24 Florida beach towns everyone should explore at least once

Anna Maria Island

1 hour and 11 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: This 8-mile barrier island has old-Florida charm, not to mention the opportunity to go dolphin and whale watching. The Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus restaurant brings Bavarian food and German beer, while Ginny and Jane E’s bakery/cafe has espresso and baked goods. And if you want to start your day with a dolphin sighting, Rod and Reel Pier offers breakfasts foods with a view right out to the ocean. If you want a break from the sea life, they’ve also got tram tours of citrus groves a few miles from the beach in Bradenton.
Beaches to check out: Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Cortez Beach and Ana Maria Beach
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Siesta Key

1 hour 30 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: Home to the MTV series "Siesta Key," this town has plenty of sandy white beaches along an 8 mile stretch of the Gulf of Mexico. The southern tip of Crescent Beach has the Point of Rocks, a small but popular snorkeling spot, where you can occasionally see manatees and dolphins. The Beach Club is a popular Siesta Key music venue, with noon to 7 p.m. happy hours every day and the $4 margaritas are hard to beat.
Beaches to check out: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach
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Venice

1 hour 30 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: The Brohard Paw Park is dog-friendly, if you’re planning on bringing your furry friends. There’s two paved walkways, the Venetian Waterway Trail along the intracoastal and the Legacy Trail, in the case you're a bicyclist or jogger. Top off the beach and vacay vibes with Sharky’s on the Pier as you end your meal with some traditional Key Lime pie.
Beaches to check out: Venice Beach, Nokomis Beach, Brohard Beach and Carperson Beach
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Madeira Beach

45 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: This beach spot is well known for the John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, the massive boardwalk along the intercoastal that serves as a shopping and eatery hotspot. Locals say the Pass was created by a hurricane in 1848, and was first traveled through by pirate John Levique. Dockside Dave’s should be on your list for eateries when visiting Madeira Beach with fried seafood goodness that transport you right to the beach.
Beaches to check out: Madeira Beach, Treasure Island Beach and St. Pete’s Municipal Beach
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Amelia Island

4 hours from Tampa
What’s great about it: This small city on Amelia Island holds the popular Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival as a celebration of Amelia Island’s history, which was named in 1736. The Civil War-era Fort Clinch has been co-opted into the Fort Clinch State Park, which is now over 1,400 acres. Civil War re-enactors show what was life during that period, as well. Ranging from ghost tours, to downtown tasting tours, there is something for everyone. The Crab Trap is a lesser-known seafood joint, so you can get some crab legs after a long day.
Beaches to check out: Fernandina Beach
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Vero Beach

2 hours 43 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: Vero is popular for both its theater and art shows, as well as its many nature parks. The Riverside Theatre consistently has live music shows as well as theatrical productions. The Archie Carr National Wildlife Reserve as well as the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area have been set aside as nature refuges, so you can catch some new bird species there. As for food, the Patio Seafood Tavern has steak Mondays, lobster Tuesdays, and all-you-can-eat crab legs on Saturdays.
Beaches to check out: Vero Beach, Ambersand Beach, Round Island Beach Park, Golden Sands Beach Park and Treasure Shores Park
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Jensen Beach

3 hours from Tampa
What’s great about it: Once known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World” for the sheer volume of the tasty fruit they shipped, Jensen Beach still honors its tropical history by holding the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival every year. There are deep-sea fishing charters you can embark on, and Crawdaddy’s Waterside Grill and Sports Grill is a nice downtown spot to check out.
Beaches to check out: Jensen Beach, Santa Lucea Beach, Chastain Beach and Walton Rocks Beach
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Stuart

3 hours from Tampa
What’s great about it: This spot has old-Florida charm, not to mention plenty of beaches, inlets and piers for fishing. It’s also got the House of Refuge, one of the ten houses built for shipwrecked sailors and the oldest structure in Martin County. Stuart is featuring Rockn’ Riverwalk, a free concert series happening every Sunday from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Beaches to check out: Stuart Beach, Santa Lucea Beach, Hobe Sound Beach, Jensen Beach and Chastain Beach
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Seaside

6 hours from Tampa
What’s great about it: Nestled between Panama City Beach and Destin, this quaint little town is the location from the film “The Truman Show,” starring Jim Carrey also called Seaside. It is a town that offers a picturesque getaway that is a reminder to slow down and relax. Whether you’re traveling by bike or foot take a load off at the Great Southern Café for a mix of southern fare with a local flare. Or get juiced up at Raw and Juicy with their cleansing organic vegan food and juice bar.
Beaches to check out: Seaside Beach
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Santa Rosa Beach

6 hours from Tampa
What’s great about it: This tiny beach spot in Walton County was founded in 1910 and offers a quite getaway if you’re looking for a more low-key beach. The waters are nice, and if you’re up for something different, the Point Washington State Forest is great pick for a hike. The Bay is a hot spot for grub with coastal cuisine, sushi by the roll and a 12-draft beer system.
Beaches to check out: Santa Rosa Beach, Dune Allen, Grayton Beach and Blue Allen
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Sanibel Island

3 hours from Tampa
What’s great about it: This island, although small (has zero traffic lights), is jam packed full of fun activities for friends and family alike. Ever wanted to go parasailing, kite boarding or even get on a waverunner and shred the waters? All that is offered here and more. The Great Calusa Blueway is a fine trail to kayak or canoe down, and there are nature tours that let you see all kinds of species, including tarpon. Stop by the Fish House restaurant for some inexpensive fresh seafood from their steamed clams to their peel and eat shrimp.
Beaches to check out: Bowman’s Beach, Tarpon Beach and Lighthouse Beach
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Pass-A-Grille

39 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: This quiet beachside town at the southernmost point of St. Pete Beach has kayaking and deep-sea fishing charters, as well as the dolphin and sunset tours. But make sure to check out the famous Merry Pier to try your luck with some fishing.
Beaches to check out: Pass-A-Grille Beach
Photo via Visit Pass-A-Grille

New Smyrna Beach

2 hours 45 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: It’s got the expected water activities - kayaking, fishing, boating, surfing - but there’s also highlights like the Black Heritage Museum, cruises on the Indian River, and the Atlantic Center for the Arts. It’s been called one of the best surf towns in the country, but be careful: It also experiences an unusually high number of shark bites. Try out Third Wave Cafe for a menu inspired by coastal and rustic influences that are served from your choice of tapas style or full entres, and when you’re done being wrapped up there, go take a walk down Flagler Ave.
Beaches to check out: New Smyrna Beach, Disappearing Island and Lighthouse Point Park
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Cedar Key

2 hours 20 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: There’s plenty of kayak rentals and boat tours. The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is part of Florida’s Big Bend Estuary, and has various bird species. Check out Steamers Clam Bar and Grill for all your seafood desires with a view of the ocean in their backyard.
Beaches to check out: Cedar Key Beach, Atsena Otie Key and Seahorse Key
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Juno Beach

3 hours 20 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: It’s close to the Juno Dunes Natural area, not to mention the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. Want to get a look into saving sea life visit Loggerhead Marinelife Center which is a sea turtle hospital that you can tour with an additional exhibit hall, research lab and gift shop. There’s a decent pier to go fishing off, though you’ll have to pay. Parts of the beach are dog friendly and when you’re finished for the day, head over to the Thirsty Turtle for some beach grub.
Beaches to check out: Juno Beach
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Islamorada

6 hours and 20 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it:This little stop on your way to Key West is where you’ll find great fishing charters and boat tours submerging you in the laidback lifestyle the Keys is known for. Want some live entertainment? Check out Theater of the Sea, where you can swim with dolphins, or checkout the Alligator Reef Lighthouse which is a memorial for a naval ship wreckage that took place in the 19th century. Hungry? Stop by Lorelei Cabana Bar and Marina for a nice ocean view in the golden hour with seafood straight from their backyard.
Beaches to check out: Anne’s Beach, Sea Oats Beach, Islamorada Library Beach and Indian Key Beach
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Vilano Beach

3 hours 28 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: Vilano Beach is home to Castle Otttis, the landscape sculpture impression of a thousand-year-old Irish castle. Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S., is only 13 minutes away. The beach has chopper tours, and the beachfront restaurant, Cap’s on the Water, is dishing up a plethora of spirits and fare.
Beaches to check out: Vilano Beach
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Destin

6 hours from Tampa
What’s great about it: Right on the Gulf with white sandy beaches, Destin offers dolphin tours, deep-sea fishing expeditions, and even zip-lining and helicopter trips. While you’re in Emerald City check out the Back Porch for an evening of beachfront dining.
Beaches to check out: Calhoun Beach, Crystal Beach, O’Steen Beach, Pompano Street Beach and Tarpon Street Beach
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Delray Beach

3 hours 45 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: There’s a free art walk every first Friday of the month, and Pineapple Grove Arts District is another alternative to checking out some art and capture a selfie. Swing by Dada, no not your dad’s place, the restaurant where they’re serving up traditional American fare from their butternut ravioli to there seven cheese grilled sandwich. And just so you know, parking at the municipal beach is $1.50 an hour.
Beaches to check out: Sarah Gleason Park, Sandoway Park, Anchor Park and Atlantic Dunes Park
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Deerfield Beach

4 hours 11 minutes from Tampa
What’s great about it: If water sports are your jam, the Ski Rixen USA in Deerfield Beach has cable skiing where you can learn to wakeboard, as well as the Splash Adventure water park, a marina, and several lakes for fishing. The Deerfield International Fishing Pier is a good place to catch some fish, and even if you don’t, you get some surf and turf cuisine at the JB’s on the Beach.
Beaches to check out: Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach and Dania Beach
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