Want a beach holiday to the Sunshine State but not sure where to choose? Here’s our handy guide to the best of Florida’s beach destinations, each of which has its own unique vibe and attractions.
Closest International Airport: Tampa
Temperature highs: Winter – 21°c, summer – 32°c
Bradenton offers Old Florida charm along with 249 days of sunshine a year and access to 16 miles of pristine white beach. After topping up your tan, you can learn about the culture and history of the region at the South Florida Museum, wander around the Village of the Arts, a working artists’ community or enjoy dinner on the beachfront as the sun sets.
Closest International Airport: Orlando
Temperature highs: Winter – 22°c, summer – 32°c
Cocoa Beach, along Florida’s Space Coast, makes for an out-of-this-world family holiday. Ride some waves, visit the world-famous pier, be amazed at Ron Jon’s, the world’s largest surf shop, hike through nature preserves or find out more about mankind’s greatest journey at the Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s launch headquarters. Florida’ s Space Coast boasts aroud 72 miles of beaches and is the closest beach area to Orlando.
Closest International Airport: Tampa
Temperature highs: Winter – 21°c, summer – 30°c
This is the manatee capital of the world. Crystal River is the only area in Florida where you can legally swim with these gentle creatures in the wild. Feast on freshly-caught seafood in one of Crystal River’s seaside villages. Enjoy the night-life in the pubs and restaurants of historic downtown Inverness.
Closest International Airport: Orlando
Temperature highs: Winter – 20°c, summer – 31°c
Daytona Beach owes its nickname ‘the World’s Most Famous Beach’ to its impressive festival calendar, its world renowned Speedway and its hard pack sand beaches which allow for running, cycling and even driving. With an historic pier, 23 miles of white sand to choose from plus a beautiful year round climate, this coastal community offers everything you need for a fun-packed holiday in Central Florida.
Closest International Airport: Fort Myers
Temperature highs: Winter – 23°c, summer – 33°c
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel are made up of 100 islands strung along the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida. This area boasts great resorts, stunning beaches and family-friendly attractions along with the opportunity to island hop by boat or have one-on-one natural encounters. Downtown Fort Myers is also home to the estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, both world famous American pioneers.
Closest International Airport: Miami
Temperature highs: Winter – 18°c, summer – 33°c
The Florida Keys are made up of a 150 mile-long string of islands connected to the southernmost tip of Florida by the stunning Overseas Highway. The turquoise waters of the Keys play host to the only living coral reef in North America, making this a paradise for snorkelers and divers. There are also independently owned cafés, live music venues, museums and plenty of other ways to while away your holiday.
Closest International Airport: West Palm Beach
Temperature highs: Winter – 23°c, summer – 32°c
If you’re looking for luxury resorts, historic attractions and upscale shopping, the Palm Beaches along Florida’s Atlantic coast are the destination for you. There’s also 47 miles of pristine beach to relax on as well as innovative dining options, 160 golf courses and some beautiful gilded age mansions to discover. Don’t miss the views from the top of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Closest International Airport: Panama City Beach
Temperature highs: Winter – 16°c, summer – 32°c
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of white beaches and an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. With its combination of Southern hospitality, activity options from diving and paddle boarding to shell collecting and retail-outlet shopping, this is a popular year round destination for all the family. The airport is only 10 minutes’ drive from the beach too.
Closest International Airport: Pensacola
Temperature highs: Winter – 14°c, summer – 31°c
Known as ‘Florida’s First Beach’, as it was one of the first European settlements in the US, Pensacola has historical pedigree as well as pristine sugar-white beaches stretching more than 52 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. The city also boasts an average of 340 days of sunshine a year, delicious gulf coast seafood and access to the stunning Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Dive Trail.
Closest International Airport: Tampa
Temperature highs: Winter – 21°c, summer – 32°c
Sarasota is one of Florida’s primary Gulf Coast cities and a year-round cultural hotspot. Along with the delights of the city there’s also 34 miles of unspoilt beach, lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Two state parks – Myakka River and Oscar Scherer offer a wealth of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, treetop walking and kayaking.
Closest International Airport: Jacksonville
Temperature highs: Winter – 18°c, summer – 31°c
Pete/ ClearwaterClosest International Airport: Tampa
Temperature highs: Winter – 20°c, summer – 31°c
Located 90 minutes from Orlando and 30 minutes from Tampa, the twin resorts of St Petersburg and Clearwater are the perfect destination for sun-worshippers, with award-winning beaches and year round sunshine. There are also five distinctive Art Districts, a world famous Dali Museum and a nightly festival at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach to celebrate the area’s fantastic sunsets.
