A beach vacation along the Gulf Coast of Florida is the best way to spend summer. Those who look for peace while on a getaway are drawn to this part of the state, which contrasts the more lively Atlantic Coast to the east.
The beaches of the Florida Gulf Coast are known for their white sand and turquoise waters, which are often featured in tourist promotional materials. The waves are great for water sports like swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Use this guide to fit the perfect beach around the Florida Gulf Coast to pick for your next vacation!
10 Gulf Coast Beaches in Florida
Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach, a favorite among locals, is located between Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. Along this section of Pinellas County’s 35 miles of beaches, you won’t find any luxurious amenities, only low-rise hotels, cafes, and souvenir shops set back from the pristine white sands and clear blue waters.
Blue Mountain Beach
Blue Mountain Beach, a part of South Walton’s 26 miles of beaches in Florida’s Panhandle, is popular among vacationers thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Popular with its dunes, Blue Mountain Beach is the area’s highest point at 65 feet; tourists may find a vast stretch of white sand and plenty of space to explore and enjoy the day.
Boca Grande
Boca Grande is only reachable by crossing a bridge. The island is peaceful and private, with most residents traveling on foot, bike, or leased golf carts. It’s possible to stroll the beach with fewer people during sunrise making it perfect for those who want to escape the crowds of the cities.
Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island State Park, located just north of Clearwater, is home to some of the stunning beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Four miles of pristine coastline are available for swimming, fishing, and shelling at this state park. In addition, there is a dog beach on the island’s southernmost point where you and your pets are on a leash.
Venice Beach
Given its reputation, Venice earns the nickname “Shark Tooth Capital.” Located south of Sarasota, Venice Beach is a tranquil Gulf of Mexico beach perfect for a day with friends, lover, family, or even yourself. So take a stroll down the coast and keep an eye out for preserved sharks’ teeth and seashells.
Siesta Key Public Beach
Siesta Key Public Beach has been consistently voted one of the top beaches in the United States. The eight-mile-long Siesta Key Beach can be found south of downtown Sarasota and provides plenty of room for people to stroll, run, or sunbathe. In addition, the beach has a gentle slope into the water, making it a good spot for swimming.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach in Pensacola, Florida, is a beautiful stretch of white sand where the emerald-green Gulf of Mexico waters gently lap at the coast. Tourists may also visit the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier, which stretches deep into its broad breadth, making it an excellent place for fishers to spend the morning or watch the sunrise and sunset.
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Pass-a-Grille Beach is ideal for tourists and try the thrill of water sports and feast on delicious cuisine. In addition, the place is home to a charming coastal village that makes for a fun day trip.
Relax on the cushion-like sand, play beach volleyball, paddleboard, ride a Jet Ski, or exercise in a glass-bottomed kayak. Chair, umbrella, and paddleboard rentals are also conveniently located nearby for tourists who want extra service while enjoying the sun.
Naples Municipal Beach
Naples Municipal Beach is for you if you’re into more expensive and high-end beaches to spend your vacation. It provides the heat and summer vibe you want alongside the city’s upmarket restaurants and costly boutiques along the beachfront.
The beach is famous and luxurious in the metropolis. The sand is fine and white, and the water is clean and blue, making it a perfect spot for diving and sunbathing. This paradise is also famous for some celebrities.
Henderson Beach
There’s a mile-long beach to enjoy activities like swimming, free diving, and snorkeling in Henderson Beach. In addition, there are plenty of picnic areas, and shelters are good for feeling the ocean breeze. You can visit the beach at Henderson Beach State park in Destin by walking down a meandering path through some of the few surviving threatened coastal scrub ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Florida beaches on the Gulf side?
The Gulf Coast of Florida is popular among tourists because of the most beautiful beaches, the calm waves, the white sands, and usually uncrowded spots like the following.
- Henderson Beach
- Naples Municipal Beach
- Pensacola Beach
- Boca Grande
- Honeymoon Island
Where is the best place to visit on the Gulf Coast of Florida?
Pensacola Beach is the best beach to visit because it offers various activities, including fishing from the fishing piers and parasailing high above the sea.
Which coast of Florida has the best beaches?
The Gulf Coast has the best beaches because it has white, fine sands, clear blue water, and gentle waves perfect for tourists with children.
Which side of Florida is better Gulf or Atlantic?
The Atlantic Ocean on Florida’s East Coast is typically associated with more active waves than the Gulf Coast. However, if you are into a more lively vacation, Atlantic is for you because Gulf Coast is gentler and uncrowded.
Is Florida Gulf Coast better?
Both coasts of Florida offer the best experience for tourists. It depends on what the tourist prefers overall. However, the Gulf Coast provides whiter, finer sands and uncrowded beaches.
