21 Best Family Beaches in Florida Your Kids [And You] Will Love in 2024
SEARCHING FOR THE BEST FAMILY BEACHES IN FLORIDA?
We can help! We’ve spent months traveling in Florida with our kids, and we can tell you without hesitation that if you’re looking for the perfect place for a family vacation, Florida is the spot! The Sunshine State is home to some of the best beaches in the country, and there’s definitely something for everyone at the best family beaches in Florida.
If we want to spend time at the beach, we head to Florida. The weather is amazing, and many beaches have amazing amenities for kids and families.
Here are 21 of our favorite family-friendly beaches in Florida.
Best Family Beaches in Florida
1. Honeymoon Island State Park
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Hampton Inn Dunedin
Honeymoon Island State Park is a beautiful, secluded beach located in Dunedin, Florida, and is one of the best beaches for kids in Florida. This state park offers visitors a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Honeymoon Island State Park is also home to a nature center and a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and dolphins.
Visitors to Honeymoon Island State Park will enjoy the white sand beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This state park is perfect for families who want to get away from it all and relax on the beach.
Considered one of the best dog friendly beaches in Florida, Honeymoon Island State Park is also one of the most fun places to visit when traveling with pets.
We love visiting Honeymoon Island State Park when we are in the Clearwater area. It is a beautiful beach with lots of great amenities for families. The sand here is so fun to play in, and the water is perfect for swimming making it one of the best family beaches in Florida. Even beyond the beach, there are so many fun things to do in Clearwater with kids.
2. Siesta Key Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Siesta Key Beachside Villas
Siesta Key Beach is a world-famous beach located in Sarasota, Florida. This beach is known for its beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters. Visitors to Siesta Key Beach can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnicking, and kayaking.
Siesta Key Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine. The white sand and clear waters make this beach a popular destination for families, and it is just dreamy at sunset.
We always have a wonderful time at Siesta Key Beach, one of the best beaches in Florida with clear water. The sand is really soft, and the water is so clear. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine. On Sunday evening, you can catch a really fun drum performance.
Read More: 31 Amazing Things to Do in Siesta Key
3. Fort De Soto State Park
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott St. Petersburg
Fort De Soto State Park is a large park located in St. Petersburg, Florida. This park is home to two beautiful beaches, Fort De Soto Beach and North Beach. Visitors to the park can enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, and kayaking.
The park also has a nature center and a variety of wildlife, including raccoons, Marsh rabbits, and gopher tortoises.
Fort De Soto Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a beach with lots of activities for the whole family. The nature center is really neat, and the beaches here are just gorgeous. There are also great picnic areas, so be sure to bring a lunch. We’ve never had a bad time at Fort De Soto.
If your family is interested in camping, there is a campground right in Fort De Soto State Park.
4. St. Augustine Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is a beautiful beach located in St. Augustine, Florida. This beach is known for its white sand and clear waters. Visitors to the beach can enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, and kayaking.
St. Augustine Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine. The white sand and clear waters make this beach a popular destination for families. There are also a lot of really fun and family-friendly things to do in St. Augustine, which really adds to the experience there.
We love visiting the fort there as well as the St. Augustine Alligator Zoological Farm. We love the European charm in St. Augustine and really enjoy the area.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in St. Augustine with Kids
5. Sanibel Island
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Sanibel Island Beach Resort
Sanibel Island Beach is a world-renowned beach located in Sanibel, Florida. This beach is known for its shells, which are a popular souvenir for visitors. The shells on the beach are beautiful, and there are many different types to collect.
We could not believe the piles of shells on the beach everywhere. My kids were in heaven as they looked through all of the different shells on the beach.
This beach is perfect for families because it is so safe and clean. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is very soft. There are also a lot of amenities nearby, which makes it easy to hangout and relax on the island.
We love going to Sanibel Island because it feels like a true beach vacation. The shells are beautiful, and there are so many things to do on the island. You can rent bikes to explore the town and visit the lighthouse on Sanibel Island.
6. Cocoa Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a beautiful beach located in Cocoa Beach, Florida. This beach is known for its surfing and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors to the beach can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.
This beach is great for families because it has a lot of different things to offer. The surfing is really great here, and the kids loved seeing the Kennedy Space Center. There is a fun downtown area in Cocoa Beach, and the pier is a fun place to visit.
Cocoa Beach is also one of the closest beaches to Orlando, so if you are spending time there, it is a convenient and close beach to visit. This is also a great place to visit if you’re looking to visit a beach as part of a day trip from Orlando.
7. Clearwater Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach
This beach is consistently voted as one of the best beaches in America, and it’s also great for families. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach has everything you need for a perfect day by the water. The sparkling white sand and clear blue waters make it a beautiful place to relax and enjoy time at the beach with your kids.
There are plenty of things to keep your kids entertained at Clearwater Beach. The beach has a playground, a splash pad, and a pool. You can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other water equipment.
Near the beach, there is also a boardwalk with shops and some amazing Clearwater Beach breakfast restaurants. And if you want to take a break from the beach, you can visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This aquarium is home to Winter the dolphin, who was featured in the movie Dolphin Tale.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach vacation, Clearwater Beach is a great option. This is one of our favorite areas in Florida to visit because of the great beaches in Clearwater, and there are lots of family-friendly things to do, like Busch Gardens and the Tampa Zoo.
8. Bradenton Beach (Amelia Island)
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Tropical Isle at Anna Maria Island
If you’re looking for a beach vacation that is a little bit more low-key, Bradenton Beach on Amelia Island might be a good option for you. This small beach town is located on Florida’s northeast coast and is known for its laid-back atmosphere.
Bradenton Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine. There are plenty of beach activities to keep everyone in the family happy, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.
If you’re looking for a little bit more excitement, you can take a short drive to nearby Fernandina Beach, where you can find restaurants, shops, and a historic district.
9. Fort Myers Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: The Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites
Fort Myers Beach is a popular destination for families looking for a beach vacation. The beach town is located on the southwest coast of Florida and is known for its white sand beaches and clear blue waters.
There are so many fun things to do around the Fort Myers Beach area. There is a nice shopping area near the Fort Myers pier and a nearby park. We went on a dolphin tour here, and we love spending time in Lovers Key State Park. In the state park, you can spend time at the beach and paddle along the paddling trail.
Read More: 24+ Best Things to Do in Fort Myers
10. Marco Island
Best Place to Stay Nearby: The Boat House
Marco Island is a popular destination for families looking for a beach vacation. The island is located on the southwest coast of Florida and is known for its white sand beaches and clear blue waters.
There are so many fun things to do around Marco Island. We love spending time at the beach, exploring the parks, and exploring the downtown area. Tigertail Beach is our favorite beach in the area because of the great amenities and beautiful water.
Read More: A Complete Guide to the Marco Island Beaches
11. Manatee County Beach (Holmes Beach)
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Tropical Isle at Anna Maria Island
Manatee County Beach is located in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island and is a great spot for families. The average water temperature is 83 degrees, making it perfect for swimming and playing in the waves. The beach also has a fishing pier, lifeguards, showers, restrooms, and picnic tables.
In the nearby city of Anna Maria, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and parks for families to enjoy. The Pier is a great spot for fishing, while branches of the South Florida Museum offer interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
For a fun day trip, take a ride on the free trolley that runs up and down the island.
12. Caladesi Island State Park (Dunedin)
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Hampton Inn Dunedin
Caladesi Island State Park is located in Dunedin and accessible only by boat or a very long walk up the beach from Clearwater. This makes it a great spot for families looking to avoid crowds. When we went out to Caladesi Island, we had the beach pretty much to ourselves.
The island has a white sand beach, mangroves, and nature trails. It’s also great for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. If you want to do some kayaking, there are kayak rentals available on the island. There is also a small shop with snacks for sale.
There is no lodging available on Caladesi Island, so you would need to stay in nearby Dunedin or Clearwater.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Visiting Caladesi Island Near Clearwater
13. Bahia Honda State Park
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys
Bahia Honda State Park is located in Big Pine Key and is one of the best beaches in Florida for families. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is soft and white. There are also great snorkeling opportunities offshore with tours available in the park.
The beach has a playground, picnic tables, grills, showers, and restrooms. You can also camp at Bahia Honda State Park, which is a lot of fun! You are just a few steps away from one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys.
Another fun and unique thing to do in Bahia Honda State Park is exploring the waters at low tide. We saw all sorts of fun sea animals like lobsters, sea slugs, and tropical fish.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Visiting Bahia Honda State Park
14. Daytona Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is a popular beach destination for families. The beach has wide, sandy beaches with plenty of room for kids to play. There are also many attractions in the Daytona Beach area, like the Daytona International Speedway, Boardwalk Amusement Area & Pier, and Ocean Center.
We visited the Daytona International Speedway during our last trip to the area and had a great time on our tour. Kids will love crossing the finish line and seeing all the different race cars on display.
The best part about Daytona Beach is that it’s affordable. There are many hotels and condos in the area that are reasonably priced. You can also find plenty of free parking near the beach.
If you’re looking for Florida family vacations that won’t break the bank, Daytona Beach is a great option.
15. Captiva Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: South Seas Island Resort
Captiva Beach is a small beach located on Captiva Island. It’s a great spot for families because it’s quiet and has a more relaxed atmosphere.
The beach has a playground, picnic tables, grills, and showers. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the nearby town of Captiva. We love the laid-back vibes and lack of crowds on the island.
This is a very small island, so if you’re looking for lots of activities to do, this probably wouldn’t be the best destination for you. However, if you’re looking to relax on the beach without a lot of people, this is a great beach.
16. Panama City Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a popular beach destination for families. The beach has white sand beaches and emerald green waters. There are also many family-friendly attractions in the area, like Gulf World Marine Park, Pier Park, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! It’s also one of the best spots to enjoy a dolphin tour.
Panama City Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for kids because of its wide range of activities. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. There are also many restaurants and shops in the area.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach destination in northern Florida, Panama City Beach is a great choice. The beach has plenty of activities for families and is a destination everyone will enjoy.
17. Higgs Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Southernmost Beach Resort
Higgs Beach is a great family beach in Key West, Florida. The beach has a playground, picnic tables, and grills. There are also showers and restrooms. The Key West beaches are so beautiful and well worth a visit.
The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. You can also take a short walk to the nearby Key West Aquarium. There are lots of fun things to do with kids in Key West, and we especially loved the splash pad near Zachary Taylor State Park.
The beach also has volleyball courts along with tennis and pickleball courts. This is a beautiful beach with enough amenities and food choices you can easily spend the day here.
However, keep in mind that if you are looking for beautiful and wide sandy beaches, the Florida Keys may not be the best destination for you. The Florida Keys beaches have a coral base rather than a sand base. While the beaches there are beautiful, they are not the best for building sand castles and playing in the soft sand.
18. New Smyrna Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: The Salty Mermaid Oceanfront Hotel
New Smyrna Beach is one of the best family beaches in Florida. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the area.
Nearby, you can visit the Marine Science Center or take a river cruise. New Smyrna Beach is also a great place for fishing. There are many charter companies that offer half-day and full-day fishing trips.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach destination in Florida, New Smyrna Beach is a great choice. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for families, and there are plenty of activities in the area.
19. Crandon Park Beach (Key Biscayne)
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Silver Sands Beach Resort
Crandon Park Beach is a beautiful beach located on Key Biscayne, just outside of Miami. The beach has white sand beaches and turquoise clear water. There are also many palm trees and other tropical plants.
The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. You can also take a walk through the nearby Crandon Park Nature Center. The nature center has a butterfly garden and a mangrove forest.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach destination near Miami, Crandon Park Beach is a great choice. The beach has white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and many palm trees.
There are also plenty of activities to do in nearby Miami and Biscayne National Park when you’re ready for a break from the beach. You can also take a boat ride through the Everglades in the nearby Everglades National Park.
20. DuBois Park (Jupiter)
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Tequesta Palms Inn
DuBois Park is a beautiful beach located in Jupiter, Florida. As one of the best family beaches in Florida, it has white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. There are also many palm trees and other tropical plants.
The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. You can also take a walk through the nearby DuBois Pioneer Homestead and see how the early pioneers lived.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach destination near West Palm Beach, DuBois Park is a great choice. The beach has white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and many palm trees. There are also plenty of activities to do and restaurants in nearby Jupiter and West Palm Beach.
21. St. Pete Beach
Best Place to Stay Nearby: Hyatt Place St. Petersburg/Downtown
If you’re looking for a beach that has it all, look no further than St. Pete Beach. With its warm Gulf waters, soft sand, and nearby attractions, it’s no wonder this beach is a favorite among families.
The amenities at St. Pete Beach are second to none. There are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area, as well as a playground and a skate park. And if you’re looking for something to do off the beach, you can always take a scenic drive down Gulf Boulevard or visit one of the many museums in the area.
We loved spending time at the playground on the pier and walking along the coast. We saw lots of dolphins right off the coast here and had a blast counting all of the dolphins that we saw. This is a beautiful part of the Florida coast, but it can be very crowded.
Map of the Best Family Beaches in Florida
What to Bring to the Best Beaches for Kids in Florida
Being prepared with chairs, entertainment, drinks, and food for everyone will make your trip to the beach much better. It is the worst to get to the beach and realize everyone is hungry and it is time to leave. Here is what we make sure to bring with us on our beach vacations.
Beach Chairs
If you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach, be sure to pack your beach chairs. Not only will they provide you with a place to sit, but they’ll also keep your belongings off the sand. We love relaxing in our chairs at the beach.
Sand Toys
No trip to the best family beaches in Florida is complete without sand toys. Whether you’re building sandcastles or just playing in the sand, your kids will love having their own toys to play with. We recommend bringing buckets, shovels, and other small toys that can easily be packed up.
Giant Bubble Wand Kit
During our last visit to the Oregon Coast, someone had a giant bubble wand kit, and it was amazing. They were nice enough to let my kids play with it. The slight ocean breeze made it so easy to make the bubbles, and we had a lot of fun chasing the large bubbles on the beach.
You can buy the giant bubble solution here. It is purchased separately.
Sun Tent or Umbrella
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time at the beach, be sure to pack a sun tent or umbrella. This will provide you with some much-needed shade, especially if you have young kids. We always make sure to pack our sun tent so we can take breaks from the heat and relax in the shade.
Yeti Cooler
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time at the beach, you’ll need a good cooler to keep your food and drinks cold. We love our Yeti cooler because it keeps everything cold all day long, even in the hot Florida sun.
Our backpack yeti cooler is large enough to have drinks and lunch for our family, and carrying it out to the beach with the straps is very convenient.
Baby Powder
If you have toddlers or young children, you know that they’re bound to get sandy at the beach. And if they’re anything like my kids, they love getting dirty. That’s where the baby powder comes in handy.
Just sprinkle some on their legs and arms before getting back into the car, and it will make the sand easily brush off.
Shelling Bag
If your kids love to collect shells, make sure you bring these shelling bags to the best family beaches in Florida. My kids love to collect shells, especially in places like Sanibel. These bags make it really easy to get the sand off the shells, and it is really convenient to have a bag to keep the shells in during your family vacation.
FAQ: Best Family Beaches in Florida
What is the most family-friendly beach in Florida?
Our favorite area to visit with kids is Clearwater because the beaches are beautiful, and there are so many great family-friendly activities nearby. Clearwater and St. Petersburg have a good selection of hotels and restaurants that cater to families.
What part of Florida is most kid-friendly?
There are a ton of beaches that families can enjoy in Florida. We prefer the gulf beaches over the Atlantic side beaches because the water tends to be a little calmer and more shallow. The water is also warmer on the Gulf side, which makes it more enjoyable for little kids.
We love the stretch of the Gulf Coast from Anna Maria Island through Fort Myers.
Conclusion: Best Family Beaches in Florida
Whether you’re looking for a beach with lots of activities or one that’s more low-key, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Florida. The state has something for everyone, and there are plenty of beaches that are perfect for families.
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is to relax at the beach, watching my kids swim and build sand castles.
Do some research to find the perfect beach for your crew, and you’re sure to have a vacation that everyone will love. Think about whether you can spend all day at the beach or if you need some activities to give some variety to your days.
We love the beaches in Florida and hope you have a great time exploring the best beaches for kids in Florida.
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