Looking for a beautiful family-friendly beach in Florida? You’ve got lots of choices with more than 8,435 miles of coastline along both the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts, including these top options.
Fort Myers Beach
A long, sandy beach facing the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, Fort Myers Beach is a family-friendly paradise. It has pristine white sands and lots of seashells for beachcombing along with all sorts of amusements. You can relax with a good book under an umbrella while the kids play, watch for dolphins, and check out the pier to see what the local fishermen are hauling in. Adventurous families might enjoy a day of kayaking or parasailing.
St. Augustine Beach
If you recently purchased one of the Jacksonville houses for sale, you’ve got access to many fabulous beaches, with St. Augustine’s (a short drive south), some of the most popular for families. The. Johns County Fishing Pier has a splash pad that’s perfect for little ones, while the hard-packed sand at St. Augustine Beach makes it popular for riding bikes. For those with older kids and teens, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, surfing, and other water sports are popular here, with a wide array of gear available to rent.
Seaside
Made famous by Jim Carey’s film “The Truman Show,” Seaside provides the perfect respite for families away from the hustle and bustle of Panama City Beach nearby. The long sandy stretch offers all the usual beach activities in a more tranquil environment while the community itself hosts festivals and events throughout the year.
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key is an eight-mile-long barrier island running along the Gulf Coast. It’s home to Siesta Key Beach which is a postcard-perfect stretch that’s often found on lists of the country’s most beautiful beaches, thanks to its powder sugar-like sands. The fine quartz powder keeps it cool under the searing sun, so you won’t have to worry about burning your feet or the kids burning theirs.
Clearwater Beach
Another one of Florida’s most famous beaches, Clearwater consistently receives awards for its high quality and glorious sunset views. Enjoy watching for dolphins that frequently pass by, boating, and fishing too. Visitors of all ages enjoy the street performers and musicians at Sunsets at Pier 60.
Pensacola Beach
The epicenter of the Gulf Coast, Pensacola boasts sugary white sands and emerald-hued waters along with a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy the Pensacola Beach Pier, fresh seafood in multiple eateries, snorkeling to explore colorful underwater life, and stunning sunsets too.
Fort Walton Beach
Another one to bring the whole family to, Fort Walton Beach offers 24 miles of cool powdery sands and calm aquamarine water. If you can drag yourself away from the beauty, you can check out the interactive exhibits at the Emerald Coast Science Center or view marine life at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park too.
St. Pete Beach
One of the prettiest on the Gulf Coast, St. Pete Beach offers a stunning unspoiled stretch of beach edged by sparkling turquoise water. It’s the perfect place to bring the kids for a day of sandcastle building and swimming. There are plenty of other water sports available, or you can just enjoy relaxing under an umbrella.
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna offers 13 miles of wide, golden sands that are ideal for a day spent surfing, beachcombing and sunbathing. You can even drive your vehicle on five miles of hard-packed sand to find your own perfect spot to park and lay down your towels or set up your beach chairs.
It’s a mecca for surfers, fun just to watch the experts ride the waves.