From sparkling Gulf shores to wave-lapped Atlantic coastlines, the best beaches in Florida dazzle with their sheer variety—and beauty that needs no filter. There are many options among East Coast beachesThere are many different types of sand in the Sunshine State. You can find powdery-white stretches kissed with surf and cinnamon-hued expanses, as well coral-fringed bays that sea turtles, snorkelers, and other marine life love. Some beaches are wild and vast, while others have iconic architecture, boutiques, and oceanfront walkways. Some are only accessible by seaplane or ferry. And many of them, including more than half the ones on this list, belong to the best beaches in Miami, a city who loves the best stretches of sand.
The coastlines of the state continue to define its identity even though it is awash with contradictions. The beaches remain a gathering place for fishermen and families, for sun-worshippers and wave-chasers, as well as for locals.
This list is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxed Florida beach vacation, or hotel hop along the most glamorous Miami Beaches. From the Keys to the Panhandle, these are the 21 best beaches in Florida—each one proof that there’s no single way to experience the coast. This is exactly what we’re trying to say.
The information in this gallery has been updated since it was first published.
