27 Beaches in Florida with the Absolute Bluest Water in 2024

Florida’s beaches are famous for their clear waters, which can range in color from a crisp emerald green to a deep sapphire blue. Here we explore the Sunshine State’s most breathtaking beaches with the most stunning of blue waters. 

Florida’s Emerald Coast Beaches

Starting in the Panhandle, we travel along the Emerald Coast, so named for the region’s emerald-colored waters.

1. Destin Beach

This beach is a dessert of sugar-white sands and glazed emerald waters. Located in Henderson Beach State Park on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin Beach unfurls with 6,000 feet of beautiful Gulf of Mexico coastline. This combination makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A lively tourist spot, Destin is great for families and those who enjoy water sports. And beaches.

2. Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach charms as a coastal town in the Florida Panhandle. Its clear waters and unique European colonial architecture earn it further recognition.

3. Santa Rosa Beach

Part of Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach offers a quiet retreat with upscale amenities and pristine, clear water.

The Florida Panhandle’s Serene Beach Retreats

Apart from the Emerald Coast, Florida’s Panhandle hosts a variety of serene beach retreats.

4. Navarre Beach

Home to some of the state’s clearest emerald waters and longest stretches of unspoiled white sand, some call it Navarre Beach “Florida’s Best Kept Secret.”

5. St. Andrews State Park

Nature lovers flock to this state park in Panama City Beach. It features next-level clear waters and miles of hiking trails.

6. Miramar Beach

One of South Walton’s more laid-back beach communities, Miramar Beach is a picture-perfect seaside utopia with pristine waters and plenty of room to unwind. Be happy, don’t worry.

7. Blue Mountain Beach

A little-known gem among Florida’s beaches, Blue Mountain is a haven of peace thanks to its calm waters and relaxed vibe. Go here to get far from the madding crowds.

Touring Key West

Leaving the Panhandle behind, we journey to the southernmost point of the United States, the Florida Keys. Here, the waters take on a deeper hue, as if contemplating the sky and what lies beyond.

8. Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is a popular destination for sunbathers and a jaw-dropping sight for visual artists. The water is a luxuriant aquamarine, making it a perfect spot for a day of relaxation and daydreaming or wide-eyed painting.

9. Dry Tortugas National Park

This unique eco-tourism spot is accessible only by boat or seaplane. But it’s well worth the ferry ride (or seaplane jaunt, if that’s your style), since Dry Tortugas is a remote beach destination that shimmers with some of Florida’s clearest waters.

10. Big Pine Key’s Bahia Honda State Park 

Intensely clear waters, stunning beaches, and excellent views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge—what’s not to like? Spanish for “deep bay,” the island is more or less, though not entirely, uninhabited.

The West Coast of Florida and Its Marvels

You can find beautiful beaches all along Florida’s west coast. However, they are especially abundant in the Tampa and Sarasota regions. And we wonder why those cities are population centers.

11. Honeymoon Island State Park

Ideally situated for a beach day, this state park features four miles of white sand. Calm waters stretch just off the coast of Tampa.

12. South Marco Beach

Relax and soak up some rays (but use sunscreen) on Marco Island’s world-famous beach. This beach is well-known for its wide stretches of sand and pristine water.

13. Fort De Soto State Park 

Located off the western coast of Florida, this state park is actually a chain of five islands called “keys.” It features some of the state’s most pristine waters in addition to its rich history and natural beauty.

14. Whitney Beach

The tranquil waters and white sands of this Longboat Key beach are legendary. It’s a perfect location for a peaceful day at the beach.

15. North Captiva Island

Beyond idyllic, North Captiva Island is a remote paradise that offers unspoiled beaches and clear turquoise waters.

16. Anna Maria Island

This charming barrier island, located on the coast of Manatee County, boasts beautiful blue waters and a laid-back “Old Florida” vibe.

Gulf Coast’s Hidden Turquoise Gems

Visitors to Florida’s Gulf Coast cannot get enough of the turquoise water. And neither can we. So, the list goes on.

17. Siesta Key Beach 

Pristine waters and soft white sand make for great naps. This dream beach has a reputation as one of the best beaches in the United States.

18. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, located in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a perennial favorite among both locals and tourists. The beach is wide and white, and the water is warm and clear, making it an ideal spot to lounge in the sun. As the day comes to an end, don’t miss one of the most spectacular sunsets from Pier 60, which transforms the clear waters into a canvas of warm hues.

19. Caladesi Island State Park

Just north of Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped spots on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The spectacular scenery and tranquil waters make it a tourist hotspot.

20. Sanibel Island

Known for its shelling opportunities, this barrier island offers not only clear turquoise waters, but also a chance to take a piece of the beach home with you. 

21. St. Pete Beach

Located in Pinellas County, St. Pete Beach is famous for its clear water, beautiful sunsets, and many water activities.

22. Fort Island Gulf Beach

Fort Island Gulf Beach nestles in Crystal River. This peaceful retreat boasts white sandy shores and clear waters. It also comes fully equipped with amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Ample parking ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. Nature lovers will enjoy the scenic boardwalk, which is perfect for wildlife observation. Frequent dolphin sightings are a particular highlight for visitors.

Recognized as one of the Environmental Health Department’s “Healthy Beaches,” Fort Island Gulf Beach ensures high standards of water quality and safety.

The Aquatic Playground of the Gulf of Mexico

23. Crab Island

This is a special beach where the clear waters of the Gulf meet a diverse underwater ecosystem and day-drinking. Despite its name, Crab Island in Destin is actually a submerged sandbar where boaters can anchor and swim in waist-deep water.

East Coast Clarity

24. Palm Beach’s Glamour and Charm

Palm Beach is one of the few places that manages to successfully blend opulence and natural beauty. The crystal blue waters of this East Coast haven are renowned for their stunning contrast to the city’s glittering skyline. When you need a break from the frenetic city and its one thousand and one headaches, head to the wide, clean beaches. Those in search of a lavish beach vacation often choose Palm Beach due to its picture-perfect beaches, clear waters, and upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife.

25. Anastasia State Park

St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, has a unique blend of historic allure and scenic splendor. Its coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and clear waters that have drawn visitors for centuries. Anastasia State Park’s 4-mile stretch of pristine beach offers clear waters and a variety of recreational opportunities. After a day at the beach, take in the city’s history at the centuries-old Castillo de San Marcos or wander the quaint cobblestone streets of the Old City. St. Augustine’s clear waters and timeless charm make for an unforgettable beach vacation.

See the Best of Miami’s Coast

Finally, visiting Miami is a must if you want to see the best of Florida’s beaches.

26. Biscayne National Park

Some of Florida’s finest white sand beaches can be found in Biscayne National Park, which is located in Miami-Dade County. It’s a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers.

27. Miami Beach

Known all over the world as a premier beach destination, Miami Beach is renowned for its crystal blue waters and exciting nightlife.

Summary of the 27 Florida Beaches With The Bluest Water

Here are the bluest Florida beaches:

Conclusion

With 1,350 miles of exquisite coastline, Florida offers a variety of clear-water beaches, each with its own distinct appeal. Whatever floats your boat, water sports, shell collecting, or simple chillaxation, Florida’s beaches will not disappoint. So, grab your sunscreen and swimming gear (or a paperback novel); it’s time to head to the beach.