15 Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Florida
Fabulous beach getaways to spend some quality time with your loved ones seems like the ideal way to take a break from the monotonous routine, right? The sunny state of Florida is a magnet for tourists craving for such beach-escapes with their families! Whether your family prefers a secluded beach on a faraway island or whether they love a coast that is teeming with activities, Florida has the best solutions to offer to every kind of beach-lover! So, check out this list of family-friendly Florida beaches for that perfect tropical vacation with your kinfolks!
1. Clearwater Beach - Pirate Ship Cruises, Surfing, Shopping and Sunbathing!
Image Source: Pixabay.com
Nestled on Florida’s west coast, about 35 minutes from Tampa, the Clearwater Beach is the perfect destination for a relaxing family vacation. The soft white sands and the clear water of the bay make this beach an ideal one for sunbathing and picnicking with your near and dear ones. Youngsters can have their share of fun by undertaking activities like surfing and parasailing while shopaholics and elders can indulge in shopping sprees at the countless number of shops and stalls that adorn the pedestrian-friendly waterfront.
The star attraction at the Clearwater Beach is the Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise - your kids are sure to jump up and down with joy at the chance of traveling on a real pirate ship! Also, make sure that you do not miss out on the nightly sunset festivals featuring street performers and artists at the Pier 60 – it is sure to leave your entire family entertained!
Best Time to Visit - September to December
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Clearwater Beach? If yes, then check this out!
2. Amelia Island - Kayaking, Horseback Riding and Delicious Food!
Image Source: Patty O'Hearn Kickham/Flickr
The historic Amelia Island snuggled in North-east Florida is perhaps the most laid-back destination for family-friendly vacations in Florida. Boasting of 13 miles of scenic, uncrowded, gorgeous beaches, this island gives you the best opportunity to spend quality time with your family. This island is full of activities that your family members across all age groups can enjoy together – right from kayak trips to horseback rides on the beach!
Apart from the fabulous beaches, the charming downtown area brimming with eclectic shops and eateries is another point of attraction for the families visiting this island. The presence of large number of family-friendly resorts on the Amelia Island make it one of the most sought-after places for a quiet vacation with your loved ones in Florida.
Best Time to Visit - March to May and September to November
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Amelia Island? If yes, then check this out!
3. Sanibel Island - The Land of Shells!
Image Source: Nikoretro/Flickr
Pretty, colorful shells of all shapes, sizes, colors and textures await tourists at the Sanibel Island in Florida! The Sanibel Island boasts of perhaps the most kid-friendly beaches in Florida. Plan a trip here if your little ones love collecting conches, shells and sand dollars!
Apart from the colorful seashells, the beaches on this island offer boating, fishing and bicycling opportunities to the visitors, thus making it ideal for some recreational time with family. The designated picnic areas amp up the attractiveness quotient of the Sanibel Island- get out those picnic baskets, pack your picnic lunches and head over to this place for your much-needed family break! Or you can plan for these awesome shelling beaches in Florida as well.
Best Time to Visit- December to April
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Sanibel Island? If yes, then check this out!
4. Fort Lauderdale - Wave Runners, Paddleboards and Banana Boats!
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Looking forward to a fun-filled day with your folks at a popular yet uncrowded beach in Florida? If yes, then head to the Fort Lauderdale! Blessed with a 23-mile-long coastline that is full of sun-kissed shores, this place has to be on your checklist of family-friendly Florida beaches!
Considered to be one of the cleanliest coasts in Florida, Fort Lauderdale bestows you with an opportunity to indulge in plethora of beach activities with your family, including exciting ones like wave running, paddle-boarding and banana boat rides. In addition, the silky sand, the calm waters and the warm surf ensure that your kids can have a great time without you worrying about their safety! Read more on things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Best Time to Visit- December to April
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Fort Lauderdale? If yes, then check this out!
5. Siesta Key Beach - The Best Place for Beach-side Picnics!
Image Source: Mike Miller/Flickr
A long stretch of spotless white sand dotted with a myriad of multicolored umbrellas, the Siesta Key Beach invites you for a rejuvenating time with your family! Located off the western coast, this barrier island consists of various entertainment options that are suitable for the entire family. Beachside picnic areas, playgrounds and multiple water sport options are sure to keep people of all age groups occupied!
The translucent green waters are shallow near the beach, thus making it safe for frolicking in the sea. The presence of multitude of kid-friendly hotels and lodging spots near the beach guarantee a fun-filled vacation with your kin! Plus, the picture-perfect sunsets make for a great background for all your family pictures. Without a doubt, Siesta Key Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for families!
Best Time to Visit- October and February to May
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Siesta Key? If yes, then check this out!
Also Explore: Things To Do In Orlando
6. Destin - World’s Luckiest Fishing Village!
Image Source: Ricardo's Photography/Flickr
Destin Beach in Florida is characterized by three main traits-emerald-hued waters, sugar-white sands and a hungry marine population! One of the best spots in Florida for fishing, the Destin Beach promises a great catch to all the fishing-enthusiasts. Apart from fishing, numerous parasailing and jet-skiing opportunities make this beach quite a hit among families.
This family-oriented coast is located far from the noisy hubs and bustling crowds, which makes it ideal for spending quality time with your people. If fishing and watersports are not your thing, then, you can build sandcastles together, splash about the clean waters or simply lounge on the beach while having family conversations! Harboring luxurious resorts and affordable rental services, this coastline ensures that your family has a memorable and an enjoyable vacation! Read more on things to do in Destin.
Best Time to Visit - April and May
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Destin? If yes, then check this out!
7. Cocoa Beach - Iconic Piers!
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
One of the best beaches near Orlando, Florida, the Cocoa Beach is perfect for some family fun in the sun! This quintessential beach town provides ample recreational and leisurely opportunities to people of all ages – from deep-sea fishing, boogie-boarding and kayaking to affordable cruises and surfing.
Cocoa beach boasts of several iconic piers which are swarming with seafood restaurants, shops and entertainment centers. What’s more, this coast is also in the close proximity of popular attractions in Florida like the Universal Studios and Kennedy Space Center! So, not just a coastal escape, a trip to the Cocoa Beach will give you the perfect opportunity to have a complete dream vacation with your family!
Best Time to Visit - November to March
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Cocoa Beach? If yes, then check this out!
8. Marco Island - Dolphins, Primitive Camping and Canoeing!
Image Source: Elin B/Flickr
Does the thought of self-guided canoe rides and shelling excursions excite your folks? If yes, then head to the Marco Islands without further ado! Marco Island is a paradox of sorts- on one hand, there are coconut palms, tropical foliage and flowers and on the other hand, there are luxurious resorts and condos!
Beach bums sunbathe on the soft sand and watch occasional dolphins jump across the azure waves. A gently-sloping beach blessed with lively shells, this beach is a kid-friendly one! Another USP of this beach is that is located very close to the Collier Seminole State Park, a park which has primitive camping and picnic grounds. Overflowing with options for family entertainment, there is never a shortage of things to do when you are on Marco Islands!
Best Time to Visit- March to May
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Marco Island? If yes, then check this out!
9. Jupiter Beach - Sand Dunes, Mangroves and Warm Currents!
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
A large stretch of secluded coastline and pristine, untouched waters, the Jupiter Beach ranks at the top when it comes to family-friendly Florida beaches. The presence of sand dunes and mangroves make this place quite interesting for tourists! This relatively less crowded beach is perfect for indulging in a game of volleyball with your family.
The warm waters and the gentle waves ensure that the children have a good time while their parents sunbathe in the powdery sand. Apart from beach sports, there are numerous other activities nearby the Jupiter coast which you can participate in with your loved ones- from a climb up the lighthouse which bequeaths you with stunning views of the ocean to one-of-its-kind turtle hatchling walks- you can do it all!
Best Time to Visit- December to April
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Jupiter Beach? If yes, then check this out!
10. Fort Walton Beach - Kid-friendly Attractions and Leisurely Activities!
Image Source: TravelingOtter/Flickr
Huddled between the Pensacola and Panama City along North Florida’s glittering Gulf Coast, Fort Walton Beach is one of the most preferred spots for family-friendly vacations in Florida. Packed with resorts which welcome families and kid-friendly attractions like amusement parks and aquariums, this destination is sure to leave you wanting to extend your vacation!
The green waters and the powdery sand invigorate the minds of the visitors! You can not only indulge in leisurely activities like building sand castles but also in adrenaline-packed games like volleyball when you take your kin to this beach. Apart from the multitude of options for kids, this beach also consists of two public golf courses for elders, thus making it suitable for families consisting of people of different ages.
Best Time to Visit- September to November and March to May
Looking for comfortable and affordable places to stay near Fort Walton Beach? If yes, then check this out!
So, excited yet? Book your tickets now and head to these choicest beaches in Florida for the perfect family vacation! Do not forget to pack your sunscreens!
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