Beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast
Searching for the best beaches on the Gulf Coast to visit on your next day trip or Florida vacation? Well, you are in the right place! Since moving to the South USA, my family and I have taken many road trips along Florida's Gulf coast. Here my favorite beach I recommend from our recent four week road trip (organized north to south), and I hope you’ll love them too.
Pensacola Beach
Starting our road trip in Pensacola Beach was fantastic because this is such an easygoing barrier island. You can look forward to white sandy beaches and emerald ocean colors. I instantly shifted into vacation more here.
I thought that Pensacola Beach (Google Maps Pin<) was one of the best beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast. Why? There is this barefoot authenticity here. I think it's very nice for a family vacation.
If you are an early riser, you will get the most spectacular sunrises directly over the Gulf here. Plus, the beach is nearly empty first thing in the morning which I loved.
My days were filled with visiting Gulf Islands National Seashore, paddling into Santa Rosa Sound, and strolling on the wooden pier.
We stayed at the 3-star Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front for two days. Views of the Gulf were amazing.
Destin
I thought that the ocean couldn't get more emerald-colored when we were at Pensacola Beach but I was wrong. By the time we reached Destin (about 1 hour and 15 minutes along the Emerald Coast Parkway), ocean colors got even more unreal!
Add to that white beaches, heaps of dunes...I thought Destin was one of Florida’s best places to go on vacation when I moved to the South.
Our first stop was Henderson Beach State Park on the Gulf. I was instantly wowed by the beauty. If you decide to book one of the 60 campsites connected to the beach via boardwalk, I have to warn you that they are popular. So be sure to do so well ahead of time!
We enjoyed lounging on the soft sand at Henderson Beach, then wandered along the boardwalk at Destin Harbor . If you get up early to watch the sunrise, snorkeling is the best first thing in the morning (as is paddling a kayak!).
If you are staying for a few days, I also recommend Beach Sand Sculptures, a sand-sculpting class. You’ll learn pro tips like the correct sand-to-water ratio and also build a sand sculpture a few feet high!
We stayed at Henderson Beach Resort for two relaxing days.
What I loved best:
Dinner overlooking the water at Boshamps was my personal highlight.
I already wrote a lot about the Gulf coast beaches near Tallahassee that we loved visiting (like Panama City Beach, Cape San Blas, and many others), so I will now continue further south.
Clearwater Beach
Further down the Florida Gulf coast in West-Central Florida, the next place that really impressed me was Clearwater Beach (Google Maps Pin). In addition to white sand and emerald waters, this beach has such a unique barefoot-luxury vibe that keeps us coming back year after year. Sunsets are incredible (of course!) since the beach faces west.
We flew from Austin, TX into Tampa. It was about a forty-minute drive west across bridges and causeways to reach the sandy shores. We checked into 4-star Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa for two easy-going days.
You can enjoy beachcombing, kayaking, and strolling to Pier 60 for nightly sunset celebrations. We enjoyed visiting marina area, eating fresh seafood, and popping into quirky shops.
Bradenton Beach - 20 miles north of Sarasota
Bradenton Beach is nicknamed "The Friendly City" and you can quickly see why. In fact, I thought this was one of Southwest Florida’s most underrated Gulf Coast escapes. For sure, it was absolutely perfect for an affordable romantic Valentine's Day. Why?
First off, the weather is warm and sunny in February with temperatures in the 57°F – 74°F (14°C – 23°C) range. Secondly, you get to enjoy white sand beaches, long with a slower island pace along the waters of Anna Maria Island!
You can start your day with a walk along the shoreline. In fact, kick off your shoes while the sand is still cool enough and enjoy a barefoot stroll. For me, just watching the waves roll in while holding hands, made this Valentine's Day trip perfect.
Then we had a light lunch followed by more time on the beach. In late afternoon, we enjoyed strolling along Bridge Street where you'll find shops and several cafes.
What I loved best:
For Valentine's Day dinner, Chris and I shared fresh seafood at Beach House Waterfront Restaurant while watching the sunset. But I have to warn you that you need to book your table weeks in advance!
Need a place to stay? We spent two romantic days based in a Palm Court guest room at 2-star Tortuga Inn Beach Resort (around $330/night over Valentine's Day Florida weekend).
Sanibel Island
This is my favorite place on the Gulf coast for admiring seashells. I also love that Sanibel Island ( Google Maps Pin) feels worlds away from mainland Florida. Once you cross the causeway, you feel completely removed from the daily stress. 4-star Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is a nice place to stay on this island.
Fort Myers Beach
While Sanibel Island has this remove feel that is 100% relaxing, I also enjoyed that we could pop over to Fort Myers Beach for more things to do on vacation.
Marco Island
Marco Island is totally different from Sanibel Island. It has more of a city-like feel because of high rises and it's the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands . You still have access to long white sand beaches but you are also close to dining and beach activities everywhere. Families and active vacations might prefer it to Sanibel Island because of more things to do here.
If you want to look for shells, head to South Marco Beach, one of my favorite beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Local tip: Doreen’s Cup of Joe serves great breakfast. After breakfast, there are some great dolphin tours to choose from which I highly recommend!) Fin Bistro was my favorite for dinner.
What I loved best:
One morning we drove to Tigertail Beach Park which offers tidal pools, birdwatching, and a wilder feel.
A downside? Marco Island had a resort feel and was more expensive than Florida towns. I have to warn you that you should expect higher prices for lodging and dining (especially during peak seasons like spring break!).
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
