Florida’s Gulf Coast boasts a stunning variety of beaches, each with its own distinct charm, from lively tourist hubs to serene hidden retreats. Whether you crave the energy of bustling boardwalks and family-friendly attractions or prefer tranquil shores with glorious coastal views, there’s a Florida beach that’s bound to please.
Some destinations feature convenient parking, lifeguard stations, and accessible amenities, while others deliver remote escapes surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. Below, explore guides to some of Florida’s best Gulf Coast beaches, detailing what sets them apart and essential tips for your visit.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES
Marco Island / Tigertail Beach
Bradenton / Manatee Beach
Bradenton Beach / Coquina Beach
Naples Beach / Lowdermilk Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Barefoot Beach / Barefoot Beach Preserve, Naples
Lovers Key / Bonita Spring
Estero Island / Bowditch Point Park
Fort Myers / Lynn Hall Park, Crescent Beach Park and Bowditch Point Park
Sanibel Island / Bowman’s Beach
Captiva Island
Cayo Costa State Park / Pine Island
Gasparilla Island State Park / on Boca Grande
Englewood Beach / Chadwick Park
Blind Pass Beach / Manasota Key
Venice / Venice Beach
Lido Key / Lido Beach, North Lido Beach Park, and Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach
Longboat Key / Whitney Beach
Anna Maria Island / Bean Point
Fort DeSoto Park / Tierra Verde
Siesta Key
Sarasota / Nokomis Beach
Keewaydin Beach / between Naples and Marco Island
CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA BEACHES
New Port Richey / Robert K. Rees Memorial Park
Clearwater Beach
Indian Rocks Beach / Pinellas County 18th Avenue Park
Indian Shores / Tiki Gardens Beach Access
Redington Shores / Redington Shores Beach Access Park
St. Pete Beach / Upham Beach
Egmont Key / Egmont Key State Park
Treasure Island / St. Pete Municipal Beach
Honeymoon Island State Park / Dunedin
Caladesi Island State Park
Anclote Beach Preserve Park / offshore Tarpon Springs
Pine Island / McKethan Pine Island Park
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA BEACHES
Alligator Point / Bald Point State Park
Shell Point Beach / Crawfordville
Horseshoe Beach / Horseshoe Beach Park
Cedar Key / Cedar Key City Park
NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES
Pensacola Beach / Casino Beach
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Navarre Beach / Navarre Beach Pier, Navarre Beach Marine Park
Destin / Henderson Beach State Park, plus James Lee Park and Norriego Point.
Panama City Beach
Perdido Key / Pensacola
Grayton Beach State Park / Santa Rosa Beach
Rosemary Beach / Camp Helen State Park, Inlet Beach Regional Access
Santa Rosa Beach / Deer Lake State Park
Mexico Beach / Sunset Park
Fort Walton Beach / Newman Brackin Wayside Park
Cape San Blas / T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Port St. Joe / George Core Park
St. George Island State Park / Apalachicola
Carrabelle Beach
Miramar / Beach 49
Sandestin / Topsail Hill Preserve
Seaside
Seagrove
