As a Floridian, I’ve walked my fair share of miles along the state’s beautiful coastline. Through my travels, I’ve seen a wide range of sand colors as I’ve explored the state’s many beaches. It’s pretty cool to be able to see the varying shades, and I’ve even found some that have that iconic soft, white sand (the kind that just seems like it glows in the sun). There’s one feature that those beaches all have in common: they’re all located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, stretching from the panhandle down the west coast. If you’re looking for the Florida beaches with the prettiest white sand, these are my personal recommendations.
Perdido Key
Region: Panhandle
This beach has sparkling emerald water and white sand, and more than half of it is located in land protected by state or federal parks. That gives you a chance to experience some pristine, undeveloped coastline. This spectacular beach is technically just barely in Florida and is the most western beach in Florida. This is an easily accessible option for those driving into Florida on I-10, as it is the first beach you’ll reach.
Local Tip:
Flora-Bama is a popular beach bar on the state line that separates Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida. It’s a great place to hear live music, and you can even attend Sunday morning church services in this unique spot.
Pensacola Beach
Region: Panhandle
This beach is located to the east of Perdido Key, and is a popular beach that has multiple access points. Quietwater Beach is a great place if you’re bringing the kids along, as it is known for its shallow, calm water. It’s also a great spot for a family photo in front of the giant seashell, with sparkling gulf waters as the backdrop.
Local Tip:
Peg Leg Pete’s is a fun spot known for their great seafood, especially oysters. You can even try an oyster shot if you dare. It’s made with a raw oyster, bloody mary mix, and your choice of beer or vodka.
Panama City Beach
Region: Panhandle
This is one of the panhandle’s most visited beaches and the picture-perfect white sand is one of the big draws. There’s lots of fun for families, but just as much for those seeking nightlife. The beach has shops, restaurants, and everything you need. But for a change of pace, rent a boat or hop on a shuttle and go to Shell Island. This seven-mile, undeveloped island is a great place to search for seashells. There’s no concessions there though, so bring everything you may need.
Local Tip:
Head to Schooners for sunset. This is a fun place to witness the setting sun because they celebrate the solar phenomenon every single day by firing off a cannon.
Navarre
Region: Panhandle
This family friendly beach is a great place to lounge on the natural, white-sand beaches, but is also my pick for one of the best places to enjoy some under-the-water fun, too. Diving and snorkeling are popular here because of the artificial reefs that are easily accessible from the beach. At the Navarre Beach Marine Park, they start at about 100 yards from the shoreline.
Local Tip:
If you don’t want to go underwater to meet marine life, you can visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, learn about some of the local aquatic species, and meet the center’s ambassador – a green sea turtle named Sweet Pea.
Fort Walton
Region: Panhandle
There’s multiple access points where you can get to the soft, white sand, but the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is one of the most popular areas. You’ll find many restaurants, shops, sand volleyball courts, and even a splash pad—all right by the beach. If you go during the summer, you can also see a fireworks show from there every Wednesday night.
Local Tip:
If you’re there on the 2nd or 4th Saturday of the month, you can check out the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Saturday Market. If the timing of your trip aligns with it, it’s nice to stroll through and check out the local creations.
Destin
Region: Panhandle
Just a few miles east of Fort Walton, this gem boasts the same beautiful quartz sand. James Lee Park is a popular spot to access the beach and is good for those wanting to be close to all of the amenities. If you’re looking for something a little quieter and laid-back, you can visit the preserved coastline at Henderson Beach State Park.
Local Tip:
Book a sandcastle building lesson with Sandcastle Rockstars. They’ll bring the supplies to you, and it’s a great activity to do together as a family. This is next level sandcastle building (much cooler than the questionable sand structures I was building as a kid).
Mexico Beach
Region: Panhandle
This is a hidden gem that has five miles of beautiful white sand on its shoreline. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, you’ll like this beach. There’s only about a thousand residents, and this beach really has a genuine local feel. Bring your snorkel and dive gear too, because there’s several artificial reefs, and you can even explore the wreckage site of a sunken ship.
Local Tip:
If you’re hoping to score some fresh seafood, you’re in luck. The fishing is phenomenal there, and there’s a few charters that you can book. If you don’t want to catch it yourself though, Shell Shack is a great local seafood market where you can pick up the fresh catches.
Caladesi Island
Region: West Coast
You’ll need to hop on a boat to get to this one, but the short journey is absolutely worth it. If you don’t have your own boat, you can access Caladesi Island State Park via a ferry that departs from Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin. After a 15-20 minute ride, you’ll arrive on this secluded piece of paradise that has beautiful white sand.
Local Tip:
Even though Honeymoon Island State Park is your jumping-off point to get to Caladesi Island, I totally suggest allowing some time to enjoy it as well. It’s busier, but has about four miles of beautiful shoreline so you can spread out.
Clearwater Beach
Region: West Coast
Named as one of the best beaches in the U.S. for families, this is a great place to bring the kiddos to build sandcastles. Being a beach that is so well-known for its sugar sand, it makes perfect sense that they are also host to an annual event that brings in professional sand sculptors from all over the world. To get a full appreciation for the amazing sand at Clearwater Beach, visit during the annual Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival that happens each spring.
Local Tip:
Pier 60 brings the fun year-round and has a sunset celebration with street performers every night. It’s the perfect way to end the day.
St. Pete Beach
Region: West Coast
There’s great public beach access here, but I also think this is one of the best Florida beaches to enjoy resort life. If you want to make one spot your homebase and have everything you need in one place, St. Pete Beach has some great areas to do it. RumFish Beach, Island Grand, and Sirata are a few of the popular ones.
Local Tip:
You can ride the Looper and Central Avenue Trolleys for free to get to many places around town.
Anna Maria Beach
Region: West Coast
This beach is located on Anna Maria Island—a barrier island on the west coast of Florida. The island actually has three cities: Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria, which is at the farthest end of the island. With white sand and a relaxed feel, this beach is perfect for kicking back.
Local Tip:
You don’t need a car to get around. In addition to the free trolley, this area is very bike friendly, and you can also drive golf carts on any street where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Multiple places in town offer rentals for both modes of transportation.
Longboat Key
Region: West Coast
You’ll find multiple places to access the white sands on the 12 miles of coastline that make up Longboat Key. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot though, check out Whitney Beach. Birders will want to check out Greer Island Beach (also called Beer Can Island). It is on the northern tip of Longboat Key and is a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Local Tip:
Even if you’re coming for the white sand, golfers will want to bring along their clubs so they can book a tee time and play the famous 45 holes at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.
Lido Beach
Region: West Coast
This beach is located on Lido Key, which is a barrier island just west of Sarasota. It’s not too far from Siesta Beach, and you’ll find beautiful white sand there, too. The beach access at Lido Beach Park has the most amenities and has lifeguards on duty. North Lido Beach Park offers a more natural, undeveloped setting, but there aren’t any lifeguards on duty.
Local Tip:
The trendy St. Armands Circle is about five minutes away from Lido Beach and you’ll find a wide variety of boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Siesta Beach
Region: West Coast
Looking for sand that doesn’t burn your feet even on the hottest of days? It may sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly what you’ll experience at Siesta Beach. The sand there is made of 99% pure quartz and the fine, powdery sand stays cool year-round. This beach consistently tops the “Best of” lists and one of its claims to fame is its unique sand.
Local Tip:
Join in the fun of the weekly drum circle on Sunday evenings. Show up to the beach an hour before sunset and be a part of the dancing and drumming as the sky starts changing colors.
