20 Top Beaches in Florida

There is no denying that when it comes to great beach-going, Florida is a wonderful, close-to-most destination. But where should you go in the state for the most pristine sand, clear water and amenities and people-watching? HGTV runs down our picks for the best Florida beaches no matter what you are looking for.

What to widen your net? Find out HGTV travel experts top picks for the Best Beaches in America and for Secret Florida Keys.

Miami Beach is the place for people watching. With the Art Deco facades of Ocean Drive as your backdrop, watch the toned bodies play volleyball and sun themselves bronze. For coffee, hit News Cafe, a local institution that attracts a mix of beach bums and business types on hiatus. Enjoy cocktails poolside under the impossibly tall palm trees at the Delano South Beach Hotel, where you may just spot a celebrity or two. Housed in an open, airy space with a stunning view of Miami's distinctive mix of skyscrapers and water, Zuma Miami located on the Miami River, is a must-stop for sushi lovers. The crowd is sophisticated and the space is gorgeous. Add in fresh, thoughtful, delicious food and this might be one of your most memorable foodie stops in the city.

Sanibel is a unique barrier island with an east-west orientation that differs from the typical north-south layout. This east-west designation has helped Sanibel earn its reputation as one of the Shell Islands — prime spots along Florida's coastline for gathering perfectly intact shells in every shape and size. Hit the beach with a bucket, shovel and small net, and stroll the beach at low tide to peruse the ocean's bounty of conch, cockles and scallop shells. Bowman's Beach is the quietest and most remote stretch of sand in Sanibel, while a historic lighthouse beckons visitors to take a stroll on the rustic boardwalk at Lighthouse Beach.

The biggest dilemma when chilling on the pearly white sands in Naples is which way to look. On one side are the rolling waves, and on the other are the gleaming mansions that make up Millionaires' Row. One of the most popular beaches at Naples Pier is in the city, on 12th Avenue South. Another great beach lies a few miles north of Old Naples, at the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. This is a great place to spread out the family's beach blanket and camp out for the day, as there are bathhouses and food stands on-site and rentals available for everything from umbrellas to kayaks to snorkeling gear.

This 16-mile-long, half-mile-wide island is the epitome of wealth and extravagance. In times past, it served as the winter home to the Vanderbilts, the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and other millionaires. True to form, the town still features some of Florida's finest hotels, restaurants and shops, as well as beautiful beaches. Perched next to the Gulf Stream, this beach town also enjoys the extra benefit of warm blue water and gentle breezes.

Take a dip in the crystal-blue waters of Miami's South Beach, an international playground that offers non-stop nightlife, high-end shopping, luxurious boutique hotels and unique Art Deco architecture. This man-made beach is perfect for early morning runs and topless sunbathing.

Each year, nearly 1 million people visit family-friendly Delray Beach to enjoy the 2-mile-long beach that's ideal for fun beach activities, including sand castle-building. Take a break from the beach and hit nearby Atlantic Avenue, lined with boutiques, seafood restaurants, and the luxurious Seagate Hotel and Spa.

With so much to see and do, it's almost impossible to lie idle on Siesta Key. Whether you curl your toes in it, run your fingers through it or bask on it, the allure of the island sand is contagious. Beach lovers flock to these silky shores to take advantage of the wide expanse of sand and the tranquil Gulf waters. Siesta Key Beach is perfect for strolling, shell-collecting or more active pursuits, such as renting a catamaran or kayak from one of the many beach concessionaires. This perfect family vacation venue, which boasts beachside picnic areas and playgrounds, is also home to candlelit restaurants and cozy rental cottages ideal for a romantic getaway.

A beach lover's heaven, Key West is one of the most enchanting of the 1,700 islands that make up the Florida Keys. It's also the southernmost city in the continental US. The beaches in Key West are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and fishing is allowed off the piers at most beaches. Enjoy these activities at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Florida's southernmost state park — and one of its most beautiful spots — that's home to wide stretches of sand and tranquil waters. We recommend renting a 2-person, glass-bottom kayak if you're looking for a fun but romantic escape.

Set on Florida's Panhandle, South Walton welcomes visitors with warm breezes, eye-pleasing views and family-friendly activities, only minus the crowds (hello, Panama City).

A barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island is where to go when you and the kids really just want to chill on a beach for a week, gazing out into tranquil turquoise waters. If you want to do more, there's more to do too, like kayaking at Robinson Preserve. Maximize your time in nature by booking a 2.5-hour kayak tour in search of manatees and bottlenose dolphins or visit Perico Preserve for birdwatching.

Cocoa Beach is best known for its great surfing waves and come-as-you-are vibe, with chill waterfront bars and a fishing pier. For the most pristine beaches, away from the high-rise buildings, head to 13th Street South (or Patrick's Air Force Base), where you'll find a strip of beach known as Second Light. (It's also where the area’s second traffic light is.) The sandbanks, along with sea oats and rolling dunes, create a good beach break in between surfing.

This central stretch of Florida coastline is called the Treasure Coast for good reason — several Spanish galleons from the 1715 Treasure Fleet, lost in a hurricane, have yet to be recovered in these waters just off Vero Beach. Every few years, some lucky beachcomber turns up an 18th-century rosary or dazzling emerald in the beach's coarse, white sand (check out the Mel Fisher's Treasures for treasure finds). Once you've tried your own treasure-hunting luck, relax at The Driftwood Resort, one of the area's oldest hotels, made almost entirely of natural driftwood from trees and wooden planks that washed ashore. When you're not soaking up the sun, hit Penelope's Boutique for handmade jewelry and chic women's wear and The Laughing Dog Gallery for crafts such as blown glass and metal sculptures.

One of America's finest white-sand beaches, Clearwater Beach spans a narrow, 3-mile stretch of the Pinellas Peninsula on the Gulf Coast. Clearwater's proximity to Tampa offers visitors ample activities to enjoy, including beach volleyball, parasailing, a dolphin-watching cruise, and a fun fishing excursion.

In Jupiter, you'll be treated to exquisite beaches and relaxing family activities. Go on a turtle hatchling walk at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park or paddle a kayak along the Loxahatchee River. At Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, wander the shady nature trails to see rehabilitated wildlife like bears, pumas, and bobcats in their natural habitat. You won't want to miss ogling sea turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, along with tropical fish and colorful shells.

Captiva Island shares the distinction of being one of Florida's Shell Islands. Captiva is generally the spot to find the larger of the intact shells. Turner Beach, though not good for swimming because of fast currents, is the perfect spot for a shell-hunting adventure. Just be sure to leave any live shells on the beach, or you'll risk breaking the state's strict shelling laws. At sunset, head to Captiva Beach at the end of Captiva Drive to take in a spectacular sunset.

New Smyrma, located in Florida’s Volusia County, is a laid back beach town about 15 miles south of Daytona Beach. Grab your surfboard and catch some waves in this surfing hotspot or opt for a more low impact activity like renting a bike to cruise along the boardwalk. After a day at the beach, enjoy a meal at The Breakers, a local favorite situated right on the beach. Or hop over to Third Wave, a cafe and wine bar known for their lush outdoor dining space and collection of wines from around the world.

Home to two public beach parks, Key Biscayne has easy access to both Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from its location south of Miami Beach. If you’re planning a trip to Miami, be sure to make a stop in Key Biscayne, a barrier island that feels like the Caribbean due to its bright, blue waters. Stay at The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne to take in the oceanfront views and dine at Costa Med a top rated restaurant that serves local seafood. Besides a world class beach, Key Biscayne offers visitors beautiful golf courses like Crandon Golf and nearby Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for kayaking and boating adventures.

Oceanfront dunes, salt marshes, grassland — Amelia Island, located off the northeast corner of Florida, aims to conserve and protect the beautiful natural environment in which it’s set. Tucked along the Northern Coast of Florida, Amelia Island offers uncrowded beaches with a bit of history. It’s under an hour from Jacksonville (and the Jacksonville International Airport) and has long been a vacation destination for nearby Southern states. The beaches on Amelia Island are known for their long boardwalks and stretches of hilly dunes, and visitors can check into Omni Amelia Island Resort. Amelia Island also offers activities like horseback riding on the beach or touring historic downtown Fernandina Beach, home to charming shops and great restaurants like the Amelia Island Brewing Co. Tavern. Be sure and check out Fort Clinch State Park, a former Civil War fort.

Fort Lauderdale is a well known vacation spot and offers an array of beachfront hotels, restaurants and activities for all ages. Las Olas is a popular beach that will give visitors a taste of what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Windsurf, play beach volleyball or brunch at Lona Cocina and Tequileria situated on A1A. For longer stays, book a room at the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale, where many of the rooms come with floor to ceiling windows and direct views of the Atlantic Ocean.