Beaches in Florida
Best Florida beaches include Key Biscayne, Sarasota, Miami Beach, Naples and Clearwater Beach.
There’s something about Florida that keeps calling me back, not just the sun or the sand, but the way each beach town feels like its own little world. From quiet shores where time slows down to colorful boardwalks buzzing with energy, every stop gave me something unexpected. I set out looking for simple days by the water. What I found was more layered: stillness, surprise, flavor, and a reminder that joy can sneak up on you when you're barefoot and salt-kissed.
Best Beaches in Florida:
Morning calm on Key Biscayne
I drove 7 miles southeast of downtown Miami (about 20 minutes over the Rickenbacker Causeway, $2.25 toll) to Key Biscayne, a barrier island town with about 14,000 residents.
Walking along the soft white sand at Crandon Park Beach, I realized how peaceful I felt. "Somehow, this is the quiet Miami moment I didn’t know I needed." The palm-lined shoreline and warm breeze made me pause and just breathe.
What I Loved Most: Climbing the Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs State Park, each step up felt like stepping out of time, and reaching the top with the Atlantic spread before me made the climb unforgettable.
My highlights? Brunch at Sir Pizza on Crandon Blvd was unexpectedly perfect. I devoured the “Royal Feast” pizza, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and dipped each slice in ranch like a local. Sitting there, salt breeze drifting in, I thought, "This is the kind of meal that sticks with you."
Key Biscayne At a Glance
- Drive Time from Miami: ~20 minutes over Rickenbacker Causeway
- Vibe: Laid-back, lush, family-friendly
- Highlights: Cape Florida Lighthouse, Crandon Park, kayaking around Bear Cut
- Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring (warm, fewer bugs)
- Cost: Causeway toll (~$2.50), park entry, lighthouse fee
- Hours: 8 a.m.–sundown (parks and lighthouse)
Spring energy on Daytona Beach
We drove 55 miles northeast from Orlando (about 1 hour on I-4) to Daytona Beach, a city of roughly 75,000 residents. Nicknamed the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” it’s one of the few places in the U.S. where cars are still allowed to drive right on the sand ($20 daily beach pass).
I arrived early morning and felt the surge of adrenaline watching waves roll onto the hard-packed shoreline. "It’s like the ocean’s heartbeat syncing with mine," I thought as I kicked off my shoes and headed toward the boardwalk.
What I Loved Most: The buzzing boardwalk, ferris wheel, arcade lights, families walking dogs, all in a swirl that felt alive and welcoming.
My highlights? Post-stroll, I hit Cracked Egg Diner just off the sand. I had a Southern scramble with green chiles and homemade apple fritters that were fluffy and sweet. With coffee in hand, sand still clinging to my feet, I realized, "This is my kind of start to the day."
Daytona Beach At a Glance
- Drive Time from Orlando: ~1 hour northeast
- Vibe: Fun-filled, nostalgic, family-oriented
- Highlights: Hard-packed beach driving, boardwalk arcades, Daytona Lagoon waterpark
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall (warm yet comfortable)
- Cost: Paid parking along boardwalk, small fee for rides
- Hours: Beach & boardwalk open daily; attractions vary seasonally
Stillness by the Shore in Mexico Beach
We drove 25 miles southeast of Panama City (about 35 minutes) to Mexico Beach, a tiny coastal community of around 1,000 residents. Known as the “Unforgettable Coast,” this stretch of the Florida Panhandle is quieter than most.
Mexico Beach felt like a hidden postcard, quiet, gentle, and untouched. As I strolled the soft white shoreline, I thought, "This is the Florida that time forgot, in the best way." No crowds, no chaos. Just sand, sea, and silence.
What I Loved Most: Watching dolphins play just offshore as the sun set. The water turned golden and calm, and I felt like I had the entire beach to myself.
My highlights? A slow lunch at Killer Seafood, where I had their famous grilled fish tacos topped with slaw and spicy Killer sauce. I sat outside on the deck, breeze in my hair, thinking, "I could stay in this quiet corner forever."
Mexico Beach At a Glance
- Drive Time from Panama City: ~45 minutes east
- Vibe: Quiet, small-town, peaceful
- Highlights: Dolphin-watching, shelling, pier strolls
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for warm days and empty beaches
- Cost: Free public access, limited parking
- Hours: Beach open 24/7
Naples: Gulf Elegance & Sunset Stillness
Naples is a gateway to wild Florida. Just 30 miles east lies Big Cypress National Preserve and the western edge of Everglades National Park.
I arrived just as the tide began to pull back, the waves whispering across wide, powdered sand. Naples felt refined yet natural, like it knew its worth but didn’t need to boast. I walked past mansions half-hidden by palms, then out onto the pier, where the sun dripped gold across the water. “Everything slows here, even my thoughts,” I told myself, leaning into the breeze.
The beach was calm, with families gathered under striped umbrellas and couples reading side by side. Egrets wandered between dunes. Along 5th Avenue, fountains gurgled and window boxes spilled over with bright flowers. It was polished, but not cold, just quietly graceful.
What I Loved Most: Standing on Naples Pier at sunset as pelicans soared above and dolphins surfaced briefly in the waves. The crowd around me fell silent, just the sound of the surf and shutters clicking.
My highlights? A late lunch at The Dock at Crayton Cove, fresh mahi mahi, grilled and flaky, topped with mango salsa that tasted like Florida sunshine. The tang of citrus and sea salt mixed with warm breeze coming in off Naples Bay. I ate slowly, watching sailboats drift past.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Fort Myers: ~45 minutes south
- Vibe: Sophisticated, serene, sun-soaked
- Highlights: Naples Beach & Pier, 5th Avenue South, Lowdermilk Park, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples Botanical Garden
- Best Time to Visit: Late winter to early spring for clear skies and cooler humidity
- Cost: Beaches are free; parking ~$2.50/hr; gardens and parks $5–20
- Hours: Beaches open dawn to dusk; restaurants and shops generally 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Time Travel in Cedar Key
I drove 130 miles north of Tampa (about 2 hours 30 minutes) to Cedar Key, a tiny Gulf Coast town of roughly 700 residents.
Cedar Key was like stepping into a time capsule. Weathered docks, shrimp boats, and pastel houses made it feel far removed from the rest of Florida. I sat on a bench by the harbor and thought, "This is what slow travel really feels like."
What I Loved Most: The clink of sailboat masts in the breeze and pelicans swooping down for their catch, nature was the show here, not crowds or noise.
My highlights? I had clam chowder and smoked mullet dip at 83 West, a waterfront spot with unbeatable views. The food was rustic and rich, and I thought, "This is Cedar Key on a plate."
Cedar Key At a Glance
- Drive Time from Gainesville: ~1.5 hours west
- Vibe: Quiet, old-school, maritime
- Highlights: Kayaking, bird-watching, seafood shacks
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer bugs
- Cost: Mostly free; kayak rentals and seafood meals optional
- Hours: Island open 24/7; shops/docks close early
Delray Beach: Bright Mornings & Breezy Bites
We drove 50 miles north from Miami (about 1 hour on I-95) to Delray Beach, a lively Atlantic coastal city of roughly 66,000 residents.
“This town knows how to wake up,” I thought as I watched the shoreline fill with soft footsteps and coffee steam. Delray Beach felt cheerful and easygoing, bikes clicked down palm-lined lanes, and the ocean lapped gently just a block from the bustle of Atlantic Avenue. I strolled the beach early, toes in cool sand, then wandered downtown, where music floated out from shopfronts and people lingered over brunch like there was nowhere else to be.
What I Loved Most: Sitting at Deck 84 along the Intracoastal, watching boats slip by under the drawbridge while palms swayed in the sun. The breeze carried the scent of salt and grilled seafood, it felt like summer bottled and poured over lunch.
My highlights? At Deck 84, I had the mahi sandwich, fresh and firm with a kiss of citrus, tucked in a brioche bun. The fries came hot and crisp, and the key lime pie I ordered after was silky, tart, and tasted like the color yellow. Later that evening, I dined at Burt & Max’s, the short rib was tender enough to fall apart under a fork, paired with buttery mashed potatoes and rosemary in the air. The room buzzed but felt cozy, and the service never rushed.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from West Palm Beach: ~35 minutes south
- Vibe: Lively, coastal, walkable
- Highlights: Delray Municipal Beach, Pineapple Grove Arts District, Morikami Museum and Gardens, Atlantic Avenue shopping and dining
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall, warm, dry, and full of events
- Cost: Beach access is free; metered parking ~$2/hr; museums $10–15
- Hours: Beaches open daily; most restaurants and shops 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Santa Rosa Beach Serenity & Soft Horizon
We drove 20 miles east of Destin (about 35 minutes on US-98) to Santa Rosa Beach, an unincorporated community of roughly 14,000 residents. Spread across 26 miles of South Walton shoreline, it’s known for its sandy and emerald-green Gulf waters.
The sand was so white it looked like sifted flour, and the water shimmered like pale glass. At Santa Rosa Beach, everything seemed to hush. I walked the quiet stretch near Blue Mountain, pine trees lining the dunes behind me, waves breathing at my feet. “There’s room to think here,” I told myself, standing still as the wind moved through sea oats and my thoughts untangled in the silence.
What I Loved Most: Late afternoon on the beach, when the sun dipped just low enough to cast long shadows and turn the sea a deeper blue. A few families lingered, but mostly it was just footsteps in the sand and the occasional splash of a pelican diving offshore.
My highlights? Lunch at Blue Mabel Smokehouse, brisket grilled cheese with smoked gouda, served with a side of sweet potato fries. The scent of slow-cooked meat drifted out the door before I even stepped inside. Each bite was rich, slightly smoky, and perfectly balanced by tangy sauce. We sat outdoors beneath a shady umbrella, the salt air mixing with the aroma of barbecue.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Destin: ~45 minutes east
- Vibe: Laid-back, elegant, quietly wild
- Highlights: Blue Mountain Beach, Point Washington State Forest, Gulf Place Town Center, artist galleries
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for cooler temps and fewer crowds
- Cost: Beaches are free; parking varies by location
- Hours: Public beaches open daily; shops and restaurants 10am–9pm
Looking Back: Why These Beaches Mattered
Every Florida beach I visited had a different rhythm, some loud and lively, others slow like a lazy tide. What they shared was the power to make me feel present. Whether it was the hush of Mexico Beach at sunset or the buzz of St. Pete’s art scene, I left each one feeling a little lighter, a little more awake.
I kept a few seashells, snapped a few photos, but mostly, I left with the memory of moments: a perfect meal, a breeze that stopped me mid-step, a sunrise that made me believe in fresh starts. That’s the real souvenir. And if you’re looking for your own version of that, Florida’s beaches are ready when you are.
Far Beach, Florida Keys
I drove 60 miles south of Miami (about 1 hour on US-1) to Key Largo, home of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (the first underwater park in the U.S., established 1963). Inside the park, I found Far Beach , a small, family-friendly stretch of sand lined with palms and calm turquoise water.
Far Beach felt like a quiet welcome into the Keys. The sand was soft, the palms swayed gently, and the water was warm and impossibly clear. I remember thinking, “This is what arrival feels like.” Tucked inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, it offered stillness and shade in equal measure.
What I Loved Most: Floating just off shore with nothing but the sound of water lapping, the trees swaying overhead, and a sense of total ease.
My Highlights? A veggie wrap and guava juice from The Fish House packed to-go. I ate it cross-legged in the sand under a coconut tree, feeling completely unhurried.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Peaceful, shaded, family-friendly
- Highlights: Calm water, snorkel access, picnic areas
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings
- Cost: $8 park entry fee per vehicle
- Hours: 8am–sunset
- Address: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL
Anne’s Beach, Islamorada: Walkways Over Water
I drove 77 miles south of Miami (about 1 hour 40 minutes on US-1) to Islamorada, where Anne’s Beach offers a free, low-key slice of the Keys. Named after local environmentalist Anne Eaton, the beach has shallow, calm waters perfect for wading.
Anne’s Beach felt like a love letter to stillness. Shallow water stretched out for what felt like miles, warm and clear and impossibly calm. Wooden boardwalks connected shaded picnic nooks, and every turn brought more ocean. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that teaches you how to slow down.”
What I Loved Most: Wading ankle-deep far from shore, watching tiny fish scatter around my toes, with not a wave in sight.
My Highlights? I brought a picnic from The Good Food Conspiracy, a vegan wrap and cold-pressed juice, eaten on a bench over the water with only seabirds for company.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Mile Marker 73, Oceanside
- Vibe: Peaceful, wading-friendly, great for families
- Highlights: Boardwalk, shallow waters, picnic spots
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning before it gets too warm
Vero Beach: Gentle Waves & Unspoiled Quiet
I drove 95 miles southeast of Orlando (about 1 hour 45 minutes via I-95) to Vero Beach, a coastal city of roughly 17,000 residents on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
The beach felt quiet in the best way, like it had nothing to prove. I walked the shoreline at sunrise, sea foam curling at my feet, and watched pelicans skim the water’s surface. The wind was light, the sand cool beneath my soles, and I thought, “This is where the coast exhales.”
Vero Beach had a slower pulse. The boardwalk near Sexton Plaza was uncrowded, just dog walkers, morning joggers, and the occasional couple sharing coffee. I wandered through the shops and galleries a block inland, coastal paintings, sea glass jewelry, shells arranged like sculptures. Everything felt curated by the ocean.
What I Loved Most: Walking under the sea grape trees along Humiston Park as the sky blushed peach and lavender. The light changed every second, and I didn’t want to blink.
My highlights? Brunch at Citrus Grillhouse, a crab omelet soft and rich, with lemony hollandaise that made my mouth water. The breeze off the ocean carried hints of rosemary and brine, and the view from the open-air patio framed the surf just right.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Orlando: ~1 hour 45 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Elegant, peaceful, under-the-radar
- Highlights: Humiston Park, Round Island Beach Park, McKee Botanical Garden, Vero Beach Museum of Art
- Best Time to Visit: Winter or early spring for quiet beaches and mild breezes
- Cost: Free beach access; metered parking (~$2/hr); garden/museum entry $10–15
- Hours: Beaches open daily; most shops and attractions 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
