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Looking to soak up the sun at the best Florida Gulf Coast beaches? From expansive, award-winning beaches to hidden gems that are off the beaten path, the Gulf of Mexico beaches have it all.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks from living years by these shores. Whether you’re in for a lively beach scene or a quiet escape, I’ve got my hand-picked favorites as local!
I do my best to keep the details and pricing up to date. However, businesses can change their information at any time. I highly recommend verifying specific information on these Gulf beaches prior to your travel dates on their official websites provided below.
Best Southwest Florida Beaches
Depending on the day, I often can’t decide between which of these Southwest Florida Beaches is my favorite. Each has different advantages that make them uniquely different, and worthy of being among the best gulf coast beaches.
So, join me as we explore stretches of pristine clear waters, sugar sand beaches, and an array of beach activities suited for everyone. It’s the Gulf Coast, my way.
Clearwater Beach
🏖️ Best Beach Access: Pier 60
📍 Address: 160S S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
💸 Admission Fee: Free beach access; parking fees
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Clearwater Beach lives up to its name, with immaculately clear water and white sand beaches to boot. It is repeatedly one of the top award wining beaches in the US. It’s best for those looking for a party vibe in this family-friendly beach town.
Amenities include restrooms, playgrounds (one of which is shaded), volleyball nets, a picnic pavilion, and lifeguards. Water sports and boat tours are popular here, as is fishing.
In Clearwater Beach there is nightly family friendly attractions, along with picturesque sunsets at Pier 60. Here you can check out local vendors and artisans, as well as street performers.
While Clearwater Beach tends to be buzzing beach town, you can slow down a bit at Sand Key Park. It has one of the higher rated beaches in the area called Sand Key Beach with lots of parking spots and tends to be uncrowded. Parking fees are more reasonable than downtown Clearwater Beach ($5 per day). For nature lovers, I often see manatees and dolphins swimming offshore.
If you’re in Tampa Bay for vacation, I highly recommend visiting Clearwater Beach if you like a resort-like beach environment.
🌴 Related: Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach
Siesta Key Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: Siesta Beach
📍 Address: 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
If you’re looking for the best of all the Florida Gulf Coast beaches, Siesta Beach Beach checks so many boxes. It’s an expansive, pristine white sand beach made of quartz (it truly looks like sugar sand). This beach is ideal for those looking for a relaxed vibe with lots to do!
You’ll find restrooms, picnic shelters, beach volleyball courts, playground areas, concessions, and lots of free parking. It is also ADA accessible. And most importantly, it’s well staffed with lifeguards and other employees available every day!
Siesta Key Beach has its own quaint beach village within in short drive or bike ride away. Siesta Key Village is an ideal spot to get delicious food or drinks without having to go too far. Check out The Cottage, one of my favorites for fresh seafood or their Billionaire Burger.
🚗 Pro Tip: Though Siesta Key Beach has a large parking lot, it can be hard to get parking, especially during peak season. Get to the beach early or grab a ride on the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley instead.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites
St Pete Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: Upham Beach Park
📍 Address: 6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
💸 Admission Fee: Free, but parking is paid from 8 am to 8 pm
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
As a Tampa Bay local resident, I spent a lot of time at the beach. St Pete Beach ranks at the top of my list for those that want a fun and relaxed beach vibe that’s easier to reach from Tampa, St Pete, or Bradenton. You’ll find more hotels and restaurants in walking distance than Siesta Key Beach.
You won’t want to miss Pass-a-Grille Beach (located in St Pete Beach) for a more historic and laid-back beach vibe. The historic pink palace, Don CeSar is located at its entrance. Read all about my favorite places in Pass-a-Grille.
Upham Beach Park is refreshingly laidback compared to the busier beaches in St Pete Beach. The facilities are always well-maintained. There are restrooms, showers, cabanas, and picnic tables. You’ll also find beach volleyball courts and a restaurant, Paradise Grille. You can rent beach supplies and even enjoy a free beach toy library here, too.
St Pete Beach is full of fun things to do with new bars, restaurants, and world-class museums within a short drive.
Of all the beach towns, I’ve spent the most time here! I truly love all that it has to offer being close to Tampa and downtown St Petersburg.
If you think Clearwater Beach and St Pete Beach sound equally awesome, check out my post on St Pete Beach vs Clearwater Beach to find out which one better suits you!
🌴 Related: Where to Stay in St Pete Beach
Marco Island
🏖️ Best Beach: Tigertail Beach
📍 Address: 480 Hernando Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145
💸 Admission Fee: Free, but parking costs $8
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Marco Island is a barrier island south of Naples. The island is home to some of the most pristine southwest Florida beaches, including Tigertail Beach. It’s a family-friendly beach with crystal clear, warm waters.
Amenities at Tigertail Beach include restrooms, showers, and a picnic area. The soft sugar white sand is a prime spot for shelling (tip: head to the north end of the beach for the best shelling).
Pro Tip: To get a deeper appreciation for the nature and history of the area, you can take a self-guided tour of the larger Tigertail Beach Park. There’s also a playground there.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
Anna Maria Island
🏖️ Best Beach: Bean Point Beach
📍 Address: 793 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
The most popular Anna Maria Island beaches are actually in Bradenton Beach, located on the southern half of the same barrier island.
Of the actual Anna Maria Island beaches, I think Bean Point Beach is the best. Compared to the popular beaches on the southern end, Bean Point Beach is quiet and undeveloped.
This means there aren’t any amenities but it’s worth it for the tranquil atmosphere and untouched beach vibe. Plus, Pine Avenue is right to the east, with all the shopping and dining you could want.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Anna Maria Beach Resort
Venice Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: Venice Municipal Beach
📍 Address: 101 The Esplanade, Venice, FL 34285
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
In 2022, Hurricane Ian did some significant damage to some of the best Florida Gulf Coast beaches. Venice and Fort Myers Beach, for example, was significantly affected and the Venice Pier being significantly damaged. However, Venice Municipal Beach remains one of the most gorgeous beaches in southwest Florida with lots of sea shells and clear water.
Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, a pavilion, and a concession. There are also boardwalks (which are wheelchair accessible) and beach volleyball courts, as well as lifeguards.
There’s a reef just about a quarter-mile offshore, so snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities here. Sea turtles are known to nest in beaches along Venice, too.
Did you know that Venice is the shark tooth capital? Gulf beaches nearby are often bountiful – so keep your eyes peeled for fossilized shark teeth!
Venice Municipal Beach is just a short drive from the city center. I really appreciate the free parking and that tends to be less crowded. Plus, there are nice beach restaurants nearby!
If you’re there are on a weekend evening, there is usually live music and dancing on the beach with a beautiful sunset in background.
🌴 Recommended Venice Beach Hotel: Inn at the Beach
Honeymoon Island State Park & Caladesi
🏖️ Location: Honeymoon Island State Park
📍 Address: #1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698
💸 Admission Fee: $8 per vehicle
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Honeymoon Island is a barrier island located outside of the small town of Dunedin. It’s just as charming as its name implies, with abundant wildlife and a peaceful atmosphere, making it great for nature lovers. I tend to avoid this area during holiday weekends, since traffic can really get backed up getting on the island with one lane.
You’ll find restrooms, showers, a picnic area, a concession, and a playground here. There’s also a great dog beach. There’s a little something for everyone to do including swimming, hiking, shelling, biking, and watching the wildlife including gopher tortoises.
Honeymoon Island State Park is divided into two parts; North Beach is the popular half while South Beach is rockier. If you’re looking for a great place for a sunset, then this is a must-visit.
Once you’re done exploring Honeymoon Island State Park, I highly recommend spending some time in Dunedin. They have some of the best restaurants and bars/breweries in Tampa Bay.
🏝️ Pro Tip: Once at Honeymoon Island State Park, take time to hop on a ferry out to Caladesi Island, too. It’s more secluded and undeveloped with gorgeous beaches. Calesdei is also an award wining beach taking home fourth place as the nation’s best beach by Dr. Beach in 2023.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Dunedin
Madeira Beach
🏖️ Location: Madeira Beach
📍 Address: 14400 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, FL 33708
💸 Admission Fee: Free, but parking is $3 per hour
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
As you may have realized by now, many of the best Florida Gulf Coast beaches are on barrier islands. Another one that fits the bill is Madeira Beach. It’s a little beach town with an Old Florida vibe, and the beach in town shares the same name.
The beach access doesn’t have many amenities — just restrooms and showers — but the untouched white sand beach makes up for it.
🩴 Pro Tip: Make sure to visit John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk nearby. It has tons of shops and restaurants, plus places to rent beach equipment and go on boat tours.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cambria Hotel Madeira Beach
Indian Rocks Beach
🏖️ Best Beach Access: 18th Avenue
📍 Address: 1786 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Indian Rocks Beach is a low key beach community on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It attracts tourists but never too many — it rarely gets crowded since it is predominately vacation rentals or locals. However, it tends to be one of the most popular beaches near Tampa.
The main access point along the nearly three-mile beachfront is 18th Avenue. There are only paid parking slots but you can also park for free on most streets in town. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and four boardwalks with handicap access.
🌴 Related: Best Indian Rocks Hotels & Vacation Rentals
Longboat Key
🏖️ Best Beach: Beer Can Island (Greer Island)
📍 Address: Island Park, Longboat Key 34228, FL
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Longboat Key is one of the quietest destinations on a barrier island near Sarasota. It tends to be much quieter than Anna Maria Island or Siesta Key.
I’ve been coming here for over three decades. While I’ve seen substantial growth in nearby Sarasota and St Petersburg, Long Boat Key hasn’t lost its remote feel.
There also isn’t much public beach access but Beer Can Island is one of the few exceptions. This wide and wonderfully secluded stretch of beach is on the northern end of Longboat Key. Beer Can Island has no amenities; the beach is all-natural. This makes it an especially great place for shelling and birdwatching.
Pro Tip: Sometimes Beer Can Island in Long Boat Key can be confused with Pine Key, also known as Beer Can Island. The other is much closer to Tampa.
🌴 Recommended Hotel on Longboat Key: The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Sanibel Island Beaches & Captiva Island
🏖️ Best Beach: Bowman’s Beach
📍 Address: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
💸 Admission Fee: Free, but parking is $5 per hour
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
As I mentioned, Hurricane Ian gave Florida a beating in 2022. Nearby cities of Matlacha and Pine Island sustained even greater damage.
Sanibel as well, has not yet fully recovered at the time of this review of Florida Gulf Coast Beaches. However, Sanibel and Captiva still stand out for being among the best clear water beaches.
If you plan to visit, I highly recommend making hotel and restaurant reservations in advance since a lot of the island is still affected by the hurricane damage.
My two favorite beaches are Bowmans Beach and Sanibel Lighthouse Beach.
On Bowman’s Beach, you have access to restrooms, showers, a pavilion, a playground, grills, and a boat launch. Beyond the amenities, there are miles of undisturbed beach that are perfect for shelling.
Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is recently back open, and is also fun to visit. We’ve had so many great memories, renting a boat and pulling up near the shoreline there. If you happen to rent a boat, Coya Costa State Park is definitely worth checking out.
🌴 Recommended Hotel in Sanibel: Tarpon Tale Inn
Keewaydin Island
🏖️ Location: Marco Island, FL 34145
💸 Admission Fee: Free, but the ferry costs $12-22 per person, per trip
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
If you’re looking for a hidden gem, then you’ll need to check out Keewaydin Island.
This barrier island is between Marco Island and Naples. It’s much quieter than both cities and most of South Florida! You can only get to it by boat (there’s a ferry that can take you there).
This seclusion means Keewaydin Island is incredibly pristine, but it’s a double-edged sword. There are no amenities, not even restrooms. There is, however, a concession boat that visits throughout the day.
I love to go when the tide is out, you’ll see lots of sand dollars and it’s a great place to see lots of sea shells.
Keewaydin Island welcomes leashed dogs and is, in fact, the only pet-friendly beach in the Naples area.
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach has come along way after Hurricane Ian, but from my most recent visit I would say they still have considerable work to do. I would recommend checking out the latest reviews, so you can have and idea on on what to expect.
I had to add Fort Myers Beach to the best Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches because I believe in its resiliency. You’ll find that most local business are grateful for the support in returning to business as usual. Give it some time – Fort Myers Beach will get there.
🌴 Recommend Hotel in Fort Myers Beach: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Florida’s Emerald Coast Beaches
Pensacola Beach, Florida
🏖️ Best Beach Access: Park West Gulf Side
📍 Address: 1225 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola, FL 32561
💸 Admission Fee: Free Beach Access
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
There are two sides of Pensacola Beach — the gulf side and the sound side. The sound side is more serene but I’d choose the gulf side, especially from the Park West Gulf Side access.
Aside from the manicured beach and emerald green waters, this access point’s main draw is its large pier. It also has restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and pavilions with grills. There’s a dedicated section for dogs, too!
During the peak season, there is lifeguards on duty. All year Park West Gulf Side offers easy ADA accessibility to the beach.
I tend to prefer Pensacola Beach due to its proximity to hotels and restaurants. But, if like a more remote experience, you should definitely consider heading further west to Gulf Islands National Seashore. It’s practically in Alabama, despite its Florida mailing address. Gulf Islands National Seashore brings is a tourist hot spot with historical ruins, white sand beaches, conveniently located on Florida’s emerald coast.
🎶 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, consider staying a bit late to catch the weekly free concerts held at the Gulfside Pavilion during summer.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Pensacola Beach
Navarre Beach
🏖️ Location Navarre Beach
📍 Address: 8579 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Just east of Pensacola Beach, on the same barrier island, you’ll find Navarre Beach. It’s equally stunning but less touristy and more peaceful. It does, however, have fewer amenities. There are restrooms, pavilions, and a pier.
There are a few places of interest on the beach, though. There’s a turtle conservation center, a science station, and a marine sanctuary. This is a great beach to bring kids to, as they can learn about the unique environment of these barrier islands!
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Navarre
St. George Island State Park Beach
🏖️ Location: St. George Island State Park
📍 Address: 1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, FL 32328
💸 Admission Fee: $6
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
St. George Island State Park is one of best beaches near Tallahassee. This award wining beach just took home the prize for being the best beach in the US by Dr. Beach in 2023.
It contains nearly 2,000 acres, part of which is a gorgeous stretch of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Because it and its natural sand dunes are so well protected, it’s great for shelling.
The St. George Island State Park has two kinds of campsites: ones that have electricity and running water, plus primitive campsites. The former area has restrooms, showers, and a playground. Also, on the beach, there are picnic pavilions and grills.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: St. George Inn
Henderson Beach State Park
🏖️ Location: Henderson Beach State Park
📍 Address: 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32541
💸 Admission Fee: $6
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Destin is known for its having some of the clearest water in all of Florida. One of the best places to experience that is Henderson Beach State Park which is near Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
In addition to the emerald waters, this park has those characteristic sand dunes you see on quite a few Florida Panhandle beaches, but they’re taller than usual, giving the park a unique feel. There are lots of campsites in Henderson Beach State Park, as well as restrooms, a playground, pavilions, and grills.
Fort Walton Beach as I mentioned is nearby and is also another great option if you’re looking for other beautiful beaches.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa
Panama City Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: St. Andrews State Park
📍 Address: 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL 32408
💸 Admission Fee: $8
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Are you seeing a pattern here? Many of the best Florida Panhandle beaches are within state parks. St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach is no exception. Aside from the beautiful emerald waters, there is a campground, a fishing pier, a boat ramp, a playground, pavilions, a rental shop, and of course restrooms.
If you prefer to be closer to the city, I also love Pier Park since it’s close to everything! You can easily walk to Pier Park shops and many restaurants with fresh seafood. Keep in mind, it’s definitely a bustling area especially popular during holidays and spring break.
🚣 Pro Tip: From St. Andrews State Park, you can hop on a ferry to the secluded Shell Island. Alternatively, bring your own kayak or rent one and make the trip out there.
🌴 Recommended Hotel in Panama City Beach: Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point
Santa Rosa Beach
🏖️ Best Beach Access: Ed Walline Regional Beach Access
📍 Address: 4447 W Scenic Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
30A beaches are some of the top beach destinations in all of Florida. They’re all white sand beaches with clear turquoise waters, plus they’re set to the backdrop of quaint beach towns with lots of fun things to do along 30A.
Of them, Santa Rosa Beach has one of the largest stretches of beachfront. The Ed Walline Regional Beach Access has amenities including restrooms, picnic shelters, and a viewing platform. You can also rent beach wheelchairs here.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: WaterColor Inn & Resort
Grayton Beach State Park
🏖️ Location: Grayton Beach State Park
📍 Address: 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
💸 Admission Fee: $5
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Just a short drive east of Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach State Park has possibly the best beach along 30A. Inside the picturesque park, you’ll find amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, a boat ramp, and a campground for tents and RVs.
Boating and fishing are popular here, both on the Gulf and in Western Lake, one of 30A’s characteristic coastal dune lakes. You can also hike the nature trail within the park. You’ll see some of the most pristine white sand beaches and emerald waters in Grayton Beach State Park.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Nearby: WaterColor Inn & Resort
Blue Mountain Beach
🏖️ Location: Blue Mountain Regional Access
📍 Address: 2365 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
💸 Admission Fee: $5
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Last but not least, this is one of my top 3 favorite 30A beaches, and one of my favorite Florida Gulf Coast beaches overall. It’s quieter than some of the more popular beaches, offering the 30A experience without the crowds.
Blue Mountain Beach is one of the best beaches in the area for fishing in the coastal dune lakes. There are three of them right on the beach: Big Redfish Lake, Little Redfish Lake, and Draper Lake. You can kayak and paddleboard on them, too.
🌴 Recommended Hotel: Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bluest beach in Florida?
It’s somewhat subjective but Destin’s beaches are considered to have the best, bluest, and clearest water in Florida. This is due to the Choctawhatchee Bay that filters out darker sediment.
Which is better Atlantic or Gulf side of Florida?
When it comes to the best Florida beaches, the Gulf Coast side of Florida has more of the top beaches in the Sunshine State with sugar sand and clear water. The east coast of Florida is ideal for a lively atmosphere, cultural diversity, and surfing due to higher waves.
Where is the clearest water on the Gulf coast?
The Florida Panhandle, specifically Destin and the surrounding areas such as Pensacola, 30A beaches, and Panama City Beach, are known for having some of the clearest waters on the Gulf Coast. These areas are often referred to as the “Emerald Coast” due to the stunning, emerald-green, crystal-clear waters. The white quartz sand found on these beaches also contributes to the water’s clarity.
What is the number 1 beach in Florida?
According to Dr. Beach, the best beach is St. George Island State Park in 2023. This gulf coast beach is not alone for making the # 1 position. Siesta Key, Clearwater Beach, and St Pete Beach have also been considered the best beach in the US previous years. For nature lovers, the beauty of St. George Island State Park is an ideal choice.
Where is the clearest water in southwest Florida?
Sanibel Island Beach area and Captiva have long been considered one most ideal places for seeing the clearest water in Southwest Florida. However, I tend to prefer Siesta Key Beach due to the multitude of family-friendly attractions including the sugar white sands, water sports, life guards on duty, playgrounds, and the quaint town of Siesta Key Village nearby.
Final Thoughts | Best Florida Gulf Coast Beaches
Florida’s Gulf Coast is a treasure trove of uniquely beautiful beaches that offer a range of experiences for every type of beach-goer. From the serene nature-focused allure of Caladesi Island State Park, to the lively and bustling Pensacola Beach, these are just a few highlights of what this coastline has to offer.
Each beach brings with it a distinctive charm, be it for family fun, romantic getaways, water sports, or wildlife spotting. The best Florida Gulf Coast beaches exemplify natural beauty and diversity, promising unforgettable memories for all who visit.
