6 Amazing Florida Atlantic Beaches To Visit In 2024!

The Florida Atlantic coastline is renowned for its beautiful beaches and stretches for 400 miles along the southeast coast of the U.S. 

The beaches begin near Amelia Island in Northeast Florida and continue south to Key West.

From popular beach spots such as Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach to more secluded getaways along the coast, there is a beach to suit everyone’s taste.

The Atlantic Ocean provides the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation, swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun.

These Florida Atlantic Coast beaches also offer a variety of activities and things to do in the area. 

For those who enjoy taking a stroll along the nearby shops and dining at the waterfront restaurants, there are plenty of options.

And for those who enjoy a more active lifestyle, there are plenty of opportunities for surfing, fishing, boating, and kayaking.

No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love about the Florida Atlantic coast.

1. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a popular beach town located on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, about an hour’s drive from Orlando.

It is a popular spring break destination and a host to a number of events throughout the year, such as bike week and Nascar.

The city is known for its world-famous beach and spacious sandy shoreline, with hotels and resorts that line up the area. 

Take a walk on the nice, packed sand or just lay out in the sun and enjoy some rest and relaxation as you hear the Atlantic waves.  

Daytona Beach is home to the Daytona Beach Pier, where you’ll find plenty of people taking in the views and fishing.  Stop by Joe’s Crab Shack for some seafood or a drink on the pier. 

The boardwalk runs along the pier and has plenty of stores, bars, and restaurants. 

There are also many other attractions in Daytona Beach and nearby, such as the Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Marine Science Center, which is just south in Ponce Inlet. 

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or experience some of the excitement that Daytona Beach has to offer, there’s something for everyone in this Florida beach town.

If you’re looking to come to Daytona Beach during the peak racing season, then February is a good month. 

Otherwise, March through May are good times to go before the hotter and humid summer months. 

Looking To Get On The Water In Daytona Beach?

√ Check Out This Popular Dolphin & Manatee Paddleboard Tour!

If You’re Looking For Adventure In Key West, We Recommend A Snorkel & Sail Adventure

 3. Jupiter Beach, Jupiter

Another one of the best beaches on the Atlantic Coast is Jupiter, Florida.  Jupiter is one of many beautiful clear water beaches in Florida. 

Jupiter is famous for its beautiful bright blue water and its amazing conditions for water sports.  The water here is about 78 degrees year-round.

Fall and early winter is the best time to visit Jupiter.  The summer heat and humidity have started to come down, but it is still warm enough to enjoy all of the fun water sports and beaches. 

The number of days with rain also starts to drop off dramatically in the month of September.

One of the best beaches in the area to escape the crowds is Coral Cove Park. While visiting this beach, be sure to check out the nearby Blowing Rocks Preserve and enjoy activities like snorkeling, shelling, and swimming. 

There are many great amenities at the beach like a playground, restrooms, and picnic areas.

Along with spending time at the beautiful beaches in Jupiter, there are lots of fun activities and historical sites around town.  

One of the best things to do is to climb the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and visit the museum. It was built in 1860. 

While you are there, be sure to check out the surrounding natural area.  There are about 120 acres there to explore.

Another fun adventurous activity to do in Florida is to scuba dive or snorkel with sharks.  It is common to find sharks in the nearby Gulf Stream and this is one of the best places in the world to swim with sharks. 

If you are looking for more wildlife, be sure to check out the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.

Candice– CS Ginger

Book A Boat Tour In Jupiter And Cruise Along Florida’s Treasure Coast

4. Jacksonville Beach, Jacksonville

To find one of the best beaches on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, you don’t need to travel very far down the coastline!  Jacksonville, in the northeast corner of Florida, is home to 22 miles of beaches, the most popular of which is Jacksonville Beach.

Jacksonville Beach is one of the top spots for surfing in Florida, with soft sandy beach breaks and waves peaking across a wide swath of the beach (which means less crowding!).  

Other water sports are popular as well, and the beach is sometimes graced by sea turtle and dolphin visitors.

Jacksonville Beach Pier is a prime spot for taking in the sunset or sunrise views, and you can even get a permit to fish off the pier. 

The pier connects to the boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach, and this boardwalk is dotted with bars, restaurants, and hotels with ocean views. 

Casa Marina Hotel and Margaritaville Beach Hotel are two stylish, ideally-located options.

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss visiting Adventure Landing, a water park, and an amusement park near the beach. 

Or check out some of the other gorgeous beaches in the Jacksonville area, like Neptune Beach or Ponte Vedra Beach.

Jacksonville is busiest at the height of summer, so avoid visiting in July if you prefer quieter beaches and lower-priced hotels. 

Not during peak seasons, but spring and fall, are generally the best time to enjoy Jacksonville Beach because the weather is warm and pleasant.

Jacksonville is super easy to get to because it is not as far south as many of Florida’s other beach destinations.  

You can even take a bus from New York City to Jacksonville!  Plus the airport is pretty close to downtown, so any mode of transport can get you there for a dreamy beach vacation.

Escape To Nearby Amelia Island With This Guided Kayak Tour

5. South Beach, Miami

South Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Florida and for good reason.  Here you’ll find gorgeous beaches with lots of fun activities by day and a lively nightlife scene.

The best time to visit South Beach is during late summer, fall, or even winter.  For the timing of your trip, the most important thing is to avoid spring as South Beach is a popular spring break destination for college students.

Be sure to take a self-guided walking tour of the area to see all of the incredible art deco architecture.  There’s even an art deco museum along the main road, Ocean Drive.

Grab some of the free CitiBikes to take a ride along the pathways that follow the beaches.  You’ll probably spot the beachy outdoor gym, the Versace mansion, and glimpses of the bright lifeguard towers that are perfect for a photo op!

Don’t miss all of the incredible restaurants including Front Porch Café, Naked Taco, and Rosetta Bakery.  There are plenty of happy hours to capitalize on as well so you save a bit of money.

A word to the budget-conscious traveler, be sure to read your bill carefully as South Beach businesses automatically add a tip before charging you! 

If you aren’t paying attention, you might accidentally double tip your serving staff.

When choosing a hotel, it’s helpful to consider the beach-friendly amenities like beach chairs, towels, and free water bottles or bikes. 

The Hotel Breakwater has great amenities in a central location for a reasonable price and breakfast is included at a local café.

Alanna- Periodic Adventures

See Miami’s Best Sights With A Boat Cruise!

6. Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, Florida, is one of the best beaches on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

While you can visit any time of year, the beach is particularly busy in the summer and during Spring Break.  The warm weather and warm water draw crowds when school is out.

If you can do it, try to visit in April or May or in September or October.  You’ll still enjoy warm air and water but with fewer crowds.

Winter is also a great time to visit especially if you are from a colder climate.  You’ll find the days still nice and warm for the most part and tolerate the slightly cooler water temperature better than locals.

Try to plan your Cocoa Beach vacation when there is a launch scheduled.  Launches are much more frequent in the last few years, so it is not as hard as it once was. 

Keep in mind that launches are often scrubbed at the last minute due to weather issues, but they usually are able to launch a day or two later.

One of the best places to watch the launches is the Cocoa Beach Pier. You’ll also find great restaurants along the pier with three options to choose from offering both indoor and outdoor seating.

The pier is owned by Westgate which also owns the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, a great place for families to stay in Cocoa Beach.  With a pool, lazy river, and small waterpark, kids will have plenty of options to stay busy.

It is located right on the beach, and you can walk down to use one of the cabanas available for guests to rent.

Cocoa Beach is a unique Florida beach thanks to the ability to watch launches, but even with a launch you can enjoy surfing, long walks on the beach, or working on your tan on the beach.

Christine– Liveloveruntravel

Book A Manatee & Dolphin Kayaking Tour Near Cocoa Beach!

Where Is The Clearest Water On The Atlantic Side Of Florida?

There are a few beaches along Florida’s Atlantic Coast that are particularly known for clear water.  These include:

√ Key West 

√  Vero Beach

√  Palm Beach

√  St. Augustine

For more on the clearest beaches in Florida, go here!

Which Florida Coast Has Better Beaches?

Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches are world-renowned for their sugar-white sand and crystal-clear waters.  However, Florida’s Atlantic Coast beaches offer their own unique charms.

Here is a comparison of Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches versus its Atlantic Coast beaches:

One major difference between Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches and its Atlantic Coast beaches is the overall atmosphere.

The Gulf Coast is generally considered to be more laid-back and relaxed, while the Atlantic Coast has a more active and vibrant atmosphere.  And if you’re looking for the best surfing, the Atlantic Coast has the bigger waves.

Gulf Coast beaches tend to be quieter and more family-oriented, while Atlantic Coast beaches are usually livelier and attract more young adults and singles.

Another difference between these two types of Florida beaches is the water temperature.  The Gulf of Mexico is typically warmer than the Atlantic Ocean, so Gulf Coast beaches will have warmer waters.

This is especially true in the summer months.  However, Atlantic Coast beaches can also be quite warm, especially in the southern part of Florida.

The sand on Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches is usually finer and more powdery than the sand on Atlantic Coast beaches.   This is because the Gulf Coast has a higher concentration of quartz than the Atlantic Coast.

Florida’s Atlantic Coast beaches have coarser sand and contain more shells and other marine debris.

Overall, it depends on your personal preferences!

Florida’s Atlantic beaches are some of the best in the world.  With their sandy shores and waves meant for surfing, these beaches offer the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Florida sun.

And with so many different beaches to choose from, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect. 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read your favorite book or a place to have fun with friends, Florida’s Atlantic beaches have plenty of activities to choose from. 

So why not come and see for yourself, you might just fall in love with this beautiful part of the country.

Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?  

If so, we have you covered.  Here are some top recommended tours and hotels!

Top Tours in Florida

Speedboat Sightseeing Tour – (Miami Coastline Cruise)

CraigCat Boat Tour (Plan An Outdoor Adventure From Fernandina Beach)

Key West Sunset Sail – (Sunset Sail With Full Bar, Live Music, & Hors D’oeuvres)

Florida Everglades Airboat Tour – (Wild Florida Admission With Optional Lunch)

Thousand Island Tour w/ Kayaking (Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Island Guided Tour)

Top Hotels & Accommodations in Florida

Hardrock Hotel Daytona Beach – (Top Rated Beach Nearby Hotel)

Four Seasons Hotel Miami – (A Tropical Paradise In Miami)

Courtyard By Marriott Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral – (Top-Rated Nearby Beach)

Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach – (Perfect For Solo Travelers & Couples)

Looking To Get Around In Florida? 

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗

Always On The Shore contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you.

For more information, please read the disclaimer page. 

Travel Resources

Book Your Next Trip!  For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.

To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!

Looking To Start Your Own Travel Blog Or Take Yours To The Next Level? 

Check Out This Free Workshop!– I personally joined Scale Your Travel Blog in 2021 and my website has grown exponentially.