10 Best Beach Towns in Florida
Where to visit the best beach towns in Florida?
Discover Florida’s best beach towns and enjoy sun-soaked adventures and rich cultural experiences. You can retrace the steps of Spanish explorers, sip from the Fountain of Youth, savour gourmet fare from vintage airstream food trucks or kayak past wild horses and historic ruins.
Immerse yourself in the arts at the New Smyrna Museum of History or explore Florida’s maritime past at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. Cast a line in Islamorada or snorkel on coral reefs. In Key West, join a sunset celebration and dive into lively nightlife. Experience Old Florida charm in Palm Beach, where a glimpse into the Gilded Age awaits at the Henry Flagler Museum.
1. St. Augustine
A 17th-century fortress and a legendary spring
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Aventura
Step back in time on the brick-paved streets of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. Start your explorations at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, a 50-metre-tall beacon offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nation’s oldest port. Delve deeper into history at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a 17th-century fortress.
Wander through St. George Street, downtown’s charming shopping district with boutiques, galleries, inviting restaurants, and more. For family adventures, embark on a sunset cruise aboard a pirate-themed ship. Complete your adventures by visiting the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park where you can retrace the steps of the famous Spanish explorer and sip from the legendary spring.
St. Augustine
2. Clearwater
Family-friendly beach park and dolphin boat tours
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Econômico
Pack your beach gear for a seaside adventure in Clearwater, one of the best beach towns in Florida for soaking up the sunshine. Sink your toes into the sugary soft white sand at Sand Key Park or wander over to Pier 60, a family-friendly recreational park where you can fish, shop for souvenirs and enjoy entertainment each evening at sunset.
Hop aboard a ferry and sail to Clearwater’s popular breweries, shops and inviting restaurants. Or embark on a dolphin adventure for an unforgettable experience watching these amazing creatures in the wild. Cap off your day’s adventures around the table, sharing stories while sipping handcrafted cocktails and indulging in exquisite cuisine like Gulf shrimp, sizzling steaks and flavourful Caribbean dishes.
Clearwater
3. Amelia Island
Historical architecture and beachcombing
Ideal para: Compras, Foto
Experience the relaxed pace of island life on Amelia Island in North Florida, boasting more than 20 km of pristine shoreline. Whether you choose to stay at a luxury beachfront resort or a cozy bed & breakfast, you’ll be greeted with welcoming hospitality. Spend your mornings hunting for sandy treasures on the beach or embark on a kayaking adventure to explore the island’s natural beauty.
Kayak to Cumberland Island to spot wild horses, marvel at historic sites on the Amelia River or birdwatch at Suwannee River State Park, part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. For landside explorations, stroll along the tree-lined streets in the Fernandina Beach Historic District where a vibrant shopping and arts scene await.
Amelia Island
4. Anna Maria Island
Secluded beaches and glimpses of manatees
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Econômico
Soak up small island vibes on Anna Maria Island, a picturesque destination on Florida’s southwest coast. Here families can build sandcastles on Coquina Beach and picnic in the shade of wispy Casuarina trees. For a secluded beachcombing spot, head to Palmetto Avenue Beach at low tide to immerse yourself in the thrill of waves splashing at your feet.
At day’s end, gather with locals at Bean Point to catch the sunset. For more family adventures, visit nearby farms to tour a dairy, pick fruit from orchard trees or make your way to Apollo Beach to catch a glimpse of manatees, Florida’s gentle sea cows. Cap off your day with a seafood feast of fresh shrimp, clams or oysters.
Anna Maria Island
5. Seaside
Postcard-perfect setting and gourmet food trucks
Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação, Foto
Escape to the timeless atmosphere of Seaside, one of the best beach towns in Florida for savouring life at a relaxed pace. Known for its New Urbanist design, this walkable town encourages both residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. Seaside was also the filming location of the popular 1998 film The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey. Explore postcard-perfect scenery with pastel-coloured houses and charming buildings.
Lounge on the beach, swim and snorkel or undertake a shopping expedition for beachwear and souvenirs. When hunger strikes, head to Airstream Row, a collection of vintage airstream food trucks serving gourmet fare. Indulge your tastebuds in mouthwatering options like grilled cheese sandwiches, barbecue or wood-fired pizza paired with craft beer, wine and cocktails.
Seaside
6. New Smyrna Beach
A vibrant arts scene and a historical lighthouse
Ideal para: Compras, História, Foto
Add New Smyrna Beach to your itinerary for surfing and scenic views of the ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Discover the town’s thriving arts scene and embark on a shopping excursion to the vibrant Canal Street Historic District. Stop for lunch and listen to the rhythms of live music.
Explore regional art at the New Smyrna Beach Museum of History or tap into your creative side at The Hub on Canal, where local artists showcase their work and you can participate in painting, drawing and pottery. For history enthusiasts, don’t miss the ancient ruins at Old Fort Park or a glimpse into Florida’s maritime history at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum.
New Smyrna Beach
7. Islamorada
Sportfishing and vibrant coral reefs
Ideal para: Foto, História, Aventura
Renowned as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada is a picturesque island village in the Florida Keys where anglers can cast a line for tarpon, snapper and billfish. Whether you opt for snorkelling or diving, embark on an excursion to popular spots like Alligator Reef, Cheeca Rocks and Hens and Chicks.
Discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life like sea stars, parrotfish and rays while keeping an eye out for sea turtles. Or snorkel 18th-century shipwrecks like the San Pedro and the Cazador. For family fun, visit Founders Park for a beach picnic or the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District to shop and dance under the stars to the rhythm of a steel drum band.
Islamorada
8. Key West
Sunset celebrations and maritime history
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Econômico, Foto
Known as the “Conch Republic,” Key West is a quaint city with coconut palm-lined beaches and charming pastel conch-style architecture. Discover life beneath the waves on a snorkelling and dolphin cruise or visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy to admire brilliantly coloured butterflies. Stroll along Duvall Street to explore eclectic shops and galleries, then head over to Mallory Square for a lively sunset celebration.
Delve into the island’s nightlife with bar hopping, live music and dancing. For history enthusiasts, visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum or Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, home to the world’s largest collection of Civil War armaments. Cap off your adventures with memorable photos at Key West’s famous landmark, the Southernmost Point buoy.
Key West
9. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
A bustling pier and beachside snorkelling and diving
Ideal para: Compras, Aventura, Econômico
Discover Old Florida coastal charm in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a walkable beach town on Florida’s southeastern coast known for its white sand beaches, low-rise downtown and mid-century architecture. Begin your day by watching the sunrise at El Prado Park, home to the weekly farmer’s market where you can shop for locally grown produce and handcrafted goods.
Head over to Anglin’s Square, a lively gathering place with quaint boutiques and casual eateries. Seagaze from the Anglins Fishing Pier or head to the beach to snorkel or dive the vibrant coral reefs located just offshore. Getting to your favourite destinations is free and convenient with the city’s Circuit-by-the-Sea shuttle. Whichever attractions you choose, you’ll enjoy a carefree vibe in this ”flip-flop kind of town.”
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
10. Palm Beach
Glamorous boutiques and a Gilded Age Estate
Ideal para: Compras, História, Luxo
Discover the opulent coast of Palm Beach, a sophisticated beach town in South Florida known for its glitzy estates, upscale shopping and stunning ocean views. Visit Worth Avenue, a Mediterranean-style shopping area featuring glamorous boutiques, galleries and fine dining reminiscent of a European pedestrian village. Step back in time to the Gilded Age at the Flagler Museum by touring Henry Flagler’s magnificent estate, White Hall.
Enjoy socializing at The Breakers, a historic oceanfront hotel where you can relax and enjoy cocktails at the Seafood Bar’s iconic saltwater aquarium bar. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Norton Museum of Art, renowned for its contemporary architecture and impressive art collection. Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture garden, which adds to the museum’s inviting allure.
Palm Beach
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