From sparkling Gulf shores to wave-lapped Atlantic coastlines, the best beaches in Florida dazzle with their sheer variety—and beauty that needs no filter. There are many choices among East Coast beaches, but across the Sunshine State specifically, sand runs the full spectrum: there are powdery white stretches that feel impossibly soft underfoot, cinnamon-hued swaths kissed by surf, and coral-fringed coves where sea turtles and snorkelers alike feel right at home. Some beaches are vast and wild; others are lined with iconic architecture, boutique hotels, and oceanfront promenades. A few are only reachable by ferry or seaplane. And many, including more than a handful on this list, are some of the best beaches in Miami, a city that’s loves a prime stretch of sand.
These coastlines continue to define the state’s identity, even as it grapples with contradictions. They remain gathering grounds for families and fishermen, wave-chasers and sun-worshippers, and, in some parts, queer-friendly oases for locals and travelers alike.
Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back Florida beach vacation or planning to hotel-hop along the most glamorous Miami beaches, this list has just what the doctor ordered. From the Keys to the Panhandle, these are the 21 best beaches in Florida—each one proof that there’s no single way to experience the coast. And that’s exactly the point.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
