BEST FLORIDA BEACHES FOR FAMILIES
Florida’s 1,200 miles of coastline are synonymous with the state’s famous sunlight, waves, and sandy beaches. There are approximately 700 miles of unspoiled, white-sand beaches in the Sunshine State.
The beaches there are ideal for lounging in the sun and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. Many of the beach towns in Florida are frequented by families on vacation.
In addition, water sports enthusiasts can go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet-skiing, and snorkeling in Florida’s state parks.
BEST FAMILY BEACH VACATIONS IN FLORIDA
The seaside communities of Florida are ideal for vacations and weekend getaways. Gulf Coast beach towns, Atlantic Coast beach towns, and everything in between is all within easy driving distance of one another in Florida. We’ve compiled a shortlist of some of Florida’s finest family-friendly shores for your perusal.
CLEARWATER BEACH
Let’s get things off with Clearwater Beach and its glistening Gulf of Mexico seas in Florida. Family-friendly activities on the beach include sandcastle-building, snorkeling, parasailing, and evening cruises on “pirate” ships from Pier 60’s promenade.
There is also an abundance of kid-friendly beach hotels to choose from. The popular film Dolphin Tale was shot in the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is located on Clearwater Beach. It’s a must-do on every Florida vacation with the kids.
Here are some helpful hints for planning the perfect vacation in Florida:
FORT DE SOTO STATE PARK
Incorporating elements of both nature and the beach, this state park is unlike any other in the Sunshine State. Over 300 kinds of birds and loggerhead turtles call the 1,110 acres of mangroves and other natural ecosystems of Fort DeSoto State Park home.
Outdoor enthusiasts will like Fort DeSoto State Park’s fishing piers, bike rentals, short hiking paths, and miles of white sand beaches.
The beaches of Florida are a vacation hotspot. These are the top kid-friendly beaches in Florida.
PANAMA CITY BEACH
The 27 miles of the Panhandle’s Gulf Coast are home to some of the state’s most stunning expanses of white sand beach.
In the clear seas near Panama City Beach, you may go kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, or even on a sunset cruise to look for dolphins.
The abundance of kid-friendly resorts along the beachfront in Panama City Beach further cements the area as a top destination for family vacations.
FORT MYERS BEACH
Fort Myers Beach is a beach town located just north of Naples, Florida, with a long strip of family resorts, plenty of shopping on its boardwalk, and easy access to the beach for building sandcastles.
During the day, family can participate in a variety of aquatic activities like swimming, snorkeling, and parasailing. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets while eating ice cream on the promenade or sailing across the area in the evening.
SANIBEL ISLAND
If you enjoy Fort Myers Beach, you should also visit Sanibel Island Beach, which is only a short drive away. To get to the island of Sanibel, visitors must pay to use one of two toll bridges. There is a small lot for parking at the beach. Unless you’re vacationing on Sanibel Island, getting around on two wheels is the way to go.
The beautiful sand beach at this family vacation spot is a great place to go seashelling. A historic lighthouse may be seen from the newly built boardwalks that take you into the surrounding mangroves and other natural habitats. Pack a picnic and eat it at one of the many available tables.
Kids having fun on a Florida beach.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH
Walt Disney World in Orlando is a must-see on any trip with kids to Florida. New Smyrna Beach, located on Florida’s east coast, is a must-see while you’re in the area. It’s a one hour and fifteen minute drive.
Swimming, sunbathing, and water sports are all available on this lengthy stretch of Florida beach, making it one of the state’s more tranquil and less busy family beaches.
Picnic on the park’s 70 acres of natural land after a short stroll to the park’s 1.5-mile promenade.
AMELIA ISLAND
Amelia Island, Florida, is a barrier island in the Atlantic off the northeastern coast of the Sunshine State. The island is a great place to go horseback riding, kayaking, or standup paddleboarding, and has a friendly local community to boot.
Children can participate in daily programs designed to teach them about Amelia Island Plantation and the island’s extensive history. Fort Clinch State Park is a great place to take the kids because there is so much natural scenery to discover. Resorts on Amelia Island cater to families and offer activities for kids while their parents relax. Make sure you inquire about kid-friendly activities at the beach resorts on Amelia Island.
SIESTA KEY
Siesta Key is widely regarded as one of Florida’s finest beaches due to the abundance of fun things to do there with kids. Watersports like snorkeling and paddleboarding may be enjoyed on Siesta Key’s white-sand beaches, which are only a short drive from Sarasota, Florida. This picturesque seaside community centers on a quaint village with a variety of retail and culinary opportunities.
MIAMI’S SOUTH BEACH
If you think of Florida beaches, South Beach in Miami might not be the first one that springs to mind. South Beach in Miami, on the other hand, offers a dynamic, exciting vibe and is home to several kid- and parent-friendly hotels. The culture and architecture of Miami offer nonstop fun for visitors, day and night.
