The Best Beaches in Florida

Known as "the Sunshine State", Florida is a popular place to visit; since it borders both the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, it's no surprise to learn that the south-easternmost state of the United States is blessed with a myriad of beautiful beaches.

Its big cities, such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola, are home to a myriad of fantastic restaurants, hotels and nightclubs, and their idyllic setting beside glittering turquoise waters only adds to their appeal. On top of this, Florida is also renowned for its wealth of theme parks, with Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld among the most popular.

Beyond its lively cities, the state's incredible nature parks and beautiful beaches offer an extraordinary variety of outdoor activities and water sports for visitors to try.

10Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Located right on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs is surrounded by the splendid and wild Cape Florida State Park. As such, the beach is in excellent condition because it is so pristine.

9Pensacola Beach

Located on a thin barrier island lying just off the coast of mainland Florida, the town of Pensacola Beach is a great vacation destination; there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. You can party at one, try water sports at another, and enjoy a fantastic fish dinner somewhere else.

8Grayton Beach

While the small, sleepy village of Grayton Beach may not offer much in terms of entertainment or nightlife, it is home to some of the most incredible beaches in Florida.

Consequently, Grayton Beach is worth visiting for its breathtaking scenery. Besides the fantastic diving and snorkelling available in its welcoming waters, it is also home to the exclusive Underwater Museum of Art, which visitors can dive in to explore.

7St. Andrews Beach

A popular tourist destination, Panama City Beach is home to a wealth of beaches stretching notably for over 30 kilometres; St. Andrews Beach is undoubtedly the most impressive.

Since it lies within a state park, the beach is unspoilt. The narrow strip of land it sits on is bordered by the calm waters of picturesque St. Andrews Bay on one side and the glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico on the other.

6Siesta Beach

With the finest white sand in the world, Siesta Beach seems torn from a travel catalogue. It's no surprise to learn that it has won numerous international awards for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The dazzling, bright quartz beach is very wide and extensive and borders the delightful emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Plenty of restaurants, bars and hotels can all be found up and down Siesta Key.

5Bowman's Beach

Stretching along the western coast of Sanibel Island, Bowman's Beach is delightfully undeveloped compared with most other Florida beaches, making it ideal for people seeking a quiet holiday.

Mainly popular among families, birdwatching enthusiasts and shell collectors, Sanibel Island and its stunning natural attractions lie not too far from Fort Myers if you feel the need to enjoy a few of the perks of city life.

4Clearwater Beach

A beach jewel worth visiting, Clearwater Beach is on the Gulf of Mexico and is a short distance from Tampa, if you want to combine your beach trip with a visit to the city.

One of the most spectacular beaches in Florida, if not the nation, Clearwater Beach has beautiful white beaches to sit on. Every evening, the sparkling waters around it are bathed in a glorious sunset. Head to Pier 60 for the best view of the sun going down.

3Fort Lauderdale Beach

Although it is often called "the Venice of America" because of all the canals found in the city, Fort Lauderdale's main attraction is its glorious beach that stretches endlessly along the coast.

In many ways, its fine white sand closely resembles that of its famous neighbour, Miami South Beach. A string of hotels, restaurants and bars line the beautiful beach. There is a very relaxed atmosphere in the area, and its "Strip" offers plenty of nightlife and entertainment for locals and tourists alike.

2Bahia Honda Beach

Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a great place to go if you want to immerse yourself in nature, and the scenery is simply stunning.

Its three beautiful beaches are all blessed with brilliant white sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming or snorkelling.

Home to a wide range of wildlife, it is a paradise for birdwatching, and dolphins, sea turtles and rays can be spotted offshore from time to time.

1South Beach

One of the most famous cities to visit in all of the United States, Miami Beach is rich in fabulous Art Deco buildings, a thumping nightlife and, of course, the beautiful white beaches of South Beach.

Alongside the imposing architecture and dazzling nightclubs, South Beach also has a flourishing cultural scene; after a day spent on the beach, visitors can always visit one of its world-famous museums or fantastic theatres.

A very fashionable and lively place, South Beach is spectacular with its swaying palms and the high ground around it. Its inviting sands are rightly considered one of the best beaches in the country.