Looking for a beach holiday spot for the whole family? If you’re looking for the ideal beach vacation, Florida is the place to be. Florida has over 1,300 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful and magnificent beaches in the world. But, with so many alternatives, how can you pick where to go? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. We’ll show you the greatest beaches in Florida for families, complete with kid-friendly activities, amenities, and, of course, pure white dunes and crystal-clear waters. From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast, pack your sunscreen, towels, and sand toys and head to Florida to find the perfect beach break for your family.
1. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is a wonderful choice for an energetic family seeking outdoor activities during their Florida beach vacation. The island has 23 miles of dedicated bicycle lanes, giving families lots of possibilities to explore the area on two wheels. Renting a bike is a quick and easy way to discover the island’s hidden beauties, such as the isolated beaches of Fort Clinch State Park, where families may spend the day sunbathing, playing in the sand, and taking a dip in the ocean.
In addition to the beaches and cycling, families may visit Fernandina Beach’s lovely downtown area, which is dotted with restaurants and boutiques. Strolling through the downtown streets is a fascinating way to experience the local culture while discovering interesting stores and galleries. The Amelia Island Museum of History provides an insight into the island’s rich history, while the historic Fort Clinch State Park allows visitors to travel back in time and experience military life in the nineteenth century.
2. Key Biscayne
Miami Beach is a popular location for families wishing to soak up the sun and experience South Florida’s lively culture. The crowds and adrenaline of the Miami Beach fray, on the other hand, might be overpowering for some families. Key Biscayne, located over the causeway from downtown Miami and Brickell, is a fantastic choice for a more casual and family-friendly beach vacation.
Baggs, Bill Cape Florida State Park is one of Key Biscayne’s best family beaches, with a long and undeveloped stretch of pristine sand and crystal-clear waters. Families can spend the day relaxing on the beach, playing in the calm waves, or touring the park’s historic lighthouse, which was built in 1825. Ascend the 95 steps to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding vicinity.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne in Miami is a wonderful choice for families looking for a little extra elegance and amenities. The stunning resort sits on a gorgeous beach and provides a Ritz Kids Club right on the premises that arrange diverse supervised programs for kids. While the kids are having fun in the club, parents can rest by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment.
3. Longboat Key
Longboat Key, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a lovely and calm beach spot ideal for families looking for a peaceful and restful vacation. Longboat Key is a predominantly residential beach community where families can unwind and enjoy the sun at some of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in Florida, making it an ideal destination for those with young children or who want to unwind and bask in the sunshine.
Families enjoy staying at condominium-style properties such as Sand Cay Beach Resort, which have spacious suites with full kitchens and gulf-front barbeque areas. These accommodations offer ample room for families to unwind and spend quality time, making it easy to feel comfortable and extend their stay. While the kids play on the beach or splash in the pool, parents can make meals in fully-equipped kitchens.
Families can take a break from the beach by driving to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, which provides a fascinating look at the local marine life. Manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of fish and other aquatic species can be seen by visitors. The aquarium also has interactive exhibits and educational events for youngsters, making it a terrific family learning experience.
4. Vero Beach
Located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Vero Beach is a fantastic pick for families in need of a laid-back beach vacation with much to do. Vero Beach is great for families who wish to leave the car behind for the week and instead take advantage of the city on foot or by bike because of the city’s excellent pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
The Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa is a wonderful resort for families that is conveniently positioned near the beach. Beach cruiser bikes, stand-up paddleboards, and sea kayaks are all available to guests as part of the resort fee, making it simple for families to get out and enjoy the water. There are several restaurants located near the property, such as Waldo’s Restaurant, Mulligan’s Beach House, and The Lemon Tree, that offer seaside dining options within walking distance.
The Spanish galleons that were lost here in a hurricane in 1715 gave rise to the region’s nickname, “Treasure Coast,” which has a rich history all its own. Visit Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum with the kids and then go treasure hunting for real pirate loot on the beach to round off their education.
5. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a fantastic beach town for families, as it has many attractions and activities that people of all ages may enjoy. One of the most intriguing aspects of Cocoa Beach is its closeness to Cape Canaveral, providing visitors with the opportunity to witness rocket launches and discover the history of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge also offers sea turtle walks for families to observe nesting females throughout the summer months. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for families to come together, participate in vital conservation efforts, and view these beautiful creatures in their native habitat, an experience they will never forget.
Cocoa Beach is an excellent vacation spot for surf-loving families. Kelly Slater, the current world surfing champion, grew up in this area, which also boasts numerous surf schools and rental shops. Cocoa Beach is home to some of Florida’s most stunning shores, making it an ideal destination for a day trip with the family, even if surfing isn’t your thing.
6. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a popular vacation spot for families in Florida due to the abundance of fun things to do there. Taking a dolphin cruise at sunset in the Gulf of Mexico is a very common thing to do. While taking in the breathtaking sunset, families can enjoy watching dolphins play and splash in the sea. Offshore, Shell Island is another must-see destination that may be reached by boat. This uninhabited island is perfect for families looking to get back to nature.
With 27 miles of pristine white sand, Panama City Beach has some of the best beaches in Florida. The shallow, typically tranquil waters are great for families with little children to splash around and play around. St. Andrews State Park’s pristine beach is an ideal location for families to engage in activities such as building sandcastles and reenacting the life of a castaway.
Pier Park is a fantastic option for families in search of a more lively environment. This complex is more than just a place to go shopping and eat; it also features an IMAX cinema and other entertainment opportunities.
7. St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach in Tampa Bay is a great place to take the kids if you want to see some urban attractions as well as relax on the beach. The Don CeSar is a beachfront hotel that provides a number of family-friendly services, such as free bicycles and two pools overlooking the gulf. The calm, mild waves of the Gulf of Mexico are perfect for families to enjoy a day at the beach.
However, St. Pete Beach is much more than just a picturesque beach. The nearby downtown area is filled with fun things to do, eat, and shop for the whole family. The St. Pete Pier is a popular destination since it has a bay beach and a marine-themed playground. The rooftop tiki bar and restaurant are a great place for tired parents to unwind while taking in breathtaking views of downtown St. Pete.
Family-friendly activities abound, from dolphin-watching cruises and snorkeling outings to fishing charters. It’s just a short trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where kids can meet Winter, the dolphin from the Disney film “Dolphin Tale.” And St. Petersburg’s Great Explorations Children’s Museum has plenty of interactive displays and activities to keep kids of all ages busy for hours.
8. New Smyrna Beach
Families who want to get away from the noise and bustle of Orlando’s amusement parks will find New Smyrna Beach to be the perfect getaway. This East Coast beach community has the friendly atmosphere of a small town and miles of broad beaches ideal for cruising on a beach cruiser. There is a wide range of beachside lodging options for families, from hotels to condos to rental houses.
The Black Dolphin Inn is a quaint bed and breakfast hidden in an oak tree neighborhood on the banks of the Indian River, perfect for families searching for a one-of-a-kind vacation. Airboat rides along the St. Johns River and eco-tours from the Marine Discovery Center allow families to see manatees and dolphins away from the beach.
Water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also accessible to families. There are many places to eat and shop that cater to families in the New Smyrna Beach area, as well as parks and playgrounds.
Florida has some of the best beaches in the country, making it a favorite destination for families looking for sun, sand, and surf. There is a beach for every sort of family, from the pristine beaches of the Gulf Coast to the vibrant coasts of Miami. Many of these beaches not only provide spectacular vistas and water sports, but also family-friendly lodging, restaurants, and off-beach diversions. Florida’s beaches are sure to deliver a fantastic family vacation, whether you choose a calm and serene ambiance or a crowded boardwalk scene.