Florida has been one of the hottest family beach vacation destinations in the United States. The state is packed with world class attractions, including amazing theme parks. Countless visitors come to Florida from overseas to enjoy its magical charm! The state offers ample opportunity for all age groups. Here visitors get the chance to explore miles of white sandy beaches, glitzy cities, amusement parks, some amazing vacation rentals, thrilling trails, natural wonders, and much more!
So, get ready to enjoy some of the best Florida beaches with your family in your next summer vacation. Each Florida beach offers a variety of elegancy with uniqueness! Various types of beaches you can explore in Florida. From secluded state parks to action-packed sugary sandy beaches, all are beautifully bejewelling the graceful state of Florida.
Nicknamed as the “Beach State”, Florida has around 700 out of 1200 miles of coastline. The concentration of the beaches is from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Coast. There are around 200 beaches in Florida. And some of them are award-winning beaches, for having some extra charm!
The best thing, all these stunners offer fantastic views of the ocean and glistering sands, best beach resorts, clubs and lots of fun filled activities for exploration among families with kids. Moreover, most of these family-friendly Florida beaches are loaded with proper safety, accessibility and amenities to protect your kiddos along with other family members.
With so many gorgeous beaches in Florida, it can be hard to choose the perfect and best beaches in Florida for families. So here is the list of 10 best family friendly beaches to explore in Florida with kids and family. So, read on and unlock the best Florida beaches.
1. St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach in St. Petersburg attracts thousands of travelers each year from all around the globe. The powdery Florida beach is located in Pinellas County in Florida’s West Coast. For offering all types of fun activities and unforgettable experiences, it’s no wonder St. Pete Beach is one of the best Florida beaches for families.
Also, St. Pete Beach is widely known for offering some amazing outdoor activities like fishing, bird watching, parasailing, kiteboarding. And beach-bar hopping is the thing that you can experience full-heartedly in this beach. Visitors get places of all tests according to their ages. In nearby surroundings, you will get plenty of restaurants, clubs, shops, water parks and playgrounds to spend the fantastic day.
Be more enthusiastic and explore the off-beach destinations, too. You might pop into Upham Beach park and check out The Secret Garden on the north end of Upham Beach Park. Or you may enjoy live music at award-winning beach bar Jimmy B’S, close to the Beachcomber Hotel. Or, explore various mind-blowing parks such as Horan Park, Egan Park and Ron McKenney Park.
And, the nearby historic and graceful museums exploration (at least one of them) is one of the must-to-do things in and around St. Pete Beach. And lastly, don’t forget to take your kids at Rumfish Grill. It’s a collection of three boasting aquariums. Snorkelling is a great fun inside the aquarium.
For accommodation, head to any of the luxurious resorts in nearby area. The most popular accommodations include TradeWinds, right on the beach and Don Cesar resort, located on the Gulf Shore. To get a beachfront accommodation, turn your head to Dolphin Beach Resort.
Address: 4700 Gulf Blvd. St. Petersburg Beach, FL 33706.
2. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is located at Florida’s Space Coast. It’s just an hour’s drive from Orlando. Cocoa Beach is the East Coast surfing capital of the US. Surfing lessons are available in this beach which is a great fun-loving activity among the kids and adults, too. Amenities like beach volleyball county, showers, restroom, picnic tables are available here. Also, the beach provides year-round lifeguards.
Cocoa Beach Pier is packed with amazing gift shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to take your kids to the dinosaur store on the Cocoa Beach Causeway. Kids love the row of shops very much and watching dinosaur teeth and playing arcade a very fun filled activity.
The popular tour includes Manatee kayaking tour. The mesmerising tour will melt your heart, for sure. Here you will get to see the amazing aqua species, including manatees, dolphins and see birds up close.
For staying nearby Cocoa Beach, head to the oceanfront Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort.
Address: 1300 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL.
Related: Best White Sand Beaches You Must Visit in Texas.
3. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a great family gateway destination in Northern Florida. This white sand beach hosts lots of events frequently, throughout the year. Make sure you must take part in any of these lovely events to maximise your excitement! The beach is known for its clear green water. The City Beach offers a variety of eateries, fun filled water activities and scenic ocean views with 27 miles of powdery sand beach area.
Summer is the best time to visit Panama City Beach. Don’t forget to visit Pier Park and Gulf World Marine Park. The venues offer lots of entertainment and family friendly attractions. Visit the beach and poach all the enjoyment.
Also, must take a dolphin tour with your little ones in this one of the best kids-friendly beaches. And make your family trip to Florida an amazing experience to behold for the lifetime!
Related: Most Popular Beaches in Alabama For Families.
4. Clearwater Beach
Among all the beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach is a perfect and the most preferred family getaway vacation destinations. The beach is one of the best beaches in America because of its all-perfect qualities and amenities, which include great shopping, fine music, amazing festivals and much more breathtaking attractions.
The powdery sand beach with clear blue waters, offers ample of water activities, including kayaks and paddleboats. The shallow water of Clearwater Beach is perfect for splashing your feet in the oceanic waters. And plenty of nice spots are always there for building sandcastles and sunbathing.
Crowd can never burden disturbances upon you. For kids, head to the playground and the pool, their most loving place for spending their precious time. Make your kids’ amusement more enhanced by making them visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Tampa Zoo.
Related: Best Beaches in Texas You Must Visit With Your Family.
5. Daytona Beach
Once considered the Spring Break Capital of Florida, Daytona Beach is one of the best seaside vacation destinations among families on the East Coast. The abundant picnic areas and fine shores are praised and enjoyed by overseas tourists with their families and little kids.
Rental scooters and jet ski along with the beach pier make the popular Daytona Beach an excellent purported place explore.
Don’t forget to visit the top tourist attractions, Daytona Lagoon Water Park and the Daytona International Speedway. Just park your car on the beach parking space and snatch all the beach activities to yourself.
While choosing a hotel, considered the affordable and beautiful beachfront hotels or condos. A trip to Ponce Inlet will make your visit a sweet memory. And Friday night concert at the Daytona Beach Bandshell is a must-to-attend attraction.
6. St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine is America’s oldest city. And the white sandy and clear watered St. Augustine Beach, with its European charm, is a never to get bored place.
The Atlantic Ocean viewpoint providing St. Augustine Beach provides its visitors all enjoyable activities that include kayaking, picnicking, fishing and of course, swimming. Also, there are several other charming attractions to explore. The popular Alligator Geological Farm, Ocean Hammock Park, the Beach Sculpture Garden and the most amusing Maritime Museum are just few among them.
The year-round gentle waves make this beach one of the safest Florida beach destinations for kids. So, what are you waiting for? Make this exuberant Florida East Coast beach you’re next and best family getaway destination.
Related: Best Beaches For Ultimate Family Fun in Arkansas.
7. Vero Beach
Vero Beach is only an hour’s drive from Orlando. The best oceanfront restaurants like Mulligan’s Beach House and the Lemon Tree are most of the families’ top Vero Beach spots to stop. The Florida Treasure Coast is another top-rated tourist attraction in this beach where families invest their time and poach all kinds of fun activities.
Also, the white sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean is home to nesting turtles. Win your kids’ heart by making them a visit to Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum. Also attend the famous Airboat Adventure Tour.
Lastly, to get some educational lore, pop into The Peter’s Grove Nursery and learn about the mini farm animals’ nourishing process. For utilising your excess time, head to explore the most exciting theme park resort, Disney Vacation Club Vero Beach Resort.
8. Naples
Being a premium shopping destination, Naples is also a great family vacation destination. The year-round pleasing weather makes Naples beaches a perfect getaway destination among many families.
There is so much to do in Naples for families. The soft sandy beaches provide lots of family attractions with some extra charm. The attractions include fishing off the Naples Pier, shelling and kayaking. All Naples beaches are easy to access.
Add some value to your visit by putting your appearance to Golisano Children’s Museum and Everglades National Park. Other nearby top attractions are Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, the Train Museum and the historic Naples Pire.
To Poach kids’ club activities for your kids, head to Ritz-Carlton Naples. It’s a great option for your kids. The beachfront hotels are very good for families with affordable price. And don’t forget to enjoy broad walks through protected wildlife areas.
9. Amelia Island
The beaches of Amelia Island are some of the best beaches in Florida for families. Location of Amelia Island is 35 miles north of Jacksonville. The island is known for some amazing international restaurants. And the amazing 23 miles of cycling lanes give visitors an instant travel hype.
The long 13 miles of Atlantic beaches are perfect for horseback riding and watching dolphins. The ever-charming Fernandina Beach with its historic charm and private surfing lessons attracts many tourists, including aspiring surfers.
Another popular beach, Bradenton Beach provides lot of fun-packed family-friendly activities, including fishing, sunbathing, sand castle-building and kayaking. Amelia Island State Park is another great place to visit.
You Might Also Like: Most Beautiful Central California Beaches You Must Visit.
Related: Beaches You Must Visit in Irvine, California.
10. Siesta Kay Beach
Located in Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Siesta Kay Beach is world famous among families for its white sandy beach, amazing dolphin views and incredible water sports. If you forget to bring necessary beach accessory, then don’t worry at all. Head to the beach pavilion. Here you can buy all useful beach accessories.
The nearby Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium features various exhibits on marine wildlife. Try to catch these fabulous activities with your little ones and other family members. Or, you might participate in fun drum performance on Sunday evening.
Though, your child’s most loving spot is going to be the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Visit the place and explore wildlife flora and fauna.
For accommodation, nicely maintained beachfront resorts are good option.
Related: Beaches in Houston You Must Visit This Summer.
FAQs
1. What is the best family-friendly beach in Florida?
The most popular Florida beaches for families include Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Panama City Beach and St. Augustine beach. All these FL beaches offer stunning oceanfront views, miles of white sandy beach areas, breathtaking water activities, nearby amusement parks, fabulous restaurants with palatable foods and many more bewitching attractions and activities to the beach goers.
2. What’s the safest beach in Florida?
The safest beaches in Florida include Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Fort De Soto State Park.
3. Which side of Florida is better for beaches?
The west coast of Florida, home to Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key Beach, offers the most popular and soft, sandy beaches along with turquoise ocean water and gentle waves. The west coast beaches are perfect for families with kiddos to enjoy one of the best beach vacations in the US.
4. What is the prettiest beach in Florida?
Florida is home to dozens of Beautiful and pristine beaches, so the best thing is, visitors get opportunities to explore multiple beaches that are perfect for weekend getaway. The most beautiful Florida beaches are Panama City Beach, Vero Beach, Cocoa Beach and St. Pete Beach.
