Best Beaches in Florida for Families (How to Choose the Right One)

Due to its location, Florida is home to many gorgeous beaches perfect for family vacations. From the panhandle, with its white-sand beaches, to the Gulf Coast’s sugary sand beaches, to the more traditional sand on the Atlantic side, there are so many options for family travel in the Sunshine State.

Florida has hundreds of beaches, but each offers a very different experience for families. Some are best for calm water and younger kids, while others are better for teens, shelling, or nearby attractions. In this guide, we’re breaking down some of the best beaches in Florida, along with what makes each one a good fit for different types of family vacations.

Among the many beaches and beach towns in Florida, it’s so difficult to choose my favorite. Each offers a variety of benefits for the whole family. Here are six of the best beaches in Florida with kids, based on the actual beach, as well as the number of family activities located in the area.

Did I miss your favorite? Leave me a comment below so I know which one to visit next, and I’ll include it in the list.

Disclosure: I visited some of these best beaches in Florida for kids on complimentary trips and others on my own, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

Best Beaches in Florida for Families (How to Choose the Right One)

Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

I wasn’t familiar with Amelia Island until I went to a conference last year, but I was really missing out. This island, one of the Sea Islands, is located in Nassau County, along the Northeast coast of Florida.

There are numerous beaches located on the island, and Fernandina Beach is one of the best family beaches in Florida. It’s an Atlantic Coast beach and is located north of Orlando.

During my visit to Amelia Island, I stayed at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, which has its own 3.5-mile private beach located on the property. The other resorts on Amelia Island also have beach access as well.

The Omni offers tons of family-friendly activities, including mini-golf, beach activities, several pools, nature walks, and delicious restaurants. You could easily spend your whole vacation just at the resort because there is so much to do. It’s a popular destination for families.

If you are just visiting Amelia Island for the day, there are public beaches that are open to the public, not staying at a resort. Since Amelia Island is so far north in the state, the weather isn’t always as warm as it is in more southern parts of Florida, so be aware of that when planning your trip. It’s still a great place for a family vacation, especially in the late spring.

Amelia Island is served by the nearby Jacksonville International Airport. It’s about 35 minutes from the airport, which offers many direct flights to and from major US cities (including Boston).

Hotel recommendation: Omni Amelia Island Resort and Spa

Fort Walton Beach

Located along the Gulf Coast of the Florida panhandle, Fort Walton is a popular vacation destination for many southerners. It’s adjacent to Destin, another popular beach town, so you can definitely combine a vacation to Fort Walton with a visit to Destin.

Fort Walton is well situated for many Southerners, making it a popular road-trip beach town. It’s one of the best places for family beach vacations in Florida and is a great community for the whole family.

The area offers several large hotels as well as many vacation homes (I stayed in a large vacation home there last year). Look for a vacation home on the beach if you want to spend most of your time on the beach.

Check with the vacation home in advance to see if they have beach access and beach supplies. The house we stayed in came with a golf cart to bring down supplies.

If flying to the area, the nearest airport is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, which is served by American, Delta, and United. For my trip from Boston, I had to connect in Atlanta, so you may not be able to find a direct flight.

Once you dip your toes in the white sand, you’ll know why this is such a popular beach vacation destination for families. The sand is so perfect and almost looks like snow from a distance.

In this area, you’ll also find outlet shops, restaurants, and other family activities. You’ll want to make sure you have a car, since you’ll need to drive to most shopping and dining destinations.

See hotels in Fort Walton here.

Related: The Best Places to Visit in Florida (Beyond the Theme Parks)

Clearwater Beach

Earlier, during a quick trip to Tampa, FL, my kids and I headed to the white-sand beaches of Clearwater Beach. I had heard wonderful things about the beach but had never visited. I loved it so much that we returned for a family spring break vacation two years later. Clearwater is, in my opinion, the best family beach in Florida.

On our first visit to Clearwater, we started our day by visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, made famous by the Dolphin Tale movies. The aquarium’s mission is to rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild, although some animals can’t be.

Kids who love animals will love the aquarium, which is located a short distance from the beach. Look at their schedule so you can attend some of the shows and see the exhibits. It was quiet at the aquarium when we visited, so we were able to attend several different shows.

We didn’t pack our beach clothes during this day’s visit, but did head to Clearwater Beach after the aquarium. This public beach is open every day of the year and is always staffed with lifeguards.

Paid parking is available near the beach, and several beach resorts are located along the coast. It’s gorgeous, and one of the best Gulf Coast beaches for families. (see more things to do in the Gulf Coast of Florida with kids here).

We took a quick walk along the beach and then ate at the popular beachfront location of Frenchy’s Grill. There are several Frenchy’s locations, but the beach location is the most popular.

On our second visit to Clearwater Beach, we stayed right on the water at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa. This hotel is located right on the water and is adjacent to Pier 60. During our visit, the famous Sugar Sand Festival was taking place on the fishing pier.

If you are planning a trip to Clearwater Beach, you have several airport options – the Tampa International Airport and the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. There are lots of direct flights from Tampa airport, so that may be more convenient even though it’s a bit farther.

During your visit to Clearwater Beach, you can also visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay if you’d like. It’s not too far of a drive. I’d recommend renting a car if possible because you’ll want to drive during your stay.

Hotel Recommendation: Hilton Clearwater Beach

Cocoa Beach

If you are planning to visit the Walt Disney World resorts in Florida, or are taking a cruise out of Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach is the best option for some beach time before or after the rest of your trip.

Cocoa Beach is located along the Atlantic Coast, just south of Port Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. This area is known as the Florida Space Coast. It’s a classic Atlantic beach with waves, and is known for surfing (and the large Ron Jon Surf Shop).

For my last few cruises out of Port Canaveral, I’ve enjoyed staying right at Cocoa Beach at the Hilton Cocoa Beach. It’s always nice to enjoy some quiet time at the beach before our cruise.

Hotel Recommendation: Hilton Cocoa Beach

Marco Island

I didn’t know much about Marco Island when I planned our family vacation there several years ago. I wanted to go to a warm beach destination, and I was able to get a great price on a vacation package there through JetBlue Vacations.

Marco Island turned out to be one of our favorite vacation destinations, thanks to its gorgeous beach and casual atmosphere. It’s one of the best family-friendly beaches in Florida, and I feel that it flies a bit under the radar.

Marco Island is a barrier island located along the Gulf, a little over an hour from the South Florida International Airport in Fort Myers. After crossing over a small bridge, you’ll be in the small beach town of Marco Island.

Featuring several large resorts along with vacation homes and condos, there are plenty of family-friendly places to stay. Our vacation package included the Marco Beach Ocean Resort, which we loved.

The beach itself offers plenty of shelling opportunities (something my kids enjoyed), along with fun watersports for families. We enjoyed staying at a resort right on the beach because we could use their chairs and umbrellas and get food service right from our spot.

Do you want to travel beyond Florida’s Gulf Coast? There are often water day trips from the clear waters of Marco Island beach to Key West in the Florida Keys. You can spend the day at this popular destination, and then travel back to Marco Island in the evening.

I would recommend choosing a beachfront resort if the primary objective of your trip to Marco Island is to have a family beach vacation. With a beautiful unspoiled natural setting, it is one of the best family beaches in Florida.

Hotel Recommendation: Marco Beach Ocean Suites

Longboat Key

Longboat Key, one of the Gulf Coast barrier islands, is located right near Sarasota, Fl. It’s easily accessible through the Sarasota Airport, although you could also fly in through Tampa or Clearwater-St. Pete and drive a bit further.

During my visit during a recent press trip, I stayed at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, a luxury beach resort offering a spa, marina, golf, numerous restaurants, water sports, tennis, and more. It’s one of the best family beach resorts in Florida. You could spend much of your time there because there are so many family activities.

The area nearby offers plenty for families, including the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. Kids will love exploring the Circus Museum, which features a stunning mini-circus that is so fun to check out. It’s part of the Ringling complex.

The local area also offers kayaking, a beautiful shopping area, and a marine laboratory and aquarium. The area is home to sea turtles, so depending on your visit, you may see some sea turtle nests.

Siesta Key, another popular beach destination, is also near Sarasota. If you enjoy visiting beaches, you can easily combine a trip to both locations during one vacation. 

Hotel Recommendation: Resort at Longboat Key Club

Key Biscayne

Miami is home to many beautiful beaches, including the world-famous South Beach. Another beautiful beach spot is Key Biscayne. It’s the perfect spot for a family vacation.

Located across from the city of Miami through the Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne is quieter than Miami Beach/South Beach, and offers a Ritz-Carlton, a state park, and a coastal barrier reef.

Since you’ll be right near Miami Beach, you can travel over there for attractions, shops, and restaurants. Ft. Lauderdale is also a short drive away.

Hotel recommendation: Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami

Do you have a favorite beach or beach town in Florida?