9 of the Best Florida Beaches That Aren’t in Miami
Miami is home to some of Florida’s best beaches, but the Sunshine State has plenty of other sandy paradises across its 1,200 miles of coastline. From the Panhandle to the Keys, here are nine of Florida’s best beaches outside of Miami.
Siesta Beach
This luxuriously wide beach boasts sand so white it’s almost blinding. Thanks to being comprised almost entirely of white quartz, the sand doesn’t get hot, making Siesta Beach a perfect place for a long walk.
Located across the bridge from Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico, Siesta Beach is part of Siesta Key, an 8-mile-long barrier island whose other shorelines include the picturesque Crescent Beach and the tranquil Turtle Beach. Spend the day exploring the island, then head back over to Sarasota to enjoy the emerging city’s many dining and nightlife options.
Marco Island
Tucked away farther down Florida’s Gulf Coast is this beautiful barrier island. Located between Naples and the Everglades, Marco Island attracts families with its gorgeous shoreline and an array of activities.
Paddleboard in the calm waters of Tigertail Beach Park, spot sea birds at the Briggs Nature Center, and relax at the kid-free Paradise by Sirene resort. Intent on a traditional beach day? Head to the island’s western end, where you’ll find idyllic white-sand shorelines perfect for relaxing.
Clearwater Beach
Another Gulf Coast shoreline popular with families, Clearwater Beach lives up to its name with its transparent waters. The waters here are also calm and shallow, making them safe for children.
Watch your kids take a dip while you luxuriate on Clearwater Beach’s cushiony white sands. If they’ve still got some energy left, turn them loose on a playground, or take them on a bike ride on the Beach Walk Promenade. For some immersive education, head over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to dolphins, sharks, and other marine life. Close the day out by watching the street performers at the nightly festival at Pier 60.
Bowman’s Beach
No visit to this expansive Sanibel Island beach would be complete without combing its white sands for shells. A premier shelling destination, Bowman’s Beach is where many shells from the Gulf of Mexico wash ashore, and travelers come here from around the world to build their collections.
Shelling at Bowman Beach is especially relaxing thanks to the shoreline’s tranquil mood. Largely undeveloped and far less busy than neighboring beaches, it’s a place where the sound of gentle waves lapping into the shore will mesmerize you, as will the unforgettable sunsets.
Henderson Beach State Park
Travelers looking for an alternative to the typical beach day should look no further than this coastal nature reserve. Located on the Panhandle and a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Henderson Beach State Park is a place of rugged natural beauty.
Explore the 30-foot-high white-sand dunes from your perch on a winding walkway. As you get closer to the shore, watch for pelicans as well as for the multiple species of turtles that nest here. There are also dolphins and opportunities to fish and swim. If one day’s not enough, stay overnight at the park’s campsite.
Delray Beach
Shops, restaurants, nightlife, public art, a museum and Japanese gardens: the village of Delray Beach packs myriad entertainment options into its modest confines. Then, of course, there are the beaches.
The serene natural setting of Atlantic Dunes Park is a great place to lie back under the sun take a nap. When you wake up, head over to Delray Municipal Beach, where you can partake in water-sports activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling. All the while, enjoy stirring ocean views from Delray’s wide sandy sprawls.
Grayton Beach State Park
To find this 400-acre park, make your way to the quiet coastal town of Santa Rosa. Located on Florida’s northwest coast, Grayton Beach boasts white-sand beaches that offer picturesque views of gleaming emerald waters.
Relax on the beach, then take a walk along the park’s 4 miles of nature trails. There’s also a coastal dune lake you can navigate via boat. As you explore, see how much of the town’s abundant wildlife you can spot.
Cocoa Beach
If you’re a surfer, you know Cocoa Beach. The East Coast’s surf capital is where a number of world-class surfers have developed their skills.
Take a lesson at one of the town many surf schools, and see if you have what it takes to follow in the wake of 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, who grew up here. After working up an appetite, wander over to the seaside pier, where you’ll find restaurants and bars frequented by surfers and non-surfers alike.
Islamorada
Tucked away between Key Largo and Marathon, this Florida Keys village attracts travelers with some of the state’s most stunning beaches. Enjoy the peaceful seclusion of Library Beach Park, or watch as your little ones swim in the shallow waters of Anne’s Beach.
Many of Islamorada’s beaches are open only to guests of the village’s oceanfront resorts, so tourists should consider making a reservation. While gazing out onto the striking blue waters, see if you can spot the many saltwater fishers from around the world who flock to Islamorada for the prime ocean catches.