Sun, Sand, and Fireworks: Florida’s Best Beach Towns for New Year’s Eve

While New York City may get attention as a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve, in Florida we have plenty of awesome beach towns that are just as great, but in their own unique ways. The Big Apple may have its famous ball drop, but we have our own quirky “drops” that we use to ring in the new year— including shrimp and beach balls. Want to see a drag queen drop in a giant stiletto heel? You can do that here as well. Add to that an array of coastal parties and fireworks displays, and I can definitely make the case for Florida being the best place to start the new year. Here’s a list of some of my favorite Florida beach towns that are perfect for celebrating New Year’s Eve!

Tucked away in Florida’s northeast corner, you’ll find Amelia Island—home to Fernandina Beach. This is one of Florida’s most charming beach towns and in honor of the great seafood their destination is known for, they ditch the classic ball drop in favor of a lit-up shrimp that they drop to commemorate the new year. This is a great one for those who are looking for something unique, but don’t care to stay up until midnight for the countdown. This family-friendly party starts at 5 p.m. and includes live music, food, fireworks, and the famous Shrimp Drop at 7 p.m. 

As one of the closest beaches to Orlando, Cocoa Beach is really easy to get to if you’re flying in—it’s less than an hour from Orlando International Airport (MCO). This beach town goes all out during the holiday season with the Surfing Santas on Christmas Eve and the Shark Drop and Block Party on New Year’s Eve. If you’ve never seen an illuminated hammerhead shark drop from the sky at midnight, this is your chance. The party extends across three bars: Tropics, Cat 5, and Hunkerdown. 

One of Florida’s best panhandle beach towns puts their own twist on the ball drop—with a beach ball. Panama City Beach starts the party late in the afternoon and continues on through midnight. There is live music and a Kids Fun Zone at Aaron Bessant Park that has slides, obstacle courses, and more. For the little ones that can’t keep their eyes open until midnight, there’s even early ball drops at 8 p.m. that will be happening at Aaron Bessant Park and Pier Park Drive. Between the two locations, 15,000 beach balls will be released. At midnight, the main event happens at Celebration Tower when a giant beach ball that’s almost 10 feet wide descends down the tower to kick off a new year. 

HarborWalk Village starts the celebrations early with their Noon Year’s Eve party starting at 11 a.m. There will be a dance party and a smoke-show fireworks display over the Destin Harbor. There will be two other fireworks shows at 8 p.m. and at midnight. While most people celebrate the festivities from shore, you can also see the fireworks displays from the water by booking a fireworks cruise with SunVenture Cruises. If you prefer something a little more private, you can also have the Destin Bonfire Company set up a private bonfire on the beach for your family and friends and pair your fireworks show with some yummy S’mores.  

Miami is  known for its thriving party scene, and there will of course be plenty happening at the clubs. For example, international DJ David Guetta will be poolside keeping the beats going as he rings in the new year at one of Miami’s most famous hotspots—Fontainebleau.  For an entirely different vibe, Orchestra Miami will be doing a free beachfront concert starting at 8 p.m. and it will conclude with a fireworks show. If you would prefer to start your new year on a yacht with an open bar, you can also book a spot on the all-inclusive yacht party offered by Sunset Breeze Tours. 

In Fort Lauderdale, the celebration involves dropping a lighted anchor at midnight. However, the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Countdown starts late afternoon with a Kids Zone that has bounce houses, inflatables, face painting, and more. They also offer an opportunity for the little ones (and those not-so-little ones that don’t want to stay awake until midnight) to be able to count down to the new year, too. The early countdown happens at 7 p.m. but the party will continue through midnight. You can also check out the party at Shooters Waterfront that includes a four-course meal and an eclectic mix of entertainment that includes a DJ, Samba dancers, and LED robots.  

Sarasota is the jumping-off spot to one of Florida’s best beaches: Siesta Beach. This beach has also taken the accolades of being named one of the best in the United States and the best in the world. If you’re visiting over New Year’s Eve, you can hop to the mainland to check out the family-friendly Pineapple Drop Block Party where you can jam out with live music and start your new year with a giant illuminated pineapple descending from the sky in downtown Sarasota. Just down the road at Selby Five Points Park is the Sarasota Pineapple Drop Carnival where you can enjoy an array of rides and carnival games December 30-31.

This beach town in the upper Florida Keys has a couple of different ways to celebrate at Bungalows. The party starts at 4 p.m. with a live DJ, and there’s a New Year’s Eve Beach Dinner Party at 7 p.m. Afterwards, you can enjoy live music on the beach and fireworks at midnight. The luxury all-adults resort also offers another option for foodies. The Bogie and Bacall’s Secluded Soiree requires a separate ticket, but includes an exclusive cocktail reception and a seven course-dinner.  

Located in the southernmost part of Florida (and of the continental United States), Key West is one of the state’s most eccentric destinations and that’s no different on New Year’s Eve. What beats a ball drop? How about a Red Shoe Drop? You can count down to 2026 by watching a drag queen in an enormous, sparkly high heel shoe be dropped from the balcony of Bourbon St. Pub. There’s an array of other famous drops that happen that evening in the Conch Republic as well, including the Conch Shell Drop that happens at Sloppy Joe’s. For nautical vibes, check out the pirate wench getting dropped from the mast of a ship at Schooner Wharf. 

Clearwater Beach has a long-standing tradition of ringing in the new year with a waterfront fireworks display. The fireworks are shot off from Sand Key Park, but you can view the show from anywhere on the beach. Rooftops on the southern end of Clearwater Beach make nice viewing areas, too. I really like Evy’s Terrace Bar and Bistro that’s located on top of the Hampton Inn & Suites. If you want to ring in the new year from the water, you can also opt for the Yacht Starship’s New Year’s Eve Cruise that includes a four-course dinner, open bar, and live entertainment.  

New Year’s Eve will mark the 100th birthday of one of St. Petersburg’s premier resorts: The Vinoy. It opened its doors on December 31, 1925, and this year you can be a part of the festivities at The Vinoy Centennial NYE Celebration that includes dinner, drinks, and a prime viewing location for the St. Pete Pier’s midnight fireworks. The Vinoy’s party  is a ticketed event, but there’s a separate celebration happening at the pier starting at 8 p.m. that’s free to attend. 

If you’re looking for something more ritzy, head to Naples where there are two Ritz Carltons. Both have elaborate celebrations planned for those wanting an upscale experience. The Ritz-Carlton Vanderbilt Beach will be hosting their Rare New Year’s Eve Affair that has a seated five-course meal, a caviar and wine pairing, and unlimited drinks. This one is an adults-only party. For all-ages fun, check out the Waiting for Tonight New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburon. There will be live music, a champagne bar, and an extensive buffet.  

There are so many ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Florida—no matter if you choose to do it by the water, on the water, dressed up, or in flip flops and shorts. You’ll find several options for both family-friendly and adults-only celebrations, and the hardest part will be deciding which destination to choose. And if your New Year’s resolution happens to be to spend more time by the beach next year, check out our picks for the top Florida beaches for your 2026 vacation.