The best Florida beach towns are cozy and quaint, reflecting an Old Florida ambience. Here are seven of our favorites, all small enclaves worth discovering.
Best Florida Beaches
Best Beaches in Florida
Florida Rambler’s full catalog of stories about our favorite Florida beaches, many of them hidden treasures where you can find solace and sun, surf and sand, or excellent fishing. Family beaches to play and hidden gems you can only reach by kayak.
Browse our beach stories below…
Today’s Seaweed Snapshot
Massive, record-breaking amounts of Sargassum seaweed are washing up on Florida beaches, pushed ashore by strong spring winds and the Gulf Stream. The seaweed glut is particularly acute in the Keys, South Florida and Treasure Coast.
Blowing Rocks Preserve: Dramatic beach in Jupiter is unique
Craggy limestone rocks form a dramatic beach-scape, far different from the usual sandy beach. At the right time, waves crash into the rocks, spurting water 50 feet into the air.
Anastasia State Park seduces. Stunning beach, shady campground.
‘Glamping’ bungalows are now being offered at this outstanding oceanfront park near St. Augustine.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples ranks #6 in nation after hurricane recovery
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has superb white sand, clear water and is ranked #6 in the US. Facilities are still recovering from damages from 2024 hurricanes, but the beach is as spectacular as ever.
11 outstanding outdoor things to do in Amelia Island
With eight state parks, a national park, scads of history and top beaches, Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach make a great base to explore northeast Florida.
Ten getaways for Florida’s hot summer
Florida summers are hotter than ever, but there are advantages to travel then — lower rates, fewer people, inviting waters. We picked our 10 favorite destinations for hot weather.
Best beaches in the Florida Keys and Key West
Beaches may be rare in the Florida Keys, but they do exist. You just have to know where to go.
7 of 10 top U.S. beaches are in Florida & Hawaii, says ‘Dr. Beach’
This year’s No. 1 beach is in the Hawaiian islands, but Nos. 2, 3 and 6 are in Florida, according to FIU professor Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach” for his annual rankings.
Fort Clinch: Worth a drive to explore Amelia Island park with all sorts of fun
This state park is so worth a drive to explore. It would take days to experience it all – a beautiful beach, a well-preserved Civil War fort, hiking, biking, wildlife, great camping.
Hutchinson Island’s House of Refuge: Beautiful beach site is window to past
The historic Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge couldn’t be in a prettier spot. It tells the story of a wild Florida of tall ships and pioneers. It’s one-of-a-kind, the last surviving refuge for shipwrecked sailors. There’s even a shipwreck to snorkel here.