When you go on vacation with your family, you want to go somewhere quiet; somewhere your kids can play and have fun; somewhere you and your partner can unwind and relax in the sun; somewhere you can build sandcastles with the kids and watch them go in the water without worrying about them drifting away with the currents.
Here’s a list of the 10 best beaches in Florida for families as you plan your next Florida beach vacation.
1. Amelia Island (Main Beach Park)
Top on our list of best beaches in Florida for families is Amelia Island. Amelia is stunning and is located on the northern corner of the sunshine state in the little town of Fernandina Beach. Everything from the white sandy beach to the crystal clear blue waters of the Atlantic makes it a paradise you never want to leave.
The sand is soft and firm, perfect for building sand castles and searching for shark teeth and seashells – an activity most kids can’t get enough of. If they get bored, you can take them to the playground or go on the boardwalk to enjoy majestic ocean views. The older kids can enjoy a round of mini golf or basketball on the courts not too far away.
Amelia Island has plenty of useful amenities, including restrooms and showers, making it easy to wash off sandy kids.
Recommended nearby stay in Jacksonville Beach: View listing
2. Anna Maria Island (Bradenton Beach)
Aside from the spectacular views of Anna Maria Island, one of the biggest selling points is that it is not overcrowded. It is no secret that the best beaches in Florida for families tend to get packed, no matter what time of year you go. Anna Maria is the exception.
This charming little island is home to Bradenton Beach, a stunning little gem you’ll fall in love with when you set foot on it. It is ideal for families looking for a private, laid-back escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The entire stretch of the shorefront has several lifeguard stations set up, so you can relax and enjoy the sun without worrying about your kids’ safety in the water.
Anna Maria offers plenty of family-friendly activities you can enjoy with your children, including swimming, snorkeling, and building sand castles. There’s even a fishing pier you can go on and see what you can reel in.
Aside from Bradenton Beach, other beaches you can visit while on the island include Bean Point, Cortez, Coquina, Bayfront, Manatee, and Holmes Beach.
Recommended nearby stay in Bradenton Beach: View listing
3. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is arguably one of the most child-friendly beaches in Florida. The number of activities you can do with your kids is virtually infinite. You can go on scavenger hunts, boat tours, deep sea fishing, fishing off of Pier 60, or visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see some exotic fish species native to the region.
The beach has no shortage of water sports. You can do everything from paddle boarding and jet skiing to windsurfing and sailing. Once you tuck the kids into bed at night, you and your partner can catch a buzz at the local clubs or go on a moonlight cruise and dine under the stars.
Recommended nearby stay in Clearwater Beach: View listing
4. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has aptly been crowned the surf capital of the nation. If you want to surf with your kids or have them learn how to surf, there’s no better place than Cocoa Beach to do it. You can sign them up for a surf camp, most of which run all year round, or book a few lessons while you’re there.
Situated on the Space Coast, you can visit the Kennedy Space Center for an educational tour and a spaceship launch schedule. If you’re lucky, you might be able to witness a rocket launch right from the shore. It’s one of those experiences that will be ingrained in your children’s memory forever.
If you have young kids, head to Lori Wilson Park, located directly on the shorefront of the Atlantic Ocean. It has plenty of amenities, including showers, restrooms, picnic tables with overhead shelters, barbecue grills, and pavilions.
There’s also a playground to keep young children entertained and nature boardwalks where you and your family can enjoy magnificent Atlantic Ocean views. Be sure to stick around for the sunset. It is pretty spectacular and will make for some fun Instagram-worth photos.
Recommended nearby stay in Indian Rocks Beach: View listing
5. Fort Lauderdale Beach
When hunting for the best beaches in Florida for families, it is impossible to ignore the beauty of Fort Lauderdale Beach. How can you pass up the chance to frolic in golden sand that stretches out as far as the eyes can see?
Fort Lauderdale Beach is made for families with children of all ages. Whether you have fussy toddlers or moody teenagers, there’s something fun to do for everyone.
There’s a lifeguard on site to ensure your kids are safe while swimming in the water. Several vendors rent out bikes, boats, cabanas, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, and practically anything you might need while on the beach.
Food shacks scattered along the beach sell fresh, mouthwatering seafood cuisine. Plenty of restaurants are also nearby if you’re craving a different type of delicacy.
You can let your kids loose on the nearby playground at Sebastian Street for some good old-fashioned fun and sandcastle building. They’re guaranteed to have a blast.
Recommended nearby stay in Dania Beach: View listing
6. Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island isn’t just great for newlywed couples. It is a fantastic beach holiday destination for families with young and older kids. The beaches stretch out for more than four miles, not to mention the three miles of hiking trails webbing through the island.
When you get to Honeymoon Island, don’t just stay in one area. You can bike through the island, go paddle boarding, canoeing, snorkeling, or swimming.
Put on your hiking shoes and explore everything the state park offers.
Plenty of amenities are available, including restrooms, bathrooms, and showers conveniently located at different spots on the island. Keep in mind that Honeymoon Island is a state park, so you’ll have to pay a small fee to access the facilities. This cost is inclusive of the price of parking.
Recommended nearby stay in Crystal Beach: View listing
7. Key Beach (Key West)
Key Beach, popularly known as Smathers Beach, is breathtaking. It has excellent infrastructure and tame waters, making it ideal for young kids to go swimming and snorkeling. From the moment you set foot there, it feels like you’re in paradise.
Everything from the white sand to the warm turquoise water is perfect for a day of fun and relaxation for the whole family. It has numerous amenities, including gear and equipment rental shops, food shacks, playgrounds, volleyball courts, public restrooms, and shower facilities.
While you’re there, stop by the Corner Sandwich Shop. The Cuban sandwiches and coffee are an absolute delight.
Recommended nearby stay in Old Town Key West: View listing
8. Marco Island (Tigertail Beach)
Hidden away on Marco Island is Tigertail Beach, a treasure just waiting to be uncovered. Its white sandy beach is perfect for shell hunting, sand castle building, and sunbathing. The island is home to several bird species and wildlife you can explore during a nature walk. There’s a bird-watching tower perched on the boardwalk that extends from the parking lot.
Marco Island has plenty of family-friendly amenities, making it ideal for adults and children. If you have young kids, the inner part of the beach has calm, shallow waters where they can splash around without drifting off into the deeper waters. The older kids might enjoy venturing out on jet skis, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and other watercraft.
Recommended nearby stay in Crystal Beach: View listing
9. Miami Beach (North Beach Oceanside Park)
Miami is considered one of the nation’s leading party destinations—second only to Las Vegas. Miami Beach, in particular, is regarded as party central, and, for the most part, it is. You probably didn’t know that there are several family-friendly spots on Miami Beach. After all, this Florida beach stretches out for nine miles. One of these spots is North Beach Oceanside Park, located between 78th and 87th Street.
The beach has a dog park and a children’s playground, perfect for a family vacation. The park has many amenities, including changing facilities, restrooms, and showers. The sunsets on the oceanfront are pretty spectacular. If you want a change of scenery, you can take a long walk and explore the different sights.
Recommended nearby stay in Dania Beach: View listing
10. Navarre Beach (Marine Park)
Situated in the northern-west part of Florida is Navarre Beach Marine Park. The crystal-clear turquoise water and the powdery white sand are a sight to behold. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida and worldwide.
The lack of overcrowding sets Navarre Beach apart from the other beaches in Florida. If you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back place to spend quality time with your family on the east coast while soaking up the sun, this is the place to do it.
Since it is also a marine park, this Florida beach has many family amenities, including showers, restrooms, sheltered picnic tables, and pavilions. While you’re there, take a stroll to the nearby Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Your kids will love seeing and interacting with the rescued turtles. It makes for a fun and educational experience that will live in their memories for years to come.
Recommended nearby stay in Pensacola Beach: View listing
In the meantime, check out our top picks for the best beaches in Kentucky.