If Florida is known for anything, it’s its breathtaking coastline. With over 825 miles of sandy shoreline, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but in case you’re interested, we’ve put together a list of some of Florida’s best beach towns.
While the majority of the locations on this list are home to 30,000 people or fewer (and some even fewer), we have included a few larger communities that nevertheless manage to encapsulate the essence of a relaxed beach town.
Captiva Island
If you’re looking to unwind and re-establish a connection with nature, this serene location is ideal for strolling along the beach, playing tennis, golf, fishing, or taking a boat ride. While they rehabilitate their stores and eateries, Sanibel and Captiva, which were devastated by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, could use the assistance of visitors.
For those looking for a calm, breezy holiday, Captiva Island—the cute younger sister of Sanibel Island—is the perfect place to go.
Palm Beach
Though they aren’t on the beach, Worth Avenue, The Royal Poinciana Plaza, and the Flagler Museum are all fantastic sites to explore and more than make up for the city’s lovely beaches’ lack of parking and accessibility. Staying at The Breakers and taking a bike ride along the Lake Trail is one of the best ways to experience one of the classic American vacation towns.
Over thirty millionaires call Palm Beach, Florida, a barrier island spanning eight square miles, home.
Naples
Disregard any notion that Naples is just another retirement community in Florida; the city has wide beaches, chef-driven cuisine, and some of the most magnificent sunsets we’ve ever seen.
After a half-mile stroll through Clam Pass Park’s stunning mangrove estuary habitat, you may reach the beach. (You can always grab the trolley that passes by every few minutes if you’re feeling particularly lazy.) Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Naples Pier to see the amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico while you’re there. If it’s cloudy outside, spend a few hours within at the Baker Art Museum.
Sanibel Island
Thanks to its kilometers of beaches blanketed with pastel seashells just waiting to be discovered, Sanibel is one of Florida’s most picturesque beach locations. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, not far from Florida’s peninsula, this location is ideal for a romantic getaway that offers activities like snorkeling, sunset boat rides, and charming bed and breakfasts.
Sunny Isles
Sunny Isles, a two-mile-long beach town in South Florida, is one of our favorite beach towns because it’s home to Acqualina Resort & Spa, named one of the best waterfront hotels in America for four years running. You’ve come to the ideal place, whether you want to treat yourself to a spa day or a luxury weekend trip.
Just one street north of Sunny Isles lies an uninhabited beach, should you choose to be away from the towers. Bring a picnic and enjoy the sunshine at Haulover Beach Park, one of the few public sand areas in Miami-Dade County that is not next to a building.
Final Words
Though we may be a little biased, we believe Florida boasts the most stunning white sand beaches in the country. Don’t forget to include some of Florida’s best beach communities in your travel plans. To put it simply, you deserve and need a break.