Best Beaches in Florida: Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Number one beach (2026) | Delray Beach |
| Ranked by | USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards |
| Coastline covered | Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Coast |
| Total Florida beaches | More than 825 miles of shoreline |
| Average sunshine | About 230 days a year |
| Best for | Families, couples, swimming, and sunsets |
The best beaches in Florida for 2026 are led by Delray Beach, which was voted the number one beach in the state in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the third year in a row. With more than 825 miles of coastline and around 230 days of sunshine a year, the Sunshine State gives beach lovers an almost endless choice, from the calm Gulf Coast to the lively Atlantic shore.
To help you plan your trip, we have broken down the full top 10 list of the best beaches in Florida, added a quick comparison, and answered the most common questions travelers ask. The rankings come from a shortlist chosen by USA TODAY editors and travel experts, with the final winners decided by public reader votes.
The 10 best beaches in Florida for 2026
1. Delray Beach (Atlantic Coast)
Crowned the number one beach in Florida for the third straight year, Delray Beach sits in Palm Beach County between Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. Known as the “Village by the Sea,” it offers about two miles of pristine sand, crystal clear water, and natural dunes, all just steps from a walkable downtown packed with boutiques and restaurants along Atlantic Avenue. It has also earned the prestigious Blue Flag designation for clean water and safety.
Best for: Travelers who want a beach day plus a lively, walkable town.
2. Clearwater Beach (Gulf Coast)
A perennial favorite near Tampa, Clearwater Beach is famous for its soft white sand and the nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60. The calm, shallow Gulf water makes it one of the most family friendly beaches in the state, and the lively beachfront has plenty of dining and activities.
Best for: Families and first time Florida visitors.
3. Treasure Island Beach (Gulf Coast)
Just south of Clearwater, Treasure Island offers wide beaches with soft sand and a more relaxed, laid back atmosphere. Its west facing shoreline delivers some of Florida’s most colorful Gulf sunsets, and nearby John’s Pass adds waterfront dining and shops.
Best for: A quieter Gulf Coast getaway with great sunsets.
4. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea (Atlantic Coast)
This small beach town is a rare spot where a living coral reef sits close enough to shore for easy snorkeling and shore diving. It keeps a charming, low key village feel that stands apart from the bigger, busier beaches nearby.
Best for: Snorkelers and anyone who prefers a small town vibe.
5. Stuart Beach (Atlantic Coast)
Located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Stuart Beach is a calmer, less crowded choice with lifeguards on duty and a welcoming, community feel. It is a solid pick for a relaxed day by the Atlantic.
Best for: Families wanting a quieter, safer swim.
6. Sanibel (Gulf Coast)
Sanibel Island, home to Bowman’s Beach, is world famous for its seashells. The island’s unique east to west orientation catches shells from the Gulf, giving rise to the famous “Sanibel stoop” as visitors bend to collect them. With no high rises and a natural, protected feel, it is a peaceful escape.
Best for: Shell collectors and nature lovers.
7. St. Pete Beach (Gulf Coast)
Near St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach offers wide stretches of sugar white sand, gentle Gulf waves, and a mix of resorts and casual beach bars. It regularly ranks among the top beaches in the entire country.
Best for: Resort stays and easy swimming.
8. Siesta Key (Gulf Coast)
Siesta Beach in Sarasota is renowned for sand that is roughly 99 percent pure quartz, which stays cool underfoot even in peak summer heat. Add gentle, shallow water and a vibrant sunset scene, and it is easy to see why it is frequently named one of the best beaches in the United States.
Best for: The classic postcard beach experience.
9. Destin (Panhandle)
On the Emerald Coast, Destin is known for its emerald green water and sugar white sand made of fine quartz. It is also one of Florida’s top fishing destinations, blending stunning scenery with plenty to do.
Best for: Clear water lovers and fishing fans.
10. St. Augustine (Atlantic Coast)
St. Augustine pairs a wide Atlantic beach with the charm of the oldest city in the United States. Visitors can split their time between the sand and centuries of history, making it a great choice for travelers who want more than just a beach.
Best for: History buffs who also want a beach day.
Florida beach comparison
| Beach | Region | Vibe | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delray Beach | Southeast Atlantic | Upscale and walkable | Blue Flag water quality |
| Clearwater Beach | Central Gulf | Lively and family friendly | Pier 60 sunsets |
| Treasure Island | Central Gulf | Laid back | Gulf sunsets |
| Lauderdale-By-The-Sea | Southeast Atlantic | Small town | Snorkeling reef close to shore |
| Sanibel | Southwest Gulf | Natural and quiet | Seashells |
| Siesta Key | Southwest Gulf | Classic paradise | Cool quartz sand |
| Destin | Panhandle | Emerald Coast | Clear green water |
Best beaches in Florida for families
If you are traveling with kids, look for calm, shallow water and plenty of amenities. Clearwater Beach is the top all around family pick thanks to its gentle Gulf water and lively boardwalk. Stuart Beach offers lifeguards and a quieter setting, while St. Pete Beach balances easy swimming with resort comfort.
Best beaches in Florida for couples
For a romantic trip, the sunset views matter as much as the sand. Treasure Island and Siesta Key deliver spectacular Gulf sunsets, while Delray Beach pairs the shoreline with a walkable downtown full of restaurants for date night. Sanibel is ideal for couples who want a quiet, natural escape.
Best beaches in Florida for clear water and swimming
For the clearest, most Caribbean like water, head to the Gulf and Panhandle. Destin is famous for its emerald green, see through water, while Siesta Key offers gentle, shallow swimming over soft quartz sand. On the Atlantic side, Delray Beach stands out for its clean, Blue Flag certified water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one beach in Florida?
Delray Beach was voted the best beach in Florida in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, its third consecutive year at the top.
What is the prettiest beach in Florida?
Siesta Key is often called the prettiest, thanks to its powdery, 99 percent quartz sand and clear, gentle water. Destin is a close second for its emerald green water.
Which Florida beach has the clearest water?
Destin on the Panhandle is widely known for the clearest, most Caribbean like water in the state, followed by Siesta Key and other Gulf Coast beaches.
What is the best beach in Florida for families?
Clearwater Beach is the top family choice for its calm, shallow Gulf water, soft sand, and family friendly amenities.
When is the best time to visit Florida beaches?
Late spring and early fall usually offer warm water, fewer crowds, and lower prices than the busy summer and winter peak seasons.
Plan your Florida beach trip
From the upscale shores of Delray Beach to the cool quartz sand of Siesta Key, the best beaches in Florida offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you want a family friendly boardwalk, a romantic sunset, or the clearest water in the state, this top 10 list is a great place to start planning your next trip to the Sunshine State.
More from Times Square News:
- Latest Travel Guides and Destination Tips
- More Lifestyle and Travel News
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day Box Office Hits $927 Million Worldwide
Stay with Times Square News for the latest travel, lifestyle, and entertainment news.
