The Best Gulf Coast Beaches in Florida

The beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are considered some of the best places in the entire United States for relaxing and for a family holiday. They're also known for spectacular sunsets over the water, which draw visitors to the seafront promenades and piers every evening.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is regularly named one of the best beaches in the United States, thanks to its remarkably fine, white sand. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico here are exceptionally calm and shallow, which makes it an ideal spot for families with children. In the evening, the sunset festival by the pier is a popular attraction.

Clearwater Beach is located on Florida's west coast on the Gulf of Mexico, in the city of Clearwater, very close to the greater Tampa area. It's about 40 km (25 miles) from downtown Tampa, which works out to roughly 40 minutes by car. From Orlando, a favorite with tourists and home to Florida's biggest theme parks, the beach is about 170 km (105 miles) away, or around 2 hours' drive.

Because the distance is relatively short, Clearwater Beach is a very popular destination for day trips from the theme parks in Orlando. After a few days in the parks, many visitors choose Clearwater to unwind on one of Florida's most beautiful beaches, with its white sand and the calm water of the Gulf.

Photo: Connect Images – Curat / Shutterstock. The beach at Clearwater Beach

Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Key Beach is famous for having some of the whitest and finest sand in the world, made up almost entirely of quartz. As a result, the sand stays cool even on the hottest days. The beach has a very wide shoreline and excellent conditions for swimming.

Naples Beach

Naples Beach is an elegant beach known for its beautiful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Its landmark is the historic Naples Pier, a popular spot for a stroll and for dolphin watching. The area is also known for its luxury resorts and its relaxed atmosphere.

Sanibel Island Beach

Sanibel Island is one of the best places in the United States for shelling. The island's unusual orientation means ocean currents wash up an enormous number of shells from across the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches are natural and peaceful, and are often visited by nature lovers.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is famous for its exceptionally bright, fine sand and turquoise water. The beach runs for more than 40 kilometers (25 miles) and is one of the most popular holiday resorts in northern Florida. The Emerald Coast region is known for having some of the most beautiful water colors in the entire United States.