Do you want to escape the chilly weather? If so, Florida is the place to go. With year-round warm weather and sunshine, you can say goodbye to your winter clothes and hello to swimsuits and flip-flops. In this blog, we are going to narrow down the best beaches in Florida and resorts to visit nearby so you can start planning the ultimate getaway.
The Best Beaches In Florida Overall
Vero Beach
You’ll find this elegant beach town near Treasure Coast, just beside the Atlantic. Packed with oceanside shopping and dining opportunities, as well as fine art galleries and museums, Vero Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Florida.
Things to Do in Vero Beach
With everything there is to do and see, you’ll likely never get bored on vacation in Vero Beach. Take a stroll in the historic downtown area for a bite to eat and boutique shopping. The beautiful coast offers plenty of activities during the day or evening (after lounging in the sand).
Vero Beach Museum of Art
With six galleries and two sculpture parks, the Vero Beach Museum of Art presents guests with stunning 20th-century displays. If you have an art enthusiast in your family, consider planning around one of their global exhibitions that trade out throughout the year. With plenty of new things to see, it could be a trip worth taking multiple times throughout the year.
McKee Botanical Garden
Take a visit to this natural attraction to see water lilies, orchids, and native horticulture. Over 100,000 tourists from around the world visit McKee Botanical Garden every year, and it receives high praise for its serene landscaping.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Bring Disney magic with you to the beach! Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Orlando, visit Mickey on the shores. The cozy, old-fashioned theme offers spacious accommodations with all of the comforts of home. Sitting directly on the coast, Vero Beach Resort visitors can glimpse Loggerhead Sea Turtle nesting grounds. Adults can unwind at the spa with a relaxing massage or facial.
There are multiple dining options, like the Wind & Waves Grill for breakfast and dinner. For on-the-go snacks and bites for the beach, head to the Wind & Waves Market. You’ll really love The Green Cabin Room, presenting delicious cocktails and sweeping ocean views. The resort also features a Mickey Mouse-shaped pool. The kids will love the two-story, 163-foot Pirate’s Plunge water slide. Accommodations here include deluxe studios, as one and two-bedroom villas.
Read More: A Snapshot of All DVC Resorts in Orlando!
Clearwater Beach
The West Coast of Florida offers warmer waters and extra soft sands. Clearwater Beach doesn’t have its name for nothing—the gulf is crystalline and practically see-through. The waves are much more gentle, and all the more relaxing.
Things to Do in Clearwater Fl
For Florida locals, the Clearwater area is a favorite spot to visit. Kids and adults love the local aquarium, Dali museum, and restaurants in the area. Here is what you can do when visiting the best beaches in Clearwater, Florida.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
One of the best aquariums in Florida, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium also serves as a rescue for marine animals. After rehabilitation, the aquarium professionals release able marine life back into the wild. Guests can see a variety of aquatic species, like stingrays, dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and other fish.
Salvador Dalí Museum
The Salvador Dalí Museum is only a short distance away from Clearwater Beach. The stunning architectural design is a feat on its own. Guests can take a guided tour for an in-depth experience of Dalí’s eccentric pieces. Before you leave, visit the garden outside, which features a labyrinth and wish tree.
Club Wyndham Clearwater Beach
Located right on the shores, Club Wyndham Clearwater Beach resort has immaculate room interiors and amenities. During your stay, hit the bar for a cocktail to sip by the ocean or take a lounger by the pool.
Accommodations include one-, two-, and four-bedroom condo-style suites, perfect for families of all sizes. Each room size also features fully-equipped kitchens, so you can still enjoy a nice home-cooked meal on vacation.
Read More: Top 3 Wyndham Luxury Resorts!
Cocoa Beach
Ask anyone and they’ll most likely agree: Cocoa Beach makes for a perfect day trip from Orlando. When you’re theme-parked out, put your toes in the sand for a relaxing getaway. Only about an hour away from Orlando’s main attractions, Cocoa Beach is one of Florida’s best beaches for mere convenience and plenty of activities.
Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
Besides the sandy shores, Cocoa Beach is packed with excursions and activities. Because of its proximity to Orlando, Cocoa Beach brings in many tourists as well, so there are always things to do.
Read More: Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks!
Visit the Cocoa Beach Pier
When you visit the best beaches in Florida, none of their boardwalks come close to the Cocoa Beach Pier. Hosting annual surf competitions, it’s a favorite for locals as well. Cocoa’s East Coast waves attract professional surf and skim-boarders from around the world—you’ll likely spot a few on your trip. Local restaurants and bars feature live entertainment every weekend, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while listening to your favorites. Not to mention, fresh seafood! You can fish for Red Fish, Whiting, Pompano, Snapper, Flounder, and more here.
Check Out Ron Jon Surf Shop
All of your beach necessities are here. The Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is the largest surf shop in the world! Over 52,000 square feet full of bikinis, swim trunks, surfboards, skimboards, beach towels, sunscreen, and more will leave your wallets empty. It’s also conveniently located right on the beach, so if you forgot something at home, you can just take a stroll inside.
Holiday Inn Cape Canaveral Beach Resort
This timeshare in Florida is only fifteen minutes away from Cocoa Beach, one of the best beaches in Florida. Located on Florida’s Space Coast, Cape Canaveral hosts the Kennedy Space Center. Some visitors to Cocoa Beach will plan their trip around the Kennedy Space Center to visit the museum or even see a space launch. If you plan in advance, you may even get a glimpse of a rocket launch! The Holiday Inn Cape Canaveral Beach Resort offers direct beach access, so you can spend more of your time making sandcastles, renting jet skis, or basking in the sunshine. On-site is the Cape Grill & Bar, perfect for quick and easy meals. The pool also includes a lazy river, where you can drift in a tube all day.
For your family vacation, there’s also a children’s play area, mini-golf course, movie theater, and sports courts. Mom and Dad can relax in the sauna or stay on top of their exercise routine at the fitness center. Stay in a quaint studio villa, complete with a kitchenette and pullout sleeper sofa. When the whole family is tagging along, there are also one, and two-bedroom villas that feature fully-equipped kitchens and private bedrooms. You won’t have to compromise privacy or comfort at this gorgeous resort.
Read More: Top Timeshare Rentals in Florida You Can Book Now!
Best Florida Beaches for Families
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is the ultimate family-friendly beach. With over 27 miles of shoreline, travelers of all generations will enjoy a trip here. Camp Helen State Park and St. Andrews State Park are two popular destinations along the shores of Florida’s Panhandle. Camp Helen State Park is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts. It is famous for its large coastal dune lake, which provides excellent fishing opportunities. On the other hand, St. Andrews State Park is a haven for those seeking adventure in the water. Snorkeling, swimming, and surfing are popular activities here, thanks to the park’s crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches.
If you want to stay in a fabulous resort, check out Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach Resort.
Fort Lauderdale
Another great place to take the whole family is Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park has sand volleyball courts, a boat ramp, a playground, and a basketball court. It is a luxurious spot to have fun on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Just a short walk from Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is known as Fort Lauderdale’s version of New York’s Central Park. It is a stunning beach located right downtown. If you want a beach near some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment in Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Beach is the best beach to visit. In addition, Hollywood Beach is 10 miles away if you want to explore outside of Fort Lauderdale.
Marriott’s Beachplace Towers is without doubt the place to stay if you want to be near the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Best Florida Beaches for Adults
Santa Rosa Beach
Looking for a relaxing adult beach vacation? Santa Rosa Beach is one of the best Florida beaches to go. Here, you can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathing on the soft sands, and exploring the beautiful sand dunes. For those seeking outdoor adventures, Grayton Beach State Park is a must-visit spot. This stunning state park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking trails, camping areas, and picnic spots. Another popular destination in Santa Rosa Beach is Blue Mountain Beach. This picturesque beach offers a tranquil setting for vacationers to relax and unwind. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as bodysurfing, building sandcastles, or simply strolling along the shoreline while enjoying the breathtaking views.
Santa Rosa Beach is also known for its dining options and charming art galleries. Right around the corner from Satan Rosa Beach is Club Wyndham Emerald Grande At Destin.
Miami Beach
On the Atlantic coast, Miami Beach offers stunning beaches perfect for adults. Miami South Beach, Mid Beach, and North Beach boast glitz and glamour. South Beach is the most popular of the three. Known for its Art Deco buildings, fabulous nightlife, and white sands, it’s a lively place to enjoy Florida. North Beach is where you should go if you want to bask in the sun, relax, and truly unwind. Mid Beach is the best of both worlds with a mix of calm and fun.
Enjoy the best beaches in Florida with a stay at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club At Mcalpin Ocean Plaza.
Runner-Up Florida Beaches
Florida has so many fabulous beaches it is hard to narrow it down. Here are a few runner-up beaches in the Sunshine State.
- In Palm Beach County, Delray Beach is a small but mighty city. Delray Municipal Beach is a quaint beautiful beach perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Florida sun.
- Halfway between Orlando and Pensacola is Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. If you are on a road trip, it’s a great place to stop. Here, you can see stunning sunsets, sunbathe, swim, and hike through nature trails. It truly is an island paradise.
- Marco Island has some of the best beaches in Florida. If you want to see the most breathtaking sunsets Collier Seminole State Park is the place to be. Another fabulous Gulf Coast beach is Tigertail Beach Park. It is perfect if you want to enjoy wildlife.
- Sanibel Island offers pristine beaches. Two of the best Sanibel Island beaches include Gulfside City Park Beach and Bowman’s Beach.
- Siesta Key is a barrier island in Sarasota. Crescent Beach is among one of Siesta Key’s best beaches known for its access to Point of Rocks and stunning white sand.
Read More: Cheap Beach Vacations in Florida You Should Visit This Summer!
Vacation Rentals to Enjoy the Best Beaches in Florida
Now that you have the full run-down of the best beaches in Florida, we recommend checking out our Florida vacation rentals. With amazing resorts coast-to-coast, you can find the perfect place for the entire family. No matter where you are right now, you can start searching for where you want to be on your next vacation. Click the button below to browse our selection of Florida rentals by owner. Then, simply hit reserve on the ad for you. You will be enjoying the beautiful beaches in no time.
Buy a Timeshare Near the Best Beaches in Florida
Buying a timeshare is a great way to visit the white sand beaches of Florida each and every year. If you’d like to buy a timeshare click the button below to start browsing. Still have questions? Give us a call at 1-800-610-2734.
