Families seeking the ultimate beach vacation will find an array of inviting options across Florida. Ideal family beaches share features such as gently sloping sands, shallow waters, ample restrooms and showers, attentive lifeguards, and a wealth of activities for all ages, alongside budget-friendly accommodations.
Here are some top family beaches in Florida:
1. Anna Maria Island
Just 20 minutes from Bradenton, Anna Maria Island offers seven miles of stunning white-sand beaches, bordered by the emerald Gulf of Mexico. With a charming old-Florida vibe, families can enjoy grouper sandwiches at beach cafés, kayak with dolphins, and relax in calm waters. Known for its picturesque scenery, the island also offers activities like biking, fishing from the City Pier, and local shopping, all accessible via a free trolley.
2. Siesta Key
Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key is renowned for its award-winning soft white sands. Families can engage in a variety of watersports, snorkeling, and explore a quaint village filled with affordable eateries and shops. The beach features amenities like playgrounds, volleyball courts, and convenient trolleys, making it a top choice for family fun.
3. Delray Beach
Voted “Most Fun Small Town in America,” Delray Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with a pedestrian-friendly Atlantic Avenue lined with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Attractions include the Morikami Museum and a nature center with a butterfly garden. Free rides around downtown and opportunities for various watersports promise a memorable experience for families.
4. Hollywood Beach
This popular beach between Miami and Fort Lauderdale boasts the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a 2.5-mile promenade perfect for jogging, biking, and rollerblading. Families can enjoy dining with ocean views while kids play in the sand. Two parks along the Broadwalk offer paddleball courts and a whimsical fountain for younger visitors.
5. Miami Beach
Miami Beach surprises with its family-friendly offerings, including Lummus Park, which features playgrounds and picnic areas. The beach provides soft sands, clear shallow waters, and lifeguard supervision. Nearby attractions like the Miami Children’s Museum and splash pads enhance the family experience, along with dining options catering to all tastes.
6. St. Augustine
As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine blends history with beach fun. St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park welcomes families with fishing piers, splash parks, and a volleyball court. Lifeguards ensure safety while families enjoy swimming or biking along the shore. Historic sites like Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm add educational exploration to the mix.
Whether it’s relaxing on soft sands, exploring nature, or diving into local culture, these Floridian beaches promise unforgettable family memories under the sun.