The 4 Best Beaches in Florida for Families

A visit to Florida’s beautiful beaches is an experience your entire family will never forget. Florida is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family vacation with miles of sandy shorelines, warm sunshine, and crystal-clear waters. But with so many beaches, it might be difficult to know where to start.

That’s why we rounded up the best beaches in Florida for families in 2024. From white sand beaches in the Panhandle to vibrant beachfronts on the Atlantic Coast, these stunning beaches offer something special for parents, kids, and everyone else. Read on to find out our top picks for the best beaches in Florida for families.

Destin, Florida

Destin is a coastal city located on the Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida. This lovely beach town has long been a popular tourist destination thanks to its sugar-white sands and breathtaking sunsets. Its picturesque scenery makes it an ideal spot for families looking to swim, relax, and build sandcastles.

The sand on Destin’s beaches is among the whitest and softest in the country. In addition to sugary white quartz sand, this beach boasts warm gulf water and vivid sunsets. It’s also known for its emerald-colored waters and shallow Gulf Coast shoreline, which makes it perfect for wading and swimming with young children.

In addition to swimming and lounging on the beach, there are plenty of activities for families to enjoy on Destin’s beaches, such as fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding,and beach volleyball. Be sure to consider renting or purchasing a beach wagon to transport all your gear.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

Located on Florida’s west coast just 20 minutes from Tampa International Airport, Clearwater Beach is the perfect destination for families who want to relax while enjoying all Florida has to offer. Surrounding the powdery white sands are crystal clear turquoise waters brimming with marine life, making it one of Florida’s most visited beaches year-round.

Clearwater Beach is well known for its sun-soaked shoreline filled with lush palm trees and crystalline blue sea life habitats perfect for snorkeling and other aquatic activities. Plenty of public access points such as boardwalks, playgrounds, natural habitats filled with wildlife, and beachfront restaurants make it an enjoyable place for families to explore during their beach days.

Clearwater Beach offers something for everyone, from swimming and relaxing on the shoreline to exploring the vibrant coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. There’s also great opportunities to take part in such as strolls down the pier every evening, or visiting famous attractions like Winter the Dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium making this one of Florida’s must-visit beaches for families looking to make memories together on vacation!

South Beach, Miami

South Beach Miami is an iconic destination in Florida that attracts visitors worldwide every year due to its colorful scenery, unclouded waters, and soft white sand. With numerous shops and restaurants, South Beach is ideal for several days of taking in everything Miami boasts. In addition, families seeking a sun-soaked vacation experience can enjoy South Beach’s boardwalk, located just blocks from top Miami attractions such as Wynwood Walls and Little Havana.

South Beach’s long coastline features pristine white sand and sparkling waters, providing an excellent environment for water-based activities such as jet skiing and banana boating, available for rent from local vendors. There are also several kiosks throughout the beach that offer beach equipment, such as umbrellas and wagons.

Beyond water activities, South Beach offers plenty of family-friendly activities such as visiting Bayside Marketplace (a shopping complex with entertainment options), playing beach volleyball at South Pointe Park, or attending live events like movies under the stars and outdoor festivals. These exciting activities make South Beach the perfect destination for small group and large family getaways.

Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach is an idyllic destination along the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida and is commonly called “the Emerald Coast.” With 27 miles of sugar-white sands, this beach is perfect for taking picturesque snapshots and offers plenty of family-friendly activities to take part in.

The soft golden sands and shallow coastal waves make Panama City Beach a refreshing location for aquatic activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can safely enjoy boogie boarding, parasailing, or playing catch in waist-deep waters. Locals often call this beach “the World’s Most Beautiful Beach”.

Panama City Beach offers popular activities such as ziplining over waterside views or dolphin tours to learn about dolphin behaviors. Visitors can also partake in shark fishing excursions known as “Reelin’ N’ Chillin.” Local businesses offer complimentary rods and reels, so bringing your equipment, such as nets or tackle boxes, is unnecessary. However, renting out a beach wagon may become helpful during peak seasons.