1. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key
A public swimming beach known for its clean, hard-packed sand. Some say it’s the finest sand in the U.S. One tourist swears it feels like “baby powder.” The beach is a big crescent, and the sea looks emerald green around it. The sand is quartz crystal and it stays cool even when the sun’s at its peak.
2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bicycles, beach chairs, and umbrellas can be rented and seen all over this gorgeous Atlantic shoreline. Overnight boat camping is allowed and this beach is home to the historic lighthouse built in 1825. This location is known for being a big swimming location because of it’s clear, clean, water.
3. Clearwater Beach
There is always something to do on this beach. Enjoy the nightly “Sunsets at Pier 60” Festival where you can see sunsets, music, and festivals. And don’t miss the Internationally recognized Clearwater Jazz Festival. The well-known dolphin, “Winter,” came from these shores and can be seen nearby at the Florida Aquarium.
4. South Beach, Miami
This is where you’ll find bikini-clad beachgoers, models doing photoshoots by the sea, and lots of celebrities in vacation. At night the neon lights and beautifully restored art deco architecture light up the sky. You can always expect a wild time on the shore of this beach.
5. Saint Pete Beach
One of my personal favorites, this beach has strips of bars and restaurants as far down as you can see. You can drive right up on the sand next to your umbrella and chair and start grilling out of the back of your truck. The weekend drumming circle and life size sand castles are not something you will want to miss.
6. Knight Island
Also known as Palm Island, after its best-known resort, this is a real getaway beach in Charlotte County. You can only get here by ferry or private boat. This is a great place to go if you want to avoid crowds, it’s exclusive and you can only stay in rental homes which keeps the crowds away. The beach is 10 miles long and has been called “fisherman’s heaven.”
6. Gulf Island National Seashore
This 150-mile stretch of seashore runs from Cat Island in Mississippi to Santa Rosa Island in Florida. It’s white sand and emerald green water is well-known for sight seeing trips. You can drive out along the peninsula to catch a great sunset, and enjoy gourmet food among their top rated restaurants.
8. Delray Beach
This little beach town is full of shops, cafe’s, and historical sights to see. Everything is walking distance from the beach and makes it easy to get around. Five-star resorts surround the beach so tourists have a comfortable stay in any area of the town they wish. This is a great place for a weekend getaway.
9. Fort De Soto Park, St. Pete
This park has everything andy beach-goer needs; two fishing piers, restaurants, historic fort tours, hiking trails, canoe and kayak rentals, bike trails, waterfront camp grounds, and a ferry to Egmont Key. This is a great family place to go for a vacation full of activity, but you may need to stay longer than just a few days!
10. St. Andrews State Park
Well-known for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers.
