13 Beautiful Coastal Towns in Florida You Must Visit
Florida is a state that’s renowned for its stunning coastline, with over 1,300 miles of pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s no wonder that the Sunshine State is a popular vacation destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
From the vibrant nightlife of Key West to the laid-back vibe of the Seaside, there’s no shortage of coastal towns to explore in Florida. But with so many options, it can be tough to choose where to go. Let’s highlight some of the best coastal towns in Florida, each with its own unique charm!
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Best Florida Beach Towns
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway, a romantic retreat, or a solo adventure, there’s something for everyone on Florida’s coast. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and let’s hit the beach!
Coastal Towns on the Florida Panhandle
1. Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is a special place on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is near Destin and Panama City Beach. The beaches in Santa Rosa are very pretty and clean.
Santa Rosa Beach is a great place to visit if you love the beach and nature. The sand is soft and white, like powdered sugar. The water is beautiful and green! There are lots of fish and other animals to see.
This beach is also special because it has rare coastal dune lakes. These lakes are only found in a few places in the world. They are created when saltwater and freshwater mix together.
The coastal dune lakes are a peaceful place to go paddleboarding, kayaking, or fishing. You can enjoy the beautiful views of nature while you are there.
2. Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is a small, laid-back coastal town located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its stunning beaches, unique charm, and natural beauty. The small town is situated along Scenic Highway 30A, which is known for its picturesque coastal views and charming beach communities.
Grayton Beach’s main attraction is its pristine beach, which has been ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States. The beach features soft, white sand, turquoise waters, and a peaceful, unspoiled setting. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a range of watersports, from kayaking to paddleboarding.
Beyond its beach, Grayton Beach offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. The town is home to several art galleries, showcasing the work of local artists and artisans and a variety of shops and restaurants that feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Grayton Beach is also surrounded by natural beauty, with several state parks and nature reserves located in the area. Visitors can explore the scenic trails of Grayton Beach State Park, which offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, or take a kayak tour through the nearby coastal dune lakes.
3. Seaside
Nestled along Florida’s scenic Highway 30A, Seaside is a picturesque coastal small town that has been charming visitors since its founding in 1981. Known for its pastel-colored cottages, white picket fences, and quaint downtown area, Seaside is the epitome of small-town charm.
Seaside’s beautiful beaches are the main attraction for visitors. The town boasts over a mile of pristine shoreline, with soft white sand and turquoise waters that offer the perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The town’s beach access points are conveniently located throughout the town, making it easy to access the water from any location.
In addition to the beaches, Seaside’s downtown area is a hub of activity, with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. Visitors can browse through the town’s unique boutiques and shops, which offer everything from artisanal crafts to designer clothing.
The small town also boasts a vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants serving up fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and international flavors.
Seaside is also known for its lively events and festivals throughout the year, from outdoor concerts and movies to art shows and farmer’s markets. The town’s amphitheater and outdoor performance spaces are the perfect venues for enjoying live music and entertainment while taking in the beautiful Florida weather.
Coastal Towns in North Florida
4. Cedar Key
Cedar Key is a hidden gem located along Florida’s Nature Coast, off the beaten path of the more popular coastal destinations in the state. This charming fishing village is situated on a group of islands in the Gulf of Mexico and offers a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Cedar Key’s historic downtown area is a hub of activity, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. Visitors can stroll along the town’s quaint streets and admire the well-preserved Victorian architecture, while browsing through the unique boutiques and art galleries that showcase the work of local artists and artisans.
Cedar Key’s natural beauty is also a major draw for visitors. The town boasts a variety of natural attractions, from the pristine beaches and marshlands to the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can explore the refuge on foot or by boat, and enjoy an up-close encounter with the area’s diverse wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species.
Cedar Key is also known for its fresh seafood, which is a staple of the town’s culinary scene. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, from freshly caught shrimp and oysters to clam chowder and lobster. Many of the town’s restaurants offer waterfront dining, providing stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the small town’s picturesque harbor.
5. Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is in the north part of Florida’s Atlantic coast. It is a special and historic town with lots of character. Amelia Island is nearby and has beautiful beaches, natural areas, and an interesting past.
Fernandina Beach has lots of things to do downtown. You can look at the old buildings and explore shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Local artists make the artwork you can see in these places. The streets are pretty to walk around on too!
Fernandina Beach is a very beautiful town. It has 13 miles of beaches with soft sand and clear water for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. There are also forests, marshlands, parks, and nature reserves that people can explore.
Fernandina Beach has a lot of rich history. You can go on a special tour to explore their historic places. These places are important enough to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Or you can visit the Amelia Island Museum of History and learn about what happened in the past.
Coastal Towns in Central Florida
6. Longboat Key
Longboat Key is a luxurious barrier island situated off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. This exclusive island is a popular destination for those seeking a sophisticated and refined beach vacation.
Longboat Key boasts over 12 miles of picturesque beaches, with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. The island’s beaches are renowned for their seclusion and privacy. They provide a serene and tranquil setting for visitors to unwind and relax!
The island’s dining and shopping options are equally impressive, with a variety of high-end restaurants and boutique shops to choose from. Visitors can indulge in fine dining, with menus featuring locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood, or browse through the island’s designer boutiques and art galleries.
Longboat Key is also home to several world-class resorts, offering visitors a luxurious and comfortable stay. The island’s resorts offer a range of amenities and activities, from spa treatments and fitness classes to tennis courts and golf courses, providing something for every type of traveler.
7. Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a barrier island located off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The island has consistently been ranked as one of the best beaches in the US, and it’s easy to see why!
Siesta Key’s beaches are the main attraction, with soft, powdery white sand that’s cool to the touch even on the hottest of days. The sand is composed of nearly pure quartz, giving it a unique and striking appearance. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and participate in various watersports, including parasailing, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and a range of international cuisine, all while taking in the island’s stunning views.
Siesta Key is also home to several parks and nature reserves, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the island’s natural beauty. Take a stroll through the lush gardens of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens or hike through the scenic trails of Myakka River State Park.
8. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a vibrant coastal town located along Florida’s Space Coast, known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and proximity to world-famous attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center.
The main attraction is the stunning beach, which offers over six miles of soft, sandy shores and warm, inviting waters. Visitors can swim, surf, and sunbathe, or take part in a range of water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and parasailing.
Visitors can sample fresh seafood, craft beer, and other local specialties, or browse for unique souvenirs and beachwear.
This spectacular beach is home to several parks and nature reserves, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty. The Thousand Islands Conservation Area is a popular spot for kayaking and birdwatching, while the Lori Wilson Park offers nature trails, picnic areas, and beach access.
The nearby Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit attraction for space enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience that includes tours of the launch pads, astronaut memorabilia, and interactive exhibits.
9. Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is a unique coastal town located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, known for its rich Greek heritage, sponge diving industry, and beautiful natural surroundings.
The town has a lot of Greek history. You can see it in the buildings, food, and activities. Look at the colorful buildings downtown and eat at Greek restaurants and bakeries. The Sponge Docks area has lots of shops owned by Greeks. Watch sponge divers bring up their catch from the sea in their special way.
Tarpon Springs is a great place to visit for lots of reasons. It has many cultural attractions, and it’s also perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. You can also go swimming or sunbathing on the beaches near Tarpon Springs like Howard Park or Sunset Beach.
Tarpon Springs is also home to several parks and nature reserves, including the 8,000-acre Brooker Creek Preserve, which offers miles of hiking and biking trails and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
10. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a charming coastal town located on a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, just south of Tampa. With its pristine beaches, quaint shops and restaurants, and laid-back island vibe, Anna Maria Island is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and relaxing vacation experience.
One of the main attractions of Anna Maria Island is its beautiful beaches, which offer soft white sand and warm, clear waters. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a range of water activities, from paddleboarding and kayaking to fishing and boating.
Beyond its beaches, Anna Maria Island is home to several unique shops and restaurants, which offer a range of local arts and crafts, fresh seafood, and tropical cocktails. Visitors can stroll along the town’s quaint streets and take in the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico.
One of the unique features of Anna Maria Island is its commitment to preserving its natural beauty and small-town charm. Visitors can explore the town’s eco-friendly parks and preserves, which offer a range of outdoor activities and opportunities to see local wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.
Coastal Towns in South Florida
11. Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is a picturesque island town located just a short distance from downtown Miami, Florida. The island is known for its stunning beaches, lush green spaces, and upscale amenities, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Key Biscayne’s main attraction is its pristine beaches, which offer soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities, from swimming and sunbathing to snorkeling and kayaking.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which features a historic lighthouse and miles of scenic trails. The island also boasts a number of upscale restaurants, boutiques, and hotels, making it a popular destination for luxury travelers.
Key Biscayne offers stunning views of the Miami skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can take in the panoramic views from Crandon Park, a popular waterfront park that features a golf course, tennis center, and marina.
12. Naples
Naples is a picturesque coastal town in southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its beautiful beaches, upscale shopping and dining, and world-class golf courses, Naples is a popular destination for visitors seeking luxury and relaxation.
Naples’ main attraction is its pristine beaches, which offer soft, white sand and clear, turquoise waters. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a range of water activities, from paddleboarding and kayaking to fishing and sailing.
Beyond its beaches, Naples is also a great cultural and artistic destination. The town is home to several museums and galleries, including the Naples Art Association and the Baker Museum, which showcases contemporary art from around the world.
Naples is also known for its world-class shopping and dining. Visitors can browse upscale boutiques and designer stores at the Waterside Shops, or dine at one of the town’s many award-winning restaurants, which serve a range of cuisines from around the world.
Golf enthusiasts will also love Naples, which boasts over 90 golf courses, including several championship courses designed by some of the sport’s biggest names.
13. Key West
Key West is a tropical paradise located at the southernmost point of the United States, and is one of the most popular coastal towns in Florida. It has a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and interesting buildings. You will have an amazing time and make memories that will last forever!
Key West is famous for its beaches. The water is warm and clear and the sand is white. You can swim, snorkel, or just relax in the sun. There are also colorful coral reefs with lots of marine life to explore when you go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Key West has lots of things to do besides going to the beach. You can visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, or the Key West Lighthouse and Museum.
The town is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars and restaurants offering live music, delicious seafood, and tropical cocktails.
Final Thoughts
Florida has many amazing coastal towns, each one is special with its own fun things to do. There are white sand beaches like Siesta Key and old places like Fernandina Beach. Florida is a great place to visit!
If you want fun, rest, or both, visit these small towns. They have lots of activities and places to go. You can do water sports, explore outside, shop, eat out, and learn about the culture. There is always something to do in these beautiful coastal towns!
If you are going to Florida, you should visit some of the best coastal towns. These places have beautiful nature, interesting stories, and nice people. You will have an amazing time, and it will be a trip to remember!
