Marco Island is the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, featuring beautiful crescent beaches with pearlescent sand and gentle waves. The island is known for excellent shelling and wildlife viewing, especially dolphins and bald eagles. South Marco Beach offers a wide public beach with gorgeous sunsets, while Tigertail Beach features a tidal lagoon that’s perfect […]
Beaches for Swimming
Captiva Island Beach
Captiva Island is known for its extraordinary sunset views and exceptional shelling opportunities, particularly for larger specimens like conch and whelk shells. The beaches have a secluded, romantic atmosphere with limited public access points maintaining their pristine condition. The island has a quirky, artistic vibe with colorful restaurants and shops. Legend has it that Captiva […]
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island offers four miles of pristine beaches and a rare virgin slash pine forest. The park features both Gulf swimming beaches and a dog-friendly beach area. It’s a paradise for nature lovers with osprey nests, abundant shorebirds, and occasional dolphin sightings. The Osprey Trail provides hiking through native Florida landscape with opportunities to spot […]
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach offers the clearest, most natural beach experience in Key West. Unlike the artificially created beaches on the island, this beach features natural coral and limestone shoreline with excellent snorkeling opportunities right offshore. The historic Civil War-era fort provides historical interest with daily tours. The park hosts the best sunset views in […]
Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach features a nostalgic feel with its famous 2.5-mile Broadwalk (not Boardwalk) lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. The pedestrian-friendly promenade is perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading with rental shops available. The beach offers calm waters ideal for families and numerous beachfront cafes with outdoor seating. Regular live music performances at the Hollywood […]
Key West Beach
While not known for expansive beaches like other Florida destinations, Key West offers several beautiful beach spots with crystal clear waters. The most popular is Smathers Beach with palm trees and water sports rentals. Key West’s beaches are ideal for snorkeling and diving with vibrant coral reefs nearby. The island is famous for its sunset […]
Magnolia Beach
Magnolia Beach is a unique “shell beach” composed primarily of crushed shells rather than sand, creating a striking white shoreline along Matagorda Bay. This free beach allows camping directly on the shore with no permits required, making it popular with budget travelers and RV enthusiasts. The calm, shallow waters of the protected bay are ideal […]
Holly Beach
Holly Beach is one of Galveston’s most western public beach access points, offering a more natural experience than the island’s eastern beaches. The remote location results in fewer visitors, creating a sense of discovery and solitude rare on popular coastal areas. The beach allows vehicle access and overnight camping without permits, attracting those seeking a […]
Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach is part of Canaveral National Seashore, featuring 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic shoreline. The beach is known for excellent surfing conditions and as a prime viewing location for rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center. The protected status means the beach remains natural and pristine with abundant wildlife including sea turtles and migratory […]
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island features seven miles of white sand beach with shallow, warm Gulf waters ideal for families. The beach is known for its gentle slope and calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and water activities. Times Square is the heart of the beach town with shops, restaurants, and street performers. […]