The Best Florida Beaches
Image courtesy of Michael Monahan via Unsplash
In Need of a Florida Beach Day?
Are you planning your next Florida beach adventure? From the northern panhandle to the southern coasts, Florida has miles of beaches to stumble upon—825 miles, to be exact. With practically endless options, it can be hard to know where to start. Lucky for you, we’ve pulled together a few of our local favorites in northeast Florida and some of the best around the Sunshine State.
Main Beach Park - Amelia Island
Mere steps away from the ocean you’ll be able to find activities on the wooden boardwalk, picnic tables for an al fresco lunch, and other well-kept public amenities. If you need a break from the heat, there are plenty of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and activities to check out, too.
Main Beach Park is guaranteed to be a highlight of any visit to Amelia Island!
Mickler’s Landing - Ponte Vedra Beach
Past the crowds at Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach is a hidden gem for those in the know. Mickler's Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach is known for high sand dunes and beautiful shells. Part of a number of public beach access points in Ponte Vedra Beach, Mickler’s Landing is great for calm morning walks and relaxing surf sessions.
You can reach Mickler’s Landing by driving down State Road A1A, a gorgeous scenic highway along the coast of Florida that extends all the way to the Florida Keys. It’s a great trail for beach hopping down the Atlantic Ocean.
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is the place to be. Minutes from historic downtown St. Augustine, this stretch of golden coast is a favorite of locals and vacationers alike.
St. Augustine Beach is home to a popular fishing pier and a well-known location for surfing. Foodies will rejoice to learn there are dozens of restaurants within walking distance of the sand and even a few that are directly on the beach!
Cocoa Beach - Brevard
Following A1A further south, you’ll find another beach hot spot: Cocoa Beach. If you’re a beginner surfer or have been riding the rail for your entire life, you’ll feel at home here. Thanks to reliable breaks and sun-kissed shores, it’s no surprise Cocoa Beach is often referred to as the surfing capital of the east coast.
If you’re looking for an authentic Florida beach experience, you’d be hard pressed to find a better one than what awaits you in Cocoa Beach.
Alys Beach - Panama City
Over on the Gulf Coast lies Alys Beach. Soft sands and gentle waves welcome travelers from around the world to these quiet shores. Alys Beach is a meticulously planned community with clean streets, immaculate parks, pedestrian paths, and more.
The designers of Alys Beach cite Moorish, Mediterranean, Bermudan, and Guatemalan influences in the architecture. It sounds like a lot, but you’ll be blown away by the beauty when you see it in person. Even better, every inch of the 158 acres of Alys Beach are within walking distance of the ocean.
Timoti’s Seafood Shack
Looking for a way to cool off after your trip to the beach? Visit Timoti’s Seafood Shack for cold beverages and fresh seafood favorites.