The 12 Best Beaches in Florida - International Business Directory (2023)

The coastline of Florida is a trove of sandy shores and picturesque views. So, it can be tough to determine which among the many Florida beaches is the “best”. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 most popular beaches in Florida, based on ratings and reviews from various online sources. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the ocean or some exciting waves to surf, this list has got you covered. Let’s take a look!

Top 12 Most Beautiful Beaches in Florida

Siesta Beach

• Address: 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (20081)
• Phone: +1 941-861-5000
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:

  Monday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

  Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

  Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

  Thursday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

  Friday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

  Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

  Sunday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

• Reviews:

  This is now one of my favorite beaches in the US! Such a quiet and chill beach! It’s clean, family friendly but also we didn’t feel like we were over run with children. The water was warm and beautiful. The sand was powdery soft and not grainy like most beaches. The waves were pretty calm for the most part. They have free parking and nice accommodations with shops and a lot to do. I really enjoyed myself and can’t wait to return. Definitely check them out! Worth the trip to have such a relaxing day on the water!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Sonali Hutson Enterprises, LLC (6 months ago)

  Super soft, powdery sand. Water is nice temperature and pretty clear. Many little fish swimming around. Didn’t see any crabs, hermit crabs, jellyfish, etc. pretty sure we saw a manatee pop up not too far from the shoreline. The main part of the beach has lifeguards on duty. That area can become very congested. We went way further down and it was so relaxing. Beautiful views. Watched sunset but the views were limited due to clouds that night. Attempted to watch sunrise but it was difficult due the the building on that side. Definitely softer send than turtle beach. Would recommend turtle beach if you’re looking for shells. Siesta Key beach did have some shells, but did not find as many large ones.
  Tons of local shops and great restaurants nearby! Check out my other reviews for food recommendations!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Jordynn Bryan (6 months ago)

  Linda and I drove down from Longboat Key to Siesta Key Beach to see for ourself the famous white sand. It was unbelievably soft to walk on and regardless of how hot the day became, you could still walk on the white quartz sand without burning your feet. We had an awesome time with plenty of free parking, restroom and outdoor showers and the water was just great! If we had more time, would definitely consider spending another day at the #1 beach in the USA!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Mike Monroe (6 months ago)

  Huge beach and gorgeous water. Get there by at least 8-8:30 am if you like a spot right at the water. It went from private-ish to 4 -5 umbrellas deep from 9:30-11am. Natural beauty is 5 stars, but too crowded for me. If you are in a camper or rental and need to drive a short distance to the beach, some of the other beaches were as beautiful but far less crowded.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Trevor Brooks (7 months ago)

  This Beach is BEAUTIFUL! The sand is the most purest, softest, cleanest, sand in between your toes that you’ve ever felt! The ocean water is unbelievably clear, clean, and refreshing. This is our favorite Beach in Florida. We come a few times a year. I feel like you’d have to go to another country just to get this kind of a beautiful beach. It’s right here in Siesta Key! Don’t change a thing!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Robyn Warrington (5 months ago)

Haulover Park

• Address: 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (16157)
• Phone: +1 305-947-3525
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:

  Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

• Reviews:

  It’s hard to rate this be abuse we went to the beach, but there is a lot more to do. This place is famous for its inlet but the waves weren’t too bad when we went. It has multiple public restrooms and they are pretty clean. The Beach isn’t too crowded and the clothing optional portion is actually rather nice. The only downside is the price to rent loungers ($15), umbrellas ($20), or small cabana tents ($30). Otherwise it’s a nice beach. There is also a really nice skate park and marina.

  ✭✭✭✭ By Michael Noerr (7 months ago)

  Beautiful dog-friendly beach. If you’re thinking of bringing your pooch, PLEASE keep them on a leash at all times. Doggies are animals and they act based on instinct. Your doggie may be well behaved inside and outside the home, but you never know how it will go when they’re interacting with other dogs. Just be safe, for you and for the rest, and keep them leashed!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Esteban Naranjo (a year ago)

  I’ve been a local for decades. Still remember when the north side jetty had a deep drop-off at the bend. Don’t remember dogs ever been allowed but today are. County keeps the beach clean as do dog owners that bring their dogs. Wish they would allow access around 7am so the sunrise could be experienced.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Ferd Vega (8 months ago)

  We absolutely love Haulover Park… the beach is wonderful and the area around the rocks is perfect for building sand castles! It is quiet and the parking is great. We go at least a few times a month. Highly recommended.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Priscilla Molerio (8 months ago)

  Loved this place! The beach was very clean and the other dogs behaved so well. The dog area is between tower 2 and 3. Parking is super convenient and close and there is a bathroom nearby. Be careful though because the gps takes you to the marina across the street.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Julie Ramirez (5 months ago)

Smathers Beach

• Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.2 (7222)
• Phone: +1 305-809-3700
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:

  Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

  Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

  Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

  Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

  Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

  Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

  Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Reviews:

  Excellent beach at keywest who h is open for public. One can park for free or at a designated area with fee.
  At starting of the beach they have set the shop for Water sports one can enjoy, Kayaking, sail boat, parasailing etc.
  You can hire chairs to relax on the beach and enjoy pleasant weather and lovely winds blowing.
  They have restrooms as well.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By SANJEEV JAIN (in the last week)

  Favorite beach in Key West. 🌴

  Amazing spot to chill for the day, knee deep in the water!

  They do a great job of combing the beach, sand is amazing and minimal seaweed/muck.

  Park towards the airport end and walk the path to paradise!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Steven Carley (9 months ago)

  Good beach!
  Free of charge.
  Some shadow places.
  Parking spaces on the street, 2h for 10 Dollar.
  Wather very clean.
  The sand is beautiful and quite special.

  ✭✭✭✭ By B. “BCS oder Schäppi.” S. (8 months ago)

  It’s a great place but it’s not the same as in the Google photos without moss on the beach. You can see our photos and decide. It also stinks because of too much moss I guess. When you go into the water, you also have a lot of moss. The ground of the water is a bit muddy and soft. You can take some nice photos if you can hide the moss 🙂

  ✭✭✭ By The Captain John (5 months ago)

  Gorgeous beach and a pretty decent place to watch the sunset (at least when I was here in February). Maybe not the perfect setting-into-the-water view, but still a really peaceful vibe around sunset!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Jacob Miller (10 months ago)

Venice Beach

• Address: Venice Beach, 101 The Esplanade S, Venice, FL 34285, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (4834)
• Phone: +1 941-486-2626
• Website: Link
• Reviews:

  Great beach not far off the beaten path.

  Free parking or at least we did not see any signs saying to pay.

  Clean bathrooms, foot wash station and not over run with people.

  Come here to find fossils with minimal effort.

  We will visit again.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Jason Olson (3 months ago)

  Great beach in a beautiful little town. Very quite, hardly full. Bathrooms near by, great walkways, fun turtle sculpture in the front. Plenty of watering off stations.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Jayda Olson (3 months ago)

  We decided to spend a few hours on the beach. We drove up to Venice. The beach was easy to find, and we lucked out and got a parking spot only a few feet from the beach. Beach parking was free. It was busier than we expected for a Monday. The beach was peaceful my wife sat and read, and I walked the beach and gathered some sea shells. Overall a nice afternoon.

  ✭✭✭✭ By Philip Malizia (9 months ago)

  Excellent beach. And it’s usually less crowded than others in the area. In terms of parking and being able to enjoy the beach quietly without a hastle, I’d take Venice Beach over Siesta Key.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Brad Loncar (10 months ago)

  Super clean beach and man it was so much nicer than what I imagined. Venice Beach is one of those beaches that is loved to the community and it shows it. Take a trip to this west coast Florida beach and enjoy the beach life.

  ✭✭✭✭ By Manny Sifonte (a year ago)

Fort Lauderdale Beach

• Address: Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida A1A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (3709)
• Phone: +1 800-227-8669
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:

  Monday: Open 24 hours

  Tuesday: Open 24 hours

  Wednesday: Open 24 hours

  Thursday: Open 24 hours

  Friday: Open 24 hours

  Saturday: Open 24 hours

  Sunday: Open 24 hours

• Reviews:

  A wonderful beach – much more family friendly than some of the beaches further south. There are plenty of palm trees that offer shade as well. Sometimes there is a strong southern current, so be careful with small children.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Collin Myers (2 months ago)

  I was visiting family and working during the week and on Friday decided to visit the beach to unwind and enjoy the sea. The shoreline was clean and so was the water- perfect! The afternoon sun provided the perfect heat to relax, capping off my mini holiday week while in Florida.

  If you visit in the week as oppose to weekend, it’s best because it’s less crowded and parking is easier to find. Definite must visit if you’re in the area and looking for some r&r time along the water.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Izod Man (8 months ago)

  Absolutely recommend! It’s clear warm water and low tides we’re phenomenal. Very family friendly. It’s also a turtle hatching zone. Which was pretty cool . Definitely check out It’s live view as the tides and seaweed can depend on the time of the year.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Naya Hdz (4 months ago)

  This beach seem the most reasonably priced. Plenty to see, do, and eat. I didn’t get a chance to swim but if I come back this is definitely where I will be staying.

  ✭✭✭✭ By Terrence Rowe (5 months ago)

  A great coastline and a little more low key than the Miami area…at least based on my experience. Plenty of resorts and food options all along the beach. The sand/beach was not the cleanest I’ve ever experienced…take care of the beaches please!! Otherwise very nice.

  ✭✭✭✭ By Ryan Miller (a year ago)

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach

• Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (3487)

Clearwater Beach-Clearwater

• Address: Clearwater, FL 33767, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (2765)

Juno Beach Park

• Address: 14775 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (2656)

Upham Beach Park

• Address: Upham Beach Park, 6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (2048)

Caspersen Beach

• Address: Caspersen Beach, 4100 Harbor Dr, Venice, FL 34285, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (1852)

Siesta Beach

• Address: Siesta Beach, Florida 34242, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (1428)

Public beach

• Address: Public beach, Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (700)

That’s it for our list of the best beaches in Florida! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy beachcombing!