The Top 6 Best Florida Beaches

6) Cocoa Beach

Photo by Mikael Cho

Located within an hour’s drive of Orlando , making this place a popular stop for vacationers and locals alike. You’ll find a lot of great shops, restaurants, and hotels for your quick little escape to the beach.

For a quieter place, check out Canaveral National Seashore where you can see Kennedy Space Center from the beach!

5) The First Coast

Photo by Lance Asper

You may not find this one on a lot of lists out there, but don’t count this place out. As a Jacksonville area resident, I can tell you that there are several beaches that only the locals know about, so here you go.

Check out Little Talbot Island for an experience where you are sure to have 100 yards of beach to yourself. If you like a place with more people, check out Huguenot Park where you can drive your car right on the beach.

If neither of those spark your fancy, go a little north to Amelia Island for some of the best sand in all of Florida, and explore a quaint little town afterwards. (Don’t forget to stop for ice cream in downtown Fernandina!)

4) The Florida Keys

Really any beach you pick from Key Largo all the way down to Key West will be a good choice.

My Particular favorite is Bahia Honda State Park, located just a few miles down the road from Key West! Here you’ll find a natural reef located just a few hundred yards off the beach where you can get a good look at some sea life. The view from the old Bridge is absolutely breathtaking, and when you’re done there you can head right on down to Key West.

For something a little bit more adventurous in the area check out our paddle to the island Nest Key.

3) Miami Beach

Photo by Lance Asper

This one is just a given as it is one of the most popular beach destinations in all of the world. The beach is incredible for sure, but perhaps the activity surrounding it is what makes Miami Beach so alluring.

When you’re not soaking in the sun on the beach, hit up South Beach for a night that is sure to not disappoint. Other activities in the Miami Beach area include Marlins baseball, endless golf options, and much more!

2) Siesta Key

Siesta Key is another Gulf Shore beach in the Sarasota area with miles of expansive beautiful white sand. It is no coincidence that this beach consistently ranks in the top beaches in the United States. The water is clean and clear and the beach is preserved in all of its natural beauty.

1) Anna Maria Island

I started going here as a young fellow almost every summer for regular weekend trips to chill on the beach or go fishing.

This small little island has something for everyone. Here you’ll experience the great Gulf Shore beaches where the water stays a little warmer all year long, the current is much less, and the water is clearer.

Expect to find an entire host of good restaurants and bars to fulfill all your needs!  My favorites are Minnie’s for breakfast and Sandbar,but don’t limit yourself to just those.