Are you looking for the best beach towns in Florida for your next vacation? If so, keep reading!

If you’re looking for a list of the top 10 beach towns in Florida, you’ve come to the right place!

As you’d expect, there are so many amazing beach towns in Florida to explore. From small little seaside towns to beach towns with nightlife and style… Florida has a little bit of everything.

So let’s get into it and explore the best beach towns in Florida!


Here our list of the best beach towns in Florida…


Fernandina Beach

The first place on our list of the best beach towns in Florida? It’s Fernandina Beach

Best known for its quaint streets, balmy beaches, and haunted saloon (yep, you read that right!), it’s unsurprising that this place is considered one of the best beach towns in Florida for first-time visitors.

In addition to being a historical hotspot, Fernandina Beach is also a mecca for shrimp lovers.

Not only do they host the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival each year, but you’ll find that the local restaurants serve up some of the best seafood in Florida. Don’t believe us? Just try it for yourselves!

Tucked away on the north end of Amelia Island, this relaxed, waterfront spot is one of the best beach towns in Florida to visit for a quiet weekend away.

Read more about visiting Florida: 18 romantic getaways in Florida


Fort Myers

Next on our list of beach towns in Florida, it’s Fort Myers. If you love an old-school shopping street, family-friendly attractions, and fascinating museums, then you’ll love everything that Fort Myers has to offer. 

This place is among the best beach towns in Florida for anyone who wants to make a short trip, as the major attractions can be covered in a day or so.

If you’re looking to enjoy the wonderful beaches, either rent a kayak to take out on the water or lay out a town and soak in those wonderful rays.

To avoid the worst of the summer crowds, we suggest visiting this beach town in Florida between March and May!

For a spot of entertainment, head to the Gulfshore Grill on Fort Myers Beach for sand, sea, a delicious cocktail, and plenty of live music!

This is one of the best beach towns in Florida on our list!

Read more about visiting Florida: Top 10 adults-only resorts in Florida


Islamorada

Islamorada is next on our list of the best beach towns in Florida. It is one of the best beach towns in Florida to visit if you’re looking for a true island paradise.

Perched relatively close to Florida Keys, you can easily tack this town onto a larger trip of the Florida Coast if you’d like to. This is one of those beach towns in Florida with something for everyone.

One of the best things to do here is a dedicated ale trail. Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Islamorada Beer Company are both based here, and you’ll also find a selection of craft brews at most of the local restaurants.

Unsurprisingly, Islamorada is considered one of the best beach towns in Florida for beer lovers, so don’t miss out on a few sips of deliciousness while you’re here.

If you didn’t know, Islamorada is also the Sports Fish Capital of the World, and you can find over 500 species of fish here. If you’d like a better view of the fish, head to Robbie’s Marina or rent a kayak to take out on the water. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins and sea lions!

Packed with exciting things to do and renowned for its natural beauty, Islamorada is one of the best beach towns in Florida to check out this year.

Read more about Florida: 15 beautiful beaches near Orlando, Florida


The best beach towns in Florida: Anna Maria Island

If you’re a massive fan of birdwatching, then you’ll want to make a stop at the next spot on our list of the best beach towns in Florida. Home to herons, cranes, wood storks, and spoonbills, Anna Maria Island is the place to be for avid birdwatchers!

Although wildlife spotting is a major reason to visit this town, there’s plenty more to love about this charming area.

Not only can you go horseback riding along the sand, but this is one of the best beach towns in Florida for shelling and spotting dolphins.

If you’re a fan of museums, be sure to stop by the Florida Maritime Museum to learn more about the native wildlife before stopping by one of the restaurants for a relaxing bite to eat. 

Still looking for more? Take a relaxed walk along the beach at sunset or stop at the many boutiques for artisanal souvenirs.

You’re going to love this beach town in Florida, it’s amazing!

Read more about Florida: The Top 10 all-inclusive resorts in Florida


Cedar Key

Tucked away on the unspoiled Gulf Coast, Cedar Key is one of the oldest and best beach towns in Florida.

Home to several historic buildings, quaint boutiques, and miles of beachfront, it’s one of our favorite places to visit during the spring and summer months.

This gorgeous spot was first founded in 1849, so it has plenty of history just waiting to be uncovered. It was even the western station on the famous Florida Railroad that was built to link the state! This is such a wonderful pick for beach towns in Florida.

While you’re here, take some time to stroll along the main street; it’s lined with quaint historic buildings, and it’s home to several “Mom and Pop” stores that hark back to the good ol’ days.

Oh – and don’t miss the Historic Island Hotel either – first opened in 1859, this place has made its way onto the National Register of Historic Places!

When you’ve had your fill of history, head to one of the many restaurants overlooking the water for a spot of fresh seafood and a couple of cocktails.

Cedar Key truly is one of the best beach towns in Florida, so don’t sleep on it! As far as beach towns in Florida go, this is one of the best.

Read more about Florida: What is the nicest town to visit in Florida?


Beach towns in Florida: Saint George Island

Saint George Island is among the best beach towns in Florida, as it offers visitors over 28 miles of unspoiled land to explore.

It’s best known for its bright white sandy beaches, azure waters, and pet-friendly attitude, so don’t be afraid to bring Fido along for the ride! It’s a really cool option for beach towns in Florida.

The most popular place to visit here is Saint George Island State Park, as it offers hiking, biking, water sports, and birdwatching opportunities.

If you’d like, you can even camp out in the park for the ultimate backwoods experience.

If you’re looking to enjoy the best beach towns in Florida in the lap of luxury, there are plenty of gorgeous hotels available that overlook the water.

Thanks to its charming atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and endless miles of natural terrain to cover, Saint George Island will always be one of the best beach towns in Florida for anyone who needs to decompress.

Read more about Key West: What is Key West like in December?


Amelia Island

Editorial credit: GagliardiPhotography / Shutterstock.com

Amelia Island is one of the best beach towns in Florida that’s part of the beautiful Sea Islands.

It’s one of the most interesting coastal spots in the state and boasts an incredible range of beaches, historic hotspots, and areas of natural beauty.

There are over 30 miles of biking trails on Amelia Island, and you’ll be able to find suitable trails for beginners, elementary, and experienced riders. You’re going to love this choice for beach towns in Florida.

If you fancy hiking rather than biking, Fort Clinch State Park is packed with hiking trails and wildlife-spotting opportunities. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best beach towns in Florida for nature lovers, right?

Before leaving, be sure to check out the remnants of Civil War History and learn more about the area’s background at the Amelia Island Museum of History.

Prefer horseback riding? Take a gentle trot along the beaches of Amelia Island State Park! It’s perfect. A great pick for beach towns in Florida.


Key West

Next on our list of beach towns in Florida, it’s Key West.

Key West is another one of the best beach towns in Florida for families, as it offers plenty of museums, botanical gardens, historical hotspots, and beaches that even the tiniest tykes will appreciate.

Oh, and did we mention the incredible restaurants and nightlife scene for the adults?

However, this charming spot isn’t just built for kids, and Key West remains one of the best beach towns in Florida for Spring Breakers. This is definitely a fantastic choice for beach towns in Florida.

Packed with exciting nightlife, incredible restaurants, and giving off a distinctive Caribbean feel, you can easily enjoy a full-blown beach vacay without ever leaving the Florida coast.

Before leaving, don’t forget to grab a slice of the area’s famous Key Lime Pie.

Perfectly blending tangy limes with sweet cream and a delicious crust, it’s part of the reason we’ve named this place one of the best beach towns in Florida!

Read more about Florida: How to plan the best Miami to Key West road trip


Key Biscayne

Located just over the Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne is one of the best beach towns in Florida for cyclists and nature lovers.

Not only is it home to the iconic Cape Florida Lighthouse and several scenic beach parks, but you’ll also be able to explore the many local trails by foot or by bike.

As you’re directly sandwiched between two major Florida parks (Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park!), you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the best that nature has to offer.

Once you’ve frolicked on the beaches and tuckered yourself out on the trails, stop by the many gorgeous restaurants that offer views over the waterfront.

Rusty Pelican is a particularly popular option, as the décor is elegant, and the floor-to-ceiling windows provide unbeatable views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami.

With so many things to do here, it’s unsurprising that Key Biscayne has made it onto our list of the best beach towns in Florida! This is another great choice for beach towns in Florida.

Read more about visiting Florida: Top 10 places to swim with dolphins in Florida 


Seaside

Next on our list of beach towns in Florida, it’s Seaside. Seaside is one of the best beach towns in Florida, as it truly looks like something from the back of a postcard.

Located just off Highway 30A, it’s a wonderful place to visit for anyone who’s road tripping across the coast.

This is among the best beach towns in Florida for families, as the sandy beaches, bustling downtown shopping area, and pastel Victorian buildings make it a magical place to visit for youngsters. This is one of the coolest beach towns in Florida.

We also love that this place is incredibly friendly, and you can start up a conversation with a stranger in Seaside without anyone batting an eyelid – exercise caution of course, but you’ll probably meet a new friend or two!

If you’re planning to visit during January, this is one of the best beach towns in Florida to catch the famous 30A Songwriters Festival.

Here, you’ll be able to catch more than 175 artists making their mark on the Floridian music scene. It’s a top choice for beach towns in Florida.

Read more about visiting Florida: 16 fun things to do in Siesta Key, Florida


Hopefully, this list of the best beach towns in Florida has given you loads of ideas!

Which of these beach towns in Florida will you visit first? Let us know!