A Guide to Florida’s Family-Friendly Beaches and Tips for Choosing the Right Spot

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Florida is known for many things, some good and some bad, but its beaches are some of the best in the US, evidenced by the 140 million tourists who visited the Sunshine State last year.

Florida beaches are a sight to behold, from beautiful white sand shores to crystal blue water and pretty incredible sunsets.

However, which beaches are the best for a family vacation? Factors to consider when choosing family-friendly beaches are cleanliness, overcrowding, a gradual slope to the shore for easy access, and attentive lifeguards. 

1. Ft. Walton Beach

Florida’s panhandle harbors some of the state’s most beautiful beaches, and fellow Americans are clueing into this wonder. With its vibrant structures at other beach access points in Fort Walton Beach, the boardwalk has revitalized this charming Southern beach town. 

Nightclubs, restaurants, volleyball courts, and concessions create a lively atmosphere on the boardwalk, offering diverse activities to keep you entertained day and night. Families will enjoy Angler’s Beachside Grill, where children can play in a roped-off playground while parents watch from above. Near the pier, the Gulfarium offers spectacular shows featuring dolphins leaping and sea lions playing, delighting visitors of all ages.

2. Panama City Beach

Located in picturesque Northwest Florida, Panama City Beach boasts an impressive 27 miles of pristine white-sand beaches, creating a perfect playground for the entire family. The lively Pier Park is a sprawling million-square-foot hub of shopping and entertainment, offering abundant experiences for all who visit. 

Furthermore, the city’s calendar is brimming with an array of family-friendly events, ensuring there is always something exciting happening for everyone to enjoy.

3. Amelia Island

Amelia Island, situated on the Atlantic side of the Sunshine State, is a treasure trove of activities for the whole family. From kayaking adventures to horseback riding and from exploring the fascinating Floridian history at Fort Clinch State Park to simply basking in the island’s natural beauty, there’s something to keep everyone excited and engaged. 

At the Ritz-Carlton Omni Resort, parents can unwind and enjoy some quality adult time, knowing that their children are in safe hands. The resort’s children’s program is designed to keep the little ones entertained and engaged, ensuring a worry-free vacation for the whole family.

4. Daytona Beach

When I hear Daytona Beach, I immediately think of spring break gone wild. However, this Florida beach isn’t always overrun with college kids and bikers looking to have a good time. It actually boasts a family-friendly environment in other parts of the year. 

Visitors have everything at their fingertips right on the beach and pier. Vendors provide anything from bikes, boogie boards, scooters to sunscreen and snacks. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take surfing lessons there. If the kids get bored burying Dad in the sand, the Daytona Lagoon Waterpark is a short distance away.

5. Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a constant destination recommendation from Florida natives whenever I inquire about the best beaches. The reason? The famed, historic Cocoa Beach Pier and the short drive to the Kennedy Space Center, a few miles down the road. 

In addition to the beautiful beach, which has attentive lifeguards on duty, the pier is brimming with restaurants, gift shops, and live music entertainment. 

6. Clearwater Beach

According to my friends who live in Florida, Clearwater Beach, just south of Tampa on the Gulf side, is the best family-friendly beach in the state. This beach greets you with parasailing, rides on a pirate ship, and a long pier stretching into the Gulf of Mexico.

Its sugar-sand beaches and stunningly clear waters beckon all who visit. However, its amazing sunsets are breathtaking. Families can head to the Clearwater Maritime Aquarium to visit the rehabilitated marine life when the sun gets too hot. 

7. Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria, a captivating barrier island, stands out as a unique and exceptional family-friendly Florida destination. This island offers diverse experiences, catering to every aspect of your ideal vacation.

The island offers various activities that cater to all interests. Experience the timeless charm of old Florida as you savor grouper sandwiches at an open-air beach café, kayak with dolphins, and splash in the pristine Gulf waters. Unwind on the beach, explore the shops and eateries of Bradenton Beach, and try your hand at fishing from the City Pier. 

8. Siesta Key

The understated Sarasota beach of Siesta Key welcomes all visitors. It’s an exceptional family-friendly spot where you can spend your days soaking up the sun on the softest white sand beaches and catching a wave or two. 

Visitors can enjoy various water sports, snorkeling, and fresh seafood from the available eateries. A trolley can take you to the shops, volleyball courts, and an excellent playground for your little ones.  

9. Delray Beach

Rand McNally and USA Today voted Delray Beach the most fun small town in America. It is a charming village with big-city sophistication. Atlantic Avenue, the pedestrian-friendly main street, is lined with restaurants, shops, and art galleries and even features a popular pinball museum.  

Enjoy activities like visiting the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens or engaging in watersports such as sailing, snorkeling, and kiteboarding. Just south of town, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center offers a butterfly garden, sea turtle walks, outdoor aquariums, and scavenger hunts.

10. Hollywood Beach

While it may receive mixed reviews regarding its family-friendly status due to its proximity to Miami Beach, Hollywood Beach is still an excellent beach that boasts several activities the kids will love. Some of the concerns raised in these reviews include cleanliness and riptides but it’s important to note that these are not universal experiences, and many families have had wonderful vacations here. 

Family dining is worry-free, with parents enjoying a seaside meal while their kids play in the nearby sand. Two Boardwalk parks invite children to play paddleball at the historic Garfield Street courts or cool off in the dolphin play fountain. A trolley makes getting around easy, and watersports and a beach theater ensure never-dull moments.

11. St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine, Florida, is the nation’s oldest city, but this is not the only reason it stands out. It’s an excellent blend of history, attractions, and incredible beaches to dip your toes into. Along St. John’s Ocean Pier Park, visitors can enjoy a beachside pavilion, splash park, a sand volleyball court, and your leashed dog is always a welcome addition. 

Dedicated lifeguards watch over your little ones playing in the crystal-blue surf, allowing the parents to relax just a smidge. There are many land-loving activities to participate in, such as visiting the Castillo de San Marcos or ziplining over the gators at St. Augustine Alligator Farm. 

Beaches to Avoid for Families

Everyone has strong opinions about which Florida beaches are best for a family-friendly vacation, and that’s perfectly fine. The ideal spot is subjective; however, these three beaches are often overcrowded and are party-central. For those reasons alone, we suggest avoiding them on a family vacation. 

1. Miami Beach

Although there are plenty of kid-friendly activities around Miami Beach, Miami, in general, is a tourist destination for singles and couples sans kids. The city attracts people looking to party and have a good time while paying for overpriced drinks and meals.
“The beach itself is often overcrowded, and because of this, the shore is unclean and dangerous for small children,” says resident Dara Schottenfeld. “There are much safer and family-friendly beaches to visit in Florida.”

2. South Beach

South Beach is along the same stretch as Miami Beach, with just 23rd Street separating them. Due to its proximity and its attraction to the same kind of tourists, South Beach isn’t a great destination for families.

If you’re adamant about staying in Miami while on vacation with the family and want to go to the beach, locals suggest visiting the mid- or north beach in the area just south of 5th Street. That area is much more kid-friendly and offers a few attractions, like Flamingo Park, that the kids will enjoy.

3. New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach, located on Florida’s East Coast, has gained the moniker “the Shark Bite Capital of the World” due to its notably high number of yearly shark attacks. This widespread reputation may lead individuals to reassess their decision to visit the area.

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend my vacation not worrying about being eaten by a shark.

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