6 Reasons Florida Has the Best Beaches in the U.S.

Florida has the best beaches in the United States, hand down! This tropical paradise has it all; great weather, beautiful natural springs, and hundreds of miles of beaches.

Florida is a top tourist destination. Over 137 million people visit Florida every year. Florida is one of the most visited states in the country. It’s not only home to spectacular theme parks but also beaches like Miami Beach, Daytona Beach, and Hollywood Beach. Miami Beach welcomes about 10 million nightly visitors every year, and it’s no wonder why. Follow along to learn about the six reasons Florida has the best beaches in the country!

1. Warm Weather and Tropical Climate

Florida summers are hot, humid, and wet, but also the perfect weather for constant beach trips. The best part about Florida’s climate is that you can take a trip to the beach almost any day of the year. It’s rare for beaches in the state to be closed, unless of a natural disaster like a hurricane. Florida has two main types of climate. Most of the state, except for portions of the south, is sub-tropical. Winters are mild, with a few cold fronts that don’t last long. Summer days range from 88 °F and 91 °F. However, the heat index can easily surpass 103 °F. The southern tip of Florida, including Miami, has a tropical climate. During the summer, rainfall and thunderstorms are common.

2. About 8,436 Miles of Coastline

Another one of the reasons Florida has the best beaches in the United States is you won’t ever run out of beaches to visit. Florida’s coastline is 8,436 miles long. Florida has over 180 official beaches, many with multiple entrances. You can visit the same beach ten times in Florida, and experience something new with every visit! Cocoa Beach alone is about 6 miles long. Along the beach are also three oceanfront parks, including a boardwalk with restaurants and local businesses.

3. Soft Sand

Technically, no two Florida beaches are exactly alike, so not all beaches have soft sand. However, there are plenty of beaches in the state with soft sand, so you don’t have to risk cutting your feet on rocks or seashells. Soft sand is great for laying down on and taking walks. You can find soft fine white sand in St. Augustine Beach, Destin Beach, Fort Myers Beach, and Marco Island.

4. Crystal Clear Water

Who wouldn’t want to swim in a warm and crystal-clear beach? Florida has plenty of beaches with clear water. It’s great if you want to swim and view seashells, starfish, and wildlife like manatees and fish. Swimming in clear water though isn’t the only activity you can do on a Florida beach, you can also snorkel. Some of the best places to snorkel in the Sunshine State are Clearwater Beach, Siesta Beach, Sand Key Park, and Honeymoon Island.

5. Great Surf Spots

Florida is one of the best states to visit if you’re looking to catch waves or learn how to surf. One of the best spots to surf in the state is Cocoa Beach. This is considered by some the surfing capital of the United States. Cocoa Beach is also the birthplace of the Ron Jon Surf Shop. A lot of beginners get lessons in Cocoa Beach as the waves are mild enough to learn on. If you’re looking for a Florida beach with big breaks, you can visit Sebastian Inlet in Melbourne Beach. Some waves here are 10 feet tall! The best time to surf in Florida is in the winter. Another popular surfing spot is Reef Road in Palm Beach. This legendary spot produces waves up to 15 feet tall.

6. Location

Possibly the biggest reason Florida has the best beaches is the location! Major Florida beaches are excellent because you can walk throughout the beach, but also on piers, downtown areas, and parks. You don’t have to spend all your time on the beach or in the water. For example, Daytona Beach is the Daytona Boardwalk and Daytona Beach Main Street Pier. The Sun Splash Park is also on the beach. Florida beaches are in a great location, especially if you stay in a rental close by. You can take a break from the sand and explore coastal cities, without being far from the beach. On the same day, you can shop in historic districts and watch the sunset on the beach!