The state stands out for its variety of family destinations, encompassing both serene beaches and areas full of activities for all ages.
Florida has established itself as an ideal enclave for family vacations, standing out for its diversity of beaches that satisfy everything from the search for a quiet and isolated environment to the desire for entertainment close to the coast. Florida’s beaches offer a wide range of activities, hospitality and natural landscapes, making this state a favorite destination for families from around the world.
Here are the Top 8 Best Family Beaches in Florida :
Cocoa Beach
On the east coast, it is presented as a notable destination for its proximity to the Cape Canaveral Launch Complex. Additionally, this region is renowned for its contribution to American surf culture, with schools offering classes for all ages. Local fauna can be explored at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, aiming for a close encounter with nature.
How to get there from Miami: Located on the East Coast of Florida, to get to Cocoa Beach from downtown Miami, you can take I-95 N. The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by car, covering a distance of around of 200 miles.
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Pensacola Beach
Located on the barrier island of Santa Rosa, it stands out for its family atmosphere and calm waters, similar to those of a lake, which is ideal for the little ones. The region offers attractions such as kayaking and snorkeling tours, as well as Quietwater Beach, known for its serene environment and suitable for timid swimmers.
Getting there from Miami: Located on the western edge of the Florida Panhandle, getting to Pensacola Beach from Miami requires a longer drive. The suggested route is to take I-75 N to I-10 W. This trip can take around 9 hours by car, covering almost 670 miles.
Key Biscayne
To the south, it emerges as a quiet alternative to Miami life. Its Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is not only home to a historic lighthouse, but also undeveloped beaches that are perfect for a day of relaxation or exploring marine life on organized snorkel excursions to Biscayne National Park.
How to get there from Miami: Key Biscayne is very close to downtown Miami, just about 10 to 15 minutes by car. The most direct route is via the Rickenbacker Causeway from downtown Miami. This option offers quick access to quiet, family-friendly beaches.
St Pete Beach
It combines the allure of a classic beach vacation with unmatched accessibility to urban attractions. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this area is distinguished by its fine sand and its proximity to downtown St. Petersburg, where attractions such as the pier offer a complete leisure and cultural experience.
How to get there from Miami: To reach St. Pete Beach, visitors can take I-75 N to the I-275 S exit toward St. Petersburg, then follow signs to St. Pete Beach. The trip takes approximately 4 hours by car, covering about 265 miles.
Naples
On the Gulf Coast, it stands out for its mix of luxury and nature, with beaches like Clam Pass Park, which invites families to enjoy unusual tranquility in a picturesque setting. The city also serves as a gateway to explorations in Everglades National Park, adding an adventure component to the stay.
How to get there from Miami: Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Naples can be reached from Miami by taking I-75 N, known as “Alligator Alley.” The drive takes approximately 2 hours and covers about 125 miles.
St Augustine Beach
From a historical point of view, it provides an enriching experience as it is close to the historic center of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. The area not only offers beaches suitable for surfing but also direct access to monuments such as the Castillo de San Marcos, representing a fusion between leisure and education.
How to get there from Miami: To reach St. Augustine Beach from Miami, visitors should take I-95 N. This trip takes about 5 hours by car and covers approximately 320 miles.
Vero Beach
It is emerging as the ideal place for those looking for a relaxing stay, with accommodation options ranging from hotels with direct access to the beach to water activities available to guests. This area is known as the Treasure Coast, where traces of Spanish shipwrecks can be found in local museums.
How to get there from Miami: Travelers can reach Vero Beach by taking I-95 N from Miami. The trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car, covering about 140 miles.
Siesta Key Beach
Finally, it is recognized for its fine sand and calm sea, which makes it an ideal place for families with small children. The beach has been awarded numerous times for its beauty and optimal conditions for a relaxing day under the Florida sun.
How to get there from Miami: To get to Siesta Key Beach from Miami, the suggested route is to take I-75 N. This takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by car, covering about 210 miles.