There’s something about a Florida beach that hits different. Maybe it’s the powdery white sand. Or the way the Gulf water stays warm even in spring. Or just the fact you can lie back, toes buried, while dolphins splash offshore like it’s no big deal.
Whatever your reason for going coastal, you’ve got options. Loads of them. From the calm, shallow waters of Clearwater Beach to the surfy buzz of Cocoa or the pastel-soaked glamour of Miami’s South Beach — it’s not just one “type” of beach. Florida kind of does them all.
You might want somewhere lively, where bars spill out onto boardwalks and you can get frozen margaritas before noon. Or you might be looking for a quiet spot where the biggest decision is whether to nap or read. Either works.
This page brings together our top beach destinations in Florida for UK travellers — plus tips on where to stay, what to do, and which ones are actually worth the drive (because not all of them are, let’s be honest).
If you’re still deciding between parks or coast, here’s your gentle nudge: you can totally do both.
Florida’s kind of spoilt when it comes to coastline. You’ve got two very different sides to pick from — the Gulf Coast over on the west, and the Atlantic Coast on the east. They each feel totally different. Not better or worse, just... different. Some people love the calm, clear water of the Gulf. Others prefer the buzz and surf of the Atlantic. It really depends on what sort of beach person you are — or think you might be.
This side is where you’ll find beaches that look like they’ve been filtered, even when they haven’t. Think Clearwater, Siesta Key, St. Pete Beach, Naples, and the islands near Fort Myers. The water here is warm, usually pretty calm, and has that glassy, paddle-board-perfect feel to it.
It’s ideal for families. Kids can splash in without waves knocking them over. And sunsets? They’re kind of a thing here. People actually stop and clap when the sun goes down. No, really.
Hotels tend to be low-rise, easy-going, and close to the beach. You’ll find villas here too — if you’re doing a chill-out week after Orlando, it’s a solid choice.
If you want a bit more action — surfing, people-watching, night-time buzz — the Atlantic side is your best bet. You’ve got places like Cocoa Beach, Daytona, and of course, Miami Beach.
Cocoa is great if you’re staying near Orlando and want a quick beach fix — it’s only about an hour’s drive. Daytona has that old-school American beach town vibe. And Miami? Well, it’s flashy, fun, and full of energy. The beach itself is beautiful, even if the people-watching sometimes steals the show.
The waves are stronger here, so maybe not ideal for toddlers — but teens (and adults with a bit of energy) will love it.
Here’s the slightly less glamorous stuff that’s worth knowing:
Beach gear isn’t always included — a lot of public beaches charge for chairs and umbrellas. Pack your own if you’re driving.
Parking can be a nightmare — especially on weekends. Get there early or expect to circle for a bit.
Sun is serious — don’t mess around with SPF. Florida sun is no joke, even when it’s cloudy.
Red tide — occasionally hits the Gulf side. It’s a natural thing but can mess up your plans for a day or two.
Also, a lot of beaches are backed by residential areas. You won’t always find a long strip of cafes and shops like in Europe. Do your research — or just ask us.
A popular trick for UK families is doing a split stay — week one in Orlando, week two at the beach. It works. You get the fun, the buzz, the queues… then a big, sunny exhale by the coast.
If you time it right (and avoid US school holidays), beach hotels can be surprisingly affordable too.
