The best beaches in Florida

With miles of stunning coastline, diverse culture and world-renowned attractions, it’s no wonder that Florida is a top vacation destination. But with so many beach towns to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go for a Florida beach getaway.

Check out this list of some of Florida’s top beaches so you can pick the one that satisfies your travel style and interests. 

What you’ll learn:

• Florida has some of the most pristine beaches in the country, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an adventure-packed trip or a family-friendly vacation.

• Some popular Florida beaches include South Beach, Destin, Clearwater and Cocoa Beach.

• Once you’ve picked your beach destination, you can use Capital One Travel to find the best prices on thousands of flights, hotels and rental cars.

If you’re looking to connect, consider a couples getaway trip filled with sunshine, relaxation and adventure at one of these must-visit Florida beaches.

Consistently recognized as a top tourist destination, Palm Beach is the perfect blend of old-world charm, modern luxury and seaside beauty. Palm Beach boasts impressive architecture, cultural festivals and a world-class dining scene. It’s also home to award-winning golf courses if you and your partner want to enjoy a round together.

As the name suggests, Honeymoon Island is the perfect getaway for couples—especially if you’re nature lovers. The island got its name from the 50 honeymoon cottages that were constructed in the 1940s. Now, Honeymoon Island is home to an expansive state park where you can swim, fish, hike and bicycle. If you want to keep exploring, you can hop on the ferry to Caladesi Island for a beach picnic.

South Beach is home to gorgeous beaches, unforgettable dining experiences, Art Deco architecture and an iconic arts and cultural scene. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the nightlife, South Beach has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a swanky lounge, a vibrant dance club or a laid-back brewery. While you’re in the area, you can enjoy craft coffee, breakfast, lunch, snacks and more at one of Miami’s Capital One Cafés.

If you’re looking for a cozy feel, Surfside Beach is a smaller seaside community in the Miami area. A major allure of Surfside Beach is how remote and secluded it feels, not to mention the luxurious resorts with beachfront access. Take a stroll through town between stints on the beach to admire the charming buildings and grab lunch at a local deli. And while you’re in Surfside, be sure to keep an eye out for fun events like Jazz on the Beach.

If your travel style combines action-packed itineraries with fun in the sun, check out these Florida beaches.

Delray Beach is perfect for vacationers who are looking for that charming, small-town vibe without sacrificing big-city comforts. You can spend your days paddleboarding, waterskiing or snorkeling in the water. Or you can visit some of Delray’s top attractions, like the Wakodahatchee Wetlands and the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

Situated on Florida’s east coast, Hutchinson Island is a barrier island that’s ideal for kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and boating. If you visit between April and September, you might even be able to see sea turtles nesting on the beach. Plus, Hutchinson Island is one of the only places in Florida where you can ride horses on the beach, giving visitors a new way to explore the spectacular coastline.

Marco Island is the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands and is known for its unspoiled natural habitats and pro-designed golf courses. You can also spend your days boating or exploring the local food scene. Or you can catch your own dinner and enjoy a truly local seaside meal.

If you’re looking for an underwater adventure, consider a trip to Jupiter Beach and its world-renowned diving sites. You can explore vibrant coral reefs, marine life and shipwrecks. You can experience the best diving conditions from July through October, but there are great diving opportunities year-round. And if you’d rather stay on dry land, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore.

Florida’s Gulf Coast is full of gorgeous white sand beaches that are perfect for solo travelers, couples and families with kids. Here are a few to know about.

Destin is located on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Destin boasts calm, shallow waters full of blackfin tuna, grouper, king mackerel and more. Take it all in and understand why it’s known as “the world’s luckiest fishing village.” If fishing or snorkeling aren’t your thing, Destin still has a lot of fun to offer, including theme parks, shopping and waterfront dining.

Sanibel Island is easily accessible from Fort Myers and is known as the Seashell Capital of the World. So if you see people walking with their eyes locked on the beach, they’re probably hunting for shells. If outdoor adventures are your thing, make your way to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to see migratory birds, manatees and dolphins. You can also spend the day canoeing or kayaking through the stunning Calusa Blueway.

Siesta Key is a barrier island off Sarasota. Siesta Beach is known for its white quartz sand and crystal-clear water. It’s an accessible beach, with a 400-foot-long mobile mat and beach wheelchair rental service. You can also easily explore all the island has to offer with its free trolley system.

St. Pete Beach is in the St. Petersburg area of Florida and is known for its emerald-green water and breathtaking sunsets. If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy St. Pete’s local culinary scene, especially if you’re a fan of fresh seafood. You can also visit the Sunday Market to pick up some local produce and artisan crafts and enjoy live music.

Its beaches and theme parks alone make Florida a top destination for family vacations. Find out more about a few of Florida’s family-friendly beaches before you plan your next getaway with the kids.

Nestled off Florida’s west coast, Clearwater Beach sits on a long, thin island that’s accessible from the mainland and within about 25 miles of Tampa. 

If you’re looking for a relaxed, laid-back vibe, Clearwater could be a great option. While you’re there, the whole family can visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You might even be able to see some dolphins and other marine life in their natural habitat on one of Clearwater’s sightseeing boat tours.

With activities for kids of all ages, Cocoa Beach is a top Florida beach destination for families. It’s only 60 miles from Orlando, so if you’re visiting Orlando theme parks or other attractions, you might consider bringing your crew to the coast to break up the trip.

Cocoa Beach is also a big surfing town, so if you love to surf—or have always wanted to learn—this could be a great vacation destination. There’s also the famous Cocoa Beach Pier, where you can explore local restaurants, go shopping and enjoy live music.

About 35 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Amelia Island is part of Florida’s Sea Islands. It’s the perfect vacation spot for nature lovers, with its 13 miles of beaches to the east and beautiful marshes to the west. You and the kids can hike or bike Amelia Island’s plentiful trails. Plus, the island features pet-friendly dining and accommodations so your four-legged friends can join in on the fun.

Overlooking the clear waters of the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach is home to miles of dreamlike white sand beaches. The beaches speak for themselves, but there’s no shortage of activities—like amusement parks and boat tours—to keep your entire group entertained. While Panama City Beach is a top spring break destination, the city has put ordinances in place to maintain a more family-friendly atmosphere.

Once you’ve picked a Florida beach to visit, it’s time to plan your vacation. No matter your travel style, Capital One Travel can help you book with confidence. Capital One Travel tracks flight prices and predicts when it’s the right time to book, helping you save an average of 15%. Plus, eligible Capital One cardholders can earn elevated rewards on hotel, vacation rental and car bookings made through Capital One Travel. Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can also earn elevated rewards on flights booked through Capital One Travel.

With miles and miles of stunning coastline, there’s bound to be a Florida beach that fits your vacation style. If you’re looking for a travel credit card, Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable. View important rates and disclosures.  

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