We all love vacationing in Florida, but with 1,350 miles of coastline, it can be difficult to find the right beach. If you're hunting for the best Florida beaches for families, get ready! We've compiled a list of family-friendly beach escapes on the gulf coast and along the Atlantic.
White sand beaches for days, easy and clear water to splash in, lifeguards, concessions, and nearby kiddo-fantastic beach resort options all contribute to ideal family beach vacations, and that's why we've picked these special beach towns. Did we miss your family's favorite beach getaway in Florida?? Let us know!
Escape to an uncrowded paradise! Martin County boasts a beautiful natural landscape, farm to table restaurants, world-class fishing, eclectic shopping and unique cultural experiences for the entire family to enjoy.
Disconnect to reconnect in Martin County, where seemingly endless Atlantic beaches span over 22 miles along the coast and include individual access strips that allow for more private spots to enjoy the surf and sand or larger, guard-protected areas like Stuart Beach, Hobe Sound Beach and Sea Turtle / Jensen Beach. The natural beauty and attractions here offer up a treasure trove of activities-minus the crowds of our popular next-door neighbors.
I know. You're thinking, "How the *** can PCB top this list? Isn't that a Spring Break town?"
It used to be crazy...I partied here once or twice, I'll admit. But times have changed, and Panama City Beach has worked diligently to make this an idyllic family escape. In my opinion, they have succeeded, and now it's just time for their reputation to catch up.
It's one of the best surfing locations in the Panhandle and one of the safest places for snorkeling and other water activities on the Gulf of Mexico. Get me on a jet ski!
If you really want to escape (maybe with older kiddos) then consider a boat ride over to Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island in PCB. There are no concessions, no restrooms, no picnic tables...but here you'll find some seclusion and shelling treasures.
Read More: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA CITY BEACH ON YOU NEXT VACATION
Stay Here: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach - Beachfront
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Pensacola has been a family destination for decades...there is beach fun, water activities, history adventures and more. Casino Beach remains a family-favorite with white sands and green waters. In fact, it was named the Best East Coast Beach by USA Today!
If you're looking for safe, quiet waters then head to Quietwater Beach on the Santa Rosa Sound. You can also grab delicious eats and do some shopping here, on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
And if you want to avoid the masses, then make plans for Johnson Beach in Perdido Key. It's known for the Discovery nature Trail and boardwalk..and a fun place for shore fishing.
Read More: WHAT ARE THE CAN'T-MISS THINGS TO DO IN PENSACOLA?
Stay Here: Portofino Island Resort
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Cape San Blas is a 17-mile peninsula nestled between St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in the area sometimes called Florida's Forgotten Coast.
On the north end of the cape you'll find the tallest intact dune on the Panhandle at the beaches of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. The Bay's water is shallow, making it an ideal playground for your little ones. With older kids, there are opportunities to horseback ride on the beach - something they will never forget.
The park did sustain hurricane damage, but the south end of the park is open and vibrant for swimming, snorkeling and beach combing. You'll also find kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a boat ramp to get you into St. Joseph Bay.
PS. Looking for a sensational beach day trip from here? St George Islands are less than an hour away, and they are sensational.
Read More: CAPE SAN BLAS FLORIDA: A VACATION GUIDE TO FLORIDA'S FORGOTTEN COAST
Stay Here: Cape San Blas Inn
Amelia Island's pristine beautiful beaches, historic charm, and outdoor adventures make it a quintessential Florida destination. There are over 40 public beach access points from which to enjoy the waves on Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. The downtown area is precious...and there are lifeguards, a playground, and plenty of fun on the beach.
If you're looking for white soft sand, then make your way to Little Talbot State Park. Enjoy the beaches, bike, hike, or rent a kayak. Just be aware that there are no lifeguards.
American Beach in Burney Park was once a vacation destination for wealthy African Americans and is now the first stop on the Florida Black Heritage Trail. It's a gorgeous, wide open beach. We also love it because you cam camp right there on the sand - for free!
Read More: 29+ THINGS TO DO IN AMELIA ISLAND THAT THE LOCALS WANT KEPT SECRET
Stay Here: Villas of Amelia Island Plantation
St Augustine is the nation's oldest city and offers a wealth of opportunities to explore, learn... and eat! But just outside the Historic District you'll find 42 miles of coastline from Ponte Vedra Beach to St. Augustine Beach.
You can enjoy the beach from Anastasia State Park. Try swimming hiking nature trails, or renting kayaks and paddle boards.
Butler Beach and Crescent Beach are south of the park, respectively. Butler Beach played an important roll in Civil Rights history. Desegregation was the law, but not practiced here in the 60s. Blacks were only permitted on Butler Beach, sandwiched between the "white" St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach.
In June 1964 a "wade-in" protest held at St. Augustine Beach led to a violent confrontation and influenced Dr Martin Luther King Jr. to come to St. Augustine that further pushed The Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Today, everyone is welcome to all the beaches with open arms. You may also drive on the beach during certain times of the year, bring Fido on a leash, and enjoy the comfort of lifeguards during peak season.
Read More: 33 SENSATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN ST AUGUSTINE FOR ALL TRAVEL TYPES
Stay Here: Embassy Suites St Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort
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You probably conjure up images of race cars and speedways when I say Daytona, but it is far more than that. It's one of the few Florida beaches left where you can drive on the sand, though the number of places where you can do this seems to be dwindling.
At low tide, the beach here is 500-ft wide - that is 500 ft for building sand castles, burying kids up to their necks (my kid's favorite!), flying a kite, and having a great time. There are plenty of water sports opportunities, to boot.
When it's time to take a stroll, head over to the longest pier in the eastern US - Main Street Pier. Need to get off the beach a while - there is so much to do! A Children's Museum, Marine Science Center, chocolate factory, lighthouse, and so much more.
Read More: 15 FUN THINGS TO DO IN DAYTONA BEACH YOU'LL LOVE
Stay Here: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Families flock to Clearwater Beach to dig their toes into the sugary sand and play in the clear, shallow water. Clearwater Beach is a pedestrian-friendly tourist town and one of the best beaches in west Florida. Rent a bike or pop the kids in the stroller and meander down Clearwater's half-mile Beach Walk. There are plenty of fun shops and places to eat along the way.
Don't miss Pier 60, aka the public beach, which offers a plethora of beachfront playgrounds and plenty of sand to stick your umbrella in. The Pier is famous for its sunset celebrations and free outdoor movies in the summer.
If you love dolphins, join a dolphin watching cruise or visit Winter from Dolphin Tale at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. If sea turtles are more your thing, visit Sand Key Park and you may get a chance to see these endangered animals laying their eggs.
Read More: 18 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CLEARWATER FOR SUNNY FUN | 5 Fun Things to do in Clearwater Beach, Florida with Kids
Stay Here: Opal Sands Resort
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Cocquina Beach in Longboat Key (Sarasota County) do not include ginormous facilities with fancy bathrooms, behemoth concessions and lifeguards. It's a little "off the beaten path," which is why we love it.
The beaches aren't white lush powder, but they are still beautiful and clean... and the sand makes good sandcastles. There are also plenty of shells to hunt. Bring your goggles and snorkel right on the water's edge for great sand dollar, or stay on the sand and hit the volleyball courts.
It's a more quiet alternative to Siesta Key, with plenty of parking and place to spread out. In fact, the free parking area has a number of trees you can park under so the car won't overheat while you're playing!
Read More: 40+ MEMORABLE THINGS TO DO IN SARASOTA FOR A WEEKEND OF FUN
Stay Here: Zota Beach Resort
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Playalinda Beach has become one of the go-to beaches, with national awards for "Quietest Beach" and "Top 10 FL Beaches." It's in the Canaveral National Seashore. You won't find lifeguards or concessions - this is undeveloped awesomeness.
If you prefer a little more excitement then, head over to Cocoa Beach Pier. There are plenty of places to eat and drink along the pier, with the same great beach action. You're far enough from Port Canaveral to avoid the cruise ship crowd, but still enjoy the festivities of the city.
Finally, Sidney Fischer Park is a 10-acre oceanfront park, perfect for families. You'll find shaded picnic pavilions, showers, a playground & restrooms.
Read More: 16 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA
Stay Here: Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
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Stuart Beach on Hutchinson Island is the Florida beach we return to again and again. It's never too crowded, there are showers and restrooms, and great sand for sandcastles. We love the free parking areas, short walks from the parking lot, and wide beach area.
When you are ready to get out of the sun, visit the Oceanographic Coastal Center to feed the stingrays and learn about sea turtles. The Elliott Museum showcases a collection of classic cars, trucks, bicycles, and boats that the kids will flip for!
Read More: 21 THINGS TO DO IN STUART FL FOR A FUN & AFFORDABLE FAMILY VACATION [Video]
Stay Here: Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina
We love its charm, the slow pace, and the fact that Sanibel Island is not overdeveloped. The opportunities to get out and explore the island's mangrove ecosystem and its animal and plant life are plentiful. Shelling, kayaking, biking.It's a getaway where you can truly get away!
And when you want a little more excitement, get out on the water during this west coast adventure. Tarpon Bay Explorers has guided kayaking trips through the DN 'Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Captiva Cruises can take the whole family island hopping for the afternoon. Or for the true adventurer, Whitney's Bait and Tackle knows all the best fishing spots.
Read More: 45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling)
Stay Here: Seaside Inn
With an expansive white sand beach, shallow water, concessions, picnic area, playground and watersports equipment for rent, Tigertail Beach in Marco Island is reason enough for a trip there with your family. It's perfect for sand castle building, shell collecting and bird watching,
But there are so many other activities for children of any age. Take a boat tour or paddle your own kayak though the mangroves at Capri Paddlecraft Park. For an amazing day on the water, take the Dolphin Explorer eco tour, a three-hour educational adventure with a stop on a small barrier island where you're guaranteed to find shells. For views of the natural habitats of Florida, take the nature center boardwalk trail at Briggs Nature Center, where you can also view wildlife that includes alligators and osprey.
Read More: 16 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN MARCO ISLAND, FLORIDA | Thanks to Jan Schroder of The Travel 100 for this fantastic insight!
Stay Here: Marco Beach Ocean Resort
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Deerfield is the most popular beach in Fort Lauderdale, with its beautiful pier and award-winning conditions for water quality, beach conditions, safety services, and conservation efforts. The gentle slope with near-shore reefs makes it a super spot for snorkeling, paddleboarding and surfing. The neighborhood around the fishing pier has an Old Florida feel, with plenty of restaurants and cafes along the beachwalk.
Read More: 17 THINGS TO DO IN FORT LAUDERDALE WITH KIDS THAT EVEN ADULTS ARE SURE TO LOVE
Stay Here: Royal Blues Hotel
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South Beach is another one of those beaches that surprises people when it shows on a family-friendly list...but it truly is a gem for everyone. Our advice? The best place for families along this strip is where the locals gather at South Pointe Park (not Ocean Drive, which is where the party-atmosphere is alive and kicking.)
Wide open spaces, gorgeous views, and heavenly packed sand make this great for the family. My boys also loved the splash pad and play area, and watching the pups play in the dog park.
The only downside is parking - it can be difficult to find and expensive when you do. Plan on a walk (it's worth it.)
Read More: 27+ THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI WITH KIDS, GUARANTEED TO MAKE THEM SMILE | 41 KICK-ASS CHEAP AND FREE THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI FOR TOURISTS AND LOCALS
Stay Here: Loews Miami Beach Hotel
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Fort Taylor sits on the Southern tip of Key West, and is one of the beloved Key West Beaches in the area. Wide beach space, plenty of shaded spaces, and terrific snorkeling make this a favorite for many families in the area. We love that it's the special place where to Gulf meets the Atlantic.
There are some rocks here, so bring water shoes for you and the kiddos. And bring a picnic dinner, because the Western shore here is a prime spot for catching the sunset without a crowd.
Read More: 29+ PERFECT THINGS TO DO IN KEY WEST FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELER | 9 SENSATIONAL KEY WEST BEACHES (+ 3 WORTH THE SHORT DRIVE)
Stay Here: Loews Miami Beach Hotel
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Making your way North from Key West toward Marathon, you'll find two beaches at this park. Sandspur is closed from Hurricane Irma, but is expected to open shortly. Calusa Beach is spectacular though, and open already. White sand and shallow water for a long, long way from shore make this a great beach for snorkeling and for kids.
We were so thankful for the fresh water showers after our swim. There is also a concession stand and nature trails for exploring the mangroves and getting a great view of the 7-mile bridge.
Read More: 21+ SENSATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN MARATHON FL
Stay Here: Isla Bella Beach Resort
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