Vacation

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).

A charm exists in The Bahamas that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. For that reason, lots of people who have spent time on the archipelago’s many islands consider them to be magical. After all, they’ve got pristine beaches, stunning waters, and many attractions.

While Nassau in itself is great, we don’t think that heading there will provide you with the full Bahamian experience. To get that, you’ll need to travel to any of the six destinations that we discussed above. In these places, it’s guaranteed that you and your travel companions shall have a wonderful time!

(Related: Sailing from Florida to Bahamas: A Quick Guide)

25. Mississippi’s Pierce Castle 

Couples seeking a fairytale romance can secure the setting at this Mississippi castle in the medieval style. A stroll through the grounds reveals an abundance of greenery, including a miniature waterfall. The castle’s interior is lined with tapestries, armor, and flags. Just be warned: As with any castle, access is not always easy. The space is available for rent for parties and weddings — though there is also an onsite cabin for overnight guests.

26. Missouri’s Ha Ha Tonka State Park 

Ha Ha Tonka is one of the fascinating state parks in Missouri. It is actually the stone ruins of a castle built on a bluff in 1904 by a local businessman. Unfortunately, he died two years later in one of the state’s first automobile accidents, but he left behind an impressive piece of land complete with natural bridges, caves, and a picturesque lake.

27. Montana’s Lake McDonald

Your romantic interest deserves one of the best anniversary trips to Glacier National Park‘s Lake McDonald. The unique and vibrantly colored pebbles beneath the lake’s surface form a walkable mosaic. The lake’s stunningly colored rocks, like many of the nearby cliffs and waterfalls, were formed by glaciers.

28. Nebraska’s Valentine National Wildlife Refuge 

Spend Valentine’s Day in Valentine, Nebraska, a town whose officials have embraced the name. Apart from the abundance of heart-shaped memorabilia scattered throughout the town, there is also a 70,000-acre national wildlife refuge. The Audubon Society has designated the refuge as an “Important Bird Area,” making it an ideal destination for romantic, outdoorsy couples.

29. Nevada’s Tonopah 

Couples can spend the night together, counting the stars in one of the country’s darkest locations. Tonopah is located halfway between Reno and Las Vegas and is steeped in the Western tradition. And for couples seeking a dose of fear, reserve a room at the town’s Clown Motel, where 700 different clowns assist in lulling guests to sleep.

30. New Hampshire’s Lincoln Ice Castles

The Lincoln Ice Castles have gained popularity for their otherworldly glow at night. The ice structures, which resemble something out of a Disney film, are maintained and grown by hand each winter.

31. New Jersey’s Passion Puddle 

College sweethearts can spend their time at Rutgers’ Passion Puddle, which is rumored to be the birthplace of collegiate romance. According to Rutgers tradition, any lady who walks three times around the pond with her lover will eventually marry them. Therefore, ensure that the pondside stroll you do is with the right one.

32. New Mexico’s Dwan Light Sanctuary

Similar to a usual visit to Las Vegas, Nevada, the Dwan Light Sanctuary in Las Vegas, New Mexico, will have guests looking at their partner in a new light. The space is equally a work of art and a feat of science. Rainbows fill the empty white space created by the sun shining through 12 large prisms in the apses of the building. The sanctuary was created to provide a “refuge from the pace, conflicts, and anxieties of daily life” and is the ideal destination for couples looking to unwind and spread positive vibes.

33. New York’s Niagara Falls 

The world’s honeymoon capital is a must-see destination for romantic travelers. Niagara Falls — which is actually three separate waterfalls — is one of the most spectacular water displays in the country unless you include all the emotional lovers who were moved to tears in that location.

34. North Carolina’s Inn at Rodanthe 

Couples who enjoy tearjerker romantic comedies should pay a visit to the inn featured in “Nights in Rodanthe.” The building on stilts served as the inspiration for a Nicholas Sparks novel, which in turn served as the inspiration for the film starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane.

35. North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park 

Couples who enjoy wildlife can visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is located at the confluence of the Great Plains and the Badlands. At dusk, the park offers a well-respected view of the night sky. Furthermore, the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy can both be seen. Occasionally, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis from the park. Also, make sure to stop during the day to see the naturally colorful Painted Canyon.

36. Ohio’s Crystal Cave

Those considering proposing can do so with a larger-than-life stone. The cave contains the world’s largest geode discovered in 1897 while workers were digging a well. Today, it is owned by a local winery and is open to visitors as part of the winery’s boozy tour.

37. Oklahoma’s Center of the Universe

Tulsa’s The Center of the Universe is an audio oddity. Those standing inside the swirling circle on the ground will hear their own voices echoed back several times louder than they were spoken — though no one outside the circle will hear anything. Therefore, instead of whispering sweet nothings, go ahead and declare your love loudly. Nobody else will be able to hear but the two of you.

38. Oregon’s Thor’s Well 

Proclaim your love in one of the West Coast’s most epic landscapes. Thor’s Well looks like a large and powerful sinkhole in the ocean and is occasionally referred to as the “the drainpipe of the Pacific.” The landmark is, in fact, an optical illusion. It’s actually just a hole in a rock that gives the illusion of an infinite pit.

39. Pennsylvania’s Fallingwater

Couples who share an appreciation for 20th-century American architecture tend to stay together. Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright‘s masterpiece, was designed for the Kaufmann family in 1935. The elegant weekend retreat appears to float above a cascading waterfall, while the interiors are both intimate and expansive.

40. Rhode Island’s Mohegan Bluffs

A walk along Mohegan Bluffs is one of the state’s most scenic walks. The bluffs rise 150 feet above the beach below and provide views all the way to Montauk on the other side of Block Island Sound on a clear day. Following a stroll across the bluffs, explore the picturesque (and less dangerous) lighthouses that dot Block Island.

41. South Carolina’s Pitt Street Bridge

Located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, just a short drive from Charleston, this bridge-turned-park is ideal for an evening stroll along the waterfront among the palmetto trees.

42. South Dakota’s Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary 

The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is a picture-perfect representation of Americana at its finest—grassy plains, rocky canyons, and hundreds of wild mustangs charging through.

43. Tennessee’s Clingman’s Dome

Are you currently in love? Then, make your way to Tennessee’s highest point. Clingman’s Dome, at 6,643 feet, is one of the most spectacular vantage points in the Great Smoky Mountains. On clear days, the structure can be seen up to 100 miles away.

44. Texas’ Lovers’ Leap in Cameron Park 

At this magnificent — and allegedly tragic — point in Cameron Park, star-crossed lovers can find solace. According to local legend, a couple who could not be together committed suicide at this dramatic cliff’s edge. At the bottom of the fall, the lovers were wrapped in each other’s embrace. Today, a fence surrounds the cliff’s edge, allowing lovers to enjoy the scenic views safely.

45. Utah’s Delicate Arch 

While love is a powerful force, it can also be a delicate thing. In Arches National Park, marvel at another natural delicacy. Although the geological feature is now commonly referred to as “Delicate Arch,” it was previously known by a variety of more colorful names, including “Cowboy’s Chaps” and “Old Maid’s Bloomers.” 

46. Vermont’s Wilson Castle

You can take things to the next level by visiting a genuine haunted house. Wilson Castle in Vermont is a Victorian-inspired, nineteenth-century structure that is reportedly haunted by a ghost. Paranormal investigators have observed the form on the second-floor playing cards or running up and down the stairs. If couples wish to cement their love in the face of fear, the castle also serves as a wedding venue.

47. Virginia’s Natural Bridge

Virginia’s unique geological formation has served as the backdrop for numerous beautiful couple photoshoots. However, the park surrounding the 215-foot-tall rock tunnel provides ample opportunities for couples who enjoy hiking to get outside. Thomas Jefferson once owned the area, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

48. Washington’s Ruston Way

Couples seeking a walk with a view on the West Coast can only head to Ruston Way, which offers every type of landscape imaginable. Lovers can view the bay of Puget Sound from the boardwalk, and if they turn around, they can see Mount Rainier rising over the city of Tacoma. Whoever said you couldn’t have it all simply hadn’t discovered this place yet.

49. West Virginia’s The Greenbrier 

Couples seeking old-fashioned charm, sophistication, and luxury will find it at West Virginia’s most recognizable resort. In American history, the hotel has played an interesting role. During the Civil War, the hotel hosted 26 presidents and switched between Confederate and Union troops. However, one of the primary reasons guests come to The Greenbrier is to unwind in the spa and sample the hotel’s signature white sulphur spring water.

50. Wisconsin’s Schoolhouse Beach Park

Lovers can enjoy Midwestern beach anniversary vacations on Washington Island in Wisconsin. They’ll discover Schoolhouse Beach, whose pebbles are so lovely that it’s now illegal to take them.

12. Fort Lauderdale

If you’re looking for a place to soak up the sun, sand, and palm trees, this South Florida resort is a must-see.

Fort Lauderdale’s family-friendly activities include miles of lovely beach, expanses of tranquil and peaceful waterways ideal for boating expeditions, or simply soaking in nature.

If you’re seeking excitement, you can snorkel, paddleboard, jet ski, or scuba dive in the Atlantic Ocean’s waters.

Your children are likely to enjoy the sightseeing excursion aboard a paddlewheel boat or the opportunity to learn to ride a Segway.

Parents need not despair; there is plenty to do as well. Visit the craft breweries along the Greater Fort Lauderdale Ale Trail, museums, and enjoy some shopping, gambling, and nightlife.

13. Anna Maria Island

Enjoy a picture-perfect vacation on tranquil and charming Anna Maria Island. The white-sand beaches, emerald waterways, and friendly locals are the primary attractions of the area.

The seven-mile-long and a few-blocks-wide island is ideal for experiencing Florida’s stunning dawn and sunset in one day.

However, children should not be discouraged. This small island offers a wealth of activities. Without the crowds, you can swim, cycle, and zip line.

Older children will enjoy the dragon boat excursion, which allows them to observe various wildlife and paddle alongside pals.

14. Fort Myers Beach

Whether you’re searching for fun and excitement or an informative cultural vacation, Fort Myers Beach has it all.

There are numerous family-friendly attractions along the seven-mile stretch of the lovely beach.

You can take a boat to see sea life, take in the breathtaking sunset, and collect some gorgeous shells.

You can take a day trip to Sanibel and enjoy some riding or kayaking through the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you can discover the mangrove forest.

15. Jacksonville

Jacksonville, or Jax as locals refer to it, is a popular family vacation destination. If you’re looking for a vacation spot that combines fun, leisure, and affordability, go no further than Jax. Jacksonville is hip and dynamic, with the youngest population in Florida.

Children in Jacksonville have a lot to do. You may try your hand at escape room activities, visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, or simply go on a bike ride around town.

You can unwind on the 22-mile-long gorgeous beaches, go fishing, or simply explore the city’s parks, lively nightlife, street art, historic neighborhoods, and delectable local cuisine and craft beer.

16. Amelia Island

Amelia Island, with its 13 miles of tranquil beaches, beautiful waterways, and abundant wildlife, is a pleasant, low-key sun and sand vacation for families.

Without the busy throng, this location is ideal for families seeking a relaxing vacation.

Explore the gorgeous beaches, stroll through the charming Historic District, take nature hikes and explore the countryside, ride horses on the beach, visit the local museums, or take an eco-tour cruise down the river; Amelia Island has it all.

Additionally, if you’re bored with all of these calm activities, you can try outdoor excursions such as bike trips, kayaking, paddleboarding, or other boat tours.

17. Captiva Island

If you’re searching for a relaxing vacation that doesn’t need much thought or planning, you can head to Captiva Island.

The family can participate in various outdoor activities such as snorkeling, boating, sailing, birding, bicycling, water sports, and seashell collecting.

If you’ve gotten your fill of adventure, pay a visit to Florida’s Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge.

And, while the little ones are recovering from the day’s activities, the adults may enjoy the pubs, restaurants, live music, and spa.

18. Miami

When it comes to the most family-friendly area of Florida, Miami in South Florida is unquestionably the best bet.

Miami is not solely comprised of nightclubs; the huge metropolis boasts many family-friendly activities and attractions.

The Museum of Discovery and Science, the Young Art Museum, the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the Miami Children’s Museum are great places for children to visit.

Visit the Museum of Illusions, the Unicorn Factory, or take a walk through Wynwood’s street art district.

There is plenty to see and do in Miami if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Visit the Miami Seaquarium to witness marine life and tropical birds, or take a day excursion to the Everglades to see crocodiles, Biscayne Bay, or Crandon Park to snorkel on fossil reefs.

19. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg has the energy, style, and excitement associated with a larger metropolis, but on a smaller scale.

The Great Explorations Children’s Museum and the Salvador Dali Museum are sure to delight older children.

You could stroll through the Sunken Gardens and examine the local plants, go on nature walks via the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, or enjoy the games at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club on Friday nights.

Visit Pinellas Point with its pink streets, unwind on St. Pete Beach, or stop by one of the outdoor markets featuring live music and sampling local fare.

20. The Florida Keys

If you enjoy nature and beautiful beauty, a road trip across the Florida Keys may be for you. You can begin in Key Largo and drive all the way to Key West, stopping along the way to see the area.

In Key Largo, you can go snorkeling or enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour in the John Pennekamp State Park, or take a stroll through the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.

Paddleboard in Bahia Honda State Park, feed tarpons in Islamorada, speed around on jet skis and maybe go dolphin hunting, or visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon to see the turtles.

If you wish to watch birds, visit the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, or head to Big Pine Key to see little deer.

When you get to Key West, there is much more to do.

Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, take a thrilling banana boat ride, or take a Conch Train tour of the town.

21. Panama City Beach

Are you looking for exciting family vacation ideas? Consider a conventional beach vacation in Panama Beach City, which features sugar sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and delectable all-American cuisine.

You can participate in various water-based activities, including water parks such as Shipwreck Island, pirate cruises, and dolphin cruises.

WonderWorks and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not are great attractions! Explore the museums, hike through St. Andrews State Park, shell on Shell Island, or play mini-golf.

22. Naples

Naples is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, on the edge of the Everglades.

Naples is the best place for relaxation and golf, with beautiful avenues lined with palm trees.

Naples’ 280 days of sunshine make it ideal for golfing all year. However, that is not all there is to do in Naples for families.

You may go fishing, participate in outdoor activities, explore the zoo, or go critter-watching at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Additionally, you can indulge in some well-deserved R&R by shopping, viewing art, or simply strolling among the opulent beachside residences on Millionaires’ Row.

23. Palm Beach Gardens

Palm Beach Gardens, the location of the PGA of America, is an ideal holiday location for families and travelers on any budget.

You may unwind on one of the nearby tropical, picturesque beaches or go snorkeling, fishing, paddling, or boating in the clear waterways.

If you’re a nature enthusiast, the Florida Everglades, Palm Beach Zoo, and Lion Country Safari are all worth visiting.

Palm Beach Gardens is also a center for upscale shopping, boutiques, upscale hotels, and excellent dining.

24. Singer Island

Singer Island, named for Paris Singer, the sewing machine magnate, is known for its premium resorts and hotels, as well as its gorgeous beaches.

This small island combines scenic beauty, leisure, and activities, making it an excellent vacation destination for Florida families.

Are you in search of adventure?

Then visit John D. MacArthur State Park, where you may go scuba diving, snorkeling, biking, or trekking along the mangrove forest trails.

Explore the Lake Worth Lagoon, an urban estuary, the Nature Center, or the Intracoastal Waterway, which offers canoeing, kayaking, and hiking routes.

25. Delray Beach

Delray Seaside, often referred to as Palm Beach County’s “hidden gem,” is a warm and friendly beach town with the mentality of a large city.

Delray Beach, often known as “Florida’s Village by the Sea,” is home to stunning art, culture, beaches, and much more.

Visit the Morikami Museum and Hoichi Kurisu’s Japanese gardens.

Spend the afternoon at the Silverball Museum, which features 150 arcade and pinball devices.

If you’re a nature enthusiast, a visit to the Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a must. You may observe a variety of fauna and over 150 kinds of birds here.

The Sandoway Discovery Center will introduce you to the freshwater and marine life of South Florida.

Visit the vibrant Pineapple Grove arts district’s art galleries, boutiques, and furniture stores.