Florida Beaches: 1,350 Miles of Coastline
Florida has more coastline than any US state except Alaska. With two dramatically different coastlines — the calm Gulf of Mexico to the west and the energetic Atlantic Ocean to the east — there's a beach for every taste and purpose.
Gulf Coast vs Atlantic Coast
Gulf Coast (West)
- Sand: White, fine, powdery (ground quartz in some areas)
- Water: Calm, warm, turquoise-green. Gentle waves
- Sunsets: Over the water (facing west). Spectacular
- Character: Relaxed, family-oriented, quieter
- Best for: Families with small children, shelling, swimming, relaxation
Atlantic Coast (East)
- Sand: Golden to tan, slightly coarser
- Water: Bluer, cooler, with surf and waves
- Sunrises: Over the water (facing east)
- Character: More energetic, surfing culture, younger crowd
- Best for: Surfing, bodyboarding, beach running, a livelier atmosphere
The Best Beaches
Clearwater Beach (Gulf Coast — Tampa Bay)
Regularly voted the best beach in America. Wide, white sand, calm water, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Pier 60 has a nightly sunset festival with street performers. The Walk of Fame honours prominent beachgoers. Easy access from Tampa Bay hotels.
Best for: Families, first-time Florida visitors
Facilities: Full — lifeguards, showers, toilets, restaurants, parasol and chair rentals
Siesta Key Beach (Gulf Coast — Sarasota)
The whitest sand you'll ever see — literally 99% pure quartz crystal, cool underfoot even in summer sun. The beach is wide and the water is shallow and calm. Less commercial than Clearwater.
Best for: Sand quality enthusiasts, families, couples
Facilities: Good — lifeguards, pavilions, toilets, picnic areas
South Beach (Atlantic — Miami)
Iconic. Wide sand, Art Deco lifeguard towers, and unparalleled people-watching. The water is warm, the waves are gentle by Atlantic standards, and the energy is electric.
Best for: Culture, nightlife, people-watching, photography
Facilities: Full — lifeguards, showers, everything you need (and many things you don't)
Fort Lauderdale Beach (Atlantic)
A long, beautiful stretch with less attitude than South Beach. The beachfront promenade is excellent for walking. Good snorkelling from the shore.
Best for: A South Beach alternative with lower costs and smaller crowds
Facilities: Full — lifeguards, promenade, restaurants along A1A
Bahia Honda State Park (Florida Keys)
Often rated the best beach in the Keys. On a small island between Marathon and Big Pine Key, with clear turquoise water and old railroad bridge ruins photogenically framing the view. Limited parking — arrive early.
Best for: Snorkelling, photography, a truly Caribbean feel
Facilities: Basic — camping, snack bar, snorkel rentals
Caladesi Island State Park (Gulf Coast — Near Dunedin)
Accessible only by ferry (from Honeymoon Island) or private boat. No cars, no development — just pristine beach, mangroves, and nature trails. Consistently rated among America's best beaches.
Best for: Escape, nature, serenity
Facilities: Minimal — basic toilets, a small cafe seasonally
St. Pete Beach (Gulf Coast)
Three miles of wide white sand anchored by the pink Don CeSar hotel. Good restaurants within walking distance. Less crowded than Clearwater, equally beautiful.
Best for: Couples, families wanting a slightly quieter alternative to Clearwater
Facilities: Full
Cocoa Beach (Atlantic — Space Coast)
The closest beach to Orlando (about an hour east). Long, surf-friendly beach with a classic pier. Close to Kennedy Space Center — combine a beach day with space exploration.
Best for: Orlando day-trippers, surfers, Space Coast visitors
Facilities: Full — Ron Jon Surf Shop (a Florida institution) is right there
Sanibel Island (Gulf Coast — Near Fort Myers)
Famous for shelling — the island's east-west orientation traps shells on the north-facing beaches in quantities you won't believe. The "Sanibel Stoop" is the posture of thousands of shell-seekers bent over the tide line.
Best for: Shelling, nature, birdwatching (J.N. "Ding" Darling refuge is here)
Facilities: Moderate — island is low-key and low-rise by design
Amelia Island (Atlantic — Near Jacksonville)
North Florida barrier island with wide, natural beaches. Less crowded, more authentic. Fort Clinch State Park beach allows horseback riding on the sand. Fernandina Beach town is charming.
Best for: Escaping tourist crowds, nature, a more authentic Florida experience
Facilities: Moderate
Beach Safety
Rip Currents
Both coasts can have rip currents — narrow channels of water flowing out from shore. They're the primary water safety risk:
- Don't fight it — If caught in a rip current, don't swim directly toward shore. Swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the current, then swim in
- Lifeguard flags — Green = low risk, Yellow = moderate (weak swimmers stay out), Red = high risk (strong swimmers only), Double Red = water closed
- Swim near lifeguards — Always
Jellyfish
Occasional on both coasts. Portuguese man-of-war (not technically a jellyfish) are the most painful but uncommon. If stung:
- Rinse with sea water (NOT fresh water)
- Remove tentacles with a credit card edge (not hands)
- Seek lifeguard assistance
Sun Safety
You'll burn faster and harder than in the UK. Florida's latitude means UV rays are significantly stronger:
- SPF 30+ minimum, SPF 50 recommended for fair British skin
- Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming
- Cover up during peak hours (11am-3pm)
- Children need special attention — hats, UV-protective swimwear, regular shade breaks
Practical Beach Tips for UK Visitors
- Beach access is free at all public beaches in Florida. Some state parks charge a small vehicle entry fee ($6-8)
- Chair and parasol rental — Available at most popular beaches. Typically $20-40 for a day set. Or buy a cheap set from Walmart/Target and use them all holiday
- Beach shoes — Sand can be very hot in summer. Consider reef shoes for rocky areas
- Bring water — Dehydration is common. The sun, heat, and salt water drain you
- Sea turtles — Nesting season is May-October. On nesting beaches, lights must be turned off after dark and nests are roped off. Don't disturb nests or hatchlings
floriday.uk is an independent travel guide. Beach conditions change with weather and season — always check lifeguard flags and local conditions before swimming.