There are no quiet areas on popular Manatee Public Beach. Rather than that, you’ll have to share the soft sand with other beachgoers. Being popular, on the other hand, comes with rewards in the shape of conveniences that make it easy to spend an entire day.
A complimentary trolley serves this location on its way to other Anna Maria hotspots. Additionally, there are chair and umbrella rentals, a playground, toilets, and cabanas, not to mention an abundance of water sports. Additionally, parking is complimentary!
7. Anna Maria Beach
Anna Maria Island is a small barrier island surrounded by seven miles of pristine white-sand beaches. Flanked by the Gulf of Mexico’s warm, turquoise waters, guests spend most of their time in or near the water.
Anna Maria Beach encircles the island’s northern edge, providing a peaceful and tranquil beach experience. This is one of the island’s largest beaches, which means there is plenty of room to spread out.
There are no amenities on this property, which is good because it keeps the masses away. When the weather is scorching, seek shade behind the huge palms that line the shore. The surrounding villages exude old Florida charm and a refreshing lack of high-rises. Additionally, they feature stores and eateries.
8. Naples Municipal Beach
Naples is not inexpensive (one of the Florida west coast beaches equivalent to Palm Beach), but it is well worth visiting for anyone seeking a tranquil and sophisticated beach vacation. Naples Municipal Beach is located in this attractive city, which also features various luxury restaurants and stores along its sandy shore, providing a welcome relief from the heat.
As one might expect of a glamorous town, the beach is immaculate. Its sugar-white sand is immaculately maintained and inviting for a snooze. The water is so turquoise that you’ll want to dive in immediately. This is a little pocket of Eden, surrounded by sweeping dunes and magnificent houses.
Adventurers will take to the seas to participate in various activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. Fishing enthusiasts should make their way to the famed Naples Pier, where they may use the services (restrooms and restaurants) and try their luck at hauling in a large one.
9. Venice Beach
When children return from Venice Beach with a handful of shark teeth, they will feel quite cool. A record number of these teeth wash up on the shores of this family-friendly beach, which has been dubbed the “world’s shark tooth capital.” Insider’s tip: The greatest place to find some is at the Venice Jetty.
On this silky soft sand, you will not be alone. The Clean Beaches Coalition has designated this beach a Blue Wave Beach (meaning it is “clean, healthy, and well managed”), and travelers flock here to enjoy the immaculate surroundings. Additionally, they take advantage of a range of amenities, including a boardwalk, volleyball courts, refreshment stands, bathrooms, and a sail-shaped pavilion.
10. Pass-a-Grille Beach
Pass-a-Grille Beach, which stretches for miles along a barrier island just off the coast of St. Petersburg, is the ideal combination of sandy retreat, exciting water activities, and a busy shopping and dining environment.
Around this lusciously white shore, a nice coastal village has sprung up, producing an entertaining spot to spend the day. Sunbathe on the white sand, play pickup volleyball, boogie board, paddleboard, ride a Jet Ski or take a spin in a glass-bottomed kayak. You’ll never run out of things to do.
This strand, the area’s longest undeveloped public beach, is bordered by hotels of all shapes and sizes, which means you won’t have to go far to return to your room. If you’re looking to rent a chair, umbrella, or paddleboard, those options are also nearby.
11. Fort Myers Beach
A visit to Fort Myers Beach entails much more than the sweet sand and turquoise waters for which it is famous. This picturesque strand stretches seven miles around the barrier island of Estero Island, flanked on one side by stores and restaurants and on the other by a variety of water activities.
The broad beach gently descends to the Gulf of Mexico, where parasailing, snorkeling, and kayaking await. Those seeking a photogenic panorama should take a stroll around the fishing pier. If you wish to participate in this sport, you must bring a rod and bait.
Another favorite activity on this sandy shore is shelling. The greatest time to search for treasures is at low tide (early in the morning). Ensure, however, that you leave the living shells behind.
12. Pensacola Beach
The emerald green waters of Florida’s northwestern Gulf Coast caress Pensacola Beach’s smooth, white sand shoreline. The wooden Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier, which stretches deep into its enormous width, is a popular site for anglers to spend an early morning and visitors to enjoy a stunning sunset.
The beach itself is about eight miles long and is located on Santa Rosa — a barrier island. It is surrounded by the Gulf Islands National Seashore — a protected region teeming with incredible species (think turtles, sea birds, stingrays, and other marine life).
Due to the two offshore sandbars, there are no huge waves here. As a result, this is an excellent area for small children to swim, paddleboard, or boogie board.
13. Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park is a dazzling jewel on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Where else can you discover towering sand dunes that are so gleamingly white that you’ll want to wear sunglasses to avoid glare? Some are over 30 feet tall!
This protected utopia is brimming with innate beauty and features 60 campsites and a nature trail. Maintain an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and birds (including black skimmers and brown pelicans).
The beach’s sand, primarily quartz, never gets too hot, and the Gulf’s warm waters are ideal for swimming. The park features a boardwalk, shelters, bathrooms, picnic tables, and a playground.
Destin is considered “the luckiest fishing village in the world,” so while you’re here, you should surely try your hand (or, in this case, rod) at catching a big one.
14. Sanibel Island Beaches
Each of its 15 miles of beaches is strewn with one-of-a-kind shells (including sand dollars) that have washed in from the Gulf of Mexico. We couldn’t choose just one of the island’s stunning strands.
Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is located on the island’s eastern tip and is home to a historic working lighthouse. The soft ivory beach, which is shaped like a point, faces both the Sanibel Causeway and the Gulf of Mexico. It is equipped with restrooms and a fishing pier.
Bowman’s Beach is more private than the others and lacks the people that other, more popular beaches attract. Restrooms, picnic tables, and a children’s playground are available, but you must provide your own chairs and food.
Blind Pass Beach is located on the western side of the island. This beach, which stretches from Sanibel to Captiva, is one of the best in Florida for shelling. It is centrally located near shopping and eateries.
15. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Florida for families. Bright emerald waves lap the picturesque strand’s snow-white sands, encouraging visitors to plunge in. Little ones adore the peaceful, warm, and shallow water, ideal for securely splashing around. Another great favorite is the playground.
It has lifeguards on duty year-round, making it convenient to visit during any season. Take a stroll along the palm-lined Beachwalk, a twisting promenade used by cyclists and rollerbladers. Alternatively, visit Pier 60, a long, wooden fishing pier ideal for angling.
16. Siesta Key Public Beach
Siesta Key Public Beach, repeatedly voted one of the top Florida gulf coast vacation spots in the United States, never disappoints. Once you set foot on its sand (which is so smooth that it cushions your feet) and gaze out over the beautiful crystalline ocean, you’ll understand why this strand is adored by so many.
Siesta Key Beach, located near downtown Sarasota, stretches eight miles and provides ample room for walking, running, and building sandcastles. The sand, primarily quartz, never gets too hot, which is ideal for those with small children. Additionally, families enjoy the beach’s shallow shoreline.
This popular place offers a variety of amenities, including tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, picnic spots, pavilions, and restrooms, in addition to lifeguards on duty. Due to the fantastic visibility, snorkeling is excellent here, and many choose to kayak at neighboring Turtle Beach (on the island’s south end).
