Florida Boasts 9 Of Best Beaches In America
The best beaches in America for 2024 list have been released. Each year, Tripadvisor compiles lists based on readers’ opinions on beaches, destinations, restaurants, and more.
The number one beach in the world for 2024 is Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua, Portugal. It’s surrounded by cliffs and features golden sand and blue waters. The beach has earned a Blue Flag recognition for cleanliness, and it features easy access to restrooms and snacks.
Now, changing our focus to the beaches of the United States. The top beach for 2024, according to Tripadvisor’s readers is Ka’anapali Beach in Hawai’i. As with most of the top beaches, when you’re not sunbathing, you can swim and snorkel in its blue waters.
As for the remaining 24 beaches on the list? Here are Florida’s beaches scattered throughout Tripadvisor’s Best Beaches In America List:
Kicking off with the number 2 spot, Siesta Beach. We’ve taken a look at Siesta Beach before, as it has consistently been among America’s top beaches. Just south of Sarasota, sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, there are the gulf’s familiar white sands, clear waters, and unobstructed views of our beautiful sunsets.
Number 4 on the list is Hollywood Beach.
A view on Hollywood Beach, Florida. Not usually quite so emply, but it’s still a relaxing Florida escape.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Located between Ft. Lauderdale Beach and Miami Beach on the Atlantic Ocean, Hollywood Beach has everything from quiet places to relax to exciting nightlife and restaurants near the beach. There’s also a boardwalk with live music.
A perennial on the list of best beaches, Clearwater Beach landed at number 11 on the list. Being in our backyard (or for some in the Tampa Bay area, it’s our front yard!), we know all about it. The most well-known white sand beaches, famous Pier 60, nearby dining and shopping along with wonderful hotels and motels to enjoy everything from a day trip to a weekend stay to a long-term visit. There are dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, the famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium that became famous as the home of Winter the Dolphin of “Dolphin Tale.”
A view from one of the Wyndham Hotel Clearwater suites overlooking Clearwater Beach.
(Photo By Andrew M./BBGI)
At number 13 is Panama City Beach. Located in Florida’s panhandle, Panama City Beach is another that became popular through spring break visitors. It has become a family-friendly beach with the Gulf of Mexico’s classic white sands, but has shallow water that is great for kids. There are great seafood restaurants and shopping, along with watersports such as jet skiing, kayaking and paddle boarding. There are also indoor and outdoor amusement centers and mini golf.
Panama City Beach, Florida, view of Front Beach Road at night during blue hour
Another of the best beaches, Number 15 is Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Back on the Atlantic Ocean side of Florida. There are luxurious hotels, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and a promenade with shops, cafes and street performers.
St. Augustine Beach landed at number 17. St. Augustine is the historical beginning of what cities became in the United States. The beach, however, is what you’d expect to find in Florida for family-friendly visits. The beaches are unspoiled, and there’s parking easily available. You can visit St. John’s County Ocean Pier Park where there’s fishing, volleyball courts and a playground area. Feeling ambitious? Get up early and watch the sun rise.
Henderson Beach State Park took the number 18 spot on the list. Henderson Beach State Park stands out with its sand dunes at it’s beaches where you can relax under an umbrella. Add in some natural trails and birdwatching. There’s also camping available not far from the crystal-clear water of the Gulf of Mexico for a fee.
At number 22 of the best beaches is Bahia Honda State Park, located midway down the Florida Keys. The official website, Floridastateparks.org, describes the beach as having ‘gin-clear’ waters. The remaining historical sights on the island includes Henry Flagler’s railroad, where you can walk to for photos. Much of the island is great for pictures, including the wildlife, beaches and marina, where you can charter boats for fishing. It’s also a great place to enjoy the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
The last of the list of best beaches in the U.S., it’s another beach in the Florida Keys. Sombrere Beach is number 25. Located on Marathon Key, Sombrero Beach is located on the south side on the island facing the Atlantic Ocean. The park offers kayaking, fishing, snorkeling or just relaxing on its soft sand. Being a turtle nesting beach, mostly for loggerhead turtles, it’s near Turtle Hospital, where you can take tours as well as the Dolphin Research Center.
Top 5 Places To Live Near The Beach In Florida Without Breaking The Bank
Jacksonville
According to our source, the median cost of a home in Jacksonville is about $293,000, which is well below the national average. You can even find 1-bedrooom apartments for around $1,200/month. Jacksonville was also named one of the best cities to live in the south. Plus, there are plenty of job opportunities.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral is going to be one of the most affordable cities in southwest Florida. Bonus perk is that it has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. It’s also known for its many canals and gorgeous landscapes. According to Property Club, the median home price here is $391,000, which is just below the national average.
