Florida has more than 1,300 miles of coastline, and choosing its best beaches is an exercise in splitting hairs—or, more accurately, grains of sand. Along the Gulf Coast, spectacular stretches of powder-white sand meet waters that can look downright Caribbean, while the Atlantic side counters with cinnamon-hued shores, coral-fringed coves, wave-friendly breaks, and the glamorous beaches of Miami.
What makes Florida’s beaches so compelling is just how different they can be. Some stretch for miles through undeveloped state parks; others come backed by Art Deco architecture, beachfront hotels, and promenades made for people-watching. A few require a ferry or seaplane to reach. Along the way, they serve as gathering grounds for families and fishermen, surfers and sun-worshippers, wildlife lovers and, in some corners of the state, LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a welcoming patch of sand.
Whether you’re plotting a laid-back Gulf Coast escape, a road trip through the Keys, or a hotel-hopping weekend along Miami Beach, there’s a shoreline here for it. From the Panhandle to South Florida and back up the opposite coast, these are the 25 best beaches in Florida, plus our picks for where to stay nearby.
