Visitors to the Sunshine State certainly need to take advantage of its sun, surf and sand as Florida promises a beach for every holidaymaker.
Big-city beaches, family-friendly stretches of sand and remote island getaways are just some of the different beaches visitors can expect to see from beaches in Florida.
So if you and your family have purchased Florida theme park ticket packages but want to experience the best beaches the state has to offer too, check out our recommendations below.
South Beach
Bikini-clad beachgoers and models doing photoshoots by the sea are just some of the things you can expect to see on this world-famous beach.
South Beach in Miami is still the place to be seen and as Miami and the Beaches says “there’s more than fine white sand and colourful buildings to South Beach’s fantasyland of exuberant Deco architecture”.
South Beach is the Miami of postcards, with its white sands and turquoise waters attracting millions of holidaymakers every year, but South Beach also offers visitors a selection of world-renowned art galleries, shops and boutiques.
Activities
There are a host of activities visitors can do whilst visiting South Beach in Miami. Here are just a few that you should try.
Art Deco Walks
Art Deco Walks offers private walking tours and bicycle tours for holidaymakers and locals interested in learning about the rich history of Miami Beach and the abundant Art Deco architecture within its historic district, which covers an impressive 11 and a half square miles.
Tours are led by the owners of Art Deco Walks, Marty and Paula, who are both accredited guides and members of the Professional Tour Guide Association of Florida. Art Deco Walks’ personal service and ability to tailor tours to individual interests are renowned.
Parasailing
Getting a bird’s eye view of Miami is something you will not forget for the rest of your life. One of the most fun ways to get this experience is to go parasailing.
If you are on a two-day Miami getaway, then keep your eyes open for a parasailing excursion. One of the premiere parasail businesses is Miami Beach Parasail, located in the heart of South Beach.
Their state-of-the-art parasail boats and parasail flight equipment mean they have a perfect safety record and parasailers might even be able to see resident sea turtles, sting rays, jelly fish and dolphins while flying high in the sky.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach, which is located in the west of the island Palm Beach, is another must-visit beach.
The golden sands and amazing temperatures have attracted visitors since 1880 when the first hotel was built on the island.
Today the island’s stunning beaches continue to attract hordes of people and the Palm Beaches are regarded as Florida’s Cultural Capital, with more than 200 art, entertainment and historical venues calling the area home.
The picturesque and tropical beaches are also within easy walking distance of the shopping districts, which, according to Discover the Palm Beaches, has helped Palm Beach be voted as the second best destination in the US for Shopaholics on USA Today’s 10 Best website.
Activities
With the Palm Beaches area being somewhat of a culture capital, it will not be surprising to hear that there are a whole host of things to do and here are just a few we recommend you do.
Kravis Center
Centrally located in West Palm Beach, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of the premier performing arts centres in the southeast and it has a growing national and international reputation.
The Kravis Center features Broadway tours, top comedy and entertainment acts, cutting-edge visual performance art, concerts and more – there is something for everyone at the Kravis Center.
Golf
Discover the Palm Beaches recommends playing golf when visiting Palm Beaches as the area is home to 160 golf courses.
The PGA National Palm Beach Gardens course, for example, is regarded as one of the best golf courses in Florida.
This championship golf course underwent a multi-million pound renovation and its new bunkers, longer tees and greens make it a challenging course. See how you fare on a championship course, whilst enjoying the incredible Floridian weather.
Naples
Naples is regarded as the crown jewel of southwest Florida and its sun-drenched beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are a major attraction.
The rolling waves, golden sands and wildlife make it a popular destination for sun bathers, swimmers, and anglers.
The beaches let visitors get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets in Naples and the foliage makes them the most tropical-looking beaches on the Gulf Coast of Florida too.
Activities
Naples again has a variety of attractions and activities, but below are our top recommendations.
Naples Zoo
Naples Zoo is a nationally accredited zoo that is home to animals from all over the world, as well as boasting a 44-acre historic botanical garden. The zoo has interactive shows, exhibits, and the Primate Expedition cruise through islands of monkeys, lemurs and apes.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy visiting the zoo and you will get to see their favourite animals like lions, giraffes, monkeys, zebras, bears, fossa or even a Florida panther.
The Everglades
The Everglades is on most people’s must-do list and Everglades tours couldn’t be easier to do from this location; Naples is just a stone’s throw away from the national park.
The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the US and boasts an unparalleled landscape, which is home to a number of endangered species.
There are a range of tours available in the Everglades; from airboat rides to guided ranger walks. Visiting the Everglades is something you do not want to miss out on.
Siesta Beach
Siesta Beach in Sarasota is regarded by many travel experts as the number one beach in Florida as it boasts tranquillity with some of the finest white sand you will ever see.
The beach is a big crescent and is so inviting to go for a swim thanks to the sugar-like sand and stunning emerald green water.
The beach isn’t a surfer’s paradise as the sea is so calm, but after a fun-filled day at the likes of Discovery Cove theme park in Orlando there is no better way to relax than with a day at the appropriately named Siesta Beach.
Activities
Siesta Beach might be a great place for a siesta, but there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. Here is just a small insight into some of the things you can get up to.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium gives visitors an up-close experience with a variety of marine animals and fish, including two touch tanks and a 135,000 gallon shark habitat.
There are more than 100 species of marine life that call Mote home, including manatees and sea turtles.
The scientific research centre at the aquarium means visitors can even witness scientific research occurring as it happens.
Sailing
Visit Sarasota recommends going sailing as it is a sailor’s delight and fortunately Siesta Beach and the surrounding area boasts a range of sailing clubs.
These sailing clubs will teach you the ropes and you will be free to enjoy the stunning Siesta Beach coastline from the sea as well as being able to see wild animals such as dolphins and exotic birds.
Clearwater Beach
One of the best beaches in Florida, Clearwater Beach offers visitors some of the finest sands imaginable and is only a short bus trip away from Orlando and its theme parks.
This is why many visitors decide to book excursions to Clearwater Beach, but as well as its location the beach itself is regarded by many as one of the best in Florida and the US.
Clearwater Beach also boasts clear gulf water and warm sunshine all-year-round, but on top of its natural beauty this west coast destination also boasts an endless supply of entertainment and outdoor activities on land and sea.
Activities
With National Super Boat Championships, Ironman events, music festivals and a variety of wildlife there are so many reasons to visit Clearwater Beach. Here are a few attractions and activities you just have to do when visiting Clearwater Beach.
Surfing and skating
Clearwater Beach is a popular beach for surfing during the winter with its offshore winds creating some decent waves.
If you are heading to the beach for a surf or are a beginner, then you should head to Surf Style, a retail business that has a huge megastore in Clearwater Beach.
Surf Style is located just off the beach and within this famous beachwear and souvenir shop is the only FlowRider Indoor surfing machine for 150 miles. This indoor surfing machine is the perfect attraction for thrill seekers, from beginners to pros, as a jet-propelled sheet of water allows users to experience surfing without any danger.
A Beach Walk
The Clearwater Beach Walk is a long promenade in the south of Clearwater Beach and offers walkers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Bicyclists, rollerbladers, walkers and runners are just some of the people who use this perfectly located promenade, which took five years to develop.
The route goes alongside the sandy beach and is lined by palm trees and luxurious hotels.
Cape Florida
Visit Florida highly recommends visiting Cape Florida, Key Biscayne, as this beautiful and spacious beach is perfect for families.
The lighthouse at the south end of the beach is an iconic landmark and certainly worth a visit, whilst the sea is extremely safe so that children can happily swim or paddle in the waters.
Although the beach is close to Miami, it is somewhat of a secluded beach. The tropical beach is getting more attention as it regularly features in best beaches lists.
Activities
Being so close to Miami you might think that the activities at this beach would be similar to that of South Beach, but you would be wrong.
Birdwatching
Cape Florida is seen as one of the top places to go birdwatching in the whole of the US as the area welcomes lots of migratory birds.
From mid-August to October and March to mid-May, birdwatchers come in their droves to see autumn and spring migrations.
If you are an avid birdwatcher, you can even go on guided bird watching trips.
Bike rides
The state park where Cape Florida is located has a vast number of bike trails and many visitors cycle along the 1.5-mile long tarmacked path to see the beauty that this state park has to offer.
Cycling in the park is one of the best ways to see the true beauty that this park has to offer, especially if you ride on some of the off-road bike trails.
There are a number of establishments where you can rent bikes, so do some research before you go.
Image Credit: Miami and the Beaches, Art Deco Walks, Discover the Palm Beaches, Kravis Center, Naples Zoo, Visit Sarasota County, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Surf Style, Visit Florida.
Picture yourself relaxing on one of the best beaches in Florida? Click here, to view our Orlando attraction tickets and start planning your holiday.
For more posts like this try...
