When the summer heat rolls in, it’s hard not to spend a little too much time scrolling through endless beach photos on social media, daydreaming about jumping in Destin’s refreshing, crystal-clear waters and enjoying that famous ocean breeze. Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation or just looking for a quick getaway, we’ve rounded up the prettiest beaches that are worth the trip this year, freeing you up to set your phone to “do not disturb” for a while.
Discover Florida’s Most Beautiful Coastal Spots
Destin Beaches: Crystal Clear Waters and Sugar White Sand
There’s a reason Destin is always topping the “prettiest beaches” list. The emerald-green water and sugary-white sand feel like something out of a postcard, and yes, it really looks like that in person. The best part? The sand stays cool under your feet, even during peak summer heat.
If you’re headed this way, check out Henderson Beach State Park. It’s a quieter spot with miles of shoreline, less crowding, and tons of space to spread out.
Pro Tip: Bring snorkel gear! On calm days, the water clarity can rival the Caribbean.
Families with little ones should arrive early to grab a shaded spot near amenities like restrooms and boardwalks.
A Scenic Beach Day Trip from Orlando
You don’t have to go far from Orlando to hit the coast. Cocoa Beach is just about an hour away and offers that classic tropical Florida vibe with the bonus of great surf.
The Cocoa Beach Pier has casual restaurants and beach shops within walking distance, while the quieter areas north and south are better for families who want a more relaxed experience.
If you’re hauling beach gear, we recommend using a wagon, as some access points have longer walks to the water.
Best Time to Go: Mornings are quieter and cooler, plus, the light is perfect for snapping family photos.
Key West’s Tropical Shores and Colorful Sunsets
In Key West, beauty isn’t just at the beach; it’s throughout the entire experience. At Smathers Beach, you’ll find soft sand, clear water, and the right amount of energy for a fun, laid-back day.
From jet ski rentals to parasailing, there’s no shortage of things to do. But the real magic happens at sunset. Locals and visitors gather nightly for the island’s famous sunset ritual, and it’s worth every minute.
Pack snacks and drinks, because once golden hour hits, you won’t want to leave.
Explore the Gulf Coast’s Most Stunning Beaches
Gulf Coast Escapes
Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for calm, clear waters and sand that feels like sugar under your feet. Siesta Key is one of the standouts. Its quartz sand stays cool all day, and the Sunday drum circle creates a one-of-a-kind sunset scene. Nearby Crescent Beach is quieter and great for snorkeling. Don’t miss Turtle Beach if you’re hunting for shark teeth; this is a hit with kids.
Local Favorite: Siesta Key Oyster Bar offers $12 oyster dozens during happy hour, 3–6 PM daily.
Emerald Coast in Destin, Florida
The Emerald Coast is home to some of the prettiest beaches in the country. For families or couples who want a relaxing scene without sacrificing views, Navarre Beach is the perfect pick.
Its calm, shallow waters are great for swimming, and Florida’s longest pier (1,545 feet) splits the beach into natural and developed areas.
Bonus Adventure: The Gulf Breeze Zoo is only 20 minutes away, you can feed giraffes or ride the safari train between beach days.
Hidden Gems in the Florida Panhandle
If you’re craving peace and quiet, these Panhandle spots deliver amazing views without the crowds:
- St. George Island: 28 miles of undeveloped coastline. You’ll have Gulf waves on one side, calm bays on the other.
- Cape San Blas. This beach is ideal for families with young kids thanks to its curved shoreline and protected water.
- Perdido Key is a low-key beach straddling the Florida–Alabama border where you can walk between two states on one stretch of sand. How cool will that be for the kids to experience?
Underrated Florida Beaches to Add to Your Itinerary
Want to avoid the tourist hot spots? These low-key coastal picks are local favorites worth discovering:
- Canaveral National Seashore is 24 miles of wild coastline, and sometimes, you’ll even spot rocket launches in the distance.
- Shell Key (St. Pete area). A boat ride away from St. Pete takes you to a remote, undeveloped island where you can camp right on the sand.
- Cayo Costa State Park is boat-access only. You will find rustic cabins on the beach, and zero crowds. This is old Florida at its finest.
Special Beach Experiences for Every Kind of Traveler
Dog-Friendly Shorelines for the Whole Family
Furry friends are welcome at these pup-approved beaches:
- Fort De Soto Park (St. Pete). This is an off-leash beach with a fun Paw Playground so your pups can make friends.
- Davis Islands Dog Beach (Tampa) is 200 feet of dog-friendly waterfront.
- Jupiter Beach holds over 2 miles of dog-friendly coastline for your pets to explore.
- Brohard Beach & Paw Park (Venice). This is a great spot with water fountains and rinse-off stations to make it easy to clean up before heading home.
Peaceful and Secluded Beaches to Unwind
For a complete escape from crowded boardwalks and bustling beach bars, be sure to take a ferry ride from Honeymoon Island and visit Caladesi Island State Park.
Egmont Key is an excellent, secluded spot, too. It sits at the mouth of Tampa Bay and is accessible only by boat. A historic lighthouse and ruins of a Civil War fort will add a touch of intrigue to your beach vacation.
Anna Maria Island’s northern beaches are another quieter alternative to the busier southern end, especially during early mornings. Additionally, the nature trails at Honeymoon Island State Park lead to secluded caves, which will be fun to explore with the family.
Gorgeous Coastal Spots Near Tampa
Of course, we can’t talk about Florida beaches without mentioning Clearwater Beach, which is iconic for its sugar-white sand, volleyball courts, and family-friendly restaurants right on the water.
Looking for less hustle and bustle? Redington Beach and Madeira Beach are nearby and offer the same Gulf views with much more privacy.
Fort De Soto Park also deserves an additional mention here. Five connected islands, fishing piers, and scenic ruins make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Beaches Beyond Florida
Mexico’s Vibrant and Colorful Coastlines
- Tulum’s coastline: You will experience Instagram-worthy photos at every turn when you explore these Mayan ruins perched on limestone cliffs overlooking turquoise Caribbean waters.
- Playa del Carmen: Great spot for vibrant nightlife with easy access to cenotes for underground swimming adventures between beach days.
- Puerto Vallarta: Golden sand beaches and the malecón boardwalk are filled with street performers and local vendors.
Caribbean Shores Full of Tropical Charm
- Turks and Caicos are home to Grace Bay Beach, one of the prettiest Caribbean beaches you’ll ever find. With its shimmery blue water and powdery sand, enjoy this stunning, postcard-worthy beach!
Barbados, on the other hand, combines British charm with Caribbean warmth, offering both calm West Coast beaches and dramatic Atlantic coastlines.
Want an experience you’ll never forget? Go swimming with cute, friendly pigs in crystal-clear water on The Bahamas’ Pig Beach on Big Major Cay.
The World’s Prettiest Beach Destinations
- Whitehaven Beach, Australia, is 98% pure silica sand, maintaining soft and cool temperatures.
- The Maldives provides an experience you will never forget! Overwater bungalows, private beaches and coral reefs.
- Navagio Beach, Greece. A famous shipwreck as your backdrop? Yes, please! No wonder it’s only accessible by boat.
Comfort and Scenic Shorelines with Gulf Style Rentals
Stay Just Steps from Florida’s Top Beaches
You deserve a beach vacation that feels effortless from booking to checkout, and Gulf Style Rentals delivers exactly that experience along Florida’s Emerald Coast. From cozy condos to spacious homes, our properties stretch from Destin to Panama City Beach, all right in the heart of the Gulf Coast.
With over 4,000 five-star reviews, our properties from Destin to Panama City Beach put you within walking distance of the prettiest beaches you’ve been dreaming about. Our 24/7 guest support ensures every detail gets handled perfectly for your family’s getaway.
What are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today or browse our properties to find the one most suited for you, your friends, or your family and loved ones. And if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to fill out this quick form, and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
