Best Beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast
Running 770 miles from Perdido Key and Pensacola, the beaches on Florida’s sultry Gulf Coast are of postcard fame. With swathes of powder-soft white sand that seep into crystal-clear waters, there’s a stretch of palm-tree-lined coast with your name on it.
With so many sun-soaked beaches to lay your towel down on, here’s a rundown on our top picks:
Clearwater Beach
Famous for its sugary sands, emerald waters, and peachy sunsets – we can see why Clearwater Beach tops the charts for Florida’s best beaches. Gaze out at the sweeping coastal views on Pier 60, a buzz of life filled with cafes, bars, and playgrounds. Steps from a palm-tree-lined promenade, tuck into fresh-caught seafood in the coastal breeze at waterfront restaurants.
Siesta Key Beach
This eight-mile-long island is a nod to its namesake, a slice of paradise to lay your towel down on. You’ll be hooked the moment you feel the quart-crystal sand between your toes or swim in the soft waves. With free trolling trailing up and down the beach, hop on and off to sink your teeth into the countless restaurants and cafes on the way.
St. Pete Beach
Lapped with rich blue waters, this palm-tree-peppered beach is a never-ending belt of powdery white sand. Don’t forget your snorkel, as you’re never too far away from a magical coral reef here. Beloved for its range of water sports, hit the waves with some windsurfing or parasailing. Just steps from Corey Avenue, stock up on souvenirs at the Sunday market and tuck into classic American grub at a waterfront diner.
Sanibel Island
Picture pristine scenes of coconut palms that sway above crystal-clear waters and a long sandy stretch. With the shores sprinkled with 250 different kinds of colourful shells, it’s easy to see why this island is known as the "Shelling Capital of the World". Visitors flock from all over to join in with the so-called "Sanibel Stoop", scouring the sands to collect funky and vibrant washed-up pieces.
Anna Maria Island
A sublime sandy strip of sugar-white beaches, the dreamy Anna Maria Island showcases the best natural beauty the Gulf Coast has to offer. Flop out on chalky sands with a tropical foliage backdrop, all while overlooking awe-inspiring panoramas over Tampa Bay. Humming an "old" Florida charm, streets are stacked with brightly coloured wooden houses, while restaurants and live music bars spill out over the pier.
Henderson Beach
A treasure of the Gulf Coast, white sands unfurl for over a mile, anchored by thirty-foot snow-like sand dunes. Weave through the nature trail to witness a natural mosaic, painted with coastal scrubs, oak trees, and exotic shrubbery. Watch out for playful dolphins in the water or rare sea turtles nesting on the shores.
Venice Beach
Set just south of Sarasota and crowned with clean, bright blue waves, Venice beach is a favourite amongst locals. Walking along the pearly white shores, you’ll spot some unique souvenirs decorating the sand, from colourful sea shells to fossilised shark teeth. Battle it out with some beach volleyball or seep into the historical downtown squeezed with boutiques and local restaurants.
Pensacola Beach
With clear waters that edge snow-white beaches, Pensacola Beach is a blend of lively crowds and quiet shores bordered by wispy sea grass. Admire non-stop coastal vistas on the fishing pier, offering fresh seafood straight from the sea to your plate. You won’t find big waves here, making it slow and calm for little ones to swim or for any paddleboarding exploration. Set in a protected National Seashore, you might just spot a turtle or stingray in the waters.
Fort Myers Beach
Spanning the entire length of Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is celebrated for its sugary coastline and vivid green waters. For a fun mix of adventure and relaxation, lay back on the fine sand or kick it up a notch with some parasailing and kayaking. Its small-town charm is seen through its multicoloured beach cottages and lively fishing pier. In the mornings, you’ll find some washed-up treasures, with flamboyant shells skirting the shores.
Fort De Soto Park Beach
A short hop from St. Petersburg, here you’re spoilt with two dreamy beaches waiting for your beach chair. North Beach is a wide-open coastal stretch with silky soft sands and calm waters dotted with colourful birdlife. Next door is East Beach, a straight ribbon of fine sand overlooking spectacular views of the Skyway Bridge. With a history-etched fort and bustling fishing pier – there’s so much to discover at Fort De Soto Park Beach.
Naples Beach
With its powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets, Naples Beach is a true paradise for beach lovers. The beach is located in the heart of downtown Naples and is easily accessible for visitors. It offers a wide range of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and plenty of parking spaces. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, Naples Beach is the perfect destination. The beach is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Gulf Coast Villa Holidays
Florida's Gulf Coast is blessed with a stunning coastline and an array of fantastic beaches perfect for sun-worshipers and swim enthusiasts alike. With a huge selection of handpicked villas on offer, as well as flights, car hire and attraction tickets for a one-stop-shop, booking your next Florida villa holiday has never been easier! Speak to our expert team today and start planning your holiday of a lifetime!
