Florida is the most desirable vacation destination in the United States. That makes sense considering the beautiful weather and beaches. However, what most people don’t realize about Florida is that you can choose between secluded beaches and active beaches as well as between sandy beaches and rocky beaches. Put simply, if you love the beach, Florida is the place to be. Regardless of what type of beach you like the most, it can be found in Florida. To make life easier for you, the pros and cons for the Top 10 Beaches in Florida have been listed below.
10. Daytona Beach
Pros:
An active party atmosphere in which all ages are accepted.
It’s possible to drive your car on the beach.
The hottest surfing spot in Florida.
Numerous arcades.
Several beach bars featuring cheap alcohol and live music.
Cons:
Due to large crowds and cars driving on the beach, this isn’t the quietest or cleanest beach in Florida.
Pros:
The best nightlife scene on the east coast.
Incredible dining experiences overlooking the beach.
The best beach shopping in the world.
Gorgeous people are abundant.
One of the best places to go if you’re single.
Cons:
The crowd here is a little bit on the superficial side.
Pros:
Features an enormous bird sanctuary.
Kayaking.
Canoeing.
Nature trail.
Camping sites.
Cons:
Difficult to find.
7. Fort DeSoto Park – Tampa Bay
Pros:
Close to major attractions in Tampa Bay.
Made up of 5 islands.
Kayaking.
Canoeing.
Bike rentals.
A historic fort that is well worth visiting.
Fishing piers.
Camping.
Biking.
Cons:
It’s impossible to see all 5 islands if you’re stay is short.
6. Causeway Beaches – Sanibel Island
Pros:
The best shelling in Florida.
You can park your car right at the edge of the water.
No parking fee.
Clean and easily accessible restrooms.
Bike rentals.
One of the few beaches in the world that has an east-west orientation.
Windsurfing.
Cons:
Rocky beaches.
5. Blue Wave Beaches – Fort Lauderdale
Pros:
Recognized as being the cleanest beaches in Florida.
Family oriented.
Cons:
If you don’t want to hear kids playing, avoid this beach.
4. Spanish River Park – Boca Raton
Pros:
One of the best kept secrets in Florida.
Picnic areas with barbeques.
Camping.
Nature walk.
Fishing.
Rarely crowded – only during Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Turquoise water.
Wide beach.
Cons:
Parking is expensive because you’re paying for all the amenities even if you’re not using them. However, if it’s not peak season, you should be able to find free parking on the street.
3. St. Josephs Peninsula State Park – Port St. Joe
Pros:
Secluded.
Wildlife viewing.
Close to the tiny village of Port St. Joe.
Cons:
Not much to do other than lie on the beach.
2. Clearwater Beach – Clearwater
Pros:
Parasailing.
Bike rentals.
Trampolines.
Water skiing.
Jet skiing.
Playgrounds.
Fishing piers.
Concessions.
Cons:
Crowded.
Pros:
Near the town of Dunedin, which is a great place to walk around for the day.
Snorkeling.
Scuba diving.
Great swimming.
Picnic areas.
Scenery.
Cons:
Only accessible by boat – either a ferry that leaves every hour or a private boat. Docks are available for private boats. This con might be a pro for some people considering the boat ride is calm and scenic. It also keeps the beach from getting too crowded. Since Caladesi Beach’s only con can be considered a pro, it makes #1 on our list of Top 10 Beaches in Florida.
