The 20 Best Beach Towns in Florida (Because You Need to Get Away from Here)
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Long before Taylor Swift advocated letting your regrets seep into the Everglades and starting over anew in Florida, I’ve been pushing people to move to the Sunshine State. Or at least visit. Yeah, yeah, it’s home to some of the weirdest news, but it also has some of the prettiest, white-sand-beach escapes in the country. So next time you’re looking to get away, don’t sleep on the best beach towns in Florida. Because you deserve—nay, need—a vacay.
Here's a breakdown, straight from two native Floridians (with additional reporting from an enthusiastic tourist), on cities big and large to explore, as well as fun things to check out there and gorgeous vacation homes to stay in while you’re there. So, grab a suitcase, load up on the sunscreen (SPF 30, minimum), pack your favorite swimsuit and a must-read summer tome. From Sanibel Island to Key West and Sarasota, these are some of the best beach towns in Florida for the ultimate summer getaway.
What's the Best Time to Visit Florida?
If you’re looking to escape the heat, the best time to visit Florida is September through April. (Make that December through April if you want to avoid hurricane season.)
The 16 Most Charming Small Towns in Florida
1. Sanibel Island
Most Romantic Beach Town in Florida
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Why I Recommend It: great for boating, fishing and collecting seashells; features 25 miles of paved bike paths
Where to Stay: Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa (from $197/night); The Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites (from $125/night); Sanibel Penthouse Condo (from $395/night, sleeps 6)
Known for its abundance of seashells, Sanibel is one of the most picture-perfect beach towns in Florida—with miles of beaches lined with pastel-colored shells waiting to be collected. Situated off Florida’s peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico, this spot is a great choice for a romantic getaway, with popular activities like snorkeling, sunset boating and adorable bed-and-breakfast accommodations.
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2. Naples
Best Beach Town for Pickleball Fans
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Why I Recommend It: great mix of formal and casual restaurants; fairly quiet (especially in the off-season) and not far from bustling Fort Myers and Miami
Where to Stay: Hilton Naples (from $121/night); The Inn on Fifth (from $237/night); Seaside Bliss Retreat (from $83/night, sleeps 4)
Long considered a city for retirees, Naples has been in a bit of a rebrand, from sleepy to don't-sleep-on-it. From spacious beaches to chef-driven dining to some of the most gorgeous sunsets I've ever seen, it's easy to see why U.S. News & World Report recently named it the best city to live in. Check out Clam Pass Park and walk through a gorgeous mangrove estuary preserve (about half a mile) until you reach the beach. (There’s also a trolley that winds by every few minutes if you’re feeling lazy.) Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Naples Pier, which offers striking views of the Gulf of Mexico. If the weather is a bit rainy, spend a few hours inside at the Baker Art Museum until it clears.
And if you're a pickleball fan, you're in luck: The city calls itself the Pickleball Capital of the World, and it hosts the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in late April-early May.
3. Destin
Best Beach Town for Fishing
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Why I Recommend It: great fishing and food festivals throughout the year, stunning emerald waters and refreshing breezes at sunset
Where to Stay: The Terrace at Destin with Private Beach Access (from $492/2 nights); Hyatt Place Sandestin (from $249/night); Bohemian Beach Bungalow with Ocean View (from $753/3 nights)
As anyone who’s visited this Panhandle-hugging beach town can attest, there’s more to Destin than "Florida man” stories and timeshares (though thank you for the shoutout, Tay). It’s part of the emerald coast, where the water is an alluring greenish blue. It’s a must-visit for fishers (the city calls itself the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village and has the country’s largest charter fishing fleet), but even if you don’t cast a line, you’ll appreciate its calm waters, fresh seafood and year-round festivals. (Seriously, they’ve got ones celebrating Shrimp & Grits, BBQ, mac and cheese, gumbo and songwriting, just to name a few.)
4. Clearwater
Best White Sand Beaches
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Why I Recommend It: every night is like a party on Pier 60, it’s family-friendly with plenty of things to do, and it’s close to Tampa and St. Pete
Where to Stay: Opal Sands Resort (from $425/night), Courtyard by Marriott (from $308/night), Mango Tree Cottage (from $822/4 nights, sleeps 4)
Growing up, I never appreciated just how fine the sugar sand in Clearwater is. Now, I miss it—and Clearwater’s sunsets—more than anything. Sunsets at Pier 60 are a spring and summer event in and of themselves, featuring street performers, vendors and all kinds of food. Skip the beach traffic (at least some of it) and park at Coachman Park, where you take in an outdoor concert or let the kids play on the splash pad before taking a $5 ferry to Clearwater Beach or nearby Dunedin. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a beach bar classic, though if you’re looking to celebrate a milestone—and enjoy some next-level Cuban food—get thee to Columbia Restaurant. When you’re not dipping your toes in the sand, you can bike or skate along the 45-mile Pinellas Trail, visit the Clearwater Aquarium or take in a pirate or dolphin-watching cruise.
5. Cocoa Beach
Best Beach Town for Watching Shuttle Launches
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Why I Recommend It: great for viewing shuttle launches, seeing manatees and surfing, all while enjoying a small-town atmosphere
Where to Stay: Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront (from $186/night), Surf Shack Apartment in Cocoa Beach (from $428/2 nights, sleeps 4), Jack & Leslie’s Waterfront Oasis (from $670/3 nights, sleeps 5)
Nestled in Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach doesn’t get enough attention—but maybe locals would prefer it that way. You’re right near the Kennedy Space Center, and you can catch SpaceX launches while taking in the waves. Plus, since it’s on the Atlantic, there’s solid surfing year-round (as opposed to the Gulf coast, which is more bathwater-like). Cocoa Beach is home to the original Ron Jon Surf Shop, and there’s plenty of parking, which is the biggest headache you find in most beach towns. (It’s also affordable, with a mix of free street parking or lots where you can pay $2.50/hour.)
6. Captiva Island
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Why I Recommend It: less crowded than other beaches, plenty of resorts and fine dining; great for golfers
Where to Stay: The South Seas resort (pictured; from $319/night); Cape Coral Retreat House (from $583/2 nights, sleeps 8); The Bungalow Captiva Beach Cottage (from $153/night, sleeps 4)
Approximately 15 miles of virtually untouched beaches? Check. Quaint, tropical environment? Double check. Wildlife preserves? Yep, Captiva has that, too. Less than a 20-minute drive from Sanibel, beautiful Captiva Island offers a similar atmosphere: seashells galore, stunning sunsets and lots of water activities, from cruising and boating to watersports and even private fishing excursions. It just tends to be a bit quieter and more low-key.
7. Amelia Island
Best Beach Town for Golfers
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Why I Recommend It: great mix of beach and city life, family-friendly; lots of golf courses
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island (from $1,059/night); Courtyard Amelia Island (from $238/night); Fernandina Beach Condo (from $292/night, sleeps 4)
Minutes from the Florida-Georgia line, Amelia Island is one of the northernmost beach towns in the Sunshine State. If you’re into golfing, make sure to bring your clubs to this beach town because Amelia Island offers almost as many golf courses as it does miles of beaches—eight and 13 respectively. If you’d rather stay by the beach, head to Fernandina Beach for date night and explore the sparkling shoreline.
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8. Sunny Isles
Best Miami Alternative
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Why I Recommend It: It’s like South Beach without the crowds; best waterfront hotel in the country
Where to Stay: Residence Inn Sunny Isles Beach (from $133/night); Turnberry Resort & Spa (from $210/night); Sunny Isles Beach Condo (from $113/night, sleeps 4)
Just under two miles long, Sunny Isles is one of our favorite beach towns in South Florida for one simple reason: It’s home to Acqualina Resort & Spa, which was named one of the best waterfront hotels in the country four years in a row. If you’re in the market to splurge, this is the place to do it—whether you make it a weekend escape with a room at the hotel or just visit for a spa day. Otherwise, one block north of Sunny Isles, escape towering skyscrapers for empty shoreline. Bring a chair, cooler and an umbrella to Haulover Beach Park, which is one of the only areas in Miami-Dade County with a stretch of public sand and not a building in sight.
9. Key Largo
More Affordable Alternative to Key West
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Why I Recommend It: more affordable alternative to staying in Key West/Miami, great snorkeling and wildlife viewing
Where to Stay: The Pelican Key Largo Cottages (from $101/night); Holiday Inn Key Largo (from $171/night); The Paradise (from $275/night, sleeps 4)
Fishing, riding jet skis, sailing, swimming: Key Largo is the place you’ll want to spend every waking minute on the water. Add in photo-worthy sunsets, two state parks and next-level seafood restaurants—this spot has everything you need for a Florida-style beachy getaway. You’re close to the Everglades National Park, you can snorkel and see the Christ of the Abyss statue (shown above) and you’re a drive away from Key West—and the chance to check out the U.S.’s only living coral barrier reef.
10. Bal Harbour
Best Upscale Beach Town
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Why I Recommend It: luxurious spas, fine dining and high-end shopping make for a splurge-worthy escape
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour (from $650/night); Four Point by Sheraton Coral Gables (from $145/night); Oceanfront Residence (from $564/night, sleeps 6)
Don’t let its size fool you: Though Bal Harbour is barely a mile long, this neighborhood is jam-packed with some of the best restaurants, shops and hotels in the entire state. Head to the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops and spend the afternoon window-shopping at brands like Chanel, Miu Miu, Balenciaga and Prada. Then grab a bite at chef Makoto Okuwa’s Asian hotspot Makoto, and top it off by crossing the street and watching the sunset. Or in the spirit of luxury, book an early-evening spa treatment at the Exhale spa at the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour.
11. Jacksonville Beach
Best Mix of Beach & City Life
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Why I Recommend It: best of urban life and laid-back beach vibes, plenty of parks, shopping and things to do
Where to Stay: Marriott Downtown Jacksonville (from $133/night); Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront (from $169/night); Jacksonville Bungalow (from $142/night, sleeps 4)
At 875 square miles, Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities in the continental U.S. It’s also home to some of the largest beaches in the Sunshine State, with 22 miles of stunning shoreline. (That’s also why, when you’re searching for places to stay, you’ll want to focus on Jacksonville Beach specifically—if you rent a place on the opposite side of town, expect to spend up to 45 minutes getting to the shore.)
Despite the city’s size, there’s a sense of community and parking isn’t as tough to come by as other beaches in the state. The area is booming with local art, restaurants (don’t sleep on Taco Lu’s) and green spaces. South Beach gets all the hype, but if you want less of a scene but still have the ability to start your day soaking up the sun and end it with rooftop cocktails along a backdrop of skyscrapers, head north.
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12. St. Pete Beach
Best Indie Arts & Food Scene
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Why I Recommend It: incredible street art (more than 600 murals), home to the Dali Museum with a thriving local arts community; downtown area features tons of great restaurants and beachy coffee shops
Where to Stay: AC Hotel by Marriott (from $229/night); Crystal Bay Hotel (from $121/night); St. Pete Beach Suites (from $116/night)
If you’re looking for a beach town with variety, St. Pete is just the ticket. Feeling adventurous? Enjoy your choice of watersports at St. Pete Beach. Looking to relax? Stick to dry land and set up shop with an umbrella and floppy hat. Rather skip the beach and roam city streets or art museums? Check out the Dali Museum or the Sunken Gardens. And the best part is that the beach and city are only a 15-minute drive from each other—so you really can do it all.
13. Key West
Best Bar Scene
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Why I Recommend It: unbeatable sunrises and sunsets, fresh seafood, great kayaking and snorkeling opps (including seeing the U.S.’s only living coral reef)
Where to Stay: Hyatt Sunset Harbor Resort (from $305/night); The Capitana Key West (from $202/night); Casa Cristol (from $611/night, sleeps 6)
Brightly colored beach houses, fresh seafood, the Ernest Hemingway Home and the buzzy nightlife of Duval Street—we love everything about Key West. Pro tip: Right before you hit the Seven Mile Bridge on your trip home, make a stop at Bahia Honda. Covering more than 500 acres and with a view of an abandoned historic bridge, this detour is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking and boating before you visit this beach town or head home.
14. Surfside
Best Walkable Beach Town
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Why I Recommend It: lively food and bar scene, plenty of family-friendly parks, close to Miami Beach
Where to Stay: Four Season Hotel at The Surf Club (from $829/night); Grand Beach Hotel Surfside West (from $186/night); Casa del Mar Airbnb (from $268/night, sleeps 4)
Luxury continues minutes from Bal Harbour in the neighboring beach town of Surfside. In fact, this is the place where one of the first-ever upscale hotels opened in South Florida, attracting celebrities and socialites like Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor. The property was recently brought back to life as the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, complete with a lavish spa and celebrity chef Thomas Keller’s Surf Club Restaurant. Otherwise, most of Surfside can be enjoyed on foot. Roam Harding Avenue, a charming downtown strip with local eateries, shops and bars, or cross the street and hang out on one of the many public beaches.
15. Sarasota
Best Beach Town for Art & Culture Lovers
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Why I Recommend It: plenty of beaches to explore, quiet community, less traffic than buzzier FL towns
Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Sarasota (from $127/night); Tropical Breeze Resort (from $215/night); Old-Florida Style Studio (from $84/night, sleeps 4)
If you dream of a beach getaway without the traffic jams and costs, venture to Sarasota. Beyond being home to a whopping 20 beaches, it’s known for its arts scene, most notably the Ringling Museum, which features the works of masters and modern artists alike.South of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the city even has its own app to help you explore all 20 beaches, as well as activity guides. Speaking of Tampa, you’re only a driving distance away, which means you can enjoy the relaxing nature of Sarasota before spending your evening in the city (or hitting up one of its theme parks, like Adventure Island or Busch Gardens).
16. Hutchinson Island
Best for Scenic Coastal Drives
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Why I Recommend It: relaxing environment, epic sunrises, great place for nature lovers and history buffs
Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Port St. Lucie Tradition (from $109/night); Turtle Reef Club Condo (from $178/night, sleeps 6); Ocean Village Condo (from $99/night, sleeps 4)
Straddling St. Lucie and Indian River Counties, Hutchinson Island offers your choice of quiet beaches, a 40-acre nature preserve and fresh seafood spots. Keep your eyes peeled for manatee sightings—or one of 500 species of birds—at the Indian River lagoon, or check out Tours on Horseback to add (and then cross off) an item on your bucket list: riding horses on the beach. (Bathtub Beach is one of the few places where you can do this.) Beyond that, history buffs will enjoy scoping out Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge, a historic home that served as a haven for shipwrecked sailors.
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17. Siesta Key
Best Turquoise Waters
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Why I Recommend It: stunning powder-fine sand beaches, great oysters and seafood, close to Sarasota and Venice (aka the “shark tooth capital of the world”)
Where to Stay: Art Ovation Hotel (from $180/night); Palm Bay Club Condo (from $420/night, sleeps 6); Siesta Key Beachfront Condo (from $299/night, sleeps 6)
Chances are you’ve heard of this town from the MTV show of the same name, but it’s so much more than a sun-soaked backdrop to reality TV drama. This eight-mile beach town is constantly vying with Clearwater for best white-sand beaches in the state, and it’s equally gorgeous. If you like oysters, don’t miss Siesta Key Oyster Bar (known by locals as SKOB) or Captain Kurt’s Crab and Oyster Bar. Though if you prefer something heartier to pad your stomach, hit up The Old Salty Dog for a deep-fried hot dog and fries. Honestly, there’s no shortage of fun restaurants here.
18. Palm Beach
Best for Architecture Fans
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Why I Recommend It: great mix of urban and beach life, Brightline train station access, extensive tourist attractions beyond the beach
Where to Stay: White Elephant Palm Beach (from $421/night); The Colony Hotel (from $599/night);Ultimate Palm Beach Island Condo with Terrace (from $496/2 nights, sleeps 2)
Unlike the nonstop bustle of South Beach, Palm Beach offers a mix of laid-back beach vibes and upscale activities, resorts and restaurants. If you stay at The Ben, you can rent a free city bike and peddle 10 minutes to the beach. (Peanut Island and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park are two editor favorites.) Beyond the shore, the area is renowned for its shopping (just stroll Worth Avenue) and architecture, where you can glimpse The Breakers and other Spanish and Mediterranean Revival buildings that came to define Florida architecture.
19. Anna Maria Island
Most Charming Beach Town
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Why I Recommend It: old-school Florida without high-rises, white sand beaches, fresh seafood
Where to Stay: Bali Hai Beachfront Resort and Spa (from $652/night); Tropic Isle at Anna Maria Island Inn (from $377/night); White Pearl Anna Maria Island (from $799/night, sleeps 8)
If you’re yearning for a Florida getaway with the high-rises, restaurant chains and general bustle of a larger beach city, head to Anna Maria Island. It’s still doing things the old-fashioned way, not a modern condo or fast-food chain in site. Spend an afternoon at the Anna Maria Historical Museum, sunbathe on the blindingly white sanded Bean Point Beach and feast on seafood from Rod and Reel Pier. (It’s something of an institution.) You can cap off the day’s adventures by watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.
20. Tarpon Springs
Best Greek Food in Florida
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Why I Recommend It: excellent Greek food, quaint local shops and aquarium, less-crowded beaches
Where to Stay: The Cypress Surf Shack (from $409/2 nights), Cottage Apartment on the Bayou (from $341/2 nights), Hampton Inn & Suites (from $106/night)
Crowning a place the “best Greek food in Florida” may seem random—and oddly specific—until you learn about the city’s rich history. The Gulf’s warm waters proved excellent for sponge diving, inspiring Greek families to move there and develop the area in the early 1900s. While natural sponges aren’t as big of a business these days, you’ll still find plenty of incredible Greek restaurants and the best natural loofahs and olive oil-based soaps you’ve ever tried at the Sponge Docks. (Yes, I—Candace—am biased, since I grew up here, but it’s one of the best spots for pastitsio or a gyro outside of Santorini. Sorry, Astoria.) Spend the morning at the Docks, then stroll the docks before grabbing a cone at the iconic, ice cream-shaped Twistee Treat and catching the sunset at Fred Howard Beach, and you’ve got the makings of a beautiful day. (Plus, you’re 20 minutes away from the dog-friendly beaches Honeymoon Island and 30 from Clearwater.)