The Most Outstanding Beaches in Florida

If you're looking for perfection, some of the beaches in Florida are the perfect place for a beach lover. Whether you are looking for a vacation destination on the Atlantic, the Gulf Coast, down in the Keys or even at an interior lake, the Sunshine state should be your destination.

The best known beaches in Florida are probably Daytona Beach and South Beach but there are literally hundreds of others to explore. Put on your sunscreen, pull up your favorite beach chair and head off for fun in the sun.

Write a review of YOUR FAVORITE BEACH!

South Florida's Gold Coast

The area north of Fort Lauderdale and south of Boca Raton consists of a number of towns that seem to be stuck in the 1950's. If you're looking for a relaxing and low key time in Florida head to Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Pompano Beach or Lauderdale-by-the Sea. The lower hotel prices in this area will enable you to stretch your vacation for another day or two.

Many of the hotels appear dated from the outside but have been outfitted with the most modern conveniences including Wi-Fi and kitchens. These touches keep families coming back year after year to enjoy some of the best beaches in Florida.

The area is less than an hour away from the Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach airports. You will need a car if you plan on spending time away from the beach but most of the hotels are within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Places to stay:

Check out www.4rentbythebeach.com for a list of comfortable family-friendly lodgings.

The Deerfield Buccaneeer

120 N. Ocean Drive in Deerfield Beach

www.deerfieldbuccaneer.com

954-426-4672

The Buccaneer is a 3 story condo-hotel about a block from the beach. It's small at 38 units which are mostly 1 bedroom apartments. Rates start at about $110 in low season and $130 in high season.

Places to eat:

Oceans 234

234 N. Ocean Blvd in Deerfield Beach

954-428-2539

www.oceans234.com

This restaurant has a great waterfront view and is a bit more casual than some options. It has a good children's menu with items such as fish and chips and mac and cheese.

Joe's Riverside Grille

125 N. Riverside Drive, Pompano Beach

954-941-2499

www.joesriversidegrille.com

Joe's has a waterfront view, specializes in seafood and is open for dinner only.

Athena by the Sea

4400 Ocean Drive in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

954-771-2900

www.athenabythesea.net

Plan to spend the day enjoying the best beaches in Florida? This is THE place to go for breakfast.

LaSpada's Original Hoagies

4346 Sea Grape Dr. in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

954-776-7893

www.laspadashoagies.com

Some of the best and biggest sandwiches in the area.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is another of those wonderful beaches in Florida, and is located on Florida's Space Coast about one hour east of Orlando. Essentially, Cocoa Beach is known as the perfect beach town.

Cocoa Beach is also one of the most affordable beachvacations in Florida and there are plenty of thingsto do or see around here. Head outto go deep sea fishing or parasailing, try yourluck aboard a casino cruise ship, or just take a river tour and get an up close look at the wildlife of Florida. Visit the KennedySpace Center, the Brevard Zoo or drive to Orlando for the many attractions there.

Florida Keys

Some of the best beaches in Florida are found in the keys: this is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Whether you are hoping to drop out of sight or only have time for a quick trip this is a spot all beach lovers should visit.

Don't make the mistake of thinking the Florida Keys are just for adults. Although adults wishing a clothing optional vacation can certainly enjoy Key West, it is also a place for families. Here are some resorts that cater to families and children.

Hawks Cay Resort - Key West, FL This resort has been in business for over 60 years. It does have an adults only pool but in this case it's to give adults a place to get a break from their kids and the boundless activities available.

Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club - Key West, FL This property offers multiple bedrooms as an option for families. And, free popsicles for the kids at the pool.

Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort - Key West, FL This $62 million resort opened in 2005. If your kids are begging for scuba lessons, this resort is the place for your family.

A great website about the Florida Keys is www.florida-keys-guide.com Check it out to learn everything you need to know about the Keys.

Sanibel Island

A great family vacation spot with some of the best beaches in Florida, Sanibel Island provides a great educational view of the importance of protecting natural habitats and wildlife. Half of the Island is devoted to wildlife refuges and there are a variety of places offering educational activities. The Sanibel Inn has a huge variety of activities that your children will enjoy. Be sure to visit the J.N.Darling National Wildlife Refuge which has over 5,000 acres of wetlands. There are many hands on activities at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Nature Center. And to learn more about the beach stop by the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

Get more information at www.sanibelisland.com

Orlando

A trip to Orlando isn't really a trip to the beach. However, many families combine a trip to Orlando and the Disney attractions with a trip some great beaches in Florida. If you've got kids, you can't miss a trip to Orlando. Heck, it's fun for adults, too.

Bathtub Reef Park

Stuart Florida is on the eastern coast of the state in the area known as the "Treasure Coast." Make sure to add it to your itinerary during any trip in search for some unique Florida beaches, as Stuart is home to one of the most special beaches in the state.

Bathtub Reef Park is stunning, unique and offers fantastic snorkeling. A living reef is located about 40 yards offshore. It creates a shallow area of calm water that resembles a bathtub which gives it the unique name.

The area is about 85 acres and runs north of St. Lucie. The reef is partially exposed during low tide and protects the shoreline which makes it a great place for kids to enjoy the water.

Another great beach in Stuart is the beautiful but rocky beach next to the House of Refuge Museum, one of my favorite beaches in Florida. This museum which is at Gilbert’s Bar is the only shelter remaining of the nine which were commissioned by the U.S. Life Saving Service. These facilities were used to provide shelter, food and clothing to survivors of storms at sea. It dates back to 1876 and was acquired by the Martin County Historical Society in 1955.

More about Bathtub Reef Beach.

Fernandina Beach

A quaint historic seaport on Amelia Island which encompasses seven square miles in the north-central portion of Amelia Island is known as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry.

Fernandina Beaches. Beach accesses are located along Fletcher Avenue at Main Beach, Seaside Park and Peter's Point.

Handicap accessible beach accesses are located at North Beach Park, Main Beach, Seaside Park, Peter's Point, and Burney Park. A beach accessible wheelchair is available by calling the City of Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (904) 277-7350.

Vehicles can access the beach at Seaside Park and Peter's Point. However, all non-county residents are required to have a driving permit. Permits are available at The Downtown Fernandina Beach Courthouse located on Centre Street. Public restrooms are located at Main Beach (Atlantic and Fletcher), Burney Beach, Peter's Point and Central Park.Alcoholic beverages or glass bottles are not permitted on the beach.

Please do not pick sea oats, walk, or drive on the dunes, this is a Florida State law.

Pets are permitted but must be on a leash. Pet owners are responsible for immediate clean up.

No grills or open fires.

Surfers must have their surfboards tethered to one leg while in the water.

Protect endangered sea turtles, leave nest eggs and hatchlings undisturbed. Turn off lights that shine on the beach from May 1st-Oct 31st.

More Information

Have You Found the Perfect Beach?

Share the entire list of beaches you've visited or just your one or two favorites. Were any particularly interesting or out of the way? Share your list and stories.