Florida’s East Coast is one of the most idyllic destinations in the United States. With crystal blue waters and white sand beaches, it’s difficult to imagine a more relaxing place for a getaway, where the best beaches in Florida invite tourists for a seaside paradise retreat.
Some of the most popular beach cities in Florida are located along its East Coast, from Daytona Beach to Miami Beach (home to hidden gem beaches and local hangouts) to Fort Lauderdale and its stunning beaches. But besides these beautiful US beach destinations, there are some lesser-known and more pristine options for beach-goers who prefer a peaceful experience.
Whether visitors to Florida are seeking a beach party scene or a relaxing opportunity to soak up the sun, they won’t be disappointed when visiting the East Coast. Travelers planning a vacation in the Sunshine State should check out these top beaches on Florida’s East Coast at any time of the year.
10 Barefoot Bay Beach
On Florida’s East Coast, travelers will find the community of Barefoot Bay, one of the most charming towns in Florida. Also called the Barefoot Bay Recreation District, this is the ideal spot to relax on a pristine white sand beach for a couple of days.
Barefoot Bay is only a half-hour drive from Melbourne Beach, which has a major airport.
- Closest Major City: Melbourne Beach
- Closest Airport: Melbourne Airport (MLB)
9 Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach is one of the best East Coast beaches in Florida, and stepping one food on its sands explains why. Boasting 24 miles of undeveloped shoreline, this sandy beach is a conservation area.
It’s part of the Canaveral National Seashore and is just a 20-minute drive from the city of Titusville, Florida.
- Closest Major City: Titusville
- Closest Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
8 South Beach
South Beach is a neighborhood in Miami Beach, Florida, and is also the name of one of the East Coast’s best beaches. Besides the beautiful blue waters and sandy shores, South Beach offers a raging party scene that is popular for spring breakers, bachelor party groups, and friends just wanting a vacation.
After soaking in the sun at the beach, stroll down Ocean Drive. This lively part of the area boasts cafés, museums, and modern art.
- Closest Major City: Miami Beach
- Closest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
7 Vero Beach
Vero Beach is both a beautiful East Coast beach and a small Floridian city. The sandy shores on the Atlantic Ocean here are a dream come true, with volleyball courts lining the sand and plenty of high-end resorts with ocean views to check out.
Just north of Vero Beach, visitors can check out the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge for a unique look at brown pelicans.
- Closest Major City: Vero Beach
- Closest Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
6 Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach offers plenty of things to do, see, and eat. Plus, it is one of the liveliest out of all the best East Coast beaches Florida has in store for adventurous beach bunnies. It is famously a part destination for students on spring break and people just looking for a fun getaway in the sun.
Besides the stunning beachfront, visitors to Daytona Beach (the city) will want to check out the blue waters of the Daytona Lagoon amusement park and, of course, visit the Daytona International Speedway.
- Closest Major City: Daytona Beach and South Daytona
- Closest Airport: Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
5 Juno Beach
Juno Beach is one of the best beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. West Palm Beach is separated from nearby Palm Beach by the Lake Worth Lagoon. Juno Beach boasts an unspoiled coastline and a peaceful atmosphere compared to the nearby bustling spots in the city.
The town of Juno Beach is a quaint place to stay to enjoy swimming, fishing, and biking along the oceanfront paths.
- Closest Major City: West Palm Beach
- Closest Airport: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
4 Miami Beach
Miami Beach is no hidden gem - it’s famous for a reason. This lively destination on Florida’s East Coast is worth visiting at least once in life for the incredible atmosphere, white sand, and insanely vibrant blue waters.
Miami Beach is a perfect pairing with a trip to South Beach, which is located on the same island. Miami Beach is connected to mainland Miami by bridges but retains a sense of seclusion and relaxation all its own.
- Closest Major City: Miami Beach
- Closest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
3 Delray Beach
Delray Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast of Florida. It's located on the southeast coast of Florida and offers a unique travel experience with its quirky streets and districts.
The white sand beaches and blue waters in this town rival the best in the world, and yet Delray Beach is so much more than its sandy shoreline. Art museums, gardens, and the funky Pineapple Grove Arts District make this a standout Sunshine State destination.
- Closest Major City: Delray Beach
- Closest Airport: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
2 Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach is easily worthy of a place among the top beaches in the US. It's one of the best beaches near the city of Fort Lauderdale on Florida’s East Coast. It’s located partway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Visitors can relax on the beach, stroll along the boardwalk, roller skate under the palm trees lining the streets, or hang out at their resort.
There are some high-end hotels and resorts in the area, plus a great opportunity for kids to have fun at Charnow Park.
- Closest Major City: Fort Lauderdale
- Closest Airport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
1 Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is a peaceful spot in St. Augustine Beach, Florida, on Anastasia Island. White sand beaches and sunrises at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier are the highlights of visiting this East Coast gem.
With its lovely sands and stunning shores, it tends to be one of the lesser crowded beaches in Florida and is an ideal family-friendly seaside spot.
- Closest Major City: St. Augustine Beach
- Closest Airport: Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST)