Last Updated on March 31, 2024

Are you looking for the best Florida beaches to visit this year? Siesta Key, Clearwater Beach, St Pete Beach, Miramar Beach, and South Beach Miami hold the top spots in this year’s list of best Florida beaches.

In my opinion, these 5 Florida beaches have the most to offer- with tons of space for visitors, incredible food and things to do nearby, and all-around chill vibes.

In this post, we’ll go into detail on these favorite seaside spots in the Sunshine State. Pillow-soft sand, beautiful turquoise water, and exciting activities await at these five beaches.

We’ll discuss what I love about each beach, what amenities to expect, what to do at the beach, what to do nearby, and where to eat.

Let’s dive in!

The Best Florida Beaches To Visit This Year

Beach scene in Florida's Siesta Beach USA

1. Siesta Beach (Siesta Key)

There’s no better way to kick off this list than with Siesta Beach on Siesta Key.

Granted, it’s one of the most famous strips of sand in the United States—and for good reason! I love Siesta Key Beach.

The sand is incredibly soft and fine, the water is clean, clear, and has gorgeous turquoise hues, and the beach itself is so expansive that there’s room for everyone.

You won’t have to worry about burning your feet on the sand at Siesta Key Beach.

It is made almost entirely of tiny quartz crystals that are transparent, squeak softly underfoot, and stay cool no matter the surrounding temperature.

Did I mention how luxurious it feels? Dig your toes in and set your kids loose without footwear.

This relaxing beach has colorful lifeguard stations and a great family-friendly feeling.

Amenities are an important consideration with any beach. Here again, Siesta Beach is top-notch.

There’s a huge free parking lot, plenty of restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and a mat offering handicapped access to the beach.

Take food for a picnic or grill out, or get snacks and melt-in-your-mouth ice cream at the concession stand.

There’s also a playground for kids, a pedestrian walkway, and lookout towers. The lookout towers are ideal for watching the sunset.

Swim, build sandcastles, buy ice cream, sunbathe, or snorkel above submerged limestone formations looking for fish.

Once you’ve had your fill of sand, sea, and sunshine, explore Siesta Key Village.

This small area is a veritable paradise for shoppers, foodies, and anyone who loves people-watching, window shopping, and seeing points of interest.

When you get hungry, stop at my go-to, the Siesta Key Oyster Bar. Delicious food, great music, an intriguing ambiance, and excellent customer service—what could be better?

beautiful Clearwater Beach in Florida USA

2. Clearwater Beach

Another stunning beach you won’t want to miss is Clearwater Beach. It’s one of the most tranquil and beautiful beaches I’ve visited.

Picture this: soft white sand, gorgeous clear water, and the music of lightly lapping waves.

Since Clearwater Beach is on the Gulf of Mexico, the wave action isn’t as extreme as on the Atlantic. The small waves and vigilant lifeguards make this a fabulous swimming spot.

I love relaxing on Clearwater Beach. It’s incredibly peaceful. Plus, there are lots of umbrellas available for shade.

It’s also fun to look for shells here. And keep an eye out for wildlife! You might spot dolphins, turtles, and pelicans on the beach or while swimming.

Note that the dolphin dorsal fins are curved, unlike those of sharks.

When it comes to amenities, it depends on which part of the beach you visit.

The North end above Somerset is a quieter dog-friendly beach, perfect for playing with your pup. There are no amenities there, though.

So if you’re looking for easy access to parking, showers, and restrooms, the

While you’re in Clearwater Beach, be sure to check out Pier 60. It’s a fun place to see street performers, buy crafts, go fishing, and admire the views.

For fresh local seafood and grouper sandwiches, I like Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. It’s just three-quarters of a mile from the Pier.

Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is another fun activity you could include.

beautiful sunset and pathway going to St Pete Beach in Florida

3. St. Pete Beach

One of the best Florida beaches to visit this year is St. Pete’s Beach. It’s a lovely beach with deliciously soft sand and gentle waves.

Relax on a towel, read a book, or rent a paddleboard and strike out over the calm waters. You can also walk along the boardwalk admiring the sweeping sand dunes.

This beach is especially great for kids. Swimming in the clean warm water is a delight. The sunsets from here are spectacular.

Amenities at St. Pete’s Beach include showers, restrooms, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Chairs and sunshades are available for rent.

Other great beaches to check out nearby include Upham Beach Park or Pass-a-Grille Beach.

The 3,000-foot-long St. Pete Pier is another iconic activity to add to your list. Vendors, street musicians, and more make the pier a vibrant and entertaining place to visit.

You can take the tram if you don’t want to walk to the end.

Another fun place to check out is Jimmy B’s, an award-winning beach bar.

beautiful sunrise on Miramar Beach in Florida USA

4. Miramar Beach (Beach Access Next To Pompano Joe's)

Fluffy white sand and water so clear you can see the bottom make Miramar Beach another of my favorites.

Just be sure to visit the Miramar Beach Regional Access next to Pompano

Parking is free, the beach is free, and restrooms and change rooms are available, plus a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

Sunbathe, swim, snorkel, float, fish, and kayak to your heart’s content. Admire the gulls and pelicans winging through the air. Or, splurge a little and go jet skiing or parasailing.

Pompano Joe’s is a fun spot to eat right on the beach, but there are plenty of other oceanside restaurants nearby if you prefer an alternate option.

An additional spot to check out once you’ve had your fill of the beach is Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. It’s an excellent place for nature lovers.

You can go hiking, biking, fishing, or camping here. It’s a nice, tranquil place to escape from the crowds.

If you love snorkeling, a trip to the South Walton Dolphin Reef would be a great way to spend a day. There are coral, jellyfish, and tropical fish in abundance.

Aerial and panoramic view of the beach and buildings in South Beach in Miami

5. South Beach Miami

Last but not least on my list of the best Florida beaches to visit is South Beach Miami.

Miami is a hopping place, but the beach is a calm and inviting oasis. The water is warm and refreshing, and it’s perfect for a morning or evening stroll.

Play some beach volleyball, or work out with the other fitness-inclined. Swim, relax, read a book, build a sandcastle, and soak in the scenery. It’s like something out of a dream.

South Beach Miami is also a perfect place for a morning yoga session, paddleboarding, or walking or running along the promenade.

If you’re coming from out of town, renting umbrellas, chairs, and beach beds will make your time on the sand more relaxing.

Or, consider staying at a beach hotel to enjoy quick access to the surf, sand, and sunsets. Most beach hotels offer umbrellas and beach chairs for free to guests, which is an extra perk.

Once you’ve had a blast at the beach, visit South Pointe Park for lovely views of the water, plus a fun photo op–the Obstinate Lighthouse sculpture.

Ocean Drive is a legendary South Beach Street packed with shops, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and unique Art Deco architecture.

I recommend going on an Art Deco tour to learn about the fascinating history and culture in the area. There are walking tours, food tours, and more.

Even if you don’t go on a tour, sample the cuisine along Ocean Drive—the vast selection of lip-smacking goodness ranges from specialty ice cream to Cubanos.

Fancy a party vibe? Escape the heat and sunshine and head to the Clevelander Beach Club, a hopping spot.

Final Thoughts: Best Florida Beaches To Visit

If you’re craving warm water and soft white sand, these are the five best Florida beaches to visit this year.

Each has something special, featuring white sand and water that screams to be swum in.

Choose one beach from the list, or make it your mission to visit all five. Either way, you won’t be sorry. Once you visit these beaches, you won’t want to leave.