There’s nothing quite like a family beach vacation. The beach just seems to bring happiness out of people, ya know? Take an amazing family vacation with this list of the best beaches in Florida for families.
You’ll be packing your bags in no time!
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Florida is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the US (and the world)! So it’s easy to take a family vacation to the beautiful, white sandy beaches of Florida.
From the Atlantic Ocean to the east or Gulf of Mexico on the western side and panhandle, you’ll find there are so many family beaches in Florida to choose from.
Best beaches for kids in Florida
Although I’m actively checking spots off my travel bucket list and my kids are seasoned travelers, I haven’t been everywhere yet. I asked some fellow travel writers to help create this list.
You’re going to love these beaches, and might even be planning multiple trips for your family – which isn’t a bad thing! 😉
Map of family friendly beaches in Florida
If you’re a visual person like I am, this map will help you find the perfect beach getaway for your family!
Best beaches in Florida for families
Starting this list off with some favorite beaches in Florida. But honestly, they’re all great – or they wouldn’t be on the list!
Quick note: each beach on this list will highlight why it’s great for families and a family-friendly recommendation nearby. Regardless of which destination you choose, I always recommend using Booking.com because you can find affordable vacation properties and hotels in one website, which makes the search simple.
Let’s dive in to the list…
1. Siesta Key Beach
Why this beach is great for families: amenities, cool sand
Nearby accommodation: BeachPoint Cottages
Gah! You’re going to love this spot! One of the best beaches in Florida for families, Siesta Key Beach has everything you want and need in a beach. After all, it has been rated one of the top beach in the USA by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™, it’s certainly deserving of that title.
Rinse stations and restrooms, lots of food options and a stadium-sized parking lot, there’s a lot of amenities at Siesta Key Beach. Another great perk for young families is the giant playground built right beside the beach.
But perhaps the very best reason Siesta Key Beach is perfect for families is because the sand never gets hot. Truly! It can be 100 degrees in Florida and the sand on Siesta Key Beach isn’t hot.
The sand is actually made up of 99% quartz, meaning it doesn’t absorb the sun like most other beaches do. It also makes it the softest sand you’ll ever step foot on!
With the rise in Siesta Key’s popularity, you’ll have no problem finding family-friendly accommodations. A variety of hotel and vacation rental options will provide you the right fit for your family and budget.
With so many other things to do in Siesta Key, you’ll find it’s a fantastic getaway for your family.
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
Be sure you’re beach-ready with this perfect beach packing list!
2. Smathers Beach (Key West)
Why this beach is great for families: watersports, good infrastructure and tame water
Nearby accommodation: Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Smathers Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Key West, is definitely a great place to spend an afternoon with your kids. This public beach has white sand and tame turquoise waters. During Summer, the water temperature gets up to nearly 90 degrees.
It is not uncommon to see kids running around, swimming and playing sports here. It really feels like paradise and it’s easy to spend hours just relaxing and taking in the views while the kids play.
Smathers Beach has amenities such as public bathrooms, volleyball courts, shower facilities, food stands and rental shops where you can get kayaks and snorkel gear, making it one of the best beaches for kids in Florida!
To get to Smathers, a good option is renting a bike at your hotel and cycling there. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Key West. The path is pretty straight forwards, offers incredible views and there is plenty of free places to park your bike on the beach.
After a day of fun in the sun in Smathers Beach, you can grab lunch or dinner at ‘Salute! On the beach’ or the Corner Sandwich shops. These places have great food for adults and kids alike.
Recommended by Camila Neves of Travel Cami
See also: 22 Awesome Activities on a Miami to Key West Road Trip
3. Bradenton Beach (Anna Maria Island) – one of the best beaches in Florida for families!
Why this beach is great for families: not overcrowded but plenty of amenities nearby
Nearby accommodation: Runaway Bay Condos
Located on the adorable and charming Anna Maria Island, a visit to Bradenton Beach is a must for families looking for a laid-back Florida beach. The whole area is picturesque with its fishing piers main street shops. It’s truly one of the best beach towns in Florida for families.
With ample parking and walking distance to restaurants, this beach is an easy one for families to fall in love with. The crisp, white sand is soft under toe and the waves aren’t typically too crazy on Bradenton Beach either. There are lifeguard stations up and down this stretch of beach, which is a plus!
Kids should bring beach toys for sand castle building, and parents would be comfortable with beach chairs. Be sure to bring reef-safe sunblock to protect our oceans, too.
Pro tip: if visiting on a weekend during the summer, be sure to get to the beach by 9:00am to get a good parking spot and your pick of sand on this beautiful beach.
Visiting Bradenton Beach is one of the top things to do on Anna Maria Island!
The beach is located about 30 minutes northwest of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The best way to get there is to fly into Sarasota and rent a car. There’s not much public transportation or ride shares on Anna Maria Island.
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
4. Honeymoon Island State Park Beach
Why this beach is great for families: wide open spaces
Nearby accommodation: Hampton Inn Dunedin
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Florida for families, look no further than Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, Florida. Honeymoon Island is located in the Tampa Bay area and is truly one of the best!
The reason that Honeymoon Island is so great for families is that there is plenty to explore. There are over 4 miles of beaches and over 3 miles of trails. Plus, it’s an island so it doesn’t get any cooler than that.
There are a variety of beach “styles” on Honeymoon Island, depending on what your family likes. One of the best tips for Honeymoon Island is to explore the state park, not just stay in one area.
If your kids are into shelling, there’s plenty to find at Honeymoon Island State Park Beach. The trees and driftwood on the beaches gives this island a unique advantage over others, too.
You can also paddle or bike throughout the park and there are bathroom and changing facilities throughout. This is a larger beach park and is truly one of the best kid beaches in Florida.
Note: It’s a state park so there is a small fee to enter, but it includes your entire car.
Recommended by Victoria of Florida Trippers
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5. Crandon Park Beach (Key Biscayne)
Why this beach is great for families: available shade, lifeguards and nearby attractions
Nearby accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
One of the most underrated beaches in all of Florida is the beach at Crandon Park. Less than a 30 minute drive from Miami and located on Key Miscayne, it’s a fun spot to swim and explore the nearby area.
Crandon Park Beach is a picturesque place for families and a great spot for a vacation. With palm-tree lined beaches, it’s one of the only spots on this list of the best beaches in Florida for families with ample shade!
The beach does tend to have a bit more seaweed than some others, but that can be seasonal so it still deserves a spot on this list. Jus pack your water shoes!
Right down the road is Bill Bags Cape Florida State Park. Complete with a lighthouse, bike rentals, sand dunes, hiking trails and really good restaurants.
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
6. Playalinda Beach (Titusville)
Why this beach is great for families: Soft sand and good surf
Nearby accommodation: Hyatt Place Titusville Kennedy Space Center
One of the best family friendly beaches in Florida is Playalinda Beach, just outside of Titusville. It’s 1 of 3 beaches in the Canaveral National Seashore, a U.S. National Park.
Playalinda Beach is located on the northeastern shore of Merritt Island. This beautiful shoreline stretches for 24 miles and is completely undeveloped, meaning there are no condos, shops or restaurants.
From downtown Titusville, getting to Playalinda Beach is easy and only takes about 25 minutes by car. There is a park entrance fee, but if you have an America The Beautiful National Park Pass, it does include entrance to the Canaveral National Seashore.
It has 13 parking areas along a 4-mile road and each parking area has restrooms. There are no showers or concession stands, though. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for everyone.
Playalinda Beach is perfect for surfers of all ages…
Fun fact: The Space Coast is the surf capital of the East Coast! Because the Playalinda Beach faces E-NE, surfers will particularly enjoy it if there’s a northern swell. It’s also considered a beach break, sand bottom area.
When you’ve finished at the beach, head back into town. There are a lot of fun things to do in Titusville, including Kennedy Space Center and interesting museums. To eat, we recommend Pier 220. They have great seafood and views of the intracoastal waterway.
Recommended by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey
7. Jacksonville Beach (one of the most popular on this list of best beaches in Florida for families)
Why this beach is great for families: water activities and nearby amenities
Nearby accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
Jacksonville, Florida is home to many events and activities, but its best kept secret may just be its beaches!
One of the selling points of Jacksonville Beach is the flat stretches of sand that make it easy for kids and parents alike to traverse the terrain. Parking is easy, and it seems as though everything a family might need during their beach day is within reach.
Jacksonville Beach is connected to Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, but park in one spot and walk from beach to beach if you like.
Learn to surf or rent equipment, stand up paddle boarding, or other beach going activities. The ocean at Jacksonville Beach makes surf lessons a lot less intimidating for newcomers, especially kids.
Timing is everything when it comes to visiting Jacksonville Beach. Planning a visit before the summer season truly begins will allow you to experience warm weather and low crowds, though the ocean will still be quite chilly.
It’s also important to plan to visit early in the day or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Finally, round out the day with a delicious dinner at the Salt Life Seafood Shack. Realistically, anywhere on 3rd Street or A1A is a great place to enjoy a good meal.
Recommended by Sarah of Sarah in the Suburbs
Family beaches in Florida
Can you believe this list?! And it’s only 1/3 of the way done. I’ve taken my kids to the next beach several times, and it’s one I think you’ll absolutely love!
8. Miramar Beach (a favorite on this list of best beaches for kids in Florida)
Why this beach is great for families: soft sand, amenities and nearby attractions
Nearby accommodation: Ariel Dunes by Seascape Resort
It’s difficult to have a list of the best beaches in Florida for families without mentioning Destin, Florida. The unbelievably soft white sand beaches in the area are a gem. Met with the turquoise green water of the Gulf Coast, you can see why this part of Florida has been dubbed the Emerald Coast!
The Destin area is hugely popular and just a few minutes down the road is the quieter Miramar Beach. It’s a gorgeous spot to spend a day (or 5 days) with the kids.
The beach has a shallow entrance and the waves are typically calm enough for swimming. The water is often sprinkled with swimmers of all ages enjoying the waves at Miramar Beach.
As with any beach on this list, watch the flags for warnings for swimming or marine life. If hunting sand crabs at night, I’d recommend water shoes to avoid stepping on jellyfish.
With restaurants and amenities nearby, Miramar Beach is one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast. My family has vacationed in Miramar Beach several times and it’s one of our favorite beach destinations in the US!
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
9. Cocoa Beach
Why this beach is great for families: water activities, nearby amenities and activities
Nearby accommodation: Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
Cocoa Beach is the perfect getaway for some sun, sea, sand, surf and all things space! Located on Florida’s Space Coast, this beach town packs a punch when it comes to family friendly activities.
Cocoa Beach is the surf capital of the United States. It’s the perfect place for kids to book surf lessons or join a surf camp. Don’t forget to check out the iconic Ron Jon surf shop too.
If you plan it right, you’ll get to watch a rocket launch directly from the beach! Check the launch schedule or head to the nearby Kennedy Space Center for an educational experience.
For young kids, Lori Wilson Park is a free parking area directly on the oceanfront. It has restrooms, showers, picnic tables with shelters and barbecues, a playground and some nature boardwalks. It even has a dog park if you want to bring your furry friend along.
There’s so many amazing things to do in Cocoa Beach that’s not directly on the oceanfront, too. If you’re looking for something unique to do try out the Aerial Adventures Park. With ziplines, obstacle courses and challenges at different levels, it’s a memorable activity for all ages.
Cocoa Beach is one of the best kid beaches in Florida, and perfect for all types of families.
Recommended by Laura of Gallivanting Laura
10. North Beach Oceanside Park (Miami)
Why this beach is great for families: soft sand, quiet spot in an otherwise busy city
Nearby accommodation: Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach Surfside
Miami might have a reputation for being a party destination. And it is. But certain spots are family-friendly too!
Fun fact: Miami Beach is 9 miles long. So it’s not all bars and partying.
The north end of Miami Beach is an area perfect for kids, and it’s easily one of the best beaches in Florida for families. On Miami Beach between 78th Street and 87th Street, experience a small-town vibe with friendly neighborhoods.
Complete with a kids playground and dog park, the North Beach Oceanside Park is perfect for a family vacation to Miami. Enjoy the beach – and even some shade at this park. And if want a change of scenery, take the oceanfront Beach Walk to see the sights.
If you’re up for a huge adventure, hop in the car for an epic Miami to Key West road trip – a car ride your kids won’t soon forget!
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
11. Golden Sands Park (Vero Beach)
Why this beach is great for families: lifeguards, proximity to amenities
Nearby accommodation: Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
One of the best family friendly beaches in Florida is Vero Beach.
Located on the Atlantic side about an hour drive from Orlando, Vero Beach has wide, gorgeous soft beige sand. It’s the kind of sand that’s just perfect for sandcastle making. The beautiful green water is home to many of Florida’s famed wildlife.
In fact, one of the things that make Vero Beach so wonderfully family-friendly is that it’s quieter than many of Florida’s east coast beaches. Even on the weekends, Golden Sands Park isn’t typically crowded.
To top it off, free parking and rinse stations makes this beach one of the best family vacation spots in Flordia!
At night, lights are dimmed so sea turtles can safely lay their eggs. If you see an area roped off for turtles nesting, please respect their space and ask your kids to do the same.
Vero Beach is also home to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, one of the best family-friendly resorts on Vero Beach. It has legendary Disney magic, character appearances and practical rooms, such as kitchenettes and laundry on the property – perfect for families.
Golden Sands Park at Vero Beach is the perfect, quieter vacation ideal for spending quality family time by the ocean, and it’s one of the best beaches in Florida for families.
Recommended by Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids
12. Juno Beach Park
Why this beach is beach is great for families: not crowded, perfect for shell hunting
Nearby accommodation: Holiday Inn Express North Palm Beach Oceanview
One of the best family friendly beaches in Florida is definitely Juno Beach Park. This beach is rarely ever crowded, especially if you walk away from the pier and find your perfect spot on the sand. There’s also lifeguards, which is perfect for young swimmers!
Bonus: parking is free!
The facilities are clean and easy to access – perfect for getting sand off wiggly toddlers! Oh, and once they’re clean, be sure to hit the small playground near the beach.
Another perk to Juno Beach Park is the fabulous shell hunting! You’ll want to pack the water shoes for this beach as it’s not the softest sand, but that’s expected when the shell hunting is top-notch. The sand also gets really hot here, so double reason for wanting water shoes. 😉
For older kids and teens, paddle boards and fishing equipment are available for rent. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see Loggerhead Sea Turtles nesting on the beach! Be sure to keep your distance and respect nature.
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
13. Clearwater Beach (a popular destination and one of the best kid beaches in Florida)
Why this beach is great for families: gentle waves, soft sand and nearby attractions
Nearby accommodation: Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Clearwater Beach is easily one of the best family beaches in Florida! There is a never-ending list of fun things to do in Clearwater Beach. Not only is there plenty to do, but the beach is fully equipped with restrooms, rinse stations, and several awesome restaurants with fresh seafood!
If you’re wondering what makes Clearwater Beach a great beach for kids, there really is a number of things. For one, since it’s on the Gulf Coast the waves are gentle, the water is more clear, and the sugar-white sand is perfect for making sandcastles.
There are also so many fun activities such as visiting Pier 60, playing mini-golf, checking out the Clearwater Aquarium, or going on a boat tour (there are literally dozens to choose from, but Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship is one of my personal faves).
Pier 60 is probably one of the most well-known family-friendly activities in Clearwater Beach. During the day there is a playground area with large inflatables for kids to play on, and in the evenings they do a sunset celebration where there are performers and artisans all along the pier.
There are so many awesome options when deciding where to stay in Clearwater Beach. The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is great because it’s right on the beach and a short 2-minute walk from the main attractions like the aquarium and marina. They have amenities such as 2 outdoor pools and a tiki bar where parents can escape.
Recommended by Destiny of Guided by Destiny
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14. Main Beach Park (Amelia Island)
Why this beach is great for families: finding sea shells and shark teeth
Nearby accommodation: Seaside Amelia Inn
Located on the most northern end of Florida on the Atlantic Coast is the small town of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. It’s a beautiful beach and one of the best beaches in Florida for families.
The sand is firm but soft. But one of the best parts is all the sea shells! Some areas of the shoreline are absolutely filled with shells. And if you’re extra lucky, you’ll even find shark teeth – something this beach is known for. With amenities such as outdoor showers and restrooms, it makes cleaning off sandy kids a breeze.
Oh, and if kids get bored at the beach (if that’s even a thing!) take a walk on the beautiful boardwalk or hit the nearby playground. There’s also basketball and mini golf nearby.
If you’re looking for a bit of history while on your family vacation to Florida, be sure to check out Fort Clinch State Park. It’s a beachfront fort built in 1864, used in the height of the civil war.
Amelia Island, Florida is a great spot for a family vacation, and Main Beach Park is one cool beach to take kids!
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
Best kid beaches in Florida – continued
We’re rounding out the final third of the list. So if you think you’ve chosen a spot, consider these next fabulous beaches, too!
15. Fort Lauderdale Beach (a favorite on this list of best beaches in Florida for families)
Why this beach is great for families: proximity to amenities and the park’s playground
Nearby accommodation: Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
When looking for the best beaches for kids in Florida, it’s hard to deny the beauty of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Three miles of golden sand make it a great option for families with kids who want to have fun, no matter what age.
Along with the reassuring lifeguard present, you’ll find vendors that offer umbrellas, cabanas, and everything from boats and bikes, which when accompanied by an adult, make for some great fun for kids of all ages.
There are restaurants and great beach food to be found along the promenade, but if you prefer to bring your own entertainment, you’ll find palm trees and quiet spots perfect for shaded beach picnic setups. You also have the famous wave wall which is a swirling wall that extends along the promenade and for families that want a break from the beach sun.
Kids will find buckets of excitement at the beach park’s playground on Sebastian Street which has tons of playground equipment and is a great place for people watching. Fort Lauderdale beach offers so many reasons why you should add this beach to your list today.
Recommended by Dan of Urban Abroad
16. Bowman’s Beach (Sanibel Island)
Why this beach is great for families: shelling, playground and sunsets
Nearby accommodation: Island Inn
Less than an hour southwest of Fort Myers is this hidden gem in Florida. One of the most perfect family beaches in Florida, Bowman’s Beach is a little slice of paradise.
Pay a small $5 parking fee to enter, and enjoy the beach all day. Bring a picnic or bring some food for the grill. With plenty of picnic tables, you’ll have a great beach day with the family.
Another great thing about Bowman’s Beach, and one that’s rarely mentioned in this list of best beaches in Florida for families, is that this is a great spot for snorkeling! You’ll find huge seashells, sea urchins, sting rays and more if you snorkel.
I recommend bringing your own snorkel gear to Sanibel Island as there isn’t any available to rent. This is the snorkel gear I travel with and love it. Oh, and bring water shoes. Between the sea life and shells, kids will be most comfortable protecting their feet here.
While you’re on the island, here are some ideas for places to stay on Sanibel Island, FL.
For a break from the beach, there’s a playground and several trails to walk or bike. You’ll find a bit of everything at Bowman’s Beach, Florida!
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
17. Tigertail Beach (Marco Island)
Why this beach is great for families: shell hunting, water activities and natural island vibe
Nearby accommodation: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
One of the most unique unique family friendly Florida vacations is Tigertail Beach on Sand Dollar Spit in Marco island.
Tigertail Beach is one of just a few public beaches on Marco Island and has amazing shelling on a beautiful white-sand beach, bird and nature-watching, tidal pools to explore, and one of the best views of sunsets on Marco Island. Plus, the kid-friendly amenities make it perfect for families and kids.
At the main entrance to the parking lot is a very nice concession stand with picnic tables, restrooms and showers. There are actually 2 different beaches at Tigertail, an inner beach on the lagoon and the outer beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
Boardwalks lead from the parking lot to the inner beach area, where you’ll find a bird watching tower, concessions renting beach chairs and umbrellas, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
The inner beach offers shallow, calm water and plenty of nature to explore. For older kids, paddle boats and watercraft are a fun option.
Reaching the outer beach is a bit of adventure and fun for kids! You’ll need to wade through a shallow part of the lagoon to Sand Dollar Island, carrying your beach chairs overhead and floating your cooler alongside.
Then it’s just a short walk through the mangroves to the outer beach. You’ll find soft white sand, excellent shelling, and the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico.
Recommended by Lori of Naples Florida Travel Guide
18. New Smyrna Beach
Why this beach is great for families: soft sand, clear water and beach gear for rent
Nearby accommodation: Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach
One of the best family beaches in Florida, New Smyrna Beach is a lesser-known beach on the east coast of Florida, often overshadowed by the popular Daytona Beach. Which is great – because that means less crowds!
Families love New Smyrna Beach because it just makes for an easy day on the beach. Chairs and beach umbrellas are available to rent, making it easier to have a beach day without all the extra gear to lug around.
You can also drive on the ‘lanes’ in the sand, meaning you don’t have to walk far from your car to the water!
Nearby restaurants and food trucks are a plus. There is a $20 daily fee to enter the beach, but it’s free after 5pm. To take full advantage of the fee, be sure to get there early.
New Smyrna Beach is a great spot for a family vacation in Florida!
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
19. Lovers Key State Park
Why this beach is great for families: wildlife and beach activities
Nearby accommodation: Pointe Estero Resort
Lovers Key State Park is definitely one of the best family vacation spots in Florida. The park sits along the Gulf of Mexico and is home to canals, beautiful sandy beaches and tidal lagoons. It’s home to lots of wildlife like manatees, alligators, dolphins and more.
Lovers Key State Park is just off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida, and is about 20 miles from Naples. Located just minutes from Fort Myers Beach, it has lots of restaurants, hotels and family-friendly tours and activities.
Find beautiful shells on the beach, enjoy the calm water and sand perfect for playing in. The gazebo picnic area and restrooms make this beach perfect for families. The tram even takes visitors from the parking lot to the beach area.
If you don’t want to spend all day at the beach and you’re traveling with older kids, you can rent kayaks to explore the canals throughout the park. There are about 2.5 miles of paddling trails and mangrove forests to paddle through. Keep an eye out for manatees if you’re visiting in the winter months!
Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger
20. North Beach at Fort De Soto Park (one of the most unique beaches in Florida for families)
Why this beach is great for families: remote location, wildlife viewing, great sand
Nearby accommodation: Residence Inn St. Petersburg Tierra Verde
A very underrated beach in southwest Florida is just about 30 minutes south of St. Petersburg.
In fact, North Beach at Fort De Soto Park one of the best beaches in Florida for families because it provides a secluded private beach feeling. (Other secluded beaches I’ve been to are Zoni Beach in Culebra Puerto Rico and Leeward Beach in Turks and Caicos…gotta love that feeling!)
Anyway, Fort De Soto Park is one of a kind. The water is beautiful and beach is perfect for building sandcastles and enjoying the waves. There’s over 3 miles of beach here to spread out!
Since it’s a protected area, you’ll likely see a variety of birds, which can be fun for kids to watch (not chase). There’s lots of other possible wildlife spottings too, like manatees.
Pro tip: restrooms are limited so plan accordingly. There’s a $5 entrance fee to Fort De Soto Park.
And if you need a break from the beach, walk the historical trail and buildings of the De Soto Fort and the pier. Such a fun spot to spend a family vacation!
Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels
21. Navarre Beach Marine Park
Why this beach is great for families: lack of crowds and perfect sand
Nearby accommodation: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is one of the best family friendly beaches in Florida. This beach has beautiful, powdery white sand and crystal clear emerald water.
Northwest Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but what makes Navarre Beach different is the lack of crowds. It’s a great beach for those looking for a more laid-back experience.
The town of Navarre is pretty quiet, but conveniently located 30 minutes to the east of Pensacola Beach and 30 minutes to the west of Destin.
Navarre Beach’s main public beach is Navarre Beach Marine Park. This is a great beach for families as there are restrooms, showers and picnic pavilions.
When in Navarre Beach, you’ll spend your days swimming in the crystal clear waters and building sandcastles on the beach. Take a break from all the fun in the sun and visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center.
Your kids will enjoy meeting some of the rescued turtles. It’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Navarre Beach is a great place to stay with kids. Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, this hotel features a lazy river and a zero-entry pool. Your family will enjoy the easy, convenient complimentary breakfast and clean, spacious modern rooms.
Recommended by Kim of Traveling Swansons
Best beaches in Florida for families – a recap
Woah what a list! Whether you’re looking for perfect beaches for shelling or the softest sand under toe, this list of the best beaches for kids in Florida has a little bit of everything. But every beach on this list will be a great one for a family vacation!
Florida has some absolutely breathtaking beaches, that’s for sure!
Here’s the list again, in a more succinct version…
Family beaches in Florida
- Siesta Key Beach
- Smathers Beach (Key West)
- Bradenton Beach (Anna Maria Island)
- Honeymoon Island State Park Beach
- Crandon Park Beach (Key Biscayne)
- Playalinda Beach (Titusville)
- Jacksonville Beach
- Miramar Beach
- Cocoa Beach
- North Beach Oceanside Park (Miami)
- Golden Sands Park (Vero Beach)
- Juno Beach Park
- Clearwater Beach
- Main Beach Park (Amelia Island)
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Bowman’s Beach (Sanibel Island)
- Tigertail Beach (Marco Island)
- New Smyrna Beach
- Lovers Key State Park Beach
- North Beach at Fort De Soto Park
- Navarre Beach Marine Park
Related content you’ll love:
Ultimate Guide to 30A Florida Beaches: Swoon-worthy Spots You’ll Love
26 Best Beaches on the Gulf Coast You Gotta See
33 Amazing Spring Break Ideas for Families on a Budget
Destin vs Gulf Shores: Which is Your Perfect Vacation Spot?
35 Cheapest Beach Vacation: Swoon-worthy Destinations You Need to See
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Jill
Sunday 2nd of January 2022
These all look like great vacation spots! The palm trees in Smathers Beach look so scenic, I'd definitely run from the snow to take a nap under them right about now!
Nikki
Saturday 8th of January 2022
Hahaha RIGHT?! Sitting on a beach sounds much better than cold winter weather 😊
simplyjolayne
Sunday 2nd of January 2022
I agree that getting to the beach early is key. We missed out on visiting Biscayne Bay because we tried to visit in the afternoon. By then, all of the parking spots are filled and you have to wait in a long line of cars for other cars to leave the beach.
Nikki
Saturday 8th of January 2022
Oh yeah, it's a bummer when plans don't work out because the parking lot is full. Sometimes it's hard to get there early on vacation, but you'll get the best spot that way!
Brittany
Sunday 2nd of January 2022
This is such a helpful guide for families! As someone who grew up going to Florida for family vacations, I was surprised by how many of these beaches I haven't been to. I guess I'll just have to go back, now! :)
Nikki
Saturday 8th of January 2022
Ha sounds like it! Pretty cool you got to see so many of them.
Megan
Sunday 2nd of January 2022
We have friends that go to Siesta Key every year and they say it's totally like caribbean sand and beach! We haven't made it yet, but take their word for it and would love to visit it!
Nikki
Saturday 8th of January 2022
Well I'd have to agree with your friends! Siesta Key is some of the softest sand on this list, for sure. Hope you make it there soon!
ANUKRATI DOSI
Saturday 1st of January 2022
Man, these beaches are so pretty and calm.
Nikki
Saturday 8th of January 2022
They're definitely all pretty. The water can have it's moments, but typically calm in order to qualify for this list. :)