Best Beaches in Florida for Families – Top 16

Best Things About Florida

Florida is one of the most beautiful states in the United States. With its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, green forests, and subtropical climate, Florida is a home for all nature lovers.  It is a beautiful state that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, parks, weather, and culture. Whether you are looking for a wildlife adventure, calming beach vacation, outdoor activities, or a cultural experience, Florida has something to offer for everyone which includes the best beaches for families in Florida.

There are a lot of tourist destinations to visit in Florida that make the most of your travel worth it. The famous theme parks—Universal Studios and Walt Disney World Resorts—are always on top of the list.  Of course, there’s a place for wildlife and arts too,  the Everglades National Park and The Art Deco Historic District.

When it comes to food, Florida’s culture is a blend of various influences, Native and Latin American, and European. Thus, don’t be surprised because the state’s cuisine is also a reflection of its diverse culture, with seafood, Cuban sandwiches, and Key Lime pie being popular dishes.

And of course, we shouldn’t forget to mention the best beaches in Florida for families. Florida’s true gems are its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for families looking to spend quality time together. With its warm waters, soft sands, and stunning scenery, Florida’s beaches are some of the best in the world.

Whether you’re looking to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax, you’ll find a beach in Florida that suits your needs. From the bustling shores of Miami to the secluded coves of the Florida Keys, there’s no shortage of options. So if you’re planning a family vacation to Florida, be sure to check out its Best Beaches in Florida for families for a truly unforgettable experience.

Top 16 Best Beaches in Florida for Families

Florida is very popular for its breathtaking beaches, making it a top choice for families seeking a memorable vacation with plenty of sun, sand, and sea. With so many beaches to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 16 best beaches in Florida for families and a Florida beaches map.

These beaches offer something for everyone, from thrilling water sports and activities to peaceful stretches of sand for relaxation and rejuvenation. So whether you’re looking for a bustling beach with plenty of amenities or a secluded spot to get away from it all, Florida has you covered. Pack your sunscreen, towels, and snacks, and get ready to explore some of the best family-friendly beaches that Florida has to offer.

1. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Florida and also one of the best beaches in Florida for families. It’s known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue water, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. There are also a variety of accommodation options available to suit every traveler’s needs.

Sandpearl Resort is one of the best resort in Clearwater Beach and also Opal Sand Resorts offer stunning views and is known as the best hotel in Clearwater Beach. This resort features spacious rooms and private balconies. If you want a little luxury for your family, you can try Wyndham Grand as it’s also known as the best resorts in Clearwater Florida. It has a rooftop pool, suites, and a sit-out that you and your family can really enjoy.

Opal Sands Resort
Opal Sands Resort

2. Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Key Beach is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is known for being one of the most beautiful and picturesque west coast beaches and is known as the best beaches in Florida for families. It has soft and powdery white sand. The beach is widely regarded as family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty, and also perfect for children as it’s known for its lack of waves. There are a lot of activities you and your family can enjoy. The beach is a perfect location for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and even snorkeling.

Siesta Key Beach Resort

There are also picnic areas, picturesque views, and playgrounds. If you happen to be bored—well I doubted that—There’s a Siesta Key Village that is popular for shopping and dining. With that said, there’s no doubt that Siesta Key Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for families.

3. Miramar Beach

Destin, Florida is one of the popular destinations in Florida. Thus, many tourists mostly looking for the Best Beach in Destin where they can stay with their family and of course, Miramar Beach is always on top of their list of Best Beaches in Florida for families.

Miramar Beach

The picturesque beach features pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Miramar Beach is also known for having a various number of best hotels in Destin Florida on the beach and vacation rentals, making it easy to find the perfect accommodation for your stay. This indeed is one of the best beaches in Florida for families.

4. Henderson Beach Resorts

Henderson Beach Resort

 One of the best beaches in Florida for families is Henderson Beach Resorts. It is a luxurious hotel and resort that offers a variety of accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and villas, all of which feature upscale amenities like flat-screen TVs, plush bedding, and private balconies.

It also offers plenty of outdoor activities like golf and tennis, if you happened to be bored, you can go and enjoy the stunning beachfront view that the hotel can offer. Overall, Henderson is one of the Best beachfront hotels in Destin Florida and if you’re looking for the best Destin hotels on the beach, you might want to check it out.

5. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort 

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is also one of the best beaches in Florida for families. This resort is a premier luxury destination with the perfect combination of relaxation, recreation, and entertainment.  

It has over 1,200 rooms and suites, four championship golf courses, a full-service spa, and multiple swimming pools reason why it’s also one of the best hotels in Destin. In addition, You can choose rooms with ocean views and sip your martini with your family while watching the sunset. Clearly, Sandestin is one of the best resort in Destin Florida.

6. St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach is a popular family beach for tourists and locals. It has stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a calm atmosphere as it’s known as the best beaches in St. Petersburg. There are plenty of amenities available for families, including restrooms, showers, and concessions to the list of best beaches in Florida for families.

All tourists can enjoy activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and beach volleyball, and you can also just sight the beach and watch the sunset while the clearest water moves along with the waves. If you want to stay in a hotel, Hotel Zamora offers luxurious rooms and suites. It’s also just a short walk away from many of St. Pete Beach’s popular attractions making it the Best hotels in St. Petersburg, Florida.

7. Fort de Soto State Park

Fort de Soto State Park

Fort De Soto Park is a 1,136-acre park located on the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the best beaches in Florida for families that is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. It has three miles of white sandy beaches, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.  

Fort De Soto State Park also offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites, as well as primitive camping areas. Since the park has something for everyone, it is known as one of the nicest resort in Florida. Make sure to explore this resort with your family which is on our list of best beaches in Florida for families.

8. South Beach Miami

South Beach is located in Miami Beach and is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. It offers a very lively atmosphere, soft sand, clear blue water, trendy restaurants, and shops. It is also known as one of the best beaches in Florida for families because it offers a wide range of activities for families. Including swimming, kiteboarding, sunbathing, rollerblading, and people-watching.

9. Cocoa Beach

 Cocoa Beach is located on the east coast side and is popular as the best beaches in Florida for families.  Although it is known for surfing destinations, it’s also known as one of the safest beaches in Florida. The beach has several lifeguards patrolling throughout the day. Families can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and beach volleyball without worrying about their safety.

In addition to being a safe and family-friendly beach, Cocoa Beach offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy. It’s a hub for water sports, including surfing, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding, and there are numerous surf shops and rental locations in the area. For those who prefer to stay on land, the beach has a boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as bike rentals for exploring the area making it one of the best beaches in Florida for families.

Cocoa Beach is also home to the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop, which is open 24 hours a day and offers everything from surfboards to clothing to souvenirs. Visitors can also check out the Cocoa Beach Pier, which has restaurants, bars, and live music events.

For families with children, the nearby Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit attraction. The center offers tours, exhibits, and interactive displays that showcase the history and future of space exploration. The Brevard Zoo is located just a short drive from Cocoa Beach and features over 900 animals, including giraffes, rhinos, and alligators.

Overall, Cocoa Beach is an excellent destination for families looking for a safe and fun-filled beach vacation with plenty of activities and attractions to explore that’s the reason it’s included in our list of Best Beaches in Florida for families.

10. Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is a beautiful beach on Florida’s Emerald Coast. It has white sand and clear blue waters. The beach is relatively shallow, making it safe for young children to swim and play. And since it’s one of the safest beaches in Florida, Families can enjoy fishing, paddle boarding, and beachcombing, as well as a range of dining and shopping without worrying about their children, to make it the best beaches in Florida for families.

If you want to stay in a hotel, worry not because Pensacola Beach also offers the best hotels in Florida like Hilton Pensacola Beach which offers stunning ocean views and easy access to all fun of Pensacola Beach. If you want to enjoy your vacation with your family, We can suggest trying Pensacola Beach with the best amenities to make it one the best beaches in Florida for families.

11. Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is a beautiful family-friendly resort in Florida located in its Panhandle and known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere.  A popular vacation spot for families and couples. It has a lot of features and activities. This made it the best beaches in Florida for families.

In addition, Fort Walton Beach is also home to some fantastic restaurants that serve delicious foods and drinks. There are a lot of the Best restaurants in Fort Walton Beach

Like the Gulf serves fresh and locally caught seafood or the Fudpucker’s serves up a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Also, Fort Walton has one of the Best hotel in Florida. Some of them are The Island, Four Points, and The Breakers. All you have to do is to explore the beach and you will find something interesting for yourself and for your family.

12. Sirata Beach Resorts

Sirata Beach Resort, located in St. Pete Beach, is one of the best beaches in Florida for families. It’s a family-friendly and Best all-inclusive resorts in Florida that offers everything from beach volleyball to sunset bonfires. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, warm weather, and endless activities like sunbathing volleyball, and building sandcastles.

The resort also features three heated swimming pools, including a beachfront pool, a hot tub, and a kid’s pool. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a romantic getaway you can find all best of Florida in Sirata. As it’s known as the perfect destination for families and the best beaches for a fun and relaxing vacation.

13. St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach, located in Northeast Florida, is a prime destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing beach vacation. This resort town boasts miles of pristine beaches, crystal clear water, and a variety of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained and adds up to our list of best beaches in Florida for families.

Families can enjoy a day on the beach building sandcastles, playing in the water, or taking a leisurely stroll. For a bit of adventure, they can go kayaking, paddle boarding, or even take a dolphin-watching tour.

The resort also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and golfing, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. At the end of the day, families can unwind in one of the many cozy vacation rentals or indulge in delicious seafood at one of the local restaurants. St. Augustine Beach is the perfect destination for a fun-filled and unforgettable family vacation, and that’s the reason it’s one of the best beaches in Florida for families.

14. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a popular vacation destination located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. This bustling beach town is known for its wide, sandy beaches, warm weather, and abundance of water sports and outdoor activities. It’s also home to many family-friendly resorts that offer a range of amenities to ensure a fun and comfortable stay for guests of all ages.

Families visiting Daytona Beach can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, and fishing. The beachfront is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it easy to grab a bite to eat or pick up souvenirs. Many of the resorts in Daytona Beach offer family-friendly amenities, such as pools, kids’ clubs, and on-site activities like mini-golf and beach volleyball. With its lively atmosphere and endless entertainment options, Daytona Beach is the perfect destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories together and make it the best beaches in Florida for families.

15. Captiva Island

Captiva Island is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is known as the best family resort gulf coast Florida. It has a quiet and laid-back atmosphere which is why it’s perfect for families who want to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The island offers plenty of activities, including shelling, kayaking, fishing, biking, dolphin-watching tours and even hiking.

There are also a lot of the best beaches in Florida for families that you can visit. Like one of the best Florida gulf coast resorts, The Ritz-Carlton. A five-star resort with white sandy beaches and offers luxurious rooms and world-class dining. The Pearl Hotel offers a rooftop bar and private beach club. With all the things that this island can offer it’s clearly known that Captiva Island is one of the Best Island in Florida.

16. Ana Marie Island

Anna Maria Island is known as one of the family resorts gulf coast Florida. It offers a more laid-back feel. You and your family can enjoy uncrowded beaches together with charming shops and restaurants that’s why it’s known as the best beaches in Florida for families. This beach is best for people who want to relax and enjoy their vacation.

Best Recommendations

There are a lot of best places in Florida that you can choose to stay and enjoy. However, if you’re looking for the best beaches in Florida for families, I suggest that you choose one of the best. Whether it’s family beach resorts in Florida or you just looking for the clearest beaches, there are lots of options you can find online.

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Florida for families, my first recommendation is Siesta Key Beach. Not only is it one of the best beaches on the west coast according to the Florida Beaches map, but it’s also one of the safest due to the presence of patrolling lifeguards. If you’re planning a trip with your kids, Siesta Key Beach is a must-visit destination and tops my list of the best resorts on the west coast of Florida.

For those seeking an oceanfront view, I highly recommend the Henderson Beach Resort, which is one of the best beachfront hotels in Florida. With a variety of accommodations and amenities, the resort provides an ideal destination for families to relax and have fun. In my opinion, Henderson Beach Resort is one of the best beaches in Florida for families, offering a perfect blend of comfort and excitement.

Furthermore, if you’re looking to visit Clearwater Beach Florida, you’re in for a treat! With its white sand and crystal-clear blue waters, it’s one of the best beaches in Florida for families to enjoy swimming and other water activities.

Aside from Clearwater Beach, Florida has plenty of other amazing beaches and family resorts worth checking out. If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, there are also some fantastic family hotels in Florida that cater to a range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re traveling solo or with loved ones, booking a room in one of these hotels is a great way to start your adventure in Florida.

Florida Family Beaches FAQs

How many beaches Florida has?

There are over 1200 miles of coastline in Florida thus, nobody knows the true answer. It has 11,000 streams, rivers, and waterways.

Which beaches have got the clearest water?

Destin, Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola Bonita Springs are the beaches with clearest water in Florida.

What are the average water temperatures of Florida’s beaches?

Florida beaches’ temperatures differ from week to week, as well as every day. If you want to see a chart of average water temperatures, go to the National Oceanographic Data Center website for Gulf and Atlantic temperatures.

What is the best time of the year to visit Florida beaches?

You can visit Florida’s best beaches at any time of the year but the best time is to visit between March to May when the weather is warm and the beaches are not too crowded.

Is there any beaches in Florida that are dog-friendly?

Yes. There are a lot of dog-friendly beaches in Florida. Jupiter Beach Park and Bonita Beach Dog Park are one of them.

What are the activities Florida Beaches offer?

There are a lot of activities you can enjoy on each beach. Popular options are swimming, sunbathing, surfing, beach volleyball, and fishing.

What should I bring to Florida beaches?

It’s always recommended to bring sunscreen to all beaches. However, you should bring a hat, sunglasses, and appropriate footwear if you really want to enjoy the Nicest Beach in Florida without hurting yourself because of the sun.

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