19 Best Beaches On East Coast Florida For Romantic Getaways

Did you know Florida sees over 120 million visitors every year? Yes, you read that right! It is one of the most popular travel destinations, and rightly so. And if you are traveling for the views, you must get east coast Florida on the top of your travel list.

The region offers some of the most scenic beaches in the entire Florida. What’s more, the best beaches on East Coast Florida let you explore breathtaking marine life, enjoy lip-smacking delicacies, and relax on recliners on sandy beaches while taking in the view.

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If all these got your travel bug excited, check out this list of the best beaches on East Coast Florida to plan your next trip.

List of the Best Beaches on East Coast Florida

1. Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park has one of the best beaches on East Coast Florida and is a top pick for water sports enthusiasts. The beach offers everything you would expect from a vacation. From recreational activities to exploring nature, the state park offers a long list of things you can indulge in.

People come here to enjoy snorkeling and beachcombing activities while enjoying the breathtaking views. The park spans 500 acres of area with a beautiful environment. You can rent snorkeling equipment, kayaks, sunshades, and umbrellas from the concessionaire. You can also get a beach cooler for this location to keep your snacks and drinks cold and fresh under the scorching heat.

2. Dry Tortugas National Park

This national park offers some of the best picturesque views you will have ever seen. It has seven small islands covering 100 square miles. And if you are looking for secluded beaches on east coast Florida, this is the right place for you.

The national park has several secluded islands with beaches if you want to have some private time. Incredible coral reefs and mesmerizing marine life adorn this beautiful state park.

I also visited Fort Jefferson in Garden Key from the Civil War era, which is the largest fort in the United States from the 19th century. I recommend it as you can explore the insides to know what it felt like in those times.

Tip: Go for beach camping in Florida by booking a trip to the Garden Key to have a closer look at the Fort.

3. South Beach, Miami

If swaying palm trees, white sand, art galleries, and miles of beaches are on your mind, what can be more appealing than Miami Beach? Known as a party beach, it is one of the hot spots in Florida for tourists and locals alike. The Barrier Island’s nine-mile-long beaches with their seaside towns make for an iconic trip.

The panoramic views of the pristine waters and the golden sandy beaches will stay in your memories for a long time. Amazing restaurants and sidewalk cafes overlooking the gorgeous views of the Atlantic will take you to a vibrant atmosphere.

You can check out indie fashion shops and chain stores along the Lincoln Road Mall to satiate your shopping needs. In addition, you can visit the numerous museums in the nearby regions.

4. West Palm Beach

Located in Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach may feel like the high-end option. However, this beach gives you some amazing options to enjoy the Sunshine State even without burning a hole in your wallet. Being the largest city in Palm Beach County, the place is known for its beach activities in Florida.

It is especially popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. In addition, it has some of the best beach resorts in east coast Florida. What’s more, it is home to the Camp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, which is a critically endangered species. You can visit the City Place districts and Clematis Street, where you can find several shops and restaurants.

Tip: If you are into shopping, Worth Avenue will be worth the visit.

5. Fort Lauderdale

As one of the top beaches on the east coast and in Florida, it becomes quite obvious for Fort Lauderdale to make this list too. You can access the sandy beach quickly from the parking lot, and it is also a quick drive away from most South Florida Beaches.

You can also find nature trails close to the beach where you can explore the Florida wildlife. It is one of the most popular spots in Florida and the warmest beach, so expect it to be pretty packed.

One of the most popular aspects of Fort Lauderdale is its boating canals. The oceanside highway offers spectacular views along with high-end outdoor restaurants, boutiques, and hotels.

6. Delray Municipal Beach

Delray Municipal Beach is a public beach, but don’t get deterred by its designation. It is considered one of the best public Florida beaches, with miles of well-maintained and clean coastline. You are sure to get some of the best views on this beach.

The most popular spot on this beach is Atlantic Avenue. The beach is also home to the longest main street in all of Florida, which gets quite lively. It is brimming with attractive shops, local restaurants, lavish resorts, and much more.

In addition, local restaurants, food trucks, and dessert stations will keep you full and satisfied. It is also close to two of the other well-known beaches, Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, which are easily accessible.

7. Cocoa beach

If you are a surfing enthusiast like me, you will find Cocoa Beach to be one of the most amazing surfing beaches in Florida. You will find the best waves along the six miles of beaches to glide your board. Moreover, this beach is the ultimate destination for those looking for some water sports adventure.

Along with surfing, it offers jet skiing and paddleboarding, with lifeguards available throughout the year to help you out. You can explore the iconic artifacts and rockets at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the region. The Florida Surf Museum is another fantastic option to learn about the local history.

Tip: Head over to the Kennedy Space Center and learn all about NASA’s space programs and history while you are there.

8. Daytona Beach

Considered the world’s most famous beach, Daytona Beach is one of those beaches where you can drive. It’s a pretty hard feat to achieve, but this doesn’t deter people from trying. You can also find some surfing spots just below Daytona Beach.

Ponce Inlet is one of the popular spots for surfing in its clear blue waters. This beach is the perfect place for a weekend getaway as it is a couple-friendly beach. If you go a bit down south from Ponce Inlet along the coastline, you will find the Canaveral National Seashore.

If you visit in February, you can witness the iconic Daytona 500 NASCAR race. If go-karts, waterslides, and laser tags seem fun to you, Daytona Lagoon Water Park is a good option.

Tip: Look for board signs to know where you can drive on the beach and use only four-wheelers.

9. Playa Linda Beach

Situated in the city of Titusville on the east coast of Florida, Playa Linda Beach is a popular option among beach lovers. It is part of the Canaveral National Seashore with 24 miles of natural beach. The beach makes for a perfect spot for a shell collection.

If a nude beach in Florida is your destination, this beach may have it. If you are more into space stations and rocket launches, you will witness them live on this beach. It is the prime location for viewing rocket launches in all of the USA. It is also home to a variety of wildlife animals.

You can enjoy the soft sands, arrange get-togethers on picnic tables, and go for a walk on the vast coastline under the blue skies. It is considered one of the most picturesque sunrise/sunset beaches in Florida.

Tip: You can enjoy plenty of free parking space on this beach.

10. Ormond Beach

Right above Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach is a hub full of rich history and exciting water sports. In addition, it offers plenty of outdoor activities to take your mind off the hustle and bustle of city life.

It also offers a laid-back atmosphere to relax and enjoy the sun and ocean breeze. If you are considering moving to a coastline, Ormond Beach is one of the top places to live in east coast Florida.

The place has several parks and restaurants, giving it a calm suburban feel. During your getaways, you can rent a jet ski or paddleboard to spark some adventure spirit in yourself. The Granada Boulevard region near the beach offers several options if you feel hungry after the activities.

11. Jacksonville Beach

Located on Florida’s First Coast, Jacksonville Beach has some of the most captivating views. Its alluring beauty is what makes it a popular choice among vacationers. It is the perfect place to spot merry dolphins and captivating marine life.

You can also entertain yourself with various activities, such as fishing, as it is home to a popular fishing pier. Other activities include boating, paddleboarding, surfing, and the region’s most famous sport, beach volleyball. It also houses a newly redesigned golf course.

If going shell hunting on Florida beaches is one of your goals this vacation, head over to Jacksonville Beach. You will find plenty of seashells to add to your collection or make a new one. The region is also popular for its urban park system, numerous eateries, and expansive stretches of beach.

Tip: Rent a jet ski from the local rentals and give yourself a treat.

12. Huguenot Memorial Park

Located in Duval County, this memorial park is one of the least known but among the best beaches in east Florida. It is regarded as a prime location for birding. However, a section of the park is a critical wildlife area that protects the declining population of shorebirds. So, check for the restricted part before visiting.

You can drive on the beach, but the restricted regions are off-limits. The pristine waters and clean beach, along with large sandbars, offer you some of the best views. You may also take advantage of the lifeguards and concession shops in this park.

13. Amelia Island

The beaches on Amelia Island are some of the most versatile and breathtaking at the same time. It is among those state parks that offer horseback riding. But in this case, you can ride on the beach! Located in Northeast Florida, close to Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island is one of the most scenic beaches in Florida.

Snorkeling, diving, golf courses, and 13 miles of unspoiled beaches await you for a memorable vacation on this island. The region is brimming with native wildlife, luxury hotels, and several recreation facilities.

14. Jensen Beach

If affordable beach vacations on the east coast of Florida are on your mind, head to Jensen Beach. It is a hidden gem with spectacular restaurants, plenty of shops, and several outdoor activities. The quiet ocean and the nearby downtown region are perfect getaway locations to spend some time off the city.

The region is full of boutiques, malls, and local clothing stores, along with restaurants that offer fresh-caught seafood. When it comes to getting yourself busy with activities, the beach offers deep-sea fishing, sailing, surfing, and scuba diving.

The downtown area is known as the Pineapple Capital of the World, and this becomes quite obvious as soon as you get into the region. People often indulge in sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking to enjoy their time.

Tip: Visit Jensen Beach in March to participate in the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival.

15. Sombrero Beach

If you are looking for a beach to spend some time with your furry pals, this one is the right place for you. Located in Marathon, Florida, Sombrero Beach is one of the best pet-friendly Atlantic Coast beaches.

It offers mesmerizing views, a cool ocean breeze, and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for romantic beach getaways in Florida. The beach is home to colored fish and shallow waters, making it easy to swim right along with them. It also has picnic pavilions, restrooms, and volleyball courts.

16. Vero Beach

Are you in the mood to go fishing on the beaches? Vero Beach offers you plenty of places to catch your prize while you enjoy the gorgeous beach. You may also go deep-sea fishing on this beach and indulge in water sports or go for a relaxing stroll on the miles of sandy beach.

The historic Florida beach town has several restaurants offering delicious food and shops to buy beautiful souvenirs. You can play volleyball on the wide sands of the volleyball courts. You can visit the McKee Botanical Garden on the outskirts of Vero Beach. The garden has streams with water lilies and tropical plants.

17. Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is the perfect place to have some quiet time alone or with your family. It is a well-known family-friendly beach on Florida’s east coast with a peaceful atmosphere.

The beach has everything you would expect from a tranquil vacation: sun, miles of sand, and clear turquoise water. You won’t get bored as the region offers plenty of activities, including golfing, hiking, cycling, and surfing.

You can also learn several things about the local wildlife at the nearby nature center. The beach has a very vibrant history, and it is also considered the first year-round Native American settlement in all of North America.

18. Neptune Beach

With a tranquil atmosphere to unwind, Neptune Beach has the perfect options for you to relax and clear your mind. It is one of those coastal towns in Florida where everything feels laid-back and calm.

You will get the perfect opportunity to just lay in the water under the sun, relaxing and taking your mind off all the hustles in life. If you want to feel close to nature, Amelia Island and Talbot Island State Park are just a quick drive away. You can go for local shopping and dining while there.

19. Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach on the east coast of Florida has always been a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Easily accessible from the south of Fort Lauderdale, this beach is the perfect place for a weekend getaway as it is a couple-friendly beach in Florida. Take a stroll along the long beach while admiring the spectacular views of the surroundings.

The region has several shops selling souvenirs and beachfront restaurants offering lip-smacking food. You can go on a ride on foot pedal buggies on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. It has seafood eateries, tiki bars, and hotels.

Final Words

East Coast Florida gives you plenty of options to explore and enjoy the wide sandy beaches. Whether you are looking for a place to take some time off or indulge in some adventurous activities, the east coast surely has some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Before planning a trip to the region, check with your local travel companies to find the best deals on hotels, special restrictions, and laws that apply.

Read Next:

• 22 Most Unique Weekend Getaways in Florida
• The Myth of Pink Sands Beach in Florida and Where to Find It

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