The Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches, but the true hidden gem of the United States lies on the Florida Gulf Coast. It is a best-kept secret that Florida Gulf Coast Beaches are stunning.
Imagine powdery white sand, crystal clear blue waters, and breathtaking sunsets – this is what awaits you at these gorgeous beaches!
Along with picturesque natural beauty, various activities such as kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling provide endless entertainment.
The best thing about living in Florida is definitely the access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Florida Gulf Coast beaches are definitely my favorite, and I love spending my weekends lounging in the sun and swimming in the clear blue water.
There’s just something about being surrounded by nature and feeling the sand between your toes that instantly relaxes me and makes all of my worries disappear.
The sun, the sand, and the waves – there’s nothing quite like a day spent at the beach. And when it comes to beaches in the United States, few states can rival Florida.
With over 800 miles of coastline, Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the country. From the world-famous beaches of Miami to the lesser-known gems of the Gulf Coast, there’s a beach in Florida for everyone.
1. Clearwater Beach
One of Florida’s top beaches for families is sparkling Clearwater Beach. Visitors are enticed to dive in by the vivid emerald waves that lap against the picturesque strand’s snow-white shores.
Little ones adore the peaceful, warm, and shallow water because it is ideal for safe splashing. Another popular area is the playground.
What to know before you visit?
At Clearwater Beach, lifeguards are always on duty, making it simple to visit at any time of year. Take a stroll down the meandering, palm-lined Beachwalk, where you’ll pass many rollerbladers and cyclists.
Alternately, go to Pier 60, a lengthy, wooden fishing pier great for angling. This picturesque strand, located on Clearwater Beach Island, a barrier island just off the west coast of Clearwater, has a lively small-town atmosphere with a wide variety of stores, eateries, and cafés.
Visit the neighboring Clearwater Aquarium once you’ve had your fill of the sun – once home to Winter, star of the film Dolphin Tale, now sadly passed away.
It takes 94 miles to drive from Clearwater to Walt Disney World. The driving time from Clearwater to Walt Disney World is roughly 1 hour and 43 minutes. So you can head to Disney for extra fun after a quick visit to the beach.
2. Sanibel Lighthouse Beach
Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is located at 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida. Sanibel Island’s reputation as the “Shelling Capital of the World” is understandable.
Unique shells, including sand dollars, have come in from the Gulf of Mexico and are spread out over its 15 kilometers of beaches.
Choosing just one of the stunning beaches on Sanibel Island can be difficult.
What to know before you visit?
The island’s easternmost point is Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park, which houses a historic working lighthouse. The smooth ivory beach is situated around a point and faces the Sanibel Causeway and the Gulf of Mexico.
It boasts a fishing pier and restrooms.
Lighthouse Beach is an artificial beach with clean and soft sand.
Sand near the water’s edge is ideal for building castles. Although the water doesn’t look inviting and is sluggish and muddy in hue, you can swim in it without risk.
Wheelchair-accessible parking is available, while general parking is $5 per hour (24 hours a day).
3. Siesta Key Public Beach
The Siesta Key Public Beach may be found in Sarasota, Florida, at 948 Beach Rd. Siesta Key Public Beach, which has consistently been ranked among the top beaches in the country, never lets visitors down.
You’ll recognize why so many people enjoy this gorgeous stretch of sand the moment you set foot on its – so plush it cushions your feet – sand and gaze out at the immaculately clean, crystal-clear water.
What to know before you visit?
Siesta Key Beach, which is eight miles long and lies south of the center of Sarasota, gives guests plenty of room to run, walk, or construct sandcastles.
The sand, primarily quartz, seldom gets too hot, making it ideal for people with little children. The beach’s gentle shoreline is a favorite among families.
Siesta Key is a playground for outdoor excursions, a family vacation spot, and a romantic retreat for couples.
Over 900 spaces are available for public parking at 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key Beach.
Although these parking facilities are free and offer some spots for those with disabilities, the lot fills up rapidly during peak seasons, so arrive early!
4. Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park is a glittering jewel on Florida’s Emerald Coast in Destin that should not be missed. Where else can you see towering dunes so brilliantly white that you need to wear sunglasses to reduce the glare?
What to know before you visit?
This protected paradise has 60 campsites and a nature trail and is awash in innate beauty. Watch for birds, turtles, and dolphins, including black skimmers and brown pelicans.
This beach’s sand, primarily quartz, hardly becomes excessively hot, and the mild Gulf waters are ideal for swimming.
A boardwalk, pavilions, restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground are all on-site amenities. You can probably try your luck catching a large fish while you’re here, as Destin is recognized as “the luckiest fishing community in the world.”
$6 per vehicle, with a maximum of 8 passengers per vehicle, for admittance. Single-occupant vehicle for $4. $2 for pedestrians, bikers, additional passengers, and anybody riding in a car with an annual individual entrance pass owner.
Alcohol use is not permitted while Henderson Beach State Park is open to the public. You can make reservations up to 11 months in advance. Visit the Florida State Parks reservations website to make reservations.
5. Fort Myers
Fort Myers Beach is famed for its sugary beaches and emerald waters, but it also has much more to offer visitors.
This picturesque strand, which stretches seven miles along Estero Island’s coast, is bordered on one side by stores and eateries and the other by a range of water activities.
What to know before you visit?
The expansive beach gently descends to the Gulf of Mexico, where parasailing, snorkeling, and kayaking are available. Fort Myers Beach can be a bit of a scene on hot, bright days.
In front of the Lani Kai hotel, a younger crowd usually gathers, and as the day goes on, the music gets louder and the atmosphere a little livelier.
The fishing pier is a good place to take a picturesque view, especially around dusk. Bring a rod and some bait if you want to try your luck with the aquatic life below. Another well-liked activity on this sandy shore is shelling.
Low tide is when you’ll have the best luck finding treasures (early in the morning). However, make careful to leave the living shells alone.
Along the seashore are rental stores for water sports gear, and visitors can also make equipment reservations online with a firm like Holiday Water Sports.
The beach is lined with many bars, restaurants, and hotels. Everyone has a distinctive party vibe if that’s what you’re looking for.
The Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches, but the true hidden gem of the United States lies on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Florida Gulf Coast Beaches are stunning. From Clearwater Beach to Panama City Beach, there is something special about each of these gems along the Gulf Coast.
These beautiful beaches offer so many options for those who are looking to have an adventure or simply want to relax and take in the sun.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, these beaches have something for everyone.
With more than 100 public beaches stretching along Florida’s panhandle, there is no shortage of opportunities for rest and relaxation!
