When you’re looking for the best beaches in Florida for families, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, this comprehensive guide will help you decide which beaches are the best fit for your vacation plans and family size.
Whether you’re looking to find an accessible beach or just want to scope out some great snorkeling spots, you’ll find everything you need here.
With beautiful beaches and warm weather, it’s no wonder that Florida is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the United States.
With so many great beaches, though, it can be difficult to pick just one when planning your family vacation in Florida. This guide on the best beaches in Florida for families will help you find the perfect spot to enjoy your time in this Southern state with your loved ones.
Cape Canaveral
If you’re looking for a beach that has it all, Cape Canaveral is the place to go. With its sandy beaches, warm waters, and nearby attractions, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Plus, the Canaveral National Seashore provides a beautiful backdrop for a day of fun in the sun. You can even see dolphins if you take a boat tour from Jetty Park! You’ll never run out of things to do at this great destination.
Mastry’s Beach: When people think about getting some fresh air and exercise, they don’t always think about going to the beach! That’s what makes Mastry’s Beach so special; as soon as you step foot on its white sand shores, it feels like your worries have melted away. It doesn’t matter if you want to play volleyball with friends or relax under a shady palm tree-you won’t be disappointed!
St. Augustine Beach
- Get there early to snag a spot on the sand.
- Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and snacks.
- Take a break from the sun and explore St. Augustine’s historic district.
- Make sure to bring cash for parking and any rentals you might need.
- Keep an eye on the kids while they play in the waves.
- Wear clothes that are appropriate for getting wet or sandy.
- Plan your day around low tide if possible, as it offers more time to explore the beach before it gets too dark out!
- Bring some plastic baggies to make carrying everything easier (i.e., water bottles, shoes, etc.).
- Grab dinner at one of St. Augustine Beach’s many great restaurants nearby!
- Have fun exploring all that this beautiful town has to offer!
Crystal River
Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Crystal River is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.
The beach has calm waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing, and there are also plenty of opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty, including kayaking through mangrove forests and snorkeling with manatees.
Plus, there are several restaurants and cafes located nearby, making it easy to grab a bite after a day in the sun.
The only downside is that this stretch of coastline isn’t accessible by car—you’ll need to take a boat or plane from either Tampa or Gainesville. Once you arrive, though, it won’t be hard to see why so many people choose to spend their vacation here.
Neptune Beach
Situated just east of Jacksonville, Neptune Beach is a great option for families looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of some of Florida’s more popular beach towns.
With its small-town feel and laid-back atmosphere, Neptune Beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind. And, with its wide variety of activities, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
From fishing and surfing to swimming and sunbathing, Neptune Beach has it all. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for when you need a break from the sand.
The only downside? The water can be a little cold this time of year, so pack your suit accordingly!
Panama City Beach
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach is a great option for families looking for a beach vacation. The white sand and clear water make it a perfect place to relax and play.
There are also plenty of activities available for kids, including dolphin watching tours, parasailing, and jet skiing. For your dining pleasure, there’s seafood at some of the best restaurants in town.
As far as weather goes, you can count on sunbathing or swimming in a crystal-clear ocean all year round.
From July through September, daytime highs typically hover around 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), but cooler air temps move in by October with high temperatures dropping down to about 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius).
For nightlife, head over to Pier Park where live music is always playing and there are shops galore!
Destin
Emerald-green waters, soft white sand, and plenty of sunshine make Destin a top beach destination for families.
The town is also home to a number of great restaurants, shopping opportunities, and family-friendly activities.
For those looking for a little more excitement, there are several water parks and other attractions nearby. It’s no wonder that Destin is often considered one of the best beaches in Florida for families.
With calm, clear blue waters and plenty of sunshine year round, it is easy to see why so many people flock here during their vacations.
There are miles of gorgeous coastline on which you can walk or play fetch with your dog; paddleboarders can have their own fun along the shoreline; and kayakers will enjoy exploring some of the area’s beautiful waterways.
If you’re feeling especially adventurous or just want a change from swimming all day long, head out on an exhilarating parasailing adventure off the coast!
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city in Broward County, Florida. The city has a Mediterranean climate with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters.
Fort Lauderdale is home to many beaches, including Hollywood Beach, which is known for its boardwalk and wide beach. The city also has a number of parks and recreation areas, making it a great place for families to visit.
Children will enjoy themselves at the Maritime Park and Recreation Center or Seaquarium, where they can interact with dolphins. Children might also enjoy taking a ride on one of the high-speed catamarans that tours the intracoastal waterway.
A more sedate activity for children is visiting the historic Everglades Lighthouse and Museum to learn about its history and how it was built in 1890 before electricity was invented.
Families may want to take their children to Tarpon River Preserve State Park, where they can walk through an urban wetland that includes mangrove trees and endangered species like sea turtles as well as birds such as egrets, herons, ibis and roseate spoonbills.
Venice Beach
Located on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida, Venice Beach is a top spot for families. The beach has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.
And there’s also a playground and picnic area. The sand is soft and the water is clean, making it a great place to spend a day.
Plus, if you go in the morning you can enjoy breakfast from one of the local eateries before hitting the water. But if you’re looking for something more than just a day at the beach, then head to Naples Pier.
It offers walking trails with gorgeous views, as well as a variety of restaurants where you can grab lunch or dinner. It’s also home to some amusement rides like mini golf and bumper boats that are perfect for kids of all ages.
Key West, FL
Located at the southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is a popular destination for beach-goers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The island offers crystal clear waters, soft sand beaches, and plenty of activities for families to enjoy. However, it’s important to note that the island can be quite crowded during peak season.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, consider visiting Key West during the off-season. Some of the best places to visit include Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (open year-round), Duval Street (spring/summer), Fort East Martello Museum (fall/winter), or the Southernmost Point Light House (year-round).
A few other things to do include walking on Mallory Square Beach after sunset, watching the sunrise from atop Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, or kayaking with sea turtles near Marathon.
Wrapping Up
Picking the perfect beach vacation spot can be hard, especially when you have young kids in tow. But never fear! We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best beaches in Florida for families.
From secluded stretches of sand to kid-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your sunscreen and towel – it’s time to find your new favorite family destination.
