Beach Vacation Spots in Florida

Whether you’re planning a relaxing vacation, party all night or hitting the waves, one thing for sure is that you’ll find plenty of beach vacation spots in Florida to suit you!

Below, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular places to visit in Florida and some of the best beaches the state of Florida has to offer on both the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico:

Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach is without a doubt, one of the most popular beach vacation spots in Florida for a fun family vacation.

Jacksonville Beach is located on the Atlantic side of the coast of Florida and boasts miles of lovely white sandy beaches where you can enjoy a ton of water activities.

Best Beaches on East Coast

Having said this, the beaches aren’t the only great attraction in Jacksonville Beach. You can visit the popular Adventure Landing amusement park, the Beaches Historical Museum and Players by the Sea Theatre where you can watch fun plays and cool musicals.

You can also enjoy pleasant strolls along the boardwalk, and do a bit of pier fishing from Jacksonville Beach fishing pier.

Besides all of these, one of the best things about a beach vacation in Jacksonville Beach is that you’re only 30 minutes drive from downtown Jacksonville, where you can explore many more attractions! (see places to visit in Jacksonville Florida)

Destin

Destin Florida boasts no doubt, one of the most stunning stretches of coast and some of the most beautiful beaches in the US such as Grayton Beach Park and Crystal Beach which boasts beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters (hence the name "Crystal Beach").

If you're looking for beachfront accommodation, both Crystal Beach and Grayton Beach Park are two one of the best beach vacation spots in Florida as they boast many vacation rentals on offer such as villas, condos and townhouses. Grayton Beach is particularly great if you're looking for an uncrowded beach spot where you can do boogie boarding, surf-fishing and kayaking.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is truly a hidden gem in Florida being tucked away in the western coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico side!

Panama City Beach is around two hours drive from the major city of Tallahassee FL (see things to do in Tallahassee FL), and
boasts turquoise waters and twenty-miles of amazing white sand shoreline for the little ones to play on!

It’s not surprising then that Panama City Beach is on our list of beach vacation spots in Florida, and by the way, there other attractions here besides the beach!

You can visit the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum; enjoy fun rides at Pier Park’s amusement park, do some pier fishing from Russell-Fields Pier, and do beach camping in St Andrews Park.

Sanibel Island & Captiva Island

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are two other stunning beach vacation spots in Florida located on the Gulf Coast of Mexico where you can enjoy a romantic and family vacation.There are resort hotels, codon rental and guesthouses available in both islands, as well as many great amenities such as international restaurants and shops.

There are also museums, historic landmarks and nature reserves to be found on both Sanibel Island and Captiva Island such as the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, and the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge where you can enjoy plenty of birdlife viewing.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is undoubtedly, one of the most popular beach vacation spots in Florida, which isn’t surprising since there are lots to see and do in Daytona Beach.

Daytona Beach is definitely the place to come if you’re looking for a fun and exciting vacation with family of friends, or even a romantic weekend getaway.

You can do everything from surfing, jet skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides to visiting Daytona Lagoon Water Park and watching car races at the Daytona International Speedway.

There are also a ton of shops and restaurants in Daytona Beach, as well as a happening nightlife that include comedy clubs and beach clubs.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine Beach is located on the Atlantic side of Florida, roughly between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach.

St. Augustine FL is the quaintest beach vacation spots in Florida you'll ever find, as there is simply not a place quite like it, and you’re only a short car ride from downtown St Augustine FL. (see places to visit in St Augustine FL)

St. Augustine FL is like a living museum where old landmarks and modern attractions converge into one amazing blend! In fact, did I mention that St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US?

There are also many centuries-old landmarks that you can visit such as Old Jail, San Marcos Fortress, Fort Matanzas Monument, and St Augustine Light, which has been turned into a lovely museum.

St Pete Beach

St Pete Beach is without question, one of the most popular warm winter destinations in the US, and it’s one of the most historic cities on Florida’s Gulf-side.

St Pete Beach isn’t far from downtown St Petersburg (see places to visit in St Petersburg FL), and boasts a unique ambiance and many historic sites and landmarks that you can visit such as the popular Salvador Dali Museum and Fort De Soto Park, which is a beautiful park with cannons and seacoast mortars on display.

Fort De Soto Park is easily one of the best places to visit in Pete Beach for recreational pursuits such as camping, swimming, pier fishing, and picnicking.

By the way, St Pete Beach being just 30 minutes drive from Tampa Florida makes St Pete Beach one of the best beach vacation spots in Florida.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is without a doubt, one of the most popular places to visit on the East Coast, and rightly so!

Sun kissed weather, lovely sandy beaches, great waves, and lively nightlife; Miami Beach boasts everything you could ever want from a beach vacation. If you’re looking to have fun and party all night at spots like Mansion, Miami Beach is definitely the spot for you!