Top 10 Best Beaches In Florida For Families

Hey Dude!!!

Don’t you feel sad, but I am going to attack you with a few words!

Do you remember the last time you went on a family trip?

Okay, don’t make a gloomy face now! It happens.

In this highly competitive world, people have started mostly thinking of work and money. As a result, working adults rarely get quality family time. Even passionate travelers rarely get a chance to get out and explore a place with their families.

Well, then there are a few who break all rules for a couple of days. If you are one of them, this article is for you. Here, you can go through the facts about the best beaches in Florida for families.

So, you can easily plan for a vacation in the ‘Sunshine City’ of the US this summer. For now, you can go through all the entries in this list and choose the correct destination according to your wish.

Top Ten Family-Friendly Beaches In Florida You Should Know About

Due to the massive length of the Florida coastline, there are numerous beaches in the state. Now, each of them is obviously not suitable for a family getaway. So, here I am with a solution.

All the beaches given here are the best for a family vacation. So, spare some time and read about them now. 

1. Fort De Soto Park

Overview

Fort De Soto Park Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for families. You can reach here for a family vacation and stay for an entire day. There are some simple activities that you can do at this place. However, later, everything can turn into sweet memories for life.

No matter whether you stay near or far from FL, I would always suggest you experience a road trip while visiting Fort De Soto. You can drive through the trail of the beach enjoying the vibrant blues and the sugary sand.

As per the location, the beach road falls on the Pinellas Bayway/Hwy 678. So, you can easily drive up to the place. 

Family Activities

• You can experience an outstanding beach drive.
• Kayaking is also possible at Fort De Soto Park Beach. 
• You can also swim and kite surf at Fort De Soto Park. 

Notable Hotels To Stay

The Dolphin Beach Resort, Sirata Beach Resort, TradeWinds Island Grand Resort

What To Eat

Picnic supplies, burgers, Bar be queued meat

2. Sanibel And Captiva Islands

Overview

If you are about to plan a beach vacation with your children, the Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches can be the best. As both are island beaches, there are hardly any big waves hitting the shore. So, you can consider it safe.  Even you can get to the beach while having no knowledge of swimming. You can consider this as one of the best beaches in Florida for families due to this. 

The presence of the Blind Pass Bridge makes both the places accessible. You just need to drive through the Sanibel and Captiva Road to reach the beach.   

Family Activities

• Indulge in the ‘Sanibel Stoop’.
• Visit the J.N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on a bike.
• Do not forget to go swimming with the children. 
• Ride the Catamaran Cruise. 

Notable Hotels To Stay

Sanibel Island Beach Resort, Sundial Beach Resort

What To Eat

Seafood, Tropical dishes 

3. Marco Island Beach

Overview

Marco Island Beach is one of the best family beaches in Florida gulf coast. It is basically a barrier island where you can find a lot of picturesque beaches. However, you  can stick to Marco Island beach as it is one of the best beaches in Florida for families.

Apart from sitting and relaxing by the vibrant blue water, you can take a cruise ride in the sea to spot corals and dolphins. You can witness the sea turtles in this area. However, avoid going on the cruise if you have infants and elderlies with you.

Family Activities

• Sit back at the beach and rejuvenate. 
• Enjoy some watersports like banana boat riding and parasailing. 
• Explore the entire marina with a car (optional)

Notable Hotels To Stay

Marco Beach Ocean Resort, JW Marriot Marco Island Beach Resort, Marriott’s Crystal Shores  

What To Eat

Homemade Pasta and Pizza, Seafood and Cocktails ( a must-have drink)

4. Clearwater Beach

Overview

As per numerous beachgoers in the US, Clearwater Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for families. This is yet another seashore situated in the famous gulf of Florida. You can reach here with your family for a vacation for a day or two. 

There are many things to explore and indulge in while you visit. So, you should have good energy while visiting this place. Expect to have a good time with your children too. You can go swimming with them and even play some beach volleyball or futsal. 

So, if you are up for making a list- ‘what are the best family beaches in Florida’, make sure to keep Clearwater Beach at a good rank.  

Family Activities

• Enjoy a bright sunny day at the beach. 
• Play different beach sports with the family.
• Witness a marvellous sunset at the beach.
• Listen to the live musicians performing at the beach.
• Go for scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and jet-skiing. 

Notable Hotels To Stay

Opal Sands Resort, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Hilton Clearwater Beach 

What To Eat

Seafood, Salty Crab Roast, Mainland dishes 

5. St. Augustine Beach

Overview

Are you looking for the best beaches in Florida for families with just a couple of days’ vacation in your hand? Well, don’t worry, and expect St. Augustine Beach to welcome you with a whole heart. It is a calm beach located in the gulf and is near a turtle breeding zone. 

If you are out with your spouse and children and want them to play around, St. Augustine can be an appropriate destination.

You can reach the entry point of the beach with a car but might have to walk to the picnic grounds.  So, it will be best to park your car at the official parking lot. 

If your children are eager to make a sandcastle at the beach, you can blindly take them to St. Augustine Beach. Here, the sand is a bit clayey and they can easily make castles on it. 

Family Activities

• Organize a little picnic lunch on the grounds by the beach. 
• Take a beach walk through the sea-line on either side. 
• Take a tour at Ocean Hammock Park, Florida from this beach. 

Notable Hotels To Stay

Guy Harvey Resort, Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites by Hilton

What To Eat

The Beachside Diner, Viola’s Pizza, Sushi Zento

6. St. George Island Beach

Overview

If you are looking for the best beaches in Florida for a family vacation, the St. George island beach can be an outstanding destination. It is again a barrier island beach and you can witness the vibrancy of nature along with the beach at that place. 

You can consider it one of the best beaches in Florida for families as you can see a lot of underdeveloped beaches. Well, these are treated to the eyes as the coarse sand flies with every gust of wind.

Finally, you can expect to enjoy the shades of the sky changing with the beach. So, relaxing and rejuvenating by the seashore can be bliss. You can even take photographs of the birds coming to the seashore. 

Family Activities

• Relax and rejuvenate at the beach for hours. 
• Indulge in sunbathing.
• Go for a car ride on the trail.
• Take a ride on the sunset cruise. 

Notable Hotels To Stay

St. George Inn, Island Suites, Hard Rock Hotel, Daytona Beach

What To Eat

Salads, Shrimp dishes, Steaks

7. Deerfield Beach

Overview

According to many older adults and elderlies, Deerfield Beach is one of the best family beaches in Florida. Well, you can rely on this place as it is quite clean and hygienic. As the place is situated at an isolated end, there is not much crowd at any place. 

Now, as a traveler, you can understand how uniqueness turns a place the best. Well, you can consider Deerfield Beach as one of the best beaches in Florida for families as you can spot the local deers here.

So, the best you can do is take a couple of days off and set out for a beach vacay now. Remember, it is the summertime and you can get the best vibe while visiting the beaches. Moreover, the alluring Florida sunshine can always be there to welcome you. 

Family Activities

• Spend a good time enjoying the sea vibe. 
• Go for a short beach walk. 
• Spot the local deers in the beach.

Notable Hotels To Stay

Embassy Suites by Hilton, DoubleTree Hilton Hotel

What To Eat

Italian dishes, Seafood

8. Cocoa Beach

Overview

Do you have kids who are crazy about beaches? Do you observe an interest in surfing? Well, then take them to Cocoa Beach for a trip. This is one of the best beaches in Florida for families where surf classes are held on a daily basis. 

Moreover, you can be safe with your children as the beach has shallow waters. You can even go kayaking on the beach. The best you can do is have a little picnic session and take a dip on the pristine beach.

You can even get the views of the Kennedy Space Center as it lies very near to Cocoa Beach. You can go for a short and formal trip to the KSC. Expect to learn a lot of things about space during your visit. Yet another spot that you should not miss is Lori Wilson Park.

This park attracts a lot of birds and you can get outstanding photographs. So, do not forget to take your camera with a pair of tele lenses. 

Family Activities

• Go surfing and swimming with your kids. 
• Visit the Kennedy Space Center from the beach. 
• Spend some good time taking photos in Lori Wilson Park. 

Notable Hotels To Stay

Westgate Resort, Hilton Cocoa Beach OceanFront.

What To Eat

Crab dishes,  Lobster dishes, Grilled Shrimp

9. Fernandina Beach

Overview

Fernandina Beach can come in the list of the best beaches in Florida for families. The main reason is the clear blue water you get here. Moreover, it gives the visitors a chance to visit the Fort Clinch State Park.

Here you can check out some good art galleries.

Yet another point where you can spend time is Egan’s Green Creekway. However, this is a protected place but you can still take a walk by the place. Even wildlife experts can approach you and tell you a lot of things about the place. 

Family Activities

• Do not forget to swim in the seawater when you are at Fernandina Beach.
• Visit the Egan’s Green Creekway without failing.
• Take part in the interactive programs conducted by the wildlife experts.

Notable Hotels To Stay

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, The Courtyard Hotel by Marriot

What To Eat

Crab delicacies, Shrimp dishes, Steaks

10. New Smyrna Beach

Overview

If you are out for a few days with your family for a beach trip, the New Smyrna Beach can be the place for you. It is located in a historic district and you would love to explore it with your family.

As per the locations nearby, you can get a lighthouse, a museum, and a lot of sand dunes in this place. Here you can also witness some outdoor programs.

Finally, you should remember that New Smyrna Beach is also a surf-friendly beach. So, you can anytime enjoy the shallow waves.

Family Activities

• Explore all the nearby locations from the New Smyrna Beach.
• Enjoy surfing but with precautions.
• Do not forget to visit Smyrna Dunes Park.

Notable Hotels To Stay

Black Dolphin Inn, Islander Beach Resort

What To Eat

French Bakery items, Pork Osso Bucco, Seafish delicacies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What Is The Most Family-Friendly Beach In Florida?

Clearwater Beach is the most family-friendly beach in the USA. 

2. What Is The Number 1 Beach In Florida?

Panama City Beach is the Number 1 beach in Florida.

3. What’s The Prettiest Beach In Florida?

Cocoa Beach is the prettiest beach in Florida. 

4. Which Side Of Florida Has The Best Beaches?

The Gulf side of Florida has the prettiest beaches.

Final Words

There are many states in the US that have coastlines with the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. However, you can consider Florida to be the best state to visit for a beach vacation. You can get into the state by regular flights or just following the highway. choose a destination from the best beaches in Florida for families.

The best time to visit Florida is during the summer or the fall. So, you can consider visiting the state during the months of April, May, September, and October. Then, what are you waiting for? Plan for a family beach vacation to Florida NOW!

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