When one thinks of Florida, images of sunshine, waves, sand, and the state's 1,200 miles of coastline come to mind almost immediately. Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, is home to about 700 miles of beautiful beaches with white, soft sand.
Looking for the best family beaches in Florida? With its expansive coastline, Florida offers a variety of beaches that cater to families with kids of all ages. From the gentle shores of Siesta Key Beach to the historical explorations possible on Amelia Island, this guide will navigate you through Florida’s top beaches that combine safety, recreational fun, and convenience for the ultimate family getaway. Expect aqua adventures, natural beauty, and accommodations where comfort meets convenience, all without wading through unnecessary details.
Key Takeaways
-
Florida offers a diverse range of family-friendly beaches, each with unique attractions like the historical sights at St. Augustine Beach, the motorsports attractions at Daytona Beach, and the Old Florida charm of Anna Maria Island.
-
Many Florida beaches provide not just sunbathing and swimming, but also educational and adventurous activities such as wildlife viewing at Amelia Island, water sports at Siesta Key Beach, and hands-on experiences with marine life at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach.
-
Accommodations near Florida’s beaches cater to families with amenities such as kids’ clubs, water play areas, and family suites, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable vacation experience for both adults and children.
They provide visitors the opportunity to bask in the rays of the sun and swim in the soothing waters of either the Atlantic or Florida's gulf coast. There are many beach communities in Florida that cater to tourists looking to spend their holidays with their families. it really is the ideal family-friendly beach destination.
In addition, the state parks in Florida provide a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Let's take a closer look at the best family beaches in Florida.
The Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Florida
Amelia Island
If the hustle and bustle of city life is not your cup of tea, Amelia Island is the perfect getaway for you. With a tranquility that’s hard to match, Amelia Island offers an array of family-friendly accommodation options, including beachfront resorts, vacation rentals, and inviting bed and breakfasts, all equipped with amenities like swimming pools, children’s programs, and easy beach access.
Days at Amelia Island can be filled with activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, and historical explorations at Fort Clinch State Park, while evenings can be spent exploring the charming Fernandina Beach with its unique shops and eateries.
Fort Clinch State Park
Nestled inside Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities and natural beauty. Here are some highlights:
-
A 3.3-mile paved road for family bicycling
-
6 miles of off-road trails for more adventurous cycling and hiking
-
Two campgrounds with options for RV and tent-only sites
These options provide unique camping experiences to suit different family preferences.
The park, located along the Atlantic Coast, offers a variety of activities for visitors, including:
-
Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean south of the jetty
-
Picnic areas with playgrounds for family relaxation
-
Surf fishing along the Atlantic shoreline or near the Fort Clinch jetties
-
Historical tours and wildlife viewing opportunities for a more educational experience
Fort Clinch State Park is a complete package of fun, adventure, and learning.
Children's Programs at Resorts
At Amelia Island, the fun doesn’t stop at the beach. Resorts on the island, including the Omni Amelia Island Resort and the Ritz-Carlton, offer a variety of engaging children’s programs. Camp Amelia, for instance, provides interactive learning excursions for children ages 4–10, teaching about nature, science, and local culture, along with full-day themed sessions and crafting opportunities.
As the sun sets, the fun continues with Camp Amelia @ Night, offering an evening program for children to engage in crafting and interactive games. These well-rounded programs ensure that children have a fun and educational experience while parents can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
If your family are nature enthusiasts, Amelia Island is the place to be. The island offers a range of wildlife viewing tours, such as kayaking through protected areas, which are designed to be suitable for all ages. Dolphin tours and Amelia River Cruises provide opportunities to see various ocean species, including dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees, as well as wild horses and diverse bird species. These wildlife tours emphasize not disturbing the local flora and fauna, offering an eco-friendly way to enjoy and learn about the island’s natural environments.
Additionally, Fort Clinch State Park is a popular bird-watching spot, known for having over 100 different bird species, particularly around Egans Creek Overlook and south of the jetty.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach invites families to dive into adventure with its calm waters and family-friendly environment, similar to the atmosphere found at Clearwater Beach. The beach provides a family-friendly environment with the water exuding a calm, lake-like feel, suitable for visitors of all ages. This makes it an ideal spot for families seeking a safe and fun beach experience.
Pier Park Attractions
For an extra dose of fun, Pier Park in Panama City Beach offers:
-
A relaxed atmosphere
-
Over 80 specialty shops
-
A variety of dining options
-
An IMAX movie theater
With so much to see and do, Pier Park promises a day of fun-filled activities for the whole family.
Water Sports and Activities
The fun at Panama City Beach isn’t limited to the shore. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is an enjoyable destination for families, featuring water flumes, wave pools, and a lazy river. Families can also engage in water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding to explore the park’s coastal waters.
At Cocoa Beach, families can learn to surf with lessons from seasoned professionals, adding an exciting twist to their beach vacation.
Family-Friendly Events
Panama City Beach offers a mix of educational and entertaining family-friendly events perfect for creating lasting memories. Gulf World Marine Park provides exciting daily shows and interactive programs that educate and fascinate visitors about marine life conservation.
Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure engages families with a variety of attractions including mini-golf, go-karts, and bumper cars, offering flexible enjoyment with free entry and a pay-per-attraction model.
Sanibel Beach
Sanibel Beach, with its calm atmosphere and serene surroundings, is an idyllic paradise for families. The beach is renowned for its gentle waves that are perfect for children’s play and adult relaxation. Families frequent Sanibel Beach for beachcombing, attracted by the large array of seashells scattered along the sandy shoreline.
The beach’s shallow waters and the absence of strong currents contribute to a safe swimming environment for children. Visitors to Sanibel Beach can also enjoy its peaceful surroundings, which are conducive to restful and quiet beach days. To cap off a leisurely day, families can soak in the picturesque sunset views at Sanibel Beach.
Nature Enthusiasts' Paradise
Sanibel Island is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts. The island is recognized for its conservation efforts, ensuring visitors can unwind in a pristine environment and enjoy diverse habitats like marshes, mangroves, and forests. For bird lovers, Fort De Soto Park offers excellent bird-watching, complete with binoculars and guides, plus a chance to see Roseate Spoonbills, Reddish Egrets, and shorebirds.
Nature enthusiasts can kayak on the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail for unique views of the island’s beauty and participate in engaging family programs at local accommodations.
Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge
The J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island offers families the opportunity to observe a diverse array of wildlife in their natural habitats. The refuge features:
-
A 4-mile Wildlife Drive that can be explored by car, bike, or foot, with chances to see birds, alligators, and other native species
-
Educational programs for all ages, including guided tours and interactive exhibits
-
A visitor and education center where visitors can learn about conservation efforts
Beyond the refuge, Sanibel Beach itself is a haven for wildlife viewing where families can spot various bird species and other marine life.
Family Accommodations
Sanibel Island offers a vast array of family-friendly accommodations, including:
-
Hotels
-
Resorts
-
Cottages
-
Vacation rentals
The lodging options on Sanibel Island are strategically located near beaches and attractions, offering families easy access to their favorite activities. Many of Sanibel Island’s accommodations feature kitchens or kitchenettes, providing the convenience of preparing meals and a comforting home-like atmosphere.
Amenities such as swimming pools at the island’s accommodations offer a relaxing and playful environment for families to unwind together.
Naples Beach
For a taste of luxury, Naples Beach is the perfect destination. This upscale beach destination offers walkable urban parks and the famous Fifth Avenue, known for its shops, dining, and entertainment, providing a luxurious atmosphere for family fun. Families can enjoy a range of amenities at Naples’ resorts, including pools, kid-friendly activities, and dining options, ensuring comfort and convenience during their stay.
Visitors to Naples can easily access the natural wonders of Everglades National Park and unwind on the sublime beaches that boast calm waters and soft sands.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
For a stay to remember, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples offers:
-
An exclusive Bob Cupp-designed golf course available only to hotel guests and club members
-
Beach attendant services, complete with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and the option to have lunch delivered directly to the beach
-
Unique evening activities such as nightly bonfires, which can include s’mores kits and cocktails for an enjoyable guest experience.
The daily Resort Amenities Fee at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort encompasses perks like complimentary yoga classes, access to LA Fitness, bike rental discounts, and organized pool and beach activities.
Nearby Family Attractions
Beyond the luxury and relaxation, there are plenty of family attractions near Naples Beach that ensure a fun-filled vacation. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens provides families with the chance to see diverse animal life and interactive exhibits, while the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples offers hands-on galleries designed to stimulate young minds.
For a refreshing break from the beach, families can head to Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, a water park with slides, a lazy river, and a splash playground. For a nature-filled experience, the Naples Botanical Garden showcases 170 acres of beautifully cultivated gardens and preservation land, featuring flora and educational exhibits from around the globe.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Naples Beach is not just about luxury and relaxation, it’s also a destination teeming with natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort has been recognized by the Florida Green Lodging Program, emphasizing the region’s commitment to natural resource conservation. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center offers programs and events that educate visitors on local wildlife and ecological systems, promoting environmental stewardship.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a family-friendly beach adorned with a natural habitat boardwalk, providing access to wildlife viewing and waters suitable for picnics and swimming. The Naples Greenway presents a 12-mile trail that meanders through Florida’s natural landscapes, providing a chance to walk, jog, and observe the state’s distinctive mangroves and flora.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key Beach, also known as Siesta Beach, nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, is a haven for families seeking a unique beach experience. Some of the highlights of this beach include:
-
Fine white quartz sand that remains cool to the touch, even on the warmest of days, and is home to pristine white sand dollars
-
Shallow water near the shore, making swimming safe and enjoyable for children and adults alike
-
Convenient amenities such as playgrounds, picnic tables, and a concession stand
All of these features ensure a comfortable and enjoyable day for beach lovers at beautiful beaches.
For the adventurous, Siesta Key Beach provides a variety of water sports, like kayaking and snorkeling, allowing you to explore the clear waters in a fun and exhilarating way.
Village Charm and Trolley Rides
Exploring Siesta Key is made easy with the free Breeze Trolley service, providing a scenic and cost-effective way to see the island. The trolley follows a picturesque route, passing by key stops such as the Gazebo in Siesta Key Village.
With the flexibility to flag down the trolley anywhere south of Stickney Point Road, families have the freedom to spontaneously explore the island’s charm and beauty at their own pace.
Watersports and Activities
For those seeking a dash of excitement, Siesta Key Beach is a paradise for water sports. Siesta Key Watersports offers boat rentals allowing families to explore local spots along the coast, including Siesta Key Beach, Lido Beach, and Longboat Key. If you prefer a guided experience, they can arrange tours with a USCG licensed captain ensuring a relaxing and personalized trip.
The Lido Beach Resort caters to families with amenities such as:
-
Multiple private beach access points
-
Beach volleyball
-
Paddleboarding
-
Distinct pools for children and adults
Ensuring that there is something enjoyable for everyone.
Family Accommodations
Comfort is key when it comes to a family vacation, and Siesta Key Beach understands this perfectly. The beach offers a variety of family-friendly resorts, ranging from affordable hotel rooms to luxury villas. Take for instance, the Twin Palms at Siesta, a boutique resort that caters to families with amenities such as:
-
a game room
-
a playground
-
a fitness center
-
tennis courts
-
a children’s pool
-
a free shuttle service to the beach
Other options like The Capri at Siesta offer a five-star family experience with:
-
private beach access
-
a kid’s club
-
babysitting services
-
a fitness center
-
tennis courts
-
a heated pool
No matter your preference, Siesta Key Beach has a range of accommodations to fit all family needs and budgets.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a beach known for its stunning beauty. This Florida beach is popular among families because of its waves and its location close to the Kennedy Space Center. At the great family beach, guests have the opportunity to participate in activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.
Clearwater beach
This beach is frequently ranked among the top family beaches in the United States. Clearwater Beach, which can be found on the Gulf Coast of Florida, provides its visitors with everything they would require for an enjoyable day at the beach. Clearwater Beach is a lovely area to relax and spend time at the beach with your children due to the stunning white sand beach and pure blue waters that can be found there.
At Clearwater Beach, there are a lot of activities and attractions that will keep your children entertained. The white sand beach is equipped with a children's playground, a splash pad, and a swimming pool. You can also hire watercraft at Clearwater Beach, such as kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and whatever else you would need for the water.
Which Florida beaches are at the top of your family beach vacation?
As you can see, there are plenty of family beaches in Florida to cater to everyone of all ages and tastes. If you want to chill out on one of the white sandy beaches, make sure you take a Sun Ninja beach tent. This will provide some much needed shade and protect you from the sun while you enjoy everything Florida has to offer. The Sun Ninja beach tent is the best beach tent on the market, and can provide shade for up to 8 friends and family. The Sun Ninja beach tent can be set up in just minutes and provides UPF 50+ sun protection.
SHOP SUN NINJA BEACH TENT
Florida Beach FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the clearest beach water in Florida?
The clearest beach water in Florida can be found at various locations such as St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Navarre Beach along the Gulf Coast. Enjoy your visit!
What part of Florida is most kid friendly?
St. Augustine is the most kid-friendly part of Florida, offering a fantastic destination for families of all ages.
What city has the best beaches for my family vacation?
Consider visiting Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, for your family vacation as it offers one of the best beaches for families! Enjoy your trip!
What makes Siesta Key Beach unique?
Siesta Key Beach is unique because of its fine white quartz sand that stays cool and its family-friendly amenities and water sports. It's a perfect destination for a memorable beach experience!
What activities can families enjoy at Amelia Island?
Families visiting Amelia Island can enjoy kayaking, horseback riding, and historical explorations at Fort Clinch State Park for a fun and diverse experience.
