Last Updated on February 26, 2024
Florida beach towns are some of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year.
With thousands of miles of pristine coastline, crystal clear waters, and year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder that Florida is known as the Sunshine State.
From the laid-back vibe of Santa Rosa Beach to the vibrant culture of Key West, each Florida beach town offers its own unique charm and attractions.
We’re highlighting some of the best Florida beach towns and what makes them worth visiting.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, outdoor adventure, or cultural experiences, there is a Florida beach town that’s perfect for you.
Table of contents
Northwest Florida
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Santa Rosa Beach is a great beach town located in the Florida Panhandle. The town boasts stunning natural beauty with its soft, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and surrounding pine forests and dunes.
It has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which makes it perfect for those seeking a peaceful and quiet vacation.
Santa Rosa Beach also has a diverse selection of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants that offer dining with waterfront views or browse boutique shops for unique souvenirs.
For outdoor activities, Santa Rosa Beach has a lot to offer. Visitors can swim, kayak, paddleboard, fish, or take a stroll along the beach.
The town is also home to several state parks (Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, and Eden Gardens State Park), which offer hiking trails, bike paths, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
For more information, visit the official Visit South Walton website.
While you are there, check out: 10 Top Things to Do in Santa Rosa Beach.
North Central Florida
Cedar Key, FL
Although Cedar Key is one of the lesser-known beach towns on this list, this Gulf Coast gem is definitely worth a visit. It offers a unique and charming small-town atmosphere.
The town is on a series of small islands, giving it a distinct coastal feel and stunning waterfront views.
Spectacular Cedar Key is home to several beautiful beaches, including Cedar Key Beach and the nearby Shell Mound Park.
These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
The town has a rich history and culture, evident in its architecture, museums, and art galleries.
Visitors can stroll through the historic downtown area, visit the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum, or explore the town’s many art galleries and studios.
For more information, visit the official Cedar Key website.
While you are there, check out: Authentic Cedar Key – Old Florida Charm.
Cedar Key is also home to the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts Festival.
Northeast Florida
St. Augustine Beach, FL
St. Augustine Beach is a unique beach town that offers visitors a combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. The area has a history that dates back over 450 years.
The Spanish founded St. Augustine in 1565, making it the country’s oldest continuously occupied European settlement.
Visitors can also enjoy shopping in the town’s many boutique shops, visiting its parks, and dining at waterfront restaurants that serve up delicious food and tasty treats.
St. Augustine Beach is also home to several beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. These beaches offer soft sand, clear waters, and swimming, surfing, and beachcombing opportunities.
Visitors can also enjoy various outdoor activities, such as biking or kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing in the nearby waters.
For more information, visit the official St. Augustine Beach website.
While you are there, check out: Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine.
Central West Florida
Clearwater Beach, FL
There’s no doubt why Clearwater Beach is consistently voted one of the best beaches in Florida. This award-winning town offers visitors a perfect combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.
Family-friendly Clearwater Beach is known for its soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy soaking up the sun on the beach, swimming in the warm waters, and watching the gorgeous sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
Clearwater Beach is also home to Pier 60, which hosts a nightly sunset celebration with street performers, live music, and craft vendors.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also popular, allowing visitors the chance to see and learn about marine life.
Visitors can go fishing, dolphin watching, or take a sunset sail on a catamaran.
The stunning Clearwater Beach area offers visitors a range of great restaurants and shops as well as nightlife options. The town has a variety of boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops for visitors to peruse.
The Clearwater Beach restaurants offer various cuisines, from fresh seafood to international fare.
Visitors can enjoy drinks and live music at the many bars and clubs in the area.
For more information, visit the official Visit St. Pete Clearwater website.
Before you go to the beach check out the 20 Best Places to Find Sand Dollars in Florida.
Central East Florida
Flagler Beach, FL
Flagler Beach is a cool Florida beach town that offers visitors a laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and interesting educational attractions.
Flagler Beach is known for its unspoiled beaches that offer visitors a chance to relax and unwind.
The town has a wide range of beachfront parks and public access points, making it easy for visitors to find a spot to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
Unlike some of the bustling beach towns in Florida, Flagler Beach has a relaxing atmosphere that appeals to visitors who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a slower pace.
One of the interesting cultural attractions in Flagler Beach is the Flagler Beach Museum, which showcases the town’s history and heritage.
The museum features exhibits on the town’s early settlers, the development of the tourist industry, and the history of the local fishing industry.
For more information, visit the official Flagler Beach website.
While you are there, check out: Things to Do on the Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches
Southwest Florida
Naples, FL
Naples is a Florida beach town that offers visitors a luxurious coastal experience.
The town is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, with several miles of coastline that offer visitors a chance to soak up the sun, swim in the warm waters, and enjoy a variety of water sports.
Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular here.
In addition to its water activities, Naples offers visitors a variety of other things to enjoy. Golfing is particularly popular. The town is home to several world-class golf courses.
Shopping is another popular activity, with the downtown area offering a variety of high-end boutiques and galleries.
Dining is another highlight of Naples, with a range of restaurants offering culinary experiences from around the world.
For more information, visit the official City of Naples website.
While you are there, check out: Naples, FL Ultimate Trip Guide
Southeast Florida
Key West, FL
Key West is a famous beach town in the Florida Keys known for its incredible blend of culture, outdoor adventure, and nightlife. The town has a unique and vibrant culture, which includes a rich history, a thriving arts scene, and a lively music scene.
Visitors can explore the town’s history at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum or visit the Key West Art and Historical Society to learn about the town’s cultural heritage.
The town also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including art festivals, music concerts, and theater productions.
Key West is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Visitors can explore the colorful coral reefs and exotic marine life or try their hand at deep-sea fishing.
The town is also home to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Florida’s southernmost state park. The park includes a historic fort and Key West’s favorite beach, so it’s absolutely worth a visit.
For more information, visit the official City of Key West website.
While you are there, check out: Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West
Additional Best Florida Beach Towns
- Panama City Beach
- Amelia Island
- Fernandina Beach
- Tarpon Springs
- St. Pete Beach
- Daytona Beach
- Cocoa Beach
- New Smyrna Beach
- Sanibel Island
- Captiva Island
- Siesta Key
- Anna Maria Island
- Fort Myers
- Marco Island
- Venice Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- West Palm Beach
- Delray Beach
- Key Biscayne
- South Beach
- Miami Beach
- Key Largo