Florida Has 825 Miles of Coastline — Here Are 10 Beaches Worth Visiting Besides Miami

According to Visit Florida, Florida has the longest coastline out of any state in the contiguous U.S., with 825 miles of accessible beaches—and no matter where you are in the state, you’re always within a 60-mile drive of the water. 

Of course, with so many beaches across one great state, you get a lot of variety. The beaches in southern Florida are far different from those in northern Florida, which are far different from those along the Panhandle.

Arguably, though, one of the most famous of them all is Miami Beach. Renowned for its nightlife, beautiful sands, and great weather that makes it a year-round go-to (the same can’t be said for those Florida beaches to the north), Miami Beach certainly has rightly earned all its popularity. That said, it’s not for everyone. Miami Beach, as amazing as it is, can be overwhelming to some, with its crowds, traffic, and overabundance of things to do all. the. time. 

So what are some of the best beaches in Florida that aren’t Miami Beach?

Here are 10 Florida beaches to consider instead.

Situated in northern Florida, St. Augustine is a great pick for those who want to visit a beachy locale, but who don’t necessarily want to spend all day, every day on the beach (it’s kind of like Miami Beach in that way).

In the city of St. Augustine proper, you can enjoy the ample history, culture, and food, and then when you’re ready to actually sit your bum in the sand, you can head out to the nearby beaches, a short jaunt away. St. Augustine Beach is naturally a first choice; it’s a small city in its own right, located on Anastasia Island, but it’s only about five miles away from downtown St. Augustine.

It offers wide beaches, a fishing pier, and sea turtle nesting sites. Adjacent, though, is Anastasia State Park, which some prefer for its pristine natural beauty and more than 1,600 acres of beach, marsh, and dunes. Here, in addition to enjoying the beach, you can also hike, paddle, and camp.

Clearwater Beach holds some similarities with Miami Beach, while also displaying some sharp contrasts.

Both are well-equipped for tourists and if you want nightlife, you can have it in Clearwater (but without paying for or dealing with the high-crowd, glitzy club scene that’s par for the course in Miami Beach). Clearwater’s overall vibe is way more low-key and family-friendly, and yet it still manages to attract the college crowds during breaks.

Clearwater is also more affordable than Miami Beach, and thanks to the destination’s location on the Gulf Coast, it features white, soft sands. All the while, you’re just a brief drive away from Tampa and St. Petersburg, if you want to explore the city.

If you like Miami’s party scene, but just wish it was a little less cosmopolitan and upscale, you’re going to probably prefer Key West. Here, you can drink your day (and night) away, but you’re unlikely to be beholden to dress codes, no matter where you end up whiling away the hours.

Just note that if the beach is your focus, you’ll find less overall beachy fun in Key West versus Miami. The beaches are smaller and can be rocky, and if you’re planning to spend ample time outdoors, you’re more likely to head out on a boat for a day of fishing or snorkeling than you are to set up your beach gear for a long day in the sand.

Jacksonville Beach, aka Jax Beach, is far more affordable and chill than Miami, though it is just as easily accessible thanks to the nearby airport in Jacksonville. Some may find Jax Beach to be a little too laid-back for their tastes, but for those who simply want to sit on the sand, try their hand at surfing or fishing, and then enjoy a trip to the local beach bar with no crowds, Jax Beach delivers.

The one downside? Given Jacksonville Beach’s north Florida location, it’s not an ideal spot for a winter getaway. You can find that the temps dip way down into the 40s in mid-winter—not exactly conducive to a great beach day.

Delray Beach is a favorite for many reasons. It’s walkable. It’s upscale without being over the top, retaining a laid-back vibe. It’s definitely a far cry from Miami’s fast pace and near-endless options (though, don’t get me wrong, you’ll still find plenty of options here; you’ll not be left wanting for anything, really).

The beach itself is known for its cleanliness and ease of access. You can find nightlife, but again, it’s more low-key than what you’ll get in Miami, and the crowds are a good mix of demographics. Think everything you could need in a destination, without any of the stress that comes with visiting a big city.

As it’s not a northerly beach, you get pretty good temps all throughout the year, and flying in is convenient thanks to Palm Beach International Airport.

Don’t let any outdated, preconceived notions steer you away from Daytona Beach. Yes, Daytona Beach was once a spring break hub (even I’m guilty of visiting during my college spring break), but that’s not quite the case anymore.

Today, Daytona Beach is a quieter spot that’s really coming into its own, developing an identity outside of what it once was—and many, many people prefer it to Miami Beach for that reason and more. One great perk? You’ll find that, because this destination is building itself anew, you’re going to spend way, way less on hotels.

And if you still don’t quite want to believe that Daytona Beach is back? You can always stay a little further away, in Ormond Beach, and then go down and check out Daytona in your spare time.

Near the aforementioned Clearwater, Anna Maria Island is where you want to go if you’re looking for simple, old-school charm. 

You’re not going to find a bunch of high rises next to the ocean, like what you’ll see in Miami Beach. You’re not going to find chain stores and restaurants on every corner. Instead, you’re going to find a sustainable, eco-friendly community, where you can get around via golf cart or the free trolley, while you enjoy the beach during the day and then hit up the local-favorite spots for fresh seafood at night.

Go even further south for an oft-recommended alternative to both Miami Beach and Clearwater: Marco Island. You’ll find this barrier island near Naples and just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Everglades (worth a visit if you’ve yet to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.).

Here, you’ll enjoy a nice mix of amenities and offerings. On one hand, you can stay in full-scale resorts from hospitality brands you’ll immediately recognize. On the other hand, you can quickly head out into vast stretches of nature, such as the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, a long smattering of islets and islands accessible via boat.

Back on the opposite side of the state, Amelia Island sits to the north of Jacksonville. It’s one of those Florida destinations best left for summer (if your plans include sunning yourself on the beach, that is)—but if you can make it there before the temps plummet, you’ll be very glad you did.

Amelia Island is nearly the antithesis of Miami Beach. It’s serene, relaxed, and beautiful, and it’s far enough north to really still hold onto that Southern charm that you’d usually be more likely to find in, say, South Carolina or Georgia (because while Florida may be further south, any southerner will tell you that the southern vibes stop somewhere near the state’s border).

Popular with couples, families, and retirees, Amelia Island is ideal if you want to kick back and enjoy the beach, cycle around the island taking in the sights, and overall just enjoy a beach destination where you can have a little seclusion.

Lastly, if you’re after a vibe that’s very removed from that of Miami Beach, but at the same time you still want to be within easy driving distance of Miami Beach and all it offers, consider Key Biscayne. Less than 10 miles away (and accessible via bus if you don’t have your own car), Key Biscayne is still within Miami-Dade County, but it’s a barrier island that’s very much its own.

Key Biscayne is upscale and luxurious but quiet, with less of a nightlife scene. It’s also more family friendly and relaxed. It’s more residential, but you’ll still find several beaches and accommodation options (just be ready to potentially pay a pretty penny).