Best Beach Towns In Florida : Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations

Clearwater Beach : #1 of the Best Beach Towns In Florida

Clearwater Beach is hands down one of the best beach towns in Florida, along with the best of beaches in the United States AND even the world. Travel + Leisure named Clearwater Beach one of the 15 best white-sand beaches in the world!

The main draw is the gorgeous white sand beaches and crystal clear ocean and shallow waters which are (usually) swimmable for all ages. 

Every evening there’s a nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60 with street performers and a festive fun atmosphere, perfect for families and a great place to post up for the sunset. Regardless, don’t miss sunset on the beach. Swimming while the sun going down, or just watching the gorgeous sunset from the beach is electric. 

Closeby across the sound you’ll find downtown Dunedin, which is a cute little village where you can explore local restaurants, shops and bars. 

If you like to get out on the water, try the family-run Little toot’s dolphin adventure to spot dolphins in their natural habitat and have a blast with like-minded travelers.

Part of the reason Clearwater is consistently named one of the best beach towns in Florida is that it’s close to both Tampa, downtown St Pete and St Pete Beach.

The stunning Fort DeSoto park and beach is also within an hour drive. 

The lesser known beaches of Treasure Island and Sunset Beach are also closeby and have their own special charm.

Treasure Island has a weekly drum circle on Sunday evenings and there’s nothing else like it in the U.S. Sunset Beach has the locally loved Ka’Tiki bar with live music most days all year long.

My husband and I lived in the St Pete Beach area for a few months while working remote and we loved it so much that we considered moving here permanently! It’s beautiful and really has everything you could want. You can immerse yourself fully in the tropical-like beach life, or have a mix of beach and city during your trip. 

In terms of places to stay, the Opal Sands and Sandpearl directly on the Clearwater beachfront are both splurge-worthy resorts. Shepards Beach resort is a great moderate hotel, while the iconic Frenchy’s Oasis is the perfect budget option loved by many. 

Families that don’t mind a few crowds love Tradewinds at St Pete Beach, which is a huge resort with a ton of amenities kids and adults like free use of the beach umbrellas and chairs. Lastly, if you’re looking for a hostel stay and are open to exploring Tampa, check out the well-loved Gram’s Place Bed & Breakfast / Hostel.

Rosemary Beach & Aly’s Beach

Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach are within the 30A area of the Florida Panhandle just about 20 minutes from Panama City Beach and close to Grayton Beach State Park. These beach towns are magical. Rosemary Beach was originally created to evoke the charm of historic European coastal villages, and it’s obvious everywhere you look between.

These are definitely the most unique of the best beach towns in Florida, and they should be high up on anyone’s list who loves architecture and beautiful places like I do.

You can easily see Rosemary Beach and Aly’s Beach in one visit, which is why I’m lumping them together as one. Both are modeled after European architecture and visually stunning both on and off the beach.

Alys Beach is a white dreamscape that is reminiscent of Santorini, and is newly built. If you want to stay directly within the white buildings of Aly’s Beach you’ll need a vacation rental.

Keep in mind these are mostly for a huge splurge, especially if going without a larger group. It would make a great honeymoon or anniversary spot – it’s on my list!

Art is huge all along 30A, so if you’re not opposed to bringing a new piece of art home or gaining some inspiration and supporting local artists, check out a few art galleries. Here’s a complete list of art galleries in 30A.

The little Downtown area of Rosemary Beach is home to European style architecture and shops, like the La Crema Tapas & Chocolate, which is a Spanish restaurant, or Edwards which has an adorable outdoor dining space.

Nature lovers will want to check out the coastal dune lakes in Walton County just a short drive away and all throughout 30A, which are only in a few parts of the world.

The Pearl Hotel is the best choice for a hotel in my opinion, which looks like a castle from the outside. It’s so beautiful and is also a historic hotel – you can’t go wrong staying here.

The Camp Creek Inn is another great choice where you become a club member during your stay, which is just off the beach with five resort pools and lots more.

Both of these hotels are on the luxury vacation side. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, you can find a rental with VRBO or try the Lodge 30a which is about a mile and a half from public beach access.

Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach is a 50-block historic district and is one of the best beach towns in Florida, placed on Amelia Island on the Atlantic Ocean. It has recently gained some extra attention after been named one of the best small towns in the US by HGTV for its combination of history, Victorian architecture, local restaurants and the beautiful beaches.

Fernandina Beach is known as the Isle of Eight Flags because it’s the only place in the US which has been owned by eight countries including France, Spain, Great Britain and Mexico. 

Center Street is known as the heart of town, where historic bars and restaurants line the Victorian streets. The town really has a Charleston-like vibe, in case you’ve ever been there to compare. Take a tour of downtown via the Amelia Island Anchor Trolley or see the area via a golf cart rental. Biking is another great way to get around. 

Stop by the Palace Saloon to visit the oldest bar in the state, Denuccis for delicious soft serve and other desserts and the Salty Pelican for dinner and sunset over the sound. 

Families should stop by Macgregor’s Mini Golf which has craft food & cocktails alongside family-friendly mini golf (yes please!). Less than a few miles from the center of downtown is the stunning beaches. 

In case you aren’t convinced yet that Fernandina Beach is one of the best beach towns in Florida, small inns and charming boutique hotels along with beach houses dot the beach – leaving Fernandina Beach clear of high rises with a back-in-time feel.

The Sandbar is a legendary restaurant and bar right on the beach, and Sliders is another restaurant right on the sand, perfect for kids.

A little outside of town, there’s the historic Fort Clinch State Park or the Amelia Island Lighthouse. You can also stroll the Egan’s Creek Greenway to see the local wildlife and both marsh & beach views. Fernandina Beach is also the shrimping capital of the world, where you’ll also find the annual Isle of Eight Shrimp Festival. 

The Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast is a 4-star hotel with nearly perfect reviews in Downtown Fernandina Beach, and on the beach itself you can’t go wrong with the stunning Elizabeth Pointe Lodge. 

If you’re okay being a little bit of a drive from the downtown area, you should also consider staying at the Omni Resort which is a 4-star luxury resort with lots of amenities and things to do including heated pools and on-site dining. 

Sanibel Island : #1 of the Best Beach Towns In Florida For Shelling & Relaxed Island Life

The ongoing restoration after Hurricane Ian still affects Sanibel Island today. Please make sure to double check with any businesses you’re visiting to verify their hours of operation and status. 

Step back in time and visit Sanibel Island just outside of Fort Myers, known for being one of the best beach towns in Florida for its world-class shelling, stunning beaches and laidback, relaxed atmosphere. 

The island has a network of bike roads so you can get away without having to drive and really let yourself get fully immersed in the paradise of the island. There’s nowhere else like it. 

Blind Pass Beach, Bowmans Beach and Lighthouse Beach at low tide are the best spots for shelling. Make sure to bring bug spray to prevent bites from the no-see-ums. 

Get some fresh seafood from the Lazy Flamingo and some fresh Italian ice cream from Pinocchio’s. Venture over to Captiva Island next door to eat at the legendary Bubble Room, which has recently reopened.

In terms of where to stay, you have lots of options based on your budget. The Sanibel Inn is a little boutique hotel that rivals the Caribbean, or if you’re looking for two-bedroom condos, Sanibel Siesta by the Sea is the best choice. If you’re okay with staying on the harbor, the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is gorgeous. 

Old Town, Key West : Most Exotic of the Best Beach Towns In Florida

Old Town, Key West is part of the Florida Keys at the southern most tip of Florida and completely unique. Come here to experience lush island life at its finest in the US. 😍

While Key West isn’t the best of the beach towns in Florida for the beaches themselves, it’s so unique you won’t even notice. Fort Zachery Taylor Historic State Park is probably the best beach in terms of having soft white sand to lounge on, which doubles as a historic site you can walk through also. 

Outside of the beaches, there’s so many ways of getting out in the refreshing crystal-clear waters like snorkeling trips to see sea turtles and tropical fish. water sports or even chartering a private boat if you have a group. 

Part of what makes the town so beautiful is the variety of architecture, from Victorian and Spanish Revival, to Queen Anne and conch houses. Couple that with the walkability and many many lush plants that live on the island and you can imagine why this is one of the most popular beach towns in Florida. ✨

While you’re on the island, some things to do other than enjoying the tropical paradise is a Conch Tour Train tour of the city, the Hemingway House and the Butterfly Garden.

You should also consider taking a boat tour out to Dry Tortugas National Park, which is hands down one of the most beautiful state parks.

In the evening, hit the lively Duval street for a fun night out or great meal. 

The Gardens Hotel and the Marquesa Hotel are smaller, boutique hotels, both with unique histories and style that perfectly embodies the Key West feel.

If you’re looking for something a little bigger, the Southernmost Beach Resort (at the most southern tip of the island) is the perfect choice.

If you want to stretch your budget as long as possible or are coming from abroad, check out the Seashell Motel & Hostel.

St. Augustine Beach

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is actually the oldest occupied European settlement in the US. Between the historical sites, gorgeous beaches, huge range of restaurants and bars and lots to do, it’s absolutely one of the best beach towns in Florida, if not the entire Southern U.S especially for anyone interested in history.

Make sure to stop by St. George Street which is a highlight in terms of the historic downtown, where you can eat, shop and explore.

Consider using the Old Town Trolley to explore the town more completely and to get some fun facts along the way.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in St. Augustine to not miss are the gorgeous Lightner Museum (make sure to stop by the cafe which is located in the old swimming pool), the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (Old Fort) and the Jail Museum.

Outside of the classic tourist attractions, there’s a great mini golf course to test your skills at on the bayfront called Fiesta Falls.

There’s also tons of live music throughout St. Augustine Beach each night during the peak months, which you can find out more about at their online music schedule.

Vilano Beach is right across the river from historic downtown St. Augustine, offering everything the beautiful beaches have to offer like boat tours, beautiful beach days and oceanfront hotels. Since St. Augustine is on the Atlantic side, it’s one of the surf-able beaches on this list.

When it comes to where to stay, you have lots of options both in the town and on the beach. The
Casa Monica Resort & Spa is stunning. This one is on my bucket list for sure, and really looks like something you would find in Europe for a surprisingly low price-per-night.

The Embassy Suites on the St. Augustine oceanfront is another beautiful choice for a hotel. The Guy Harvey resort is another one of the best hotels on St. Augustine beach.

Siesta Key

Siesta Key was ranked the #1 beach in the US by TripAdvisor in 2025, sitting right outside of Sarasota on the gulf coast. When you combine the beautiful beaches, cute tropical Siesta Key village and things to do within close proximity, it easily becomes one of the best beach towns in Florida.

The main draw of Siesta Keys is the beach itself. The sand is derived of 99% quartz from the Appalachian mountains, which give it a powdery, sparkly texture that stays cool on even the hottest of days. Between the magical sand and crystal blue ocean, the beach itself is stunning.

Siesta Key Village is adorable and where you’ll find the restaurants, bars and shops in Siesta Key. I highly recommend starting the day at Another Broken Egg – YUM!

Try the Cottage for a delicious dinner in a lush, tropical atmosphere, and then stay a while because Siesta Key is known for its nightlife. Live music at the Beach Club was a group favorite, and the atmosphere at Gilligans felt just right for Siesta Key.

Other than enjoying the beach, venture over to Anna Maria island for some of the best shelling in the state. Or take a kayak tour out to the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels where you can see manatees, dolphins, stingrays and more. Also, during your trip catch at least one (if not nightly) sunsets over the ocean!

If you’re coming to Sarasota with a group, there are tons and tons of vacation rentals here, which greatly outnumber the hotels. However you’ll also find plenty of cute condo-style inns.

The Tropical Breeze resort is a few blocks from the beach and near Siesta Key Village, with a wide variety of condos, making it a perfect spot for a family beach vacation.

The chic Sea Spray Resort has similar offerings but with more polished, modern interiors. A little down the beach you’ll find the gorgeous oceanfront Residences at Siesta Key Beach by Hyatt Vacation Club.

Cocoa Beach : Best Beach Towns In Florida For Surfing

Cocoa Beach is known as being the surfing capital of the East Coast and one of the best beach towns in Florida for surfers to visit hands down. 

It’s a relatively quiet beach compared to others on this list with a more Old Florida vibe, which is part of what makes it so charming. Cocoa Beach is also more affordable than most of the other best beach towns in Florida. The local attitude is friendly, relaxed and positive for the most part. Who wouldn’t love living at the beach?!

With the warm ocean temps and smaller waves than other spots in Florida, it’s the perfect spot for beginners to learn to surf. You should definitely consider taking a surf lesson during your visit, like this one private 1-hour lesson.

Stop by the largest Ron Jon Surf Shop, and don’t miss the Cocoa Beach pier. Many people come to Cocoa Beach to visit the Kennedy Space Center, which is just a 30-minute ride away.

You can take advantage of the Cocoa Beach Trolley to see more of the area and the “space coast”. Perhaps even better, Disney World is only a 1-hour drive from Cocoa Beach.

There’s also a really great bar scene at Cocoa Beach. Sandbar and Coconuts are beachy bars not to miss, sometimes with live music. 

When you look into where to stay, you’ll see the prices are much more budget-friendly here. Don’t expect any huge resorts, but instead lots of smaller hotels and beach rentals.

You can’t go wrong with the oceanfront Inn at Cocoa Beach. For families with kids, the Westgate at Cocoa Beach has a tiki theme and lots of on site amenities like a lazy river and new splash pad. 

Delray Beach

Delray Beach has been named the best beach in Florida two years in a row now which is well deserved. You really feel a sense of community here and it has everything you could want in a beach town. Delray Beach was also rewarded with a prestigious Blue Flag award, for its commitment to sustainability, water quality, and beach management.

Delray Beach as a whole feels like a walkable seaside village. Other than the pristine clear water beaches, there’s the Pineapple Grove Arts District and lively downtown area. You can find some of the events and entertainment going on at the Delray Beach government website.

Delray Beach’s restaurant and nightlife scene on Atlantic Ave is one of the best in Florida, and one of the main reasons it’s one of the best beach towns in Florida. Sandbar is a beachy tiki-style bar right at the end of Atlantic Ave at the beach.

Dada is an eclectic restaurant in an old house with a tree-filled patio and eclectic decor that allows the artists who work there to shine. After dinner, bar hop along Atlantic Ave to have a blast at bars like Tin Roof and Throw Social.

Wildlife and bird lovers can’t miss the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. The Morikami Museum & Japanese Garden is something unique to do. Families or anyone who loves games should make a visit to Puttn’ Around, where drinks and food are delivered right to you while you’re putting. The dream!!!

The Seagate and Opal Grand Resort are two luxury resorts which aren’t too crazy expensive if you want to treat yourself. Step back in time at the Colony Hotel or stay at the lush Crane Beach House Boutique Hotel if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option. 

There’s also the Dover House Resort if you want a discount option right on the beach.

South Beach, Miami Beach

The first time I visited South Beach in Miami I fell in love with it. I actually called my parents saying how I wanted to move there someday and how I wanted to extend my vacation. 🤣 South Florida has always been a favorite of mine but I hadn’t ventured into South Beach until a few years ago.

If you love beautiful & vibrant places, you get the best of both worlds in Miami Beach with the beautiful beaches and fun city life. South Beach is definitely the most electric of the best beach towns in Florida – there’s always something going on.

The beaches and ocean are stunning, and you’ll find tropical fish floating past you every once in a while that you can see through the crystal clear ocean.

Just south of South Beach is Key Biscayne, which is a barrier island within a quick drive of Miami Beach and off of the US’s only coral reef. It’s perfect for families, with a calm ocean, shallow waters and more relaxed vibe.

Art is a big part of South Beach. Outside of the beaches, explore the neon-lit and colorful Art Deco Historic District or take a food tour of South Beach.

Go see Millionaire Row from 41st to 62nd street on Collins Avenue and keep an eye out for celebrities. Skate, bike or stroll the 7-mile long boardwalk all the way to South Pointe Park for sunset – just assume it’s going to take you longer than you expect so you don’t miss it like I almost did. 😉

The nightlife scene in South Beach is electric and between the beaches of Miami and the city, they are definitely the best beach towns in Florida for nightlife.

A few favorite clubs are Club Space, E11EVEN, and Mango’s, but the nightlife options are endless from hidden underground tiki bars to clubs that are open until dawn and everything in between. A lot of clubs require tickets ahead of time, so do your own research for what’s going on when you’ll be there.

There are countless places to stay, but I’ll touch on a few of the highlights. Miami has the largest and best selection of hostels in the U.S. outside of Hawaii – great news for backpackers and those wanting to stretch the most out of their travel budget.

The Viajero Miami blew me away when I visited solo and I will 100% return, whether to stay in a bunk or a private room. Make sure to check out both award-winning tiki bars.

The Loews hotel has a big tropical pool and gets rave reviews among travelers with kids. The Savoy and Miami Beach EDITION are both great midrange options with easy access to all of South Beach.

Lastly, for a splurge and once-in-a-lifetime experience, stay at the former Versace Mansion which is formally named Villa Casuarina. P.S. if you can’t afford to stay, there’s also a beautiful restaurant on site.

Best Beach Towns In Florida Map

Best Beach Towns in Florida Map

Now that you know all about the top destinations and absolute best beach towns in Florida for your next trip, where are you going to choose?!

Check out all of my blogs on Florida travel to learn more, or feel free to reach out in the comments with any questions. I’ve been traveling throughout Florida since I was little, and it’s one of my favorite topics to help with.

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