Best Beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast
Some people say, “If you’ve seen one beach, you’ve seen ’em all.” Well, not here—Gulf Coast beaches feature diverse sand types, sealife, and natural settings and an equally wide range of waterside activities. You’ll also find an extremely large number of barrier islands off the coast of the mainland. Many times these barrier islands are very thin, and in a few minutes’ time you can walk from the beaches of the Gulf Coast to the beaches on the bayside, two very different but equally interesting and beautiful environments. Here’s a list of the Florida Gulf Coast’s most “sandsational” picks.
Naples, the Everglades, and the Paradise Coast
- Naples Municipal Beach and Fishing Pier (Naples): Take a break from the shopping on 5th Avenue and walk a few blocks toward the sound of waves to sit on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast. Nestled amid an upscale neighborhood, this beach and pier are known for superb people-watching, excellent swimming, and proximity to some of the best fine dining and fancy boutiques in the city.
Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva
- Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island): Head to Bowditch Point Regional Park on the northern tip of Estero Island and enjoy the excellent beaches that border both the Gulf and Hurricane Bay.
- Lovers Key State Park (Fort Myers): This very secluded beach park is spread among four stunning barrier islands. The state park’s pet-friendly policy brings beach lovers and their pets to the 2.5 miles of shore.
- Captiva Beach (Captiva): Hands down the best beach for sunsets on the Gulf Coast. Search for shells or just enjoy the rolling dunes and clear water of the Gulf, perfect for swimming.
Sarasota County
- Siesta Key Beach (Siesta Key): This beach always draws praise for its superior white sand. It gets crowded in summer, but its exceptional size leaves sunseekers with plenty of spots to spike a shade-supplying umbrella or spread out a supersize beach towel.
- Turtle Beach (Siesta Key): Tucked among villas and a residential district on Siesta Key, this family-oriented beach has excellent picnic facilities and is much less crowded than the more popular Siesta Key Beach to the north, yet it still has that special sugar-white sand that makes this barrier island a big draw for beach hunters.
- Venice Beach (Venice): Famously regarded as the place to go to hunt for fossilized sharks’ teeth, this beach is in a convenient location close to the heart of Venice, just a bike ride from the popular inns and villas. A great beach for families, it has nice picnic pavilions and shower facilities.
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St. Petersburg and Pinellas County
- Clearwater Beach (Clearwater): Go to this urban beach surrounded by seaside hangouts and hotels during the day to find the epicenter of oceanfront activity around Tampa. Sunsets from the beach pier are phenomenal, and by night the beach transforms into a fun spot with a nice mix of family fun and beach-bar nightlife.
- Fort De Soto Park (St. Petersburg): Take a break from the city and explore the seven miles of pristine preserved beaches at this beautiful park. You can also camp, hike, fish, launch a boat, and explore the historic fort on the park’s southwest tip if you get tired of lounging and swimming.
The Forgotten Coast
- St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (Apalachicola): Do you love long, quiet walks on the beach? White sand and exceptionally tall sand dunes stretch down this preserved peninsula for more than seven miles. Combine that with one of the best oceanfront campgrounds in the state and you’ve found a special slice of paradise. If you only go to one beach in Florida, go here.
The Emerald Coast
- Panama City Beach (Panama City): Known as the headquarters for spring break mania, this town also has pretty beaches, if you can look past the shortsighted development. The oceanfront has the same wonderfully white sand as the more upscale destinations like Destin to the west, and the rock-bottom hotel and motel prices draw a large number of tourists each year. It’s the place to party, with more beach bars, dance clubs, and all-day-breakfast diners than anywhere else on the Gulf Coast.
- Grayton Beach State Park (Grayton Beach): This is a favorite beach for those visiting the idyllic and affluent beach communities like Seaside and WaterColor along Highway 30A. The tranquil vibe of this preserved beach makes it a perfect spot to camp or find yourself in beautiful beach bliss.
Pensacola
- Pensacola Beach and Fishing Pier (Pensacola): Just follow the three-mile bridge to the iconic beach ball water tower and you’ll find yourself at the center of Pensacola’s beach activity. Surrounded by beach bars and restaurants, the beach and fishing pier are a favorite among surfers, sun-seekers, and swimmers.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore (between Pensacola and Navarre): This preserved beach is managed by the National Park Service and is a wonderful choice for beach lovers looking to surf-fish, swim, or just lounge on the beach in an undeveloped setting away from all the hubbub of Pensacola Beach. Hikers can also explore a section of the Florida Trail that traverses the large rolling dunes on the sound side of the park.
Alabama Gulf Shores
- Gulf Shores Public Beach (Gulf Shores): Surrounded by beach-bar hangouts, restaurants, and shops, this beautiful beach with excellent picnic pavilions is popular among tourists and young folks looking for a party.
- Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (Gulf Shores): Whether you drive or hike in to the preserved beaches at the refuge, you’ll find miles of secluded rolling dunes and white-sand beaches. Enjoy hiking the inland trails around Little Lagoon for some excellent fishing and bird-watching in this beautiful wildlife sanctuary.
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