The 5 Best Florida Beaches for Families

Florida is well known for its stunning beaches and theme parks. The beaches in Florida are absolutely breathtaking and second to none. Sun seekers flock to the state every year to enjoy the clear skies and the glorious coastal landscapes. From the panhandle to the Keys, the state has a beach for everyone! Be it lively party scenes, top-notch water sports, or romantic seclusion, Florida’s beaches allow visitors to live out all their fancies and fantasies. And while it’s almost impossible to pick out just a few of the best beaches in Florida, if you’re looking for some family-friendly fun, here are the beaches you should head to.

The Best Beaches in Florida for Family-Friendly Fun

1. Jacksonville Beaches

Situated along the Atlantic coast in northeast Florida, Jacksonville is the largest city in the state. East of downtown Jacksonville, there are about half a dozen beaches that stretch along the Atlantic shore. These beaches offer plenty of activities to suit active family vacations. Ponte Vedra Beach, in the South, for example, has a one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment venue. The venue offers golfing facilities and has a tennis center as well as state-of-the-art Pickleball courts.

In the north, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach welcome visitors to a fairly quieter and more laid-back beach experience. The Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the primary attraction here. Blessed with some of the finest white sand, the park has woodland trails and camping areas. Jacksonville Beach is also home to the ‘Adventure Landing and Shipwreck Island Water Park’. The water park is a popular place for summer season fun and features arcades, mini golf, go-karting, slides, water cannons, and more.

2. Fort Lauderdale

Consistently rated among the best in the state, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s golden sandy shores never fail to captivate visitors. Stretching for almost 24 miles, Greater Fort Lauderdale features different beaches, each with its own unique vibe. Whether you prefer a laid-back day or seek more thrilling adventures like snorkeling and diving through shipwrecks and reefs, local favorites like Hillsboro Beach, Dania Beach, Lauderdale-By-the-Sea, and Pompano Beach, have something to suit every beachgoer’s preference.

The vibrant nightlife of Fort Lauderdale is centered along Atlantic Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard, featuring lively nightclubs and beachfront bars. Here you will find a slew of restaurants as well as some nice sidewalk cafes. North of Fort Lauderdale, Highway A1A is also lined with inexpensive motels, where you can find budget-friendly rooms. The Premiere Hotel is particularly nice. The hotel is just a short walk from the beach and has moderately priced, family-friendly rooms and amenities.

3. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Beaches

The Sanibel Island and Captiva Islands located just three miles off the coast of Fort Myers are renowned for their pristine sandy beaches. These beaches regularly draw visitors for their stupendous sunsets and abundant shells. Island beaches such as Lighthouse Beach and Bowman’s Beach particularly, are known for their shell-filled shores and are truly a shell collectors paradise. With tranquil boardwalk trails, soft sands, and a relaxed, laid-back ambiance, these beaches are ideal for a fun family getaway.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a must-visit site in the area. The Museum boasts a collection of at least a third of the world’s 10,000 shell varieties. Apart from the museum, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities to spot resident wildlife including alligators, raccoons, and birds such as bald eagles. The refuge features a popular five-mile “Wildlife Drive” accessible by car or bike. Other amenities at the Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Beaches include fishing boats, canoes, and bikes that can be rented.

4. The Honeymoon Island State Park Beach

Just a short drive from Tampa, the Honeymoon Island State Park is Florida’s top-rated state park. The park offers four miles of beach including a wide section for dogs. The coastal retreat is perfect for families looking for a peaceful escape. Set along a three-mile trail, ground animals such as Gopher tortoises, armadillos, and raccoons are often spotted in the area.

Swimming, shelling, and fishing are some popular activities that can be enjoyed on this area beach. The state park also extends amenities such as a playground, elevated boardwalks to the beach, kayak rentals, free beach wheelchairs, and a variety of bike rentals including cruiser bikes, tandem bikes, and kid’s bikes. Additionally, the Honeymoon Island State Park also serves as a ferry terminal to get to Caladesi Island. The Caladesi Island features five miles of beach and is an important stopover for migratory birds in Spring and fall.

5. Fort De Soto Park

Southwest of St.Petersburg lies a sprawling county park called Fort De Soto Park. Spread across 1,136 acres, the park features nearly seven miles of incomparable beaches. National media outlets and ‘Parents Magazine’ hail Fort De Soto Park’s North Beach as the perfect beach for families in Florida. The park features a large tidal pool and a pirate ship playground, apart from two fishing piers directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The park’s historic fort, built during the Spanish-American War, served as a filming location for the hit television series “Prison Break.”

The Fort De Soto Park has rental facilities for bicycles, kayaks, and canoes. With numerous shelters, picnic tables, and grills, the park is also an ideal place for family picnics. A paved trail running the length of the park provides opportunities for biking or inline skating along the coast.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Marcial Gonzalez