5 of Florida’s Best Beach Towns

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for your support! For more information, please visit our Privacy Policy.

Florida is home to some of America’s finest beaches with pristine white sands and warm currents along the gulf that draw millions of visitors each year.

But if its beaches are what attract visitors, it’s the surrounding amenities that make them stay.

Every beach town is slightly different offering any combination of shopping, golf, history, entertainment, lodging and food for every traveler, budget and appetite.

Check out 5 of Florida’s Best Beach Towns and see for yourself.

MelissaCredit: Ashley Morton 

5 of the Best Beach Towns in Florida

Naples Florida

Naples Florida is a sun-soaked, water-filled paradise for all travelers.

This Southern gem has something to offer every type of traveler from golfers to foodies, beach bums to boaters.

From Marco Island‘s pristine white sand beaches and world class fishing to the world famous Naples Pier with its breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast – there are no shortage of things to do in this charming city!

Naples may be best known as home town of Jimmy Buffet but it also boasts some incredible restaurants like The Rusty Anchor that offers fresh seafood dishes or Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta that serves up authentic Italian cuisine.

Naples Florida

Beaches in Naples run the gamut from those lined with full facilities and water sport rentals to chic shopping centers to natural preserves and state parks.

The sandy coastline runs along the Gulf of Mexico with Bonita Beach lying to the North and Ten Thousand Islands in the south.

The pristine sandy beaches are dotted with wildlife and sea shells much to visitors delight. 

Sarasota Florida 

Just south of Tampa, on Florida’s Gulf Coast lies the once winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, Sarasota.

Today the city is known for miles of coastline, sandy beaches and shallow waters at gems like Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach.

What does Sarsota Florida look like? It’s a place where you can get your toes in the sand, swim with dolphins and even ride horses.

Sarasota Florida

You’ll find miles of pristine beaches, great fishing spots and more than 600 species of birds.

Sarasota also boasts an active nightlife, golfing, great fishing, plenty of seafood and the Ringling Museum of Art, which showcases old masters and modern art.

If you’re a fan of Florida’s amazing natural springs, Warm Springs Park is a popular one in Sarasota.

The perfect destination for nature lovers who want to explore all that Florida has to offer!

Key West Florida

Paradise is located just off the coast of mainland Florida — and it’s called Key West.

In addition to shopping, boutique hotels, active nightlife and restaurants a stones throw from anywhere on the island, Key West is also home to one of Florida’s most beautiful locations, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

Key West Florida

In addition to its wide stretches of sugary sand and tranquil waters, outdoorsy visitors will find a schmorgesborg of activities in abundance.

Snorkeling, glass bottom kayak rentals or hiking are a few options.

A bike rental will allow you to traverse the shipping channel and around the fort; offering up prime picnic locations and an abundance of wildlife.

St. Petersburg Florida

St. Petersburg Florida has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike for decades, but the city’s popularity is on the rise thanks to its rich history, modern culture, and beautiful beaches.

Gorgeous, laid-back St. Pete Beach is home to the longest undeveloped stretch of public beach in the county at its southern most point in the historic district, Pass-a-Grille Beach.

St. Petersburg Florida

The city is known for its mild weather and is a popular destination for golfing, boating, fishing and beach going.

Its waterfront parks host the Dali Museum, featuring surrealist works of art; the Museum of Fine Arts, with works ranging from ancient to contemporary; and Mahaffey Theater, home of the Florida Orchestra.

Anna Maria Island Florida

At a quaint 7 miles long Anna Maria Island, is known for its sugar-white coastline, emerald Gulf waters and chic shopping districts.

Despite being no larger than a few blocks wide visitors are graced with so much to do there is no reason to leave.

Anna Maria Island Florida

With amenities like pristine beaches, fishing, wildlife watching, snorkeling, surfing performing arts and shopping, why would you?

Travelers are treated to award-winning Anna Maria Island restaurants and a variety of lodging for every budget and traveler. 

36 thoughts on “5 of Florida’s Best Beach Towns”

  1. Si,Si,Si, and a great big ESO!!! Babushka loves her homestate and agrees with your post 100%! Our beaches truly are worthy of visiting, and most of them are nice and warm most of the year.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Mary Edwards Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.