Florida is famous for its beaches, with over 1,300 miles of stunning coastline. Boasting clear waters, glistening sand, and an abundance of activities to enjoy, there isn’t anywhere else in America that offers more in the way of fun in the sun by the shore.
That said, with so many beaches to choose from, how do you decide which ones to visit with your family? Discover all the best beaches for families in Florida right here, with locations that are suitable for all age groups.
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach is one of the top beaches in Florida for families, offering a wide range of amenities such as a nearby playground and mini-golf center.
Located close to the Gulf of Mexico, this family-friendly beach is known for its commitment to safety and for its water quality. Its beautiful sand is predominantly made from quartz which means it’s super-soft under your feet and sparkles beautifully in the sun.
Siesta Key Beach is also close to Sarasota Jungle Gardens where you and your family can enjoy sightings of botanical flora, birds, and other local wildlife.
Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach gets its name from a species of deer that used to be frequently spotted on its shores. Boasting sapphire-blue waters, the beach is one of the most environmentally friendly ones in the country.
As well as cooling off in the ocean, families can enjoy an extensive range of activities such as trampoline bungee jumping, bumper cars, and aeroball at nearby Planet Air Sports.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
If you’re vacationing in the Florida Keys, then you may struggle to find a good beach. However, one of the best family beaches in this area can be found in the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park.
This is a perfect location to lie back and relax, have a picnic, or go snorkeling, so this tranquil beach is a must-visit for families who are in the area. Plus, you can even try beach camping in Florida in this secluded spot.
Cocoa Beach
With its calm and shallow waters, Cocoa Beach is perfect for little ones who don’t have a lot of confidence in the water. It also has great amenities including picnic tables where you can sit and have a bite to eat and restroom facilities.
The only downside to this beach is that it’s a little bit more expensive than some of the others on the list in terms of buying food and drinks and taking part in activities.
Manatee County Beach
Manatee County Beach is a great alternative to Siesta Key Beach and Deerfield Beach, especially for families that don’t like to be surrounded by crowds. Named after Florida’s official marine mammal, this beach is connected to several other popular local tourist attractions including Tampa Bay and Manatee River.
You can also book a dolphin-watching trip, go zip lining, and visit the nearby Florida Maritime Museum.
Vero Beach
Vero Beach is perfect for families, with several oceanfront hotels, car parking facilities and bike rentals, so that you can book in and then explore the area with ease. For families that want to try their hands at watersports, there are lots to choose from including paddleboarding, kayaking and beach bike cruising.
You can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants along the beach such as Waldo’s at the Driftwood, The Lemon Tree and Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill, all of which are kid-friendly.
Panama City Beach
The white-sand beaches found at Panama City Beach make this location one of the most visited in Florida. Ideal for families with young children, the waters are shallow and calm and the sand is perfect for playing in.
There’s also an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and shops to enjoy, with the IMAX movie theater at Pier Park.
