Bowman's Beach
Location: 1700 Bowmans Beach Rd Sanibel, FL
Hours of Operation: Sunday - Saturday 7am to 7pm
Family Experience: The parking area is exceptionally spacious and the stroll to the beach is picturesque. Unfortunately, the bridge and playground are currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian. During our previous visit, my children thoroughly enjoyed playing at the playground after a day of swimming. In our opinion, this is the best beach we have visited thus far.
Notes: Pay by phone, $5 per hour for parking
Clearwater Beach
Location: Tampa, FL
Family Experience: My husband and I visited Clearwater Beach to spend quality time together. We noticed a small water park designed for children's entertainment. The beach featured a pier suitable for fishing activities.
Notes: Parking is not free
Bonita Beach Park
Location: 27954 Hickory Blvd Bonita Springs, FL
Phone #: 239-229-0632
Notes: The beach has programs & classes (such as yoga which I definitely going to try out), special events calendar.
Indian Rocks Beach
Location: City in Pinnellas County, FL
Alison Hagerup Beach Park
Location: 14790 Captiva, FL 33924
Phone #: 239-472-2472
Notes: Pay for parking is $25 for 2 hours or $40 all day. Portable restrooms, bicycle racks, and handicap accessible parking. Reminder: there are Beach Rules! Pricing for parking may vary.
Fort Myers Beach
Location: Fort Myers beach on Estero Island
Family Experience: The sand is soft and excellent for kids to play in. The water's lack of clarity didn't stop the kids from enjoying it on a hot day. My son and daughter enjoy swimming far out to try to glimpse fish. Nevertheless, the seaweed present everywhere made my daughter somewhat uneasy.
Notes: Fort Myers Beach is not the same right now because of Hurricane Ian.
Cocoa Beach
Location: Cocoa Beach, FL
Family Experience: Rise and shine at the breathtaking Cocoa Beach Pier! Witness a stunning panorama as the sun rises majestically. The delectable cuisine is truly heavenly. The pristine beach is a true marvel. An unforgettable day spent in paradise.
Englewood Beach
Location: Manasota Key, FL
Family Experience: Windy conditions and high waves during our visit limited our beach activities. The beach offered amenities such as bathrooms, picnic tables, and a small playground. Nevertheless, the beach's beauty and soft sand were appreciated.
Notes: Pay for parking
Amelia Island
Location: Amelia City, FL
Key West
Location: Key West, FL
Santa Rosa Beach
Location: Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Daytona Beach
Location: Daytona Beach, FL
Gulf Side City Park
Location: 2001 Algiers Ln, Sanibel, FL 33957
Phone #: 239-472-3700
Family Experience: Please note that insect repellent is essential due to the high concentration of mosquitoes at this beach. The beach features an open area with picnic tables and grills. However, the water's opacity prevents visibility of one's feet. The sensation of the water is remarkable. The beach is renowned for its exquisite sea shells, which we endeavored to collect. Parking is limited due to the small size of the lot, making early arrival advisable. While the beach offers many positives, the significant drawback is the mosquito infestation.
Notes: Parking $5 an hour (may change)
Lovers Key State Park
Location: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Phone #: 239-463-4588
Family Experience: Lovers Key State Park presents a delightful beach destination, featuring walking trails and kayaking activities. Fishing areas are provided, affording children the thrill of catching fish. Furthermore, Sofia playfully chased me with a dead shrimp. We had a wonderful time swimming and building a sandcastle.
Notes: Parking is $8 per vehicle
Gasparilla Island State Park
Location: 880 Belcher Rd Boca Grande, FL
Phone #: 941-964-0375
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Location: 11135 Gulf Shore Dr Naples, Fl 34108
Hours of Operation: 8am to Sundown
Family Experience: The state park offers a beach with cool water. Parking is restricted due to hurricane impacts, preventing new vehicles from entering. A nearby park provides a charming setting for a walk or fishing under the bridge.
Notes: Price for parking is online
Alfred A McKethan Pine Island Park
Location: 10800 Pine Island Dr Spring Hill, FL 34607
Phone #: 352-754-4031
Miami Beach
Location: Miami Beach, FL
Princess Beach
Location: Located in Destin Beach, FL
Family Experience: My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in the water and riding the waves. The fish will graze on your feet, creating a strange but harmless sensation. My son, on the other hand, preferred the sand to the water.
Notes: There is no parking fee, you park your car off the road
Caspersen Beach
Location: Venice, Florida
Siesta Key Beach
Location: Siesta Key, Florida
Coquina Beach
Location: Bradenton Beach, Florida
Family Experience: The parking lot is very big and its best to go in the morning. At the beach, you will find a playground for children to play, and the playground equipment is shaped like a boat. The picnic tables with grills are very nice to have family bonding time. The water is clear plus the sand is very soft. I recommend coming here because there are lots of parking and the water feels amazing.
Notes: Please remember to bring sunblock
Sand Key Park
Location: 1060 Gulf Blvd Clearwater, FL
Phone #: 727-588-4852
Hours of Operation: 7am to 8:30pm
St Pete Beach
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Treasure Island Beach
Location: 11260 Gulf Blvd Treasure Island, FL
Phone #: 727-547-4575 ext 241
Honeymoon Island State Park & Beach
Location: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
Phone #: 727-241-6106
Family Experience: The beach is picturesque and offered plenty of entertainment for my children, including feeding the birds and playing in the sand. My daughter and I engaged in a fun activity of collecting seashells to wash and clean. We also took the opportunity to climb a nearby tree and enjoy the scenic views of the water. A ferry boat is available for transportation, and I would advise boarding before 11 am to avoid any delays. We missed the ferry boat due to a lack of punctuality but will ensure to prioritize it for our next visit.
Notes: Parking is $8 (price may vary)
Crandon Park
Location: Key Biscayne, FL
Caladesi Island State Park
Location: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
Website: floridastateparks.org
Okaloosa Island
Location: Located on Santa Rosa Island, Florida
Family Experience: Santa Rosa Island, Florida's stunning beach with a picturesque pier offers a variety of marine wildlife experiences, including dolphins, sea turtles, jellyfish, sharks, and fish, all for a modest $2 per person pier admission fee. Additionally, fresh lemonade is available for purchase. This beach is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty and adventure of the ocean in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Notes: Parking fee, fee for walking and fishing on pier
Bonita Beach Dog Park
Location: 8800 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Family Experience: The dog beach provides an outstanding environment where dogs engage in collective play. Although my dog was initially apprehensive during her first visit, she eventually adapted to the other dogs. She took pleasure in water activities and canine interactions. My children greatly enjoyed playing with the dogs, rendering it a valuable experience for the entire family.
Notes: Dogs can be off the leash
