combine beach time with nature exploration. The park is home to miles of unspoiled beaches, as well as hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and historic forts. Consider this as peaceful beach among other best family beaches in Florida.
12. Amelia Island
Amelia Island, located near Jacksonville, is a great choice for families who want a quieter beach vacation. The island is known for its uncrowded beaches, as well as its charming downtown area, which offers plenty of restaurants and shops. Families can also enjoy the island’s many nature preserves and hiking trails.
13. Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach, located near Fort Lauderdale, is a great choice for families who want a lively beach vacation. The beach is known for its boardwalk, which offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Families can also enjoy biking, rollerblading, and people-watching along the boardwalk.
14. Lido Beach
Lido Beach, located in Sarasota, is another best family beaches in Florida located at Gulf Coast beach. The beach is known for its calm waters and soft sand, as well as its nearby nature preserves and hiking trails. Families can also enjoy the nearby St. Armands Circle, which offers plenty of restaurants and shops.
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Conclusion
So which beach is the number one pick for families in Florida? It really depends on what you’re looking for in a beach vacation. If you want a classic, amazing and best family beaches in Florida with plenty of activities, Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach might be the best choice. If you want a quieter, more natural beach experience, Fort De Soto Park or Amelia Island might be a better option. And if you want a lively beach vacation with plenty of entertainment options, South Beach or Hollywood Beach might be the way to go.
No matter which beach you choose, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water to stay safe and comfortable in the Florida sun. And don’t forget to take lots of photos to remember your family’s fun in the sun.
You can be amazed with these best family beaches in Florida to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best. From the calm, clear waters of Clearwater Beach to the lively atmosphere of South Beach, there’s something for every family. Consider your family’s preferences and interests when choosing a beach, and be sure to pack everything you need for a safe and enjoyable vacation.
