Florida's Gulf Coast buzzes with phenomenal vacation destinations. Art museums, hotels and restaurants, water game parks, and educational centers are some major attractions. However, the gulf coast beaches receive more local and international guests than any other destination. Between October and December 2021, 30.9 million tourists visited Florida, and most of these travelers visited a beach or two on the gulf coast. Florida's Gulf Coast is adorned with many beautiful beaches. Here are eight spectacular beaches to include on the bucket list.
6 Clearwater Beach
Tourists looking for a clean unpolluted holiday destination often rush to the iconic Clearwater Beach. The beachline is covered in thin, fluffy white sand. The ocean waters are clear, free from seaweed and rock pebbles. During low tide, kids can enjoy swimming close to the shores, while adults can go deeper into the sea. It’s not rare to catch a dolphin or two flipping in the waters, although there’s a lot more sea life to appreciate at the Clear Water Marine Aquarium, a great marine life reservation spot. Beachgoers who don't prefer swimming or boating can play volleyball or rollerblade on the sandy beach.
- Location: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
5 Garden Key Beach
Garden Key beach is located in the west of the Florida Keys. This remote yet spectacular beach is only accessible via seaplane or boat from Key West city. Being a 14-acre estate, Garden Key is considered the second-largest beach in the Dry Tortugas National Park. History buffs get a chance to learn about the fascinating tales of Fort Jefferson. The beach features rare marine life such as sea urchins and coral heads. Tourists can engage in swimming and snorkeling. But kayaking and surfing are among the most popular activities here.
- Location: Garden Key, Florida 33040, USA
4 Pensacola Beach
This is one of Florida's most spectacular white-sand beaches. It stretches across the barrier island of Santa Rosa in Pensacola. Eateries in Pensacola Beach such as Bamboo Willie's and Paradise Bar and Grill are known for delicious menus and creative cocktails. Tourists love Premier Adventure Park where they find beach games, including parasailing and go-karting. Families take in the beach's spectacular sunsets by taking a stroll down the Pensacola Boardwalk. The amazing view of marine life such as sea turtles, coastal seabirds, dolphins, and penguins at Sand Eco-Trail is awe-inspiring.
- Location: Pensacola Beach, FL, USA
3 Siesta Key
Siesta Key is recognized among the best beaches in the United States. Located southwest of Sarasota, the beach can be accessed from Siesta Key North Bridge, which connects it to the mainland. Visitors are treated to a soft-sandy feel as they stroll down this expansive Gulf beach. Tourists do not have to worry about the hot summer as the sand is ever cool, thanks to its pure quartz from the mysterious Appalachian Mountains. Amenities such as tennis courts, playgrounds, and swimming pools with lifeguards make it an ideal getaway for families with kids. In addition, it has clear, tranquil waters making it a perfect spot for snorkeling.
- Location: 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
2 Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is situated west of Fort Myers in the Gulf of Mexico. It offers tourists an epic touch of beauty expounded by the sparkling bay and blue skies. The island offers visitors a variety of outdoor adventures, including a seashell collection, a picnic on Cayo Costa Island, boat riding, and fishing. Strolling the beach treats visitors to spectacular views of manatees, dolphins, and endless species of aquatic birds. In addition, visitors are exposed to unlimited water sports such as kayaking, surfing, sailing, and jet skiing.
- Location: Sanibel Island, FL 33957
1 Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is located in Panhandle, Northwest Florida. The white-sandy beach boasts 27 miles of coastline. Travelers are treated to various water-fun activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, and swimming. Visitors who prefer dry land adventures on the beach can visit Pier Park to ride on SkyWheel or try fun activities at Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
- Location: Panama City Beach, FL, USA