From sparkling Gulf shores to wave-lapped Atlantic coastlines, the best beaches in Florida dazzle with their sheer variety—and beauty that needs no filter. There are many choices among East Coast beaches, but across the Sunshine State specifically, sand runs the full spectrum: there are powdery white stretches that feel impossibly soft underfoot, cinnamon-hued swaths kissed by surf, and coral-fringed coves where sea turtles and snorkelers alike feel right at home. Some beaches are vast and wild; others are lined with iconic architecture, boutique hotels, and oceanfront promenades. A few are only reachable by ferry or seaplane. And many, including more than a handful on this list, are some of the best beaches in Miami, a city that’s loves a prime stretch of sand.
These coastlines continue to define the state’s identity, even as it grapples with contradictions. They remain gathering grounds for families and fishermen, wave-chasers and sun-worshippers, and, in some parts, queer-friendly oases for locals and travelers alike.
Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back Florida beach vacation or planning to hotel-hop along the most glamorous Miami beaches, this list has just what the doctor ordered. From the Keys to the Panhandle, these are the 21 best beaches in Florida—each one proof that there’s no single way to experience the coast. And that’s exactly the point.
Main Beach, Amelia Island
For a taste of old-school Florida beach vacations (think: sandcastles, ice cream, and room to roam) Amelia Island delivers. Located in the state’s northeastern corner, this barrier island offers 13 miles of wide, uncrowded shoreline and 40 public access points, making it a favorite for low-key family getaways. Set up on the sand of Main Beach with a beach chair or lounger, skip the cocktail for a cone, and let the kids roam free across dunes and tide pools. Accessibility is a priority here, too: Wheelchair users will appreciate the ADA-compliant Mobi-mat that runs from the boardwalk to the sand. Visitors can also reserve upright beach wheelchairs and a Mobi floating wheelchair in advance from the Atlantic Recreation Center—ensuring everyone can enjoy Amelia’s laid-back coastal magic. For a classic resort-style beach escape, check into The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, where a prime boardwalk-accessible stretch of sand and breezy, ocean-inspired rooms await.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
Key Largo might be known for its kitschy roadside attractions, but just beyond the highway lies a quieter, more captivating world—one shaped by mangroves, clear shallows, and the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US. That reef is the star of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a protected marine sanctuary stretching three miles offshore and roughly 25 miles along the Atlantic coast. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just dipping your fins in for the first time, there are plenty of ways to explore. Wade at Far Beach for a glimpse of marine life in waist-deep water, or join one of the park’s five daily snorkeling excursions or twice-daily dive tours to see the reef up close. Expect to spot everything from Technicolor parrotfish to stingrays—and venture a bit farther for a glimpse of the iconic Christ of the Abyss statue, which technically lies just outside the park’s boundaries in the larger Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
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