Sunshine Statebeaches along the Gulf of Mexico feature peaceful waters, white quartz sands, and off-the-beaten path destinations for lovers of natural landscapes.
While each of the hundreds of beaches around the state carries its own beauty and intrigue, there’s just something special about those along the Gulf of Mexico.
Aside from the stunningly gorgeous sunsets, the best Gulf Coast beaches are said to have the softest sand, the clearest waters, the most fun nature trails and the best fishing.
Plus, Gulf Coast beaches have some of the most comfortable year-round water temperatures. The average water temperature in the summer months will range from about 82 degrees in Destin in June to almost 87 degrees in Tampa in August.
From the crook ofNorthwest Floridato theDry Tortugas, the calm west coast seas attract everyone from sunbathers to shell hunters to spring breakers to scuba divers and everything in between. Even manatees and other finicky forms of sea life are drawn to Gulf Coast beaches and their warm, silky waters and quiet shorelines.
North Florida’sFort Walton Beachoften gets overlooked for the more well-known Gulf Coast beaches further south, but its pristine sands, emerald waters and nearby golf courses and family-friendly attractions are a favorite for regular visitors in the know.Pensacola’s Gulf Islands National Seashore is an understated treasure, beloved by those looking to get away from the crowds and see some fascinating historic forts and preserved wetlands.Navarre, a compact beach community just east of Pensacola,beckons with 12 miles of pristine white shoreline, wherevisitors compare crossing Navarre Bridge to transcending paradise time and time again. A lively scene can be found onClearwater Beach, popular for its vast stretches of powdery sand, tons of nearby shops and restaurants, nice hotels and a nearby aquarium, pier and downtown hub.
Couples loveAnna Maria Island, a sweet beach cottage town that’s ideal for a B&B weekend and a beachfront candlelight dinner.
SarasotaCounty is home to beaches that include award-winningSiesta Key, renowned for its soft white sands,Venice Beach, perfect for finding sharks’ teeth, andManasota Key, where you can escape to find some quiet time.
The 1,600-acre Lovers Key State Park inFort Myers Beach, a cluster of four barrier islands, is an outdoor lover’s paradise with miles of trails filled with wildlife, kayak and paddleboard rentals and plenty of spots to picnic, swim and fish in peace.
The secret is out onBarefoot BeachinBonita SpringsnearNaples, often ranked among the nation’s best beaches, yet somehow it remains largely unspoiled, great for seashell hunting, birdwatching and taking long walks along the shallow, warm waters. And sitting on the edge of the Everglades,Marco Islandhas an Old Florida feel with its colorful, pretty resorts, laid back vibe and palm tree-dotted coastline.
While the east coast of Florida has bigger ocean waves, cool attractions and mesmerizing sunrises, the west sits on a unique and rich body of water that lends itself to a variety of interests and activities all along the coast. The best Gulf Coast beaches are the ones that suit your particular idea of paradise. It’s there, waiting for you to explore it.
Captiva Beach (Captiva): Hands down the best beach for sunsets on the Gulf Coast. Search for shells or just enjoy the rolling dunes and clear water of the Gulf, perfect for swimming.
Let's start on the western coast of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico where Marco Island sits. The largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is the safest area in Florida, according to the FBI's data.
The sand on the West Coast is softer and whiter, keeping it cool even when the sun is beaming on it. On the East coast, the sand is rougher and darker, which can make it uncomfortably hot to step on. However, if you prefer waves, “they don't have much waves over there,” he said.
It all comes down to preference. No, really. While the Gulf tends to have more lush sands, richer areas for beachcombing and clearer waters, the Atlantic has tons of activity, with hard-packed sands built for jogging and active waves for surfers.
Both Destin and the Siesta Key area have received excellent reviews for the gulf waters at each location. The gulf at Siesta Key is warmer than Destin since it is much further south, which makes it a popular destination during the winter when it is frequented by "snowbirds" mostly from the northeast and New York.
For those seeking a blindingly white shoreline to lay your towel in, there's one place to go: Clearwater Beach, Florida. Yes, the city is named for the impressive color and clarity of its water, but it could just as easily be named for its sugar-white sands.
Renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear turquoise, the Gulf of Mexico beach waters shimmer under the golden sun. Inlet Beach's uncrowded shores provide ample space to spread out and soak up the sun, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Claiming the top spot as the most affordable beach town on the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach boasts a median cost of just $485,000. This lively destination in the Florida Panhandle offers a vibrant entertainment scene, endless family-friendly activities, and a thriving nightlife.
Considering hurricanes of Categories 1 to 5, the most secure regions in Florida include Central Florida (for instance, Orlando), Northeast Florida (such as Palatka), Central West Florida (Tampa), and North Central Florida (including Gainesville).
Leesburg, Florida is considered one of the safest places in the state when it comes to the risk of hurricanes. It has a hurricane and tropical storm score of zero and it also has a low flood score. It is located in central Florida's Lake County and has a population of more than 31,249 people.
Some of the best Gulf Coast beaches in the area include Panama City Beach, Destin, Seagrove Beach, Cape San Blas, St George Island, and Navarre Beach. As you head south, you'll find beaches that make a great stop along the way to Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and other Central Florida attractions.
Petersburg, both Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park consistently top the list of Florida's best beaches. While Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat, nearby Honeymoon Island's four miles of beach can be reached by car.
Gulf coast for the beautiful white sand and warm water. They are both beautiful in their own ways. North Florida's East coast has amazing, rugged beaches that are really fun to explore. The Nature Coast (Central Florida gulf side) has crystal clear springs as well as gorgeous beaches.
With stunning architecture and stark white facades that seem to glow from within, Alys Beach's unique style may recall visions of Greek villages perched above the Mediterranean Sea.
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