Florida is a little slice of heaven on earth for sun seekers and beach lovers. There is no shortage of sandy beaches and tranquil waters in the Sunshine State. The only challenging part of a Florida vacation is narrowing down which beaches should make the cut of your list of places to visit.
Here are five of the top beach destinations to consider when on your Florida adventure:
1. SOUTH BEACH
Those looking for glitz and glamour should look no further than trendy South Beach in Miami. During the day, South Beach is the hottest spot in the area, literally and figuratively! But at night is when it really shines.
The distinct Art Deco architecture is the perfect complement to the sizzling nightlife scene. A bevy of eclectic dining, shopping, and entertainment options keep the international playground of South Beach hopping all day and night. This is the place to be seen when vacationing in Florida!
2. KEY WEST
What it lacks in long sandy beaches, Key West makes up for with character and style. Billing itself as the southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is the perfect place to escape the rigors of everyday life.
Spend the day mingling with the friendly locals at the famous Sloppy Joe’s bar and then head down to the beach at night to watch a venerable Key West sunset. Although its remote location makes it a challenge to get to, the work will be all worth it once you arrive at this welcoming destination.
3. SIESTA KEY
Although the word siesta connotates relaxation, there is little time to rest with all of the fun things to see and do while visiting this island off of the coast of Sarasota. This idyllic paradise boasts sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico from its silky shores.
From fishing to swimming to shell-collecting to kayaking, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy while on Siesta Key. A variety of lodging accommodations offers something for every taste and personal preference.
4. CLEARWATER BEACH
This family-friendly beach is the ideal choice when looking to please people of a variety of ages and interests. Located just outside of Tampa on the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach is a 3-mile stretch of the Pinellas Peninsula with the Gulf of Mexico to its west and the Tampa Bay to its east.
The never-ending stretch of sandy beach is the perfect jumping off point for a myriad of water-based activities, including fishing, dolphin-watching cruises, parasailing, and more. The proximity to the large metropolitan area of Tampa gives visitors an abundance of activities away from the water.
5. DESTIN
Located along the famed Emerald Coast in Florida’s panhandle, Destin offers a cornucopia of incredible natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. The striking green waters contrast magnificently with the sugar-white sand beaches, making this destination a one-of-a-kind in Florida.
The laid-back vibe of Destin is well suited to people looking to kick back and relax in a casual atmosphere.
Whatever your beach fancy, the beautiful state of Florida has a destination to suit every need. The only thing left to do is to dip your toes in the warm water and enjoy!