Top 10 Family-Friendly Beaches in Florida for a Picture-Perfect Vacation
Want to break out of your winter blues? Florida is the perfect place if you’re looking for some fun and sun for your next family vacation. In 2023, Florida received approximately 135 million visitors.
Florida is also home to numerous beaches, so there’s no shortage of surf and sand family-fun beach activities to choose from. If you’re looking for the best family beach vacations in Florida, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading below for the top 10 family-friendly beaches to explore on your Florida vacation.
1. Siesta Key Beach
Florida’s expansive coastline plays host to an impressive 825 miles of warm sandy beaches. Siesta Key Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches not just in Florida but in the world as well.
Located near Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach is famous for its powdery white quartz sand, which is incredibly soft and cool to the touch. Engage in fun beach activities like an electric bike sunset tour and a dolphin and manatee adventure.
The beach is also known for its family-friendly atmosphere. It has gentle waves and a gradual slope into the water, with lifeguards on duty, making it safe for children to swim.
2. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach, situated along Florida’s Gulf Coast, is renowned for its pristine white sands and clear blue waters. The beach’s gentle waters are perfect for swimming and playing, with lifeguards ensuring safety.
Pier 60 is a hub of activity, offering fishing and nightly entertainment. There’s also a playground for kids. Beach activities and water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding are popular.
Nearby attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium provide additional family-friendly fun. If you’re searching for beach house rentals in Florida, Clearwater is an ideal location for a beach vacation.
3. Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park near St. Petersburg, Florida, is a nature lover’s paradise offering pristine beaches, nature trails, and historic sites. Families can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests and wetlands.
The park’s historic fort provides insight into its military past. Fishing, boating, and camping opportunities offer outdoor adventures and family fun for all ages. With dog-friendly areas and scenic views, Fort De Soto Park is a great destination for a family vacation in Florida.
4. Miami Beach
In 2023, Miami’s average temperature was 86.5º. While known for its vibrant nightlife, Miami Beach also offers family-friendly areas like South Pointe Park Beach. It’s one of the best family beach vacations in Florida for a reason.
Miami Beach boasts miles of sandy shores with clear blue waters that are perfect for beach activities like swimming and sunbathing. The beach is well-maintained and offers amenities like restrooms, showers, and lifeguards for safety.
Beyond the beach, Miami Beach offers a variety of family-friendly attractions. Jungle Island is a popular zoological park with exotic animals and interactive experiences. The Miami Children’s Museum features hands-on exhibits and educational programs for kids of all ages.
5. Naples Beach
Naples Beach is known for its stunning sunsets, which can be enjoyed from the beach or one of the many waterfront restaurants in the area.
Naples Beach offers a variety of beach activities for families to enjoy. Visitors can swim in the calm waters, build sandcastles, or simply relax and soak up the sun. The beach also has volleyball courts and beach equipment rentals available.
It also has a laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere. The gentle waves and a gradual slope into the water make it a safe place for children to swim.
6. St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast is a family-friendly destination known for its beautiful beaches and range of activities. The beach’s soft, white sands and calm waters make it ideal for families.
Nearby accommodations like hotels and vacation rentals cater to families with convenient access to the beach. St. Pete Beach offers a variety of water sports and beach activities, from parasailing to paddleboarding, jet skiing, and boat tours.
7. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is nestled just off the northeast coast of Florida. It’s a charming and picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and family-friendly activities.
This is one of the best places for family fun with 13 miles of golden beaches, perfect for swimming and beachcombing. Family-friendly attractions include the Amelia Island Museum of History, Fort Clinch State Park, and festival events.
Amelia Island provides a well-rounded vacation experience for families seeking relaxation and adventure.
8. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is located on Florida’s Space Coast. It’s a vibrant and family-friendly destination known for its beautiful beaches, surf culture, and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.
The beach offers surfing, kayaking, and other water sports. Meanwhile, the Cocoa Beach Pier provides dining, shopping, and fishing opportunities.
Nearby, the Kennedy Space Center offers educational experiences and family fun. The nature reserves, like the Thousand Islands Conservation Area, provide wildlife viewing and kayaking.
9. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is situated along Florida’s southeastern coast. It offers seven miles of beautiful coastline with golden sands and clear waters. This makes it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The beach has a family-friendly atmosphere with lifeguards on duty and gentle waves, providing a safe environment for children to play. Families can enjoy a variety of beach activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Ft. Lauderdale Beach is also close to family-friendly attractions like the Museum of Discovery and Science, with events and festivals throughout the year. It’s one of the best family beach vacations in Florida, offering entertainment for all ages.
10. Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach sits on Santa Rosa Island in the Gulf of Mexico. This stunning destination is known for its white sandy beaches and clear waters. Families can enjoy outdoor beach activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and dolphin-watching cruises.
The beach is close to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which offers nature trails and historic forts to explore. Pensacola Beach also features family-friendly attractions such as the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Gulf Breeze Zoo.
Discover the Best Family Beach Vacations in Florida and More Right Here
Planning a memorable Florida vacation can be a challenge. But with these Florida beach recommendations, you’ll be able to plan the best family beach vacations in Florida.
