4 Beautiful Florida Beaches You Need to Visit
Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The state has amazing views coast to coast, with lively, upscale beaches like South Beach, and quaint, pull-off-on-the-causeway spots down in Tampa. When planning a trip to the Sunshine State it can get a bit confusing and stressful while choosing exactly where to go. Most people come back after their first trip, so here are 4 beautiful Florida beaches you need to plan a trip to for the perfect summer vacation.
Cool Sand, Tan Lines & Clear Waves: Our Top 4
Florida Beaches and Why You Need to Visit
1 | Daytona Beach
The World’s Most Famous Beach holds many memories for people from all over the globe. Known for it's amazing sunrises, hard-packed sand, and East Coast waves, Daytona does not disappoint. If you are walking or riding a bike to the beach, there is no admission. A parking pass for the day will cost $10, but if you get there early enough, you can pull up right on the sand and get an amazing view right on the beach. As far as food and drink, The Pier has restaurant names you know and love like Bubba Gumps and Joe’s Crab Shack.
What makes it special? Hang ten, dude. Daytona has designated surfing areas you won’t find down South. If surfing isn’t your thing but you’ve got a need for speed, the Daytona 500 and Bike Week are huge events we know you’ve heard of.
Look out for these dates: Around March 9-18 (2018’s set dates) each year, 500,000 people travel to Daytona for a 10-day motorcycle event. On February 18th, almost the same amount of travelers show up downtown for Daytona 500.
2 | Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is known as the “Florida Beach Town,” and the “Disney World of Beaches.” The beach runs roughly 3 miles long and has everything you need for the perfect summer vacation. With beautiful blue water and white sugar sand all around you, you can soak up the sun or hide out under an awesome pier. Sunsets at Pier 60 shows free movies and hosts festivals throughout the year. You can find countless shops and restaurants, fishing charter boats, parasailing and sightseeing adventures, rentals and even a pirate ship down by the beach as well. If you watch a sunset at Clearwater Beach, it will be one you won’t forget.
And don’t worry - the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Shephard's Beach Resort is one of many popular nightlife stops along the beach with beautiful accommodations and delicious drinks.
What makes it special? Sunsets at Pier 60 is a 364-day-a-year, festival that you can’t find anywhere else. It features work from local artisans, crafters, and street performers that will leave a smile on your face.
Look out for these dates: The Sugar Sand Festival is a 10-day long festival celebrating and displaying 21,000 square foot tent filled with amazing art crafted by world-class sculptors using Clearwater’s famous sugar sand. Last year it landed on April 14. Don’t forget your camera!
3 | Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a more relaxed type of spot which will still leave you in awe. It is an 8 mile-long, crescent-shaped barrier island made up of 3 beaches: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach. In 2011, Siesta Beach was rated the #1 Beach in the United States by “Doctor Beach,” from the Laboratory for Coastal Research. There are tons of great places to eat and unique places to shop. Boutiques and souvenir shops alike, the town’s got it all.
What makes it special? On Sunday night, a Drumming Circle can be seen and heard of celebrating an end of a beautiful beach weekend. Siesta Key has 99% pure quartz sand which stays cool under your feet and Crescent Beach was rated, “The World's Finest, Whitest Sand” at the Great International Sand Challenge in 1987.
Look out for these dates: The Seafood & Music Festival takes place on December 2-3 and showcases mouth-watering foods and drinks. There are local bands and well-known regional musicians that make the festival just that much better. Jazz, reggae, rock-and-roll and more can be heard during this event.
4 | South Beach, Miami Beach
South Beach is a world of it’s own. Taking a walk on Ocean Drive is an experience in itself. There are beautiful people from every walk of Earth, amazing, clear waves, laughter and high energy all around. Best known for the entertainment, South Beach is a party that never ends. Sixty-ounce cocktails and barely-there bikinis are the norms in this crazy place. The culture in Miami is always alive and that is probably the best part about it all.
What makes it special? Although Miami is the most populated beach on the list, it is one of the cleanest and most consistent beaches all year round. Although it is located in an ever-changing city, the beach is always a beautiful turquoise. Oh, and the clubs are open ‘til 6 a.m. If that’s not special, I’m not sure what is.
Look out for these dates: Art Basel runs December 6-10 in Miami. About 77,000 people from around the world travel to Miami to witness some of the most renowned artwork. It is the world’s premier modern and contemporary art show.
Whether you are dreaming of sitting under a palm tree with a pina colada in your hand or watching the sunset from a high end balcony view, Florida has the perfect beach for you.
The cliche saying, “I live where you vacation,” is true in this situation, so please let me know if you have any questions about these beaches above or any other in good ‘ol Florida.
Which of these Florida beaches do you think you’ll be planning your next vacation to?
