If it’s one thing that Florida is famous for, it’s its stunning coastline. It’s difficult to choose a favorite among Florida’s more than 825 miles of sandy coastline, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the state’s top beach communities in case you’re interested.
Although most of the places on this list have populations of 30,000 or less (and several have populations of under 10,000), we have included a few larger cities that manage to capture the spirit of a laid-back beach community.
Captiva Island
This quiet destination is perfect for those who want to get away from it all and reconnect with nature by walking along the beach, playing golf, tennis, fishing, or going out on a boat. Sanibel and Captiva are still working hard to rebuild from the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, and they could use the help of tourists as they reopen their shops and restaurants.
Captiva Island, Sanibel Island’s adorable younger twin, is the ideal destination for those in search of a peaceful, breezy vacation.
Palm Beach
Worth Avenue, The Royal Poinciana Plaza, and the Flagler Museum are all great places to visit that aren’t on the beach, but make up for the lack of parking and accessibility at the city’s beautiful beaches. One of the best ways to explore one of the original American resort towns is to stay at The Breakers and ride bikes along the Lake Trail.
Palm Beach, Florida, is a barrier island that is eight square miles in size and is home to more than thirty billionaires.
Naples
Forget what you may have heard about Naples being simply another Florida retirement town; the city boasts vast beaches, chef-driven food, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets we’ve ever seen.
You may access the beach at the end of a half-mile walk through a beautiful mangrove estuary preserve at Clam Pass Park. (If you’re in the mood for laziness, you can always catch the trolley that rolls by every few minutes.) Oh, and while you’re in Naples, stop by the Naples Pier to take in breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Spend a few hours indoors at the Baker Art Museum if the weather is cloudy.
Read More: Discover the 5 Best Beaches in Key West: Exploring the Tropical Paradise!
Sanibel Island
Sanibel is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Florida, thanks to its kilometers of beaches covered in pastel seashells just waiting to be discovered. Located in the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast of Florida’s peninsula, this destination is perfect for a couple looking for a relaxing vacation complete with snorkeling, sunset boat rides, and quaint B&Bs.
Sunny Isles
Because it is home to Acqualina Resort & Spa, which has been recognized as one of the greatest waterfront hotels in the United States for four consecutive years, the two-mile-long Sunny Isles is one of our favorite beach towns in South Florida. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to a spa day or a weekend getaway at the hotel, you’ve found the right location.
If you’d rather not be surrounded by high-rises, you can find an empty stretch of beach only one block north of Sunny Isles. Haulover Beach Park is one of the few public stretches of sand in Miami-Dade County that is not directly adjacent to a structure, so pack a picnic and relax in the sun.
View More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Beaches in Florida!
Final Words
We may be a little bit partial, but we think Florida has the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the United States. When planning your next vacation, don’t overlook some of Florida’s finest beach communities. Simply stated, you need a break and you deserve one.
