Beaches in Florida

Best beaches in Florida are a matter of taste; we all have favorites. But Dr. Beach makes a science of it. Here are 10 Florida beaches he has rated tops over the years.

Bicycling the Pinellas Trail is one of the top things to do in Dunedin, but this charming Tampa Bay area town has more to offer, with eight breweries plus great restaurants and coffee shops in its walkable historic downtown. Twenty minutes away are two excellent state parks with award-winning beaches.

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.

Top-shelf spring break destinations along Florida’s Southwest coast are taking it on the chin in 2023 as red tide smothers beaches. Panhandle and Atlantic beaches are red-tide free.

Beaches in the Florida Keys aren’t as common as many expect, but there are some great beaches if you know where to go. We also include two new free parks with excellent swimming holes and amenities.

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, and it recently reopened.

Florida A1A stretches the whole length of the state’s Atlantic coast. But the can’t-miss part is this 30 miles in Northeast Florida. Here are the best stops along that route, some you might miss without our tips.

Visiting here, I found myself amazed that places like Anna Maria Island survive — a low-rise beach town with quaint cottages and a spectacular beach. No, you won’t have it all to yourself, but it’s still a special spot to discover.

The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk bike trail is a delightful bike ride. A trip to Old Florida, it has vintage buildings, casual beachfront eateries and great views.

One of South Florida’s most scenic beaches, Deerfield Beach is a diamond in the rough.

Ponce Inlet is a calm ocean-front town at the tip of a barrier island. Its beachfront was hit hard by Hurricane Nicole’s storm surge Nov. 7. But its stunning lighthouse is open to visitors, as are many parks, its inlet beach and picturesque places to eat fresh seafood.

These new Florida Keys parks take refreshing swimming holes popular with locals and upgrade them with picnic tables, kayak launches, restrooms and parking. Both of these new parks are perfect stops along the scenic Overseas Highway.

With the best beach in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda is everyone’s favorite. We also love the park for its historic bridge, great beachfront camping and cabins.

Florida Islands don’t come any better than Sanibel, but while that paradise recovers from Hurricane Ian, we think you’ll find lots to love in these 5 other destinations.

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.

Surf fishing is a terrific family outing — or a quiet escape to get away alone. Be prepared with our popular checklist and how-to guide. (Photo by Jerry Lower, The Coastal Star)

It’s easy to find a beach in Florida. It’s harder to find a hidden beach, a beach where you experience a sense of discovery and delicious isolation. Here, however, I share my favorites, discovered over many years.