Florida's Best Beaches
Florida's Top 10 Beaches
“For the 2nd year in a row, Clearwater Beach, FL is named the No. 1 beach in America”
TripAdvisor just called out the favorite beaches in the US and 10 of the top 15 are in The Sunny State. Beachgoers ranked Clearwater Beach as the America's #1 Ocean Paradise. “It’s special to have the millions who make up the TripAdvisor community reaffirm that (Clearwater Beach) truly is the No. 1 beach in America for the second-straight year,” says Leroy Bridges, vice president of digital & communications for Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. “And having St. Pete Beach at No. 4 underscores why we think St. Pete/Clearwater has America’s Best Beaches" and the Top 15 Travelers’ Choice Award Beaches in the US are:
1. Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida
Recent review: “Clearwater Beach is a very family-oriented beach. There is ample parking along the beach and a metered parking lot. The beach itself has very fine white sand, which is very clean, with bathrooms and various places to wash the sand off your feet as you leave the beach.”
2. Ka’anapali Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii
Recent review: “One of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches I’ve visited. Whales jumping in the distance becomes commonplace. Beautiful sunsets. There is an awesome Beachwalk with restaurants and resorts along the way. Relaxing vibe, not very crowded.”
3. Panama City Beach – Panama City Beach, Florida
Recent review: “The most beautiful beach in the world, year-round. The sand is pure white and water, crystal blue. Panama City Beach is definitely heaven on earth. You’ll love the beach and Pier Park offers plenty of shopping, places to eat, a grand movie theater and fun-filled entertainment.”
4. St. Pete Beach – St. Pete Beach, Florida
Recent review: “Amazing time - beautiful beach - what’s not to love? The sand is soft, silky and warm for strolls along the beach and shell collecting. Love the warm water and the low tide levels for kids. An awesome weekend in a beautiful location with stunning sunsets, lovely food, the thing dreams are made of on vacation
5. Pensacola Beach – Pensacola Beach, Florida
Recent review: “Love these white sand beaches! Awesome atmosphere and well behaved crowds. Not rowdy like other beaches. Plenty of rental chairs/umbrellas. Visit the fishing pier for some great photos.”
6. Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
Recent review: “If you want to hit a great beach with PLENTY of room, you found it! There are chairs and umbrellas available to rent, a place to get food and drinks (even adult ones), bathrooms, showers, volleyball, parasailing and plenty of activities. We were able to throw the football with the kids without worrying about hitting anyone or running into anyone. Beautiful view!”
7. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – Puako, Hawaii
Recent review: “A big golden beach in the northwest part of the island. As Hawaiian beaches go, this one was long with plenty of soft sand that made it great for walking and watching the waves. Also, there is a path at the end of the beach that runs along the lava rocky shore which makes for a nice hike if you are wearing sturdy closed toe shoes. All in all a beautiful park and beach.”
8. St. Augustine Beach – St. Augustine Beach, Florida
Recent review: “Loved walking the beach for miles in search of shells. Easy public access from numerous points. Public parking was free. The expanse of the beach seemed to be an endless expanse. We walked three miles in a round-trip search for shells, watching sea birds, people watching and chatting with fellow travelers. It was a sweet treat.”
9. Fort Lauderdale Beach – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Recent review: “Stretching more than 5 miles, the Fort Lauderdale beach offers something for everyone, from the fast life of the fit and fabulous to the more traditional sand castle fun of families with little kids. The central point of the beach has old traditional joints like the Elbow Room and Drunken Taco with more up-to-date and gourmet options from Asian fusion to Italian. As you head south, larger beaches and family friendly areas for the kids to splash around and be loud.”
10. Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island, Georgia
Recent review: “This is a wonder of nature. To sit on one of the fallen branches of what was once a huge tree is so relaxing as you listen to the water and watch the waves. It can be tricky out here though and one has to be careful of the tide schedule.”
11. Cherry Grove Beach – North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Recent review: “Most likely to not be crowded, best chances of free parking, more shells, lots of beach showers, toilet access – and the same great ocean as Myrtle Beach. As locals, this is where our family goes most often when we go to the beach.”
12. Navarre Beach – Navarre, Florida
Recent review: “We visited Navarre Beach after stumbling upon it, one of the BEST well-kept vacations secrets in the U.S. The beaches are white powder, the water looks like the Bahamas and the locals are chill and friendly. Great restaurants, hotels on the ocean and overall feel. We’ll be back!”
13. Poipu Beach Park – Poipu, Hawaii
Recent review: “Perfect sand, nice ledge about 10 feet from the shoreline. There are sections that have either rock or coral that can make it a challenge to stand but those areas are small. The sunsets from this beach are absolutely stunning. Best on the island hands down!”
14. South Beach – Miami Beach, Florida
Recent review: “We loved it – especially the Art Deco and stunning restored buildings at South Beach. The beach is fabulous, good swimming and good lazing in the sun on the sun-beds with umbrellas. Enjoyed the choice of restaurants along South Beach, but our favorite is the Villa Casa Casuarina, the former home of the adored Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace.”
15. Hollywood Beach – Hollywood, Florida
Recent review: “Our family really enjoyed Hollywood Beach. Safe, friendly and clean. There are areas to rinse off your feet, toys, etc., at each entrance to the beach. Beautiful boardwalk to walk along when you need a break from the sun. There are also cabanas, beds, chairs and umbrellas to rent right on the beachfront. You can ask for food and alcoholic beverages in plastic cups to-go and have them right on the beach.”