Best Family Beaches in Florida: Top Spots for Fun

July 1, 2024 Albert Jordan

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for good reason. It has over 800 miles of coastal beauty that’s perfect for families¹. You’ll find great spots on both the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. These beaches are ideal for getting away with your family. They offer everything from fun parties to quiet spots for relaxation.

What makes Florida’s beaches special is their stunning beauty. They are famous for clear blue waters, soft sands, and the sun shining nearly every day². With an average of 237 sunny days a year, it’s a family beach paradise. You can unwind, have fun, and make memories that will last a lifetime at these top family beaches.

This guide will help you discover the best family beaches in Florida. It will show you their unique qualities, what they offer, and fun things to do. With this info, planning a perfect family vacation becomes easy.

Table of Contents

Siesta Key: Award-Winning Beach with Amenities Galore

Siesta Key shines in Sarasota’s heart, a standout among siesta key florida beaches. It features three beautiful beaches, each unique³. Siesta Key Beach is known for its powdery sand, Lido Beach for its calm, and Caspersen Beach for its fossil finds. This coastal paradise offers something special for every visitor.

Siesta Key Beach proudly stands as Sarasota’s top siesta key beach, loved for its family appeal and natural beauty³. Here, visitors find a concession stand, ice cream, volleyball courts, and a playground by the sea³.

Soft White Sand and Beachside Entertainment

The soft sand here is perfect for bare feet, making it a prime spot to relax and enjoy the sun³. This beach also invites guests to enjoy water sports and snorkeling as they create unforgettable family moments³.

Charming Village with Restaurants and Shops

Siesta Key Village isn’t just any village – it’s a unique mix of eateries, shops, and local spots⁴. Visitors can dive into the vibrant art scene, listen to live music, or enjoy street performances. Or, they might opt for a leisurely walk along the cozy streets to feel the laid-back coastal vibe⁴.

Whether it’s sandy relaxation, fine dining, or local culture, Siesta Key offers it all³. This place is perfect for a family getaway, a romantic trip, or a solo adventure. It promises a memorable experience every time you visit⁴.

Finding the Perfect Florida Beach for Your Family

Florida has over 800 miles of coastline¹, making it a perfect place for family beach trips. You can find beaches with a variety of features, from the Atlantic to the Gulf. Some are busy with lots to do, while others are quiet and perfect for relaxing. Whether you want to stay in an oceanfront hotel¹, or experience a less developed part of nature, Florida has the right spot for you.

Diverse Coastlines from Atlantic to Gulf

On the Atlantic side is St. Augustine, a historic gem from 1565. It’s perfect for families with its friendly beaches and deep history¹. Moving south, places like Vero Beach boast peaceful settings. Here, you can find hotels within a short walk of great restaurants¹.

Switching to the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key stands out with its special sand. The sand, made of 99% quartz, doesn’t get too hot. This makes it a favorite for making sand sculptures⁵. Heading further west, the Panhandle has Destin-Fort Walton Beach. These beaches feature shallow waters and soft sand, perfect for families¹.

Oceanfront Hotels and Secluded Escapes

Florida’s coast has something for all families. Whether you like staying in hotels right by the beach, or prefer quiet spots, you’ll find your match. Places such as Vero Beach offer both, letting you enjoy the sea and local fun¹. Meanwhile, spots like Sanibel Island are quiet, offering plenty of space and beautiful shells⁶.

If you love lively beach towns with everything from piers to shopping, Florida delivers. But, it’s also great for those who seek peace in nature. With so many choices, Florida is an ideal place for a family beach trip⁵¹⁶.

Vero Beach: Treasure Coast Gem with Bike-Friendly Vibe

Vero Beach sparkles on Florida’s Treasure Coast, waiting to be discovered⁷. The area is perfect for families looking for a peaceful beach break. It has a fascinating history, including tales of treasure from a 1715 shipwreck. This makes it a haven for both treasure hunters and history lovers.

This place loves bikes, which is why Vero Beach is called bike-friendly⁸. At the Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, you’re steps from the beach. They offer beach cruisers, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. So, you can explore easily and leave your car behind.

A short trip north leads to the McLarty Treasure Museum⁷. Here, items from the old shipwreck are on display, creating a unique history lesson. But there’s more than just history in Vero Beach. There are countless things to do outside, like swimming, fishing, and relaxing by the sea. It’s a paradise for families wanting both chill time and fun adventures.

Vero Beach invites you to enjoy its sandy stretches, wildlife spots, and easy vibe⁸. It’s a top choice for families looking for a beach holiday in Florida. The place is packed with things to do, all just a bike ride away. This makes Vero Beach shine as one of the best places for family fun in Florida⁸⁹⁷.

best family beaches in florida

Panama City Beach in Florida is a top choice for families. It’s on the Gulf of Mexico. The beach has calm water like a lake, perfect for kids to enjoy¹⁰.

Calm Waters and Dolphin Cruises

There are more than just beautiful beaches. Families love the sunset dolphin cruises. Folks get to see dolphins up close in their natural home. It’s a memory that lasts forever¹⁰.

Shell Island Tours and Pristine Beaches

There’s also Shell Island for a special trip. It’s near Panama City Beach. You can visit unspoiled beaches and see many types of sea animals¹⁰.

Pier Park is perfect for those who love fun. It’s in Panama City Beach too. There, you can shop, eat at great restaurants, and watch movies in the IMAX theater. It’s a great all-around experience¹⁰.

Overall, Panama City Beach has a lot to offer. It has calm waters, dolphin tours, Shell Island visits, and fun at Pier Park. It’s a wonderful choice for a family holiday¹⁰.

Longboat Key: Gulf Coast Paradise for Beach Lovers

Longboat Key is perfect for anyone who loves the beach. It’s on Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast. Here, you’ll find a 12-mile stretch of beautiful sand. This makes it ideal for families wanting to relax, play, and enjoy many fun things¹¹.

Looking for a place to stay? Casa Del Mar has great options. They offer beachfront rentals that are homey with two bedrooms. For more excitement, you can try kayaking, boating, or having a sunset cruise¹¹. Happypaddler.com and Catherine’s Florida Charters make these experiences possible.

Love sea life? Paradise Boat Tours lets you see manatees and dolphins. You can also dive or snorkel to see more up close¹¹. For an adrenaline rush, try parasailing at Parasailflorida.com. Or, pick stand-up paddleboarding for fun and exercise near the beach¹¹.

Not just about the beach, Longboat Key also has the Mote Marine Aquarium. It showcases a lot of marine animals. If you love seafood, you can enjoy great meals at places like Bayou Tavern and Mar Vista. These places offer tasty food with amazing Gulf views¹¹.

Longboat Key is the perfect spot for a quiet or a lively family trip. It’s all about beautiful nature, plenty of activities, and a calm vibe. Everyone will find something to enjoy here¹¹.

Cocoa Beach: Surf Capital with Cape Canaveral Nearby

Located on Florida’s “Space Coast,”¹² Cocoa Beach is a lively coastal town. It has a lot for families to enjoy. It’s known as the “East Coast Surfing Capital,”¹². Visitors can see rocket launches at Cape Canaveral and watch turtles nest at Merritt Island.

Surfing Lessons and Nesting Sea Turtles

Cocoa Beach is perfect for active families. Kids can learn to surf where Kelly Slater learned¹³. They can take lessons at Ron Jon Surf Shop for $65 or $50 per hour¹³. The shop also boasts being the biggest in the world¹³.

Besides surfing, Cocoa Beach is great for exploring nature¹². The Archie Carr Refuge is a top spot for sea turtles to nest¹². Brevard Zoo offers kayak tours and adventures in the canopy¹².

Cocoa Beach is popular for surfing and its space connections¹⁴. It sees over 1.7 million visitors every year¹⁴. Attractions like the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and the National Seashore are also big draws¹⁴.

Looking for surfing, space exploration, or nature? Cocoa Beach is ideal for all¹². It sits on Florida’s beautiful 116-kilometer stretch of beaches.

Cocoa Beach has a lovely downtown called Cocoa Village¹⁴. It’s just ten miles from the coast. There, you can find shops, restaurants, and the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. Lori Wilson Park and Golf N Gator make it great for families¹⁴.

Want to stay by the beach? The Hilton Cocoa Beach Hotel is next to Lori Wilson Park. The Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites is near the Cocoa Beach Pier. Cocoa Beach offers the perfect sun and surf vacation¹⁴¹³¹².

Amelia Island: Cycling Trails and Historic Charm

Amelia Island in Florida is perfect for active families. It offers 23 miles of cycling lanes for adventures¹⁵. You can rent a bike to explore its beautiful beaches. Places like Fort Clinch State Park and Fernandina Beach are great to visit. They have lovely restaurants and shops.

Many have praised Amelia Island. It was voted #2 among U.S. Islands in 2018 by Conde Nast Traveler. It was also called one of Florida’s most romantic spots by Coastal Living in the same year¹⁵. The island has a lot of preserved green areas. These areas cover nearly 10% of the island. Amelia Island Lighthouse is a historic site you must visit. It’s Florida’s oldest lighthouse and opens on Saturdays¹⁵.

For those who love nature, Egans Creek Greenway is a must-see. This protected area has over 300 acres of grassy trails for biking¹⁵. Fort Clinch State Park also offers a lot. It has fort tours, hiking and biking trails, and a picnic area. Keep in mind, there are no lifeguards or dogs allowed on the beach¹⁵.

Staying on Amelia Island is easy. You can choose from places like the Ritz-Carlton to the SpringHill Suites. It’s a great destination for a romantic trip or a family vacation. The island’s cycling routes and history make it a special place on Florida’s coast.

Amelia Island Trails and Parks	Key Features
Egans Creek Greenway	300+ acre protected area with grass-covered roads and trails for biking¹⁵
Fort Clinch State Park	1,400+ acres with historical fort tours, hiking, biking, and picnic areas, no lifeguards or dogs on the beach¹⁵
Amelia Island State Park	Panoramic views of Nassau Sound, a significant sea turtle nesting area¹⁶
Big Talbot Island State Park	11 miles of paved and off-road trails for exploring coastal landscapes and birdlife¹⁶
Amelia River-to-Sea Trail and Amelia Island Trail	10 miles of paved biking opportunities, stretching from Crane Island Park to Amelia Island State Park¹⁶

Amelia Island is a top spot for families who are active and love adventures. It’s filled with cycling paths, historic sites, and natural beauty. Its beaches, vibrant downtown, and many accommodation options make it a popular choice for a special Florida trip¹⁵¹⁶¹⁷.

Pensacola Beach: Quietwater Beaches and Natural Beauty

Located in Florida’s Panhandle, Pensacola Beach sits on Santa Rosa Island¹⁸. It combines calm waters, clean beaches, and beautiful nature. Covering nearly eight miles along the island, it’s a perfect spot for those wanting a quiet break¹⁸.

Quietwater Beach is a highlight, with its calm and shallow Gulf waters¹⁹. It’s perfect for families with young kids. Nearby, Johnson Beach and Opal Beach offer the same peaceful setting for everyone¹⁹. For a quieter beach, Langdon Beach at Fort Pickens is ideal, with tranquil vibes and stunning views¹⁹.

There’s more to do than just relax on the beach in Pensacola. The resort organizes tours to see dolphins, as well as kayaking and snorkeling adventures¹⁹. You can stay in various places too, from beachfront hotels to comfy inns, to fit your taste and budget¹⁹.

If you’re into active outdoor fun, Pensacola Beach and its surroundings won’t disappoint²⁰. The Gulf Islands Seashore has Johnson Beach and Opal Beach, perfect for hiking and biking. Perdido Key and Big Lagoon State Parks also offer great outdoor activities like hiking and camping²⁰.

Whether it’s a chill beach trip or active holiday, Pensacola Beach has it all²⁰. Quietwater Beach is great for families, and the Gulf Islands Seashore is perfect for lovers of nature. It truly offers a special and memorable experience¹⁸.

Most Popular Beaches in Pensacola	Beaches With the Clearest Water	Best Family Beaches	Prettiest Beaches	Least Crowded Beaches
Pensacola Beach Perdido Key Beach Johnson Beach Fort Pickens Beach	Navarre Beach Opal Beach Big Lagoon State Park	Quietwater Beach Boardwalk Shoreline Park Santa Rosa Sound Beach Johnson Beach	Johnson Beach Fort Pickens Beach Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier Perdido Key Beach Quietwater Beach	Johnson Beach Langdon Beach Gulf Islands National Seashore

²⁰

Key Biscayne: Miami’s Family-Friendly Island Escape

Looking for a quieter beach near Miami? Key Biscayne is a peaceful spot compared to lively South Beach²¹. Crandon Park Beach has gentle, warm water that’s great for kids²¹. You can rent beach gear like chairs and paddle boards at the North Concession Stand²¹.

The beach at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park stretches wide and wild, perfect for familiesfamiliesbeaches in key biscayne>²¹. With a mile of soft sand, it’s ideal for swimming and soaking up the sun²¹. There are no lifeguards, though, so watch the little ones²¹. You can also visit the historical lighthouse and go snorkeling in Biscayne National Park²².

Want a luxury beach vacation? The is perfect, complete with a program for kidsfamily activitiesactivities in key biscayne>²². Just a skip from Key Biscayne, it’s a great break from city life²¹. You and your family will love the calm and beautiful island²¹.

Key Biscayne is not only peaceful but also fun, making it an all-round choice for familiesrelaxing, yet excitingbeaches in key biscayne&gt. You’ll find plenty to do, from visiting the lighthouse to snorkeling²¹. It’s a great mix of family funactivities in key biscayne> and peaceful beaches²²²¹²³.

St. Pete Beach: Classic Vacation with City Attractions

Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, St. Pete Beachpete beach florida> offers a blend of beach fun and city adventures. Families love the classic beach feel, with white sands and turquoise waters close by²⁴.

At the famous Don CeSarpete beach florida> hotel, there are free bikes and stunning pools, perfect for a beach holiday²⁴. You can also visit the lively St. Pete Pierpete beach florida> in downtown St. Petersburg. It has a beach, a fun playground, and a top floor tiki bar with amazing views²⁴.

The big draw for arts lovers is the Dali Museumpete beach florida&gt. It has lots of Salvador Dali’s work, making it a must-see attraction²⁴. And for those who like sports, catching a Tampa Bay Rayspete beach florida> baseball game is exciting at Tropicana Field²⁴.

Looking for more than city fun? St. Pete Beachpete beach florida> has plenty for families. The Clearwater Marine Aquariumpete beach florida> helps marine animals, while Busch Gardens Tampa Baypete beach florida> and LEGOLAND Floridapete beach florida> thrill with rides²⁴.

With its beach charm, city life, and family activities, St. Pete Beachpete beach florida> is ideal for a Florida getaway²⁵.

From the luxurious Don CeSarpete beach florida> to the fun St. Pete Pierpete beach florida>, St. Pete Beachpete beach florida> is great for family fun and memorable times²⁶.

Choosing the Best Family Beach in Florida

Florida has a lot of coastline. It covers the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This means there are many great beaches for families²⁷. You can choose from places like the famous Siesta Key Beach²⁷ to the peaceful Amelia Island²⁷. Each place has its own activities, things to do, and places to stay. When you pick a beach for your family, think about what you want the most.

Factors to Consider: Activities, Amenities, and Accommodations

Would you like a busy beach near a fun boardwalk, like Cocoa Beach²⁷? Or maybe you’d prefer a calm spot away from crowds, like Longboat Key²⁷? It’s also important to think about what the area offers. Places like Panama City Beach²⁸ have a lot for families to do. But if you just want to relax, look for spots with quiet beaches and trails to explore²⁹. Remember to check if they have things you’ll need, like places to eat, shop, or play.

Balancing City Attractions and Coastal Seclusion

Some families like a mix of city fun and quiet beach time. Key Biscayne²⁷ is a great place for this. It’s near Miami for city life but also away enough to be peaceful²⁷. Others prefer beaches close to big cities, like St. Pete Beach²⁷. Here, you can enjoy the beach but also visit city attractions.