Great Beaches to Visit in Florida
By: Anna Trosper
May 21, 2024
Florida has lots of great family-friendly destinations. Most families head to Destin for beach getaways but Florida has so many great beaches for families. I would love to share a few with you. One of them may be just what you’re looking for on your next adventure!
Clearwater Beach
This has been a family friendly destination for decades. It has great white sandy beaches and stunning clear water. This is one of our family’s favorite Florida beaches to visit. It is a great location if you’re looking for something for the whole family. It is located near the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s west coast and is not far from Tampa Bay if you also want some city life. Clearwater has great family friendly lodgings and plenty of water activities off the Clearwater Marina, like swimming and boating. You can find food and fun for the family at Pier 80. During your stay you may also want to visit the famous Clearwater Marina Aquarium, the long-time home of Winter the Dolphin.
Daytona Beach
Daytona offers Spring Break fun for families looking for a destination with sun, fun and NASCAR! There is so much to do and see in Daytona including the Daytona International Speedway and sandy beaches with packed sand which is perfect to drive on. Yes, in Daytona you can drive on the beach…for a fee! There is a beach boardwalk that has plenty of arcades and themed rides. And the Daytona Lagoon Park has a ton of entertainment like waterslides, laser tag and go karting. It is great fun when you’re not on the beach!
Hawk’s Cay
Who says you must leave the US to enjoy the Caribbean? Take the family to Hawks Cay - no passport required. Located just 90 miles South of Miami, Hawks Cay Resort offers a family-friendly, vibrant island getaway, with daily events, culinary delights like the Hook and Cook experience, five pools, the private Tiki Beach, and more. Kids will love the pirate ship pool, the game room, and the putting course. Hawks Cay also offers plenty of watersports for the entire family to enjoy. Their Kids Club, Camp Hawk, is highly rated and kids will have fun learning about the Florida Everglades, going searching for treasure, pretending to be mermaids and more. They have rooms and suites that fit 2 to 5 guests!
Key Largo
Welcome to paradise! This is a great destination for families that love the water! Key Largo, the self-titled “Dive Capital of the World”, offers visitors a host of underwater adventures. Located in the upper Florida Keys, Key Largo offers families a chance to see beautiful underwater attractions like the Pennekamp Coral Reef Underwater State Park, or the world’s largest artificial reef. The entire family will love a day trip on a glass bottom boat, snorkeling, diving, or an aquatic adventure with local sea life like swimming with dolphins. You can then spend the evenings at one of the local hot spots for food and fun. If the family is feeling more adventurous, take a trip over to the Everglades National Park for close encounters of the alligator kind.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key is not just for the beach lover in you! Siesta Key is a barrier island just a short drive from Sarasota. It is known for its beautiful, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and water sports too. Crescent Beach and Points of Rock have beautiful coral reefs for snorkelers and water enthusiasts to explore. The evenings can be filled with checking out quaint shops and enjoying sidewalk cafés. If you plan to stay on the island for the entirety of your spring break vacation, the kiddos will love riding the trolley. It’s a chance to see the beauty of the island and a free ride too!
Sanibel Island
Sanibel is a small island off the coast of Florida that is popular because of its low-key, quiet, beach settings. Sanibel Island is the perfect spot for the Gulf tides to bring over 250 types of shells on shore. Breathtaking sunsets and playful dolphins contribute to the excitement of boating tours, and the beautiful waters of the island offer some of the finest fishing in the world. If you are looking for gorgeous beaches with some history thrown in, then Sanibel Island is for you. Located on Florida’s southwest coast, it boasts beautiful, sandy white beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles! For the history enthusiast, visit a lighthouse that dates back to the early nineteenth century.
Pensacola Beach
In contrast to Destin Beach, Pensacola's quieter, historical atmosphere is perfect for those desiring a more laid-back vacation. Nestled in the northwest corner of Florida, Pensacola is known for its pristine, relaxing, soft white sand beaches, its historic charm and for being the home of the world-renowned Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron. Pensacola is a very family friendly destination, not only because of the great beaches but there is an Amusement Park, History, family fun like dolphin tours to kayaking, trails, fishing, and everything in between. Great dining options are also available that will fit any family. Our family loves going to Pensacola Beach. We also have to eat at Crab’s when we’re there.
These are just a few of the great beaches worth a visit in Florida. I would be happy to find the beach that fits your wants and needs. From family getaways to girls’ trips, Florida has a beach that will fit just what you’re looking for. You can contact me at annat@wishesfamilytravel.com and you can follow me on Facebook. I hope to hear from you soon and let’s plan your next adventure!