Are you in need of a beachy vacation and looking for the best white sand beaches in Florida? Yeah, me too! Nothing beats a warm sunny day relaxing on the beach.
One thing that makes Florida’s beaches so unique is the fact that many of them have powdery white sand. This is because the sand is made up of tiny pieces of coral and shells.
The sand is so fine that it feels like powder when you walk on it. Along with the crystal-clear beaches and fine sand, Florida is truly a paradise for beach lovers.
If you’re looking for a beautiful white sand beach to relax on, here are some of the best white sand beaches in Florida:
Which beach in Florida has the whitest sand?
Siesta Key has the whitest sand in all of Florida, and some say it’s the softest sand in the world.
What cities in Florida have white sand?
Cities on the gulf coast with white sand beaches include Destin, Panama City Beach, and Pensacola Beach.
Where is turquoise water in Florida?
The Florida Keys have some of the most beautiful turquoise waters in the state. Key West is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving because of the clear water and vibrant coral reefs. Here are the beaches with the clearest water in Florida.
1. Siesta key
To start off our list, we are starting with the absolute best, Siesta Key. This beach is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida and is world-renowned for its powdery white sand. The sand is so fine and soft that it feels like you’re walking on talcum powder.
Siesta Key is also famous for its crystal clear water. The water is so clear that you can often see fish swimming around your feet. This beach has won multiple awards for being one of the best beaches in the world with the softest sand.
Due to its popularity, Siesta Key can get quite crowded during peak season, but it is one of my favorite beaches to have my toes in the sand.
Where to take a honeymoon in Florida
2. Clearwater Beach
Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the state. If you can’t tell from its name, this beach has crystal-clear water and, thankfully, beautiful white sand.
The sand is made up of small pieces of coral, which make it very fine and soft to walk on. Although the Florida sun is hot, the sand at Clearwater Beach reflects the heat making it feel cooler than other beaches.
Clearwater Beach is also famous for its many activities, such as parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin-watching cruises. There is always something to do at this beach, making it a great place to spend a day or even a week.
Best Restaurants in Clearwater Beach
3. Destin Beach
Destin is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Florida, and it’s easy to see why. This beach has everything you could want on a beach vacation. It has beautiful white sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
The sand at Destin Beach is so soft that it feels like you’re walking on a cloud. It is one of the best beaches in the Florida panhandle.
Some of the activities you can do at Destin Beach include fishing, boating, and jet skiing. However, I usually just find myself on the soft white sand in a bikini soaking up the sun with a mojito in hand.
Make sure to check out AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, they have the absolute best oysters on the half shell, and their shrimp po’boy is to die for.
4. Fort Myers Beach
As you can see, there is no shortage of white sand beaches in Florida. Fort Myers Beach is located on Estero Island and is one of the most popular beaches in Florida. It is known for its beautiful sunsets, clear water, seashells, and soft sand. This is also the perfect place for those that are interested in marine life.
Facing the Gulf of Mexico, this beach is the perfect place to watch the sunset. It is also home to the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center, where you can learn about the local wildlife and ecosystem.
If you are looking for a little more excitement, there are many places to go jet skiing, parasailing, or, my personal favorite, banana boating. See our complete list of things to do in Fort Myers here.
5. St. Pete Beach
If you are looking for destinations for a spring break in Florida with kids, go to St. Pete Beach. This is definitely the most family-friendly beach on this list, as it has something for everyone. It is located on a barrier island and has over three miles of white sand beaches.
One of the most fun things to do in St. Petersburg with your family here is to take a boat to Shell Key, a little island where you can see birds and turtles up close as they like to nest in this area.
And on days when you really can’t be bothered to do too much, you can just relax on the beach. For the adults, there are plenty of bars and restaurants located right on the beach, so you can enjoy a cold drink while watching the sunset. Here are our favorite restaurants in St. Petersburg.
6. Perdido Key Beach
If you are looking for a beach that is a little less crowded, Perdido Key Beach is the perfect spot for you. This beach is located near Pensacola and has beautiful white sand and clear water. You are really in for a treat at Perdido Key Beach because the sand is so fine that it feels like you’re walking on powder, and it is extremely clean.
In addition to the amazing sand, there are also many activities to keep you busy at Perdido Key Beach. You can go kayaking, fishing, or even take a dolphin-watching tour. I would recommend renting a paddleboard and exploring the area. You’re sure to see some amazing wildlife.
Perdido truly lives up to its name, as the word Perdido translates to “hidden” in Spanish. This beach is definitely a hidden gem and is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. It is located on a barrier island and has glistening white sand and clear blue water. Surprisingly, three miles of Perdido is located in Alabama.
7. Cocoa Beach
If you are traveling the east coast of Florida, you absolutely have to stop at Cocoa Beach. This beach has been made famous by shows like Baywatch, and it definitely lives up to the hype. The sand at Cocoa Beach is soft and white, and the water is a beautiful turquoise color.
It is located near Orlando and is a great place to visit if you are looking for some sun and relaxation. If you are looking for one of the best beaches near Disney World, you’ll most likely head to Cocoa Beach.
Barefoot is definitely the way to go in Cocoa Beach, as it feels amazing to walk on and is the perfect place to lay down a towel and soak up the sun. You can also take a tour of the Kennedy Space Center, which is located nearby, and many other things to do in Cocoa Beach.
Bioluminescent Kayaking in Florida
8. Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is located on the Florida panhandle and is one of my personal favorite beaches. This beach has beautiful white sand, clear water and is much less crowded than some of the other beaches on this list. It is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
The sand at Navarre Beach is extremely fine and feels amazing to walk on. It is also very clean, which is always a bonus. In addition to the beautiful sand and clear water, Navarre Beach is also a great place for deep-sea fishing.
9. Pensacola Beach
Party people rejoice. Pensacola Beach is the place for you. This beach has everything you could want in a beach vacation. It has beautiful white sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained.
Pensacola Beach is also home to the famous Pensacola Beach Pier, where you can go fishing or just enjoy the view.
I am convinced that some of the best sunsets in the world can be seen on Pensacola Beach, the pinks, oranges, and purples all gently dancing in the sky as the sun sets over the gulf.
10. Santa Rosa Beach
As one of the most beautiful places in the world.. ok maybe I am biased. But in all seriousness, Santa Rosa Beach is an absolutely stunning place and definitely deserves a spot on this list.
It is located on Florida’s Emerald Coast and has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches I have ever seen. The 26-mile-long stretch of sandy beaches is perfect for walking, running, or just relaxing and taking in the incredible views.
If you are looking for a bit more luxury, Santa Rosa Beach is also home to many high-end resorts and spas. Treat yourself to some yummy seafood, a massage, and a day of pampering, and you will feel like a new person in no time.
11. Fort Walton
A day on the mainland or a day on an island? Why not both? Fort Walton is located directly across Okaloosa Island and has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Florida. It is also home to many restaurants, shops, and attractions. You can easily get to the island by taking the ferry.
The beach at Fort Walton is definitely the highlight of this area, as the sand is so soft and white that it feels like you are walking on clouds. The water is also crystal clear, and there are many areas perfect for swimming, body boarding, or just splashing around.
If you are looking for a little more thrill on your vacation, spend a day at Adventure Landing, an amusement park on Okaloosa Island.
12. Smathers Beach
Key West can be known as a place for family vacations or retirees, but it is also a place for party animals. In the heart of Key West is Smathers Beach, the best beach in Key West.
It is a place where locals and tourists alike can come to sunbathe, swim, and play volleyball. It is also the perfect place to people watch as you are sure to see some interesting characters here.
This beach is definitely the liveliest in the Keys and is the perfect place to let loose and have some fun. Located on the Atlantic side of the island, this beach is also a great place to catch some waves on a windboard. And when you are ready to take a break from the sun, there are many of the best bars in Key West and best Key West restaurants located right on the beach.
13. Bowman’s Beach – Captiva
Captiva Island is a small island located off the coast of Florida. It is only accessible by boat, which makes it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And while it may be small, this island has no shortage of things to do.
One of my favorite things about this beach is that it is never too crowded. Even on the busiest days, you can find a spot to lay your towel and relax.
If you are seeking a picture-perfect postcard beach, this is the place for you. The sand is pure white, and the water is crystal clear. And if you are lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or two.
14. South Beach
And last but not least, we have South Beach. This is the most popular beach in Miami and is known for its beautiful people and endless nightlife. Located on Miami Beach, this beach has everything you could possibly want.
Okay, okay, the sand isn’t the whitest or the softest… but who cares when you have perfect weather year-round and some of the best nightlife in the country?
South Beach is the perfect place to people-watch, go for a swim, or just lay in the sun and relax. And when you are ready to party, Ocean Drive is lined with nightclubs and bars that will keep you going all night long!
We usually spend a night in Miami before making the drive from Miami to Key West.