With a toddler to entertain, we began the search for great safe beaches, the best playgrounds and a place to see flamingos up close near our Fort Lauderdale home. Our mission was accomplished, and we share our best finds.
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…
Tarpon Springs: Visit dazzling island of Anclote Key on boat from Sponge Docks
Tarpon Springs is best known for its Greek sponge docks. But a boat trip to Anclote Key, one of Florida’s most remote state parks, is even better. Anclote Key is a perfect island beach, perhaps more tantalizing because it’s not easy to visit.
Casey Key: Hidden treasure is ideal base for bicyclists, beach lovers
Casey Key, a skinny 8-mile-long barrier island south of Sarasota, is a great destination for someone who wants to pedal a great bike trail in the morning, beachcomb amid natural beauty in the afternoon and then enjoy an authentic waterfront fish house for dinner.
Jetty Park: Beachfront cabins & camping in Cape Canaveral
Jetty Park, with a terrific beach, fishing jetty and a view of passing ships, has a campground and small cabins. It’s an appealing getaway, with a few catches.
35 pawrific dog-friendly beaches in Florida
There are 35 pawrific dog beaches in Florida. Find one near you.
Off-the-beaten path in Marco Island: Go beyond your hotel pool
The beach town of Marco Island is all manicured and modern, but here are four adventures into the wild and authentic Florida that are within a quick drive. You can wade across a lagoon to a wild beach or have lunch in a funky fishing town or stroll on a boardwalk into a beautiful old growth cypress swamp.
Once the ‘colored beach,’ outstanding state park honors civil rights leaders
The outstanding beach known as John U. Lloyd State Park is being renamed to honor Fort Lauderdale civil rights leaders Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson.
Beyond the shoreline: Exploring Fort Walton Beach
The Fort Walton Beach area is famous for its spectacular white sand beaches, but there is more to discover inland, from sand dunes to clear sandy-bottomed streams to miles of hiking trails.
Watch your step: This beach was for Navy frogmen. Now it’s yours
Avalon State Park is a quiet little beach once alive with Navy “frogmen” who trained here for the D-Day invasion.
Surf Fishing Basics
Surf fishing is a great way to get away from it all — alone or with the entire family. Be prepared with our popular checklist and how-to guide.
Beach Camping Checklist
I love beach camping. The sound of waves gently rolling onto the beach. A relaxing getaway to sooth the soul. But be prepared.