If you're in need of some laid-back vibes and fantastic weather, Florida is a great place to start. In the sunshine state, beach towns come in all shapes and sizes, which makes FL ideal for your next beach vacation. Of course, with so much in the way of an all-year-round beach paradise, narrowing down the best beach town for your next trip can seem a tad complicated. But, the good news is that you can easily save yourself the trouble by simply checking out these fan favorites. Here are Florida's eight best beach towns as of 2022.
8 Key West
It almost goes without saying that the island city of Key West is a fan favorite when it comes to amazing beach towns in Florida. So beachgoers looking for The most picture-perfect features should definitely plan their next vacation here. Known for being the state's southernmost city, in addition to stunning beaches, this locale has an abundance of natural beauty, must-experience nightlife, and so much more. A few noteworthy beach areas to check out while visiting include Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson, Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Bahia Honda State Park.
7 Grayton Beach
Frequently ranked as having the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the US, Grayton Beach is a small village that is a must-see for anyone who enjoys fishing, water sports, or exploring an untouched piece of paradise. Not only does Grayton Beach offer stunning views and ample relaxation, but this little slice of heaven also has a beautiful coastal forest that is a real feast for all the senses. This village’s main beach is also a well-known creative haven for artists, musicians, chefs, or anyone looking to escape convention and immerse themselves in the beach lifestyle.
6 Destin
With miles and miles of dazzling white sand coastline, Destin is an excellent destination for those looking for more than a few pristine beaches all in one location. Here, travelers can find a suitable beach for their needs, whether it's a little private spot for some R&R, an adventure-packed playground or a sandy location with great people watching. While there, some beaches to try out include Henderson Beach State Park, Eglin Matterhorn Beach, Princess Beach, Dune Allen Beach, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park—just to name a few.
5 Naples
Yet another sleepy little beach town that doesn't disappoint is Naples. Located in southern Florida, many vacationers can't help but fall in love with the sugar-soft white sand beaches and calm lapping waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Naples has several beaches that are ideal for swimmers, surfers, and those looking to enjoy a nice drink next to calming waters. If you do decide on this beach-y part of town, make sure you check out The Beach at Naples Pier, Lowdermilk Beach, and Clam Pass Park.
4 Pass-A-Grille In St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach has quite the following and is a legendary vaca spot that is an excellent choice for beach lovers. Here, travelers can choose to stay in either Saint Petersburg or Clearwater, as both towns seemingly have joint custody of Pass-A-Grille. Like so many of the beaches mentioned above, Pass-A-Grille offers visitors a vast stretch of white sand beneath their toes, casual seafood dining, amazing bars, and even convenient access to the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum. As a bonus, almost daily boat tours are available to the secluded Shell Key Preserve, which is a popular fishing spot to check out if you're into sport fishing.
3 Sanibel Island & Captiva Island
A little-known area of FL, Sanibel Island has been touted as a sun paradise since the early 19th century. Here, travelers can find some of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in the whole of the US. Plus, the neighboring island, Captiva Island, comes in at a close second, with its picturesque beach areas. That said, for those looking for the best of the best, when it comes to relaxation, Sanibel Island is the best option with its laid-back vibes only and some real peace and quiet (make sure to check out Bowman's Beach and Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park). Alternatively, if your vacation needs to be family-friendly, Captiva Island offers several beaches (Turner Beach and Captiva Beach) that are packed full of family-oriented activities and amenities.
2 Fort Myers Beach
For those interested in all things fun in the sun, Fort Myers Beach is where it is at. Here, beachgoers can delight in swimming, sunbathing, and an abundance of water sports, including kayaking, jet skiing, boating, and parasailing. What's more, water sports rental shops are aplenty here, so stop by any one of these shops and get ready to choose your own adventure. Of course, adventurists can also reserve equipment ahead of time or online. Other beaches worth spending some time at in the Fort Myers area include Crescent Beach and Lover's Key State Park.
1 Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Located just north of Miami, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a town that is truly gorgeous and almost downright surreal, thanks to its excellent beaches, lovely pier, and seaside merriment. Here, travelers will find ample opportunities to enjoy the beach, swim/surf/lounge, do some light shopping, grab a nice lunch or dinner, and even check out this town's living coral reef located only a few yards from the beach. This coral reef is popular among snorkelers and divers alike. That said, travelers, who've never been to this little beach town, sometimes confuse it with the famous Fort Lauderdale, so be careful when planning your next getaway. Ultimately, LBTS is a hidden beachfront oasis north of Fort Lauderdale that should be on everyone's vacation bucket list.