Which Side Of Florida Has The Best Beaches?

The gulf coast side of Florida has the best beaches. Gulf coast beaches have white sand beaches not pink. The gulf coast beaches have better beach towns and the west coast beaches are better for both spring break and family oriented visits.

Florida Beaches

East Coast Runner Up Beaches On The Atlantic Ocean

I have lived on the Atlantic Coast and driven the full length of A1A on a motorcycle. It took forever as a lot of the speed limit is 35 mph but was worth the journey. Some of it was boring but some of it was a blast and full of great two piece scenery.

Key West Beaches

Key west does have beaches just not very impressive ones. Horseshoe Beach by Big Pine Key, Sandspur Beach, Smathers Beach, Sugarloaf Beach and Bahia Honda State Park are just a few of probably around 20 sports you can enjoy. Although these could be called beautiful beaches the hard packed sands and all of the coral is somewhat of a turnoff. Key West and the Florida Keys are more so for water sports like deep sea fishing, scuba diving and partying.

Miami Beach & South Beach Are Overrated Tourist Traps

Because of all of the hotels parking there is very tough. They are crowded and hard to drive to. It is worth seeing at least once but try to take a taxi or Uber to South Beach. For those who are not aware Miami Beach is the area and South beach is the actual beach on the south end of Miami Beach.

North On The Atlantic Coast you will find Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lauderdale By The Sea and Delray Beach are better for families and young kids. Popular beaches and outdoor adventures are everywhere you look up and down A1A in the summer months. Marine life will be everywhere you look and some places you don't look so mind cloudy water and stay out of it at night. You may become a statistic.

As you pass northward of Delray Beach you are leaving behind most of the busy public beaches. You will begin to feel more of the eastern coast small beach town experience. Parking will be a little easier because many of the locals will take our a private boat instead of visiting the beach. Palm Beach Florida is a perfect example.

Central Florida East Coast Beaches

Vero Beach, Orlando Beach and Cocoa Beach are mostly Central Florida Beaches. Some would argue about Vero Beach but it is close enough. Of these three Cocoa beach is the nicest and it has a really nice pier and the quintessential beach town complete with a Ron John Surf Shop.

North of Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center is Daytona Beach. Probably one of the most interesting Atlantic Coast beaches because of the Daytona Beach International Speedway, Daytona Beach Bike Week, the pier and the waterpark. Florida's east coast has a lot of variety but only one has NASCAR.

Gulf Coast Beaches & Southwest Florida Beaches

Dis you know that Florida's Gulf Coast has the same water as the Atlantic beaches? Yes the Atlantic Ocean replenishes the Gulf Of Mexico via the gulf stream. Even Florida Keys beaches have the same water.

Marco Island, Siesta Key and Siesta Key Beach bookend the Southwest Gulf Coast beaches. Between these two lie Naples, Cape Coral and some of the finest of Florida's beaches. Sanibel Island, Fort Myers is a fine city to visit as well. Yes, Naples is somewhat modeled after the Italian version. These emerald waters are perfect for beach going, jet skiing or any water sports. By the way, both winter and summer months. East coast vs Southwest coast? Southwest coast the clear winner for best beaches and barrier islands.

Central Florida Beach Access

The soft sand of Clearwater Beach and the gentle waves of the Gulf Of Mexico are the only beaches I need. The white sand calls me to Clearwater Beach and it has nothing to do with the beautiful fishing pier or boardwalk there. This is the best beach in Tampa Bay and all things considered the best gulf coast beach for families or singles looking to enjoy themselves. Some families do prefer St Pete Beach but primarily for the hotels.

Panama City Beach To Gulf Islands National Seashore

From Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin And Grayton Beach you will find no better beaches. Their only downfall is winter months. This is a spring and summer months destination. I lived in this North Florida region for almost 15 years and know it very well. I survived Hurricane Opal although many sand dunes did not. In the summer, amazing but in the Winter keep driving south to at least Clearwater Beach.