Editor’s note: This is an opinion piece about value and expectations.
Florida has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to great beaches. There’s enough shoreline in the Sunshine State alone to fill this list without stretching the meaning of beach too far.
The beaches here have been ranked from worst to best, though. So if you see a favorite of yours, don’t be alarmed – just pay close attention to it before booking a trip there. The ones toward the bottom of the list have plenty of room to breathe during a stay. Regardless, all of them are places that should be booked on purpose and with a goal in mind, not habitually.
37. South Beach
South Beach is famous for its colorful Art Deco architecture and wild nightlife. Those are valid reasons to visit, but for many, they can detract from what should be a relaxing beach stay.
Between the high costs, the congestion and the glitzy-but-controlled atmosphere of Miami’s party scene, South Beach might not be the best bet for a trip to Florida unless you’re going with the express purpose of hitting the beach between clubs.
36. Key West
The beaches in Key West may not be its number-one draw, but the island’s rich history, laid-back vibe, great bars and stunning sunsets more than make up for it.
Key West isn’t a bad place to go if you’re in the mood for an island-hopping beach vacation, but don’t expect the beaches themselves to be the highlight of the stay. It’s a quirky, wonderful place, so be prepared to go there for more than the sands and the surf.
35. Clearwater Beach
This gorgeous, pristine stretch of sand on the Gulf of Mexico is so famous that it attracts its fair share of unwanted attention. If you don’t want to plan ahead for Clearwater Beach, expect to pay through your nose and contend with an onslaught of fellow travelers.
It’s a polished, easy-to-use beach with plenty to do in town, though, so those who don’t mind the crowds during peak season should consider a stay.
34. Panama City Beach
While spring-break days have been toned down a bit, the reputation is still there. Still, the friendly sands of Panama City Beach and the low-cost condos are a boon to beachers.
Rates are inexpensive and the atmosphere is fun without being obnoxiously wild, making Panama City Beach the perfect location for a laid-back stay with a pulse.
33. Daytona Beach
You either love it or hate it, as the sands of Daytona Beach might not scream gorgeous, but there’s plenty of nostalgia and culture in Daytona Beach to compensate.
The atmosphere of Daytona Beach is unlike any other in Florida, so those who make the pilgrimage are sure to leave satisfied, but know what you’re getting yourself into first.
32. Destin
You can’t help but stare at the unbelievably turquoise waters of Destin because it is a sight to behold. Unfortunately, getting to the emerald-blue shores of Destin can be a hassle. Traffic can be bad on the way to Destin, prices can be bad once you’re there and the town is notoriously overcrowded.
Go with an idea of what to do ahead of time, book your family-friendly vacation well in advance and you should be fine, but remember Destin is nothing to stumble into.
31. Fort Lauderdale Beach
There are worse things than an airport nearby, and Fort Lauderdale Beach is far cleaner and friendlier than its raunchy reputation once was. Still, the beach doesn’t exactly beg you to visit, which means trips to Fort Lauderdale Beach might not be the best bang for your buck.
The beach is fairly walkable, though, and an option for those who like the idea of an urban beach that isn’t quite as rowdy as South Beach.
30. Cocoa Beach
The beach itself is pretty basic, but there’s plenty of culture in Cocoa Beach – surfing, for starters, but also nearby attractions like the Kennedy Space Center. Cocoa Beach markets itself as one of Florida’s top beaches, which means expectations can be higher than necessary.
The sands of Cocoa Beach aren’t as interesting as advertised, but there’s plenty of things to do beyond them.
29. St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is a popular spot for good reason: It has beautiful sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico and easy access to everything else you’d expect in a beach town.
However, St. Pete can be more expensive and busier than expected – book ahead and choose your location wisely, but don’t count on bargains when you go to St. Pete Beach.
28. Siesta Key
Siesta Key’s reputation for world-class sand is well-deserved, but unfortunately, getting to them can be a challenge. Siesta Key has few drawbacks, but those drawbacks are amplified by the popularity of this gorgeous little barrier island.
Know what you want to see before you go and aim for early mornings on Siesta Key – otherwise, you’re bound to have a rougher-than-necessary time.
27. Naples
Naples has real restaurants, gorgeous sunsets, and a sense of order. But for all of it, Naples is expensive.
It’s an extremely polished Gulf Coast beach vacation, so know what you’re signing up for and budget accordingly.
26. Palm Beach
If you’ve been dreaming of splurging in Palm Beach at a luxurious beachfront hotel, Palm Beach delivers. It’s an old-money beach town and the atmosphere reflects it, but Palm Beach is an elegant, cultured, sophisticated, beautiful place with incredible architecture.
Its beach scene is lovely, but Palm Beach shines brighter as a glitzy escape than it does for public beach time, although the sands are gorgeous.
25. Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach has a broadwalk that makes it easier to explore on foot than many other Florida beaches.
It’s busy, but not as hectic as Miami, though it’s gotten busier than you’d think judging by Instagram photos of the sands.
24. Fort Myers Beach
We’re keeping Fort Myers Beach on the list with the understanding that many of you won’t want to go right now, in light of what’s happening. If you do want to make a trip to Fort Myers Beach and support the community there, do your homework about what’s open and what’s not, what’s safe, what’s closed, etc.
If you go with an understanding of what to expect and a willingness to show compassion and respect for what’s been going on, Fort Myers Beach is a beachy, friendly, warm destination. Read more: the Mexico beach ranking.
23. Marco Island
Nearby, Marco Island offers more room to roam and a quieter nightlife scene. We’d book Marco Island for a relaxing, less-adventurous trip centered around beachcombing, shelling, and beach days.
It’s another trip that works best if you’re planning to spend most of your time right there on the beach, which is beautiful, and have a car to venture out for excursions and dining.
22. Treasure Island
Despite the glamorous-sounding name, Treasure Island is a relatively unpretentious beach town. It’s a lovely, simple, somewhat retro escape where you can kick back at the beach.
Book it if you’re looking to stretch out on the sands and have a laid-back good time. If you can find a deal on accommodations, Treasure Island is worth considering.
21. Longboat Key
Refined but not stuffy, Longboat Key is a gorgeous, quieter, more upscale island that’s perfect for leisurely beach strolls.
Book a trip to Longboat Key if you’re a couple who likes their beach trips on the quieter side and don’t mind having dinner plans worked out before arrival. There’s not much to do in terms of entertainment, so plan on enjoying Longboat Key’s gorgeous sands and scenery.
20. Lido Key
Lido Key gets overlooked because it’s not Siesta Key, but it’s the gateway to Sarasota without Siesta Key crowds. Lido Key has its own gorgeous white-sand beach that’s perfect for relaxing.
Book a trip to Lido Key if you want easy access to a vibrant, interesting city but don’t want to deal with huge crowds. It’s another beach that’s stunning but doesn’t have Siesta Key’s name recognition, which means it’s a smart, savvy booking for those looking for some breathing room. Read more: the Hawaii vacation spots ranking.
19. Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a great Florida city to visit, thanks to its walkable town center.
Its restaurants are top-notch.
18. Boca Raton
Boca Raton offers quieter, orderly beaching.
Book it if you want to explore Atlantic Ocean beaches that are easy to enjoy without making a big production.
17. Jupiter
There’s an inlet and lighthouse to visit, plus some of the prettiest water in the Atlantic.
If you’re looking for South Florida without the energy of Miami, give Jupiter a look.
16. Key Largo
If you’ve ever wondered what Key Largo is all about, it’s about the reef.
There’s a town, and it’s a good base if you have a boat or love snorkeling, but Key Largo isn’t your typical beach town. Read more: the US national parks ranking.
15. Islamorada
Not quite a beach town either, Islamorada is a place that can satisfy the need to get on the water.
There are fewer traditional beaches here, though you’ll find some, but it has great restaurants, sunset viewing and world-class sport fishing.
14. Marathon
Not as polished or renowned as Islamorada, and without the name recognition of Key West, Marathon is a family-friendly Keys destination that’s great for those looking to explore the area.
It’s more of a base, but if you’re on a Keys road-trip and looking for a place to stay for a few days, Marathon is a great option.
13. Venice
A quieter, more laid-back Gulf Coast town, Venice has its share of attractions beyond the beach.
If you’re into shark-tooth hunting, this is the place to be.
12. St. Augustine Beach
If you want a beach with things to do beyond beach-related pursuits, St. Augustine Beach delivers.
The old city offers fantastic restaurants and tons of historic sites to visit. Read more: the European cities ranking.
11. New Smyrna Beach
More surfing town than tourist trap, New Smyrna Beach is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an Atlantic beach without the crowds of more glamorous spots.
The town has lots of personality and plenty of independently-owned restaurants.
10. Vero Beach
Without the name recognition of Miami Beach or Daytona Beach, Vero Beach is more laid-back than many Atlantic Coast beach communities.
That makes it an ideal pick for a long weekend.
9. Amelia Island
If you’ve been down the east coast many times, it’s time to explore Amelia Island.
Here, trees and beaches meld into a quieter, historically-rich beach town in northern Florida.
8. Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is underrated. It’s an unpretentious beach town and home to some of the bluest water and whitest sand you’ll find in the country. It’s worth visiting if you’ve never been and don’t want to brave the South Beach crowds. The water’s a little different here on the Gulf, and Pensacola Beach may be Florida’s most unpretentious beach town.
It may not have the gloss of nearby Destin, but it offers plenty to enjoy. Like parks, beaches need breathing room and careful planning to enjoy. Book based on your goals, not habit.
7. Miramar Beach
This quieter and more spacious town offers the same great water as neighboring Destin, minus some of the crowds.
Families are more likely to rent houses here, and you’re less apt to see people pouring out of resort towers. Read more: the Mexico beach ranking.
6. Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach is expensive, meticulously-planned and far from a secret. Still, it’s an excellent 30A community worth visiting.
If your idea of an ideal beach town is a high-end, carefully-planned community that focuses on design and has an air of exclusivity, this is the place for you.
5. Seaside
A planned community that epitomizes the 30A lifestyle, Seaside can get crowded.
However, if you’re a fan of this lifestyle and don’t mind paying top dollar for it, Seaside is an excellent place to base yourself to explore nearby beaches and communities.
4. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island may have lost its luster as a secret, but it’s still a worthwhile barrier island escape, offering sunsets and a sense of scale and place that’s easy to lose on the Gulf Coast these days.
The island’s main drag moves at a glacial pace in comparison to other parts of Florida.
3. Sanibel
More conservation-minded than many Florida beach towns, Sanibel moves at a pace that allows visitors to enjoy the many attractions. These range from its excellent bike paths to a host of unique restaurants.
Sanibel is known as the shelling capital of the world, which is saying something considering Florida’s reputation for beaches. Check current conditions on Sanibel before visiting. Read more: the Hawaii vacation spots ranking.
2. Captiva
Captiva is expensive, quiet, beautiful, perfect for sunsets and somewhat far removed from it all.
This makes it ideal for a couples’ trip, provided you’re OK paying a premium to achieve your island-dream.
1. Pass-a-Grille
For an Old Florida experience, consider Pass-a-Grille. It’s an excellent alternative to livelier Gulf Coast towns, with a small-town feel and a handful of excellent restaurants.
The entire town can be explored in a single afternoon.
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