When it comes to family beach vacations, Florida is hard to beat. With miles of beautiful coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, the Sunshine State offers an abundance of fantastic beach destinations perfect for kids and adults alike. From sugary white sands and calm waters to plentiful amenities and attractions, these best family beaches in Florida promise fun in the sun for the whole family. Pack up the beach toys and sunscreen, and get ready to make some incredible memories at these top family-friendly beaches in Florida!
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Top 14 Best Family Beaches in Florida
1. Siesta Key Beach
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast near Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach is renowned for its bright white quartz sand that stays cool underfoot even on the hottest summer days. This crescent-shaped beach stretches for miles, providing ample space to spread out and abundant shallow waters ideal for little ones. Amenities include playgrounds, beach wheelchairs, recreational paths, and lifeguards. After a day of beach play, stroll over to Siesta Key Village for shopping, dining, and ice cream treats.
2. Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach offers a wonderful family experience along the Atlantic coast in Broward County. The soft white sands are perfect for sandcastle building, and the gentle waves welcome young swimmers. Along the beach, you’ll find plentiful amenities like picnic areas with grills, a fun interactive splash pad, and the handicap-accessible International Fishing Pier. For a break from the beach, be sure to visit the many shops and restaurants along the oceanfront promenade.
3. Cocoa Beach
Best known as the home of the Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach on Florida’s Space Coast features wide stretches of pristine beach ideal for families. Enjoy activities like boogie boarding, surfing, fishing, and dolphin watching off the shores of this Atlantic beach. The popular Lori Wilson Park provides beach access, playgrounds, picnic areas, and other amenities. Cocoa Beach Pier offers dining, shopping, and excellent spots for watching rocket launches.
4. Manatee County Beach
On the shores of Anna Maria Island in the Gulf of Mexico, Manatee County Beach is the perfect family destination. This quiet beach boasts several miles of sparkling white quartz sand, along with incredibly clear blue-green waters that stay shallow quite far out. Kids can splash and play in the gentle waves while grown-ups relax under a rented beach umbrella or cabana. Lifeguards, picnic areas, restrooms, and a fun playground round out the beach facilities.
5. St. Augustine Beach
One of Florida’s oldest beach towns, St. Augustine Beach offers miles of wide, flat beaches on the Atlantic coast. The hard-packed sand allows for easy walking, biking, or pushing a stroller. Kids will love hunting for shark teeth and shells, while teens might enjoy trying surfing or sailing. Amenities include lifeguards, beach wheelchairs, outdoor showers, and a fishing pier. When you need a break from the sun, visit the nearby Castillo de San Marcos fort or explore St. Augustine’s charming historic district.
6. Fort De Soto Park
On the Gulf Coast north of St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park encompasses over 1,100 acres of beach, trails, campgrounds, and more. The beach itself stretches for nearly 3 miles, offering calm waters, gentle waves, and plenty of room to roam. Stop by the nature center to learn about local wildlife like sea turtles and shorebirds, or take the kids on the fun canoe trail through the park’s inner waterways. With concessions, picnic areas, playgrounds, and two piers, this park has everything families need for an awesome beach day.
7. Fernandina Beach
Experience small-town beach charm at Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, located off the northeast coast of Florida. This family-friendly beach community offers wide beaches with soft sand, gentle waves, and views of the historic Fort Clinch. Kids can explore the rock jetties, search for shells and sharks’ teeth, or simply play in the shallow waters. Afterward, stroll through the quaint downtown area for dining, shopping, and ice cream stops.
8. Amelia Island
With 13 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, Amelia Island makes for a wonderfully relaxing beach escape for families. The island’s beaches feature sugary sands, clear blue waters, and abundant sea life. Go shelling, search for dolphins, or try your hand at surfing. Several beach access points and parks provide amenities like bathrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas, and beach wheelchairs. The historic town of Fernandina Beach offers restaurants, shops, and attractions for a break from the sun.
Florida’s diverse array of family beaches makes it an ideal destination for those seeking the quintessential beach vacations for families. Whether you prefer the tranquil Gulf Coast or lively Atlantic shores, there’s a perfect stretch of sand to suit every family’s needs. Many of these top spots even offer best family beach resorts in Florida, providing a seamless blend of accommodations and beachfront fun.
9. New Smyrna Beach
Located along the fun Atlantic Coast just south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach offers miles of family-friendly shoreline. The beach features wide sandy stretches and gentle waves that are usually free of strong currents. Popular activities include swimming, body boarding, building sandcastles, and searching for seashells. Be sure to check out the Saturday beach market for unique finds. Several beachside parks provide amenities, and the walkable Flagler Avenue area has shops, eateries, and more.
10. Sand Key Park
On a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, Sand Key Park offers a classic, all-American beach day in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area. The pale sands and clear shallow waters are ideal for small children. Two playgrounds, trails, picnic areas, and changing facilities make it easy to spend the whole day here. Add in the chance to spot dolphins and sea turtles, and you’ve got a delightful family beach destination.
11. Marco Island
Down near the southernmost tip of Florida, Marco Island in the Gulf of Mexico provides a tranquil, upscale beach getaway for families. The beaches here boast incredibly soft white sands and bright blue-green waters. When you’ve had enough relaxation on the beach, visit the island’s parks and recreation areas, take a dolphin cruise, or try your hand at fishing, boating, or kayaking. Marco Island offers a laidback vibe paired with high-end dining and shopping.
12. Fort Walton Beach
On Florida’s Emerald Coast in the Panhandle region, Fort Walton Beach holds appeal for families with its gleaming white quartz sands, emerald-hued waters, and outstanding amenities. The beach areas provide chair/umbrella rentals, water sports equipment like kayaks and paddleboards, and plenty of food vendors. Kids can hunt for seashells, build sandcastles, or splash in the gentle waves. Many restaurants, shops, and attractions lie within easy reach of this beach as well.
For those seeking the best gulf coast florida beaches for families, the warm, calm waters of the Gulf provide an ideal setting for kids to safely splash and play. Many of these western Florida beaches offer a more laid-back vibe compared to their Atlantic counterparts, making them perfect for a relaxing family on the beach.
13. Dubois Park
For an incredible family beach day without the crowds, head to Dubois Park in Jupiter on Florida’s Atlantic coast. This beautiful stretch of sand offers calm waters for swimming as well as opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and seeking out marine life. Pack a cooler for a picnic under the shaded areas, or walk to one of the nearby eateries and nature centers. The lifeguards, restrooms, outdoor rinse showers, and playground areas add convenience.
14. Captiva Beach
On a stunning barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, Captiva Beach wows with powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and a laid-back ambiance perfect for families. This beach feels wonderfully secluded, extending for 5 miles along the island’s western side. Enjoy swimming, shelling, birding, or simply relaxing without the crowds found elsewhere. Though hotels, restaurants, and shops are within easy reach, a highlight is Captiva’s quaint, old-Florida atmosphere.
When planning your next family vacation, consider exploring these Best Family Beaches in Florida. With their diverse offerings and array of activities, these top spots cater to families of all ages and interests, ensuring a beach getaway filled with lasting memories.
Summary
For those seeking the best beaches for kids, Florida’s eastern Atlantic coast offers plenty of options as well. Many of these best family beaches east coast provide a lively, vibrant atmosphere with amenities and attractions to keep kids of all ages entertained. From the iconic beach towns of Miami to the charming communities further north, there’s no shortage of family-friendly beaches in Miami and beyond.
When planning your next family beach vacation, consider exploring these
