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Best Beaches in Florida That You Might Not Know About
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items As someone who used to live in Florida, I've experienced a LOT of beaches in the Sunshine State—as a local. These are the ones I'd recommend, and some are off the beaten path.
Yes, Siesta Beach has been ranked the #1 beach in America several times—and here's why I think that ranking is justified. The beach is three miles long and very wide near the lifeguard stands. The white sand is 99% quartz so it won't ever burn your f...
Siesta Beach
Located near Jupiter, Florida on the east coast, this beach blows my mind—no pun intended. The stretch of limestone rock is truly a sight, especially at high tide when water sprays through the “blow holes.” I love watching the sunrise here!
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Looking for shark teeth? Go here! I always find a few—sometimes right on top of the sand! If you use a sand rake scooper to dig right near the shoreline, you'll find even more! This is also the only beach in Florida where I've found seaglass.
Manasota Key Beach
A state park on an island, Egmont Key is only accessible by personal watercraft or ferry from Fort DeSoto. The beaches on all sides of the island offer spectacular views, but my favorite is the side that faces the Gulf because it feels like you're in...
Egmont Key State Park
Skip Panama City and go here for the most pristine views of the Gulf! Located east of Panama City, before you get to Florida's Big Bend, this barrier island beach is worth the drive away from Big city life.
Cape San Blas
This beach is less touristy than most. I also love that the sand is darker—not quite black, but a dark gray.
Caspersen Beach
Located on Anna Maria Island, Bean Point is unique in that it offers a view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge across Tampa Bay. Plus, it's right at the southwestern edge of the bay leading out into the Gulf.
Bean Point Beach
This beach also features an old lighthouse and a view at the very tip of a barrier island.
Gasparilla Island State Park
If you've heard of Sanibel, Captiva is the next beach over, and more of a hidden gem, in my opinion.
Captiva Island