8 Best Walkable Beach Towns in Florida for Vacation

It’s the moment that becomes memorable when you consciously ditch your car and plan to explore a place on foot. Do you know why? You’re no more in a hurry on your vacation.

You explore the place at your own pace, talk to locals, exchange smiles with strangers, and spontaneously decide to go to a café or take the unknown road to another beautiful place.

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That’s the beauty of exploring a town on your feet. Florida, the Sunshine State is famous for its beautiful shorelines, food scenes, and beautiful beach towns.

If you’re on a budget, you can also check out some affordable beach towns to enjoy and take full advantage of it. If you can save a few bucks, then why not?

So, this blog combines 2 things – the best beach towns and walkable towns of Florida. Let me take you through the best walkable beach towns in Florida.

Best Walkable Beach Towns in Florida

Relaxed, accessible, gorgeous, convenient, and safe cities– these lists take you through the most walkable spots in Florida. You’ll never feel “strange” to locals.

Nevertheless, if you do not take the road, you’ll never understand how engaging, thrilling, and entertaining the cities can be. Florida is very liberal in terms of living a quality life.

However, some dangerous places in Florida are better to avoid but apart from that you can check out the other safe places.

So, let’s look at the best walkable beach towns in Florida it has to offer!

1. Westchester

Westchester is one of the hidden gems and the most walkable cities in Florida which you should experience if you’ve got the chance. 

It is one of the non-touristy communities of Miami- Dade County with a land area of 4.01 sq. miles. As per Zerodown, the city has a recorded walking score of 88.

However, you’ll not find the Miami spice here but the place is packed with green nature, art & culture, dining scenes, and multiple celebrations of festivals.

The place is thriving with Hispanic culture and you’re lucky to find here a lot of Latin cuisine like Salvadoran, Mexican, and Colombian. 

I recommend going to Bird Bowl, a place with cafes, and bars. The Bird Road Art District is all about studios, galleries, and colorful landscapes.

However, from October through January, the place gets a little touristy, and travelers come here to Santa’s Enchanted Forest, the world’s largest holiday theme park.

But the beauty is incomparable. You’ll be amazed to see South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree light show, live entertainment, and carnival rides.

For an amazing art experience, come to the Patricia and Phillip Forest Art Museum. Get a good camera to click galaxy at the Stocker Astro Science Center observatory.

2. Hallandale

Hallandale Beach is stunning and the best quintessential Florida charm in Broward County. It is also one of the pedestrian-friendly walkable beach towns in Florida.

Joseph Scavo Park is a playground where you can bring your kid and dog to run free or enjoy a picnic with your loved ones. It is within the walking distance from the beach.

Also, it is one of the top-rated places to live as it is thriving with eclectic culture and exciting restaurants. It has some great free minibus connecting throughout the city.

As per walkscore, Hallandale Beach has earned 78 in terms of walakabity. On the weekends, Hallandale Beach City Marina is buzzing with locals.

There are good small neighborhood parks where you can have fun over sports with friends. You should check out Gulfstream Park, an entertainment playground.

During my visit to Hallandale Beach, I was staying at Richard’s Motel Extended Stay which earned good reviews from TripAdvisor.

You’ve ample opportunity to go saltwater fishing, swimming, playing golf, and so more. Also, it is home to high-rise condos.

Related Post: Kids’ Choice: 9 Best Zoos in Florida for Family Adventures

3. Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach is one of the walkable downtowns in Florida. It’s one of the great places for fun-in-the sun and indulging in water sports activities. I brought you, the best-hidden gem of Florida.

Because of its strategic location, sitting on the northern tip of Amelia Island, you can enjoy a gloriously pristine coastline. The waves are calm, and you can go for swim, surfing, or kayaking.

What more could be the best walking towns in Florida that are just a short drive to big city amenities? You can also go on road trips to Georgia; it’s that close to the border.

Fernandina Beach is listed on the American Register of Historic Places with railway facilities, golf courses, modern facilities, and a small airport. It is also one of the most romantic beaches in Florida.

For history lovers, you can learn so many things about Victorian-era mansions or hike the park’s maritime trails, or visit the Nassau County jail.

At night, go to The Palace Saloon, the oldest bar that opened in 1903. For dinner, stop at the Salty Pelican to taste the broiled oyster.

Soniya and I spend a month on Amelia Island in winter, enjoying the serenity, and beach vibe. Though the place was touristy, I loved it.

This small walkable town in Florida is home to genuine friendly people with great civic pride, an unpretentious atmosphere, and huge smiles on their faces.

Related Post: 10 Incredible Lighthouses in Florida

4. Key West

Destinations you’ve to experience is Key West, Florida’s most walkable beach town to relax, have fun nightlife, watch the sunset, and spend weekends leisurely.

With my friend Soniya, I started a road trip to Disneyworld and ended up in Key West. The place is so divine that I did not feel like returning from this small lively peaceful quaint town.

Key West is an island of 7.5 miles long which is famous for Florida’s “conch republic” and known as Earth’s third largest coral reef. Sitting in the south it is only 90 miles from Cuba.

The town is so walkable, that you can say bye to your car and grab your walking or comfortable hiking shoes. This beautiful island was home to Jimmy Buffet and Ernest Hemmingway.

The super good thing about Key West is when you’ll walk on the eight-block stretch along Duval Street from Mallory Square, you’ll come across clubs, bars, and taverns.

I highly recommend taking your girlfriend to Margaritaville. They organize funky things for people who are exploring the town on foot. 

Visit and click the photo clicked by Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Walk more to reach the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. You’ll find a shop next to it.

Here you get the best thong bikinis and gold doubloons. Go to the east side along Whitehead Street and stop at Sun Sun for a drink. Key West is one of the best places for a romantic getaway in Florida.

5. Delray Beach

Rand McNally and USA Today voted Delray Beach as the Most Fun Small Town in America. You can start your walk from the north end of Ocean Boulevard, with gorgeous views.

Once it was a small place for Japanese farmers, but now it’s one the most walkable beach towns in Florida which have grown into a sophisticated town.

Delray Beach enjoys a great geographical tribute as it sits between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach in Palm Beach County. You can stroll, day and night!

The city feels so organic rather than planned. Atlantic Avenue is surrounded by a long stretch of palm-lined trees, galleries, and restaurants. Let’s find the beach walking trail!

I love to explore the evolving collections of murals in Downtown Delray. You should go to Delray Beach Fashion Week and see the seasonal 100-foot Christmas tree.

If you’re here between October – May, attend a First Friday Art Walk, which happens on First Friday. You’ll love this 15.37 sq. mile area.

On the east side of A1A (Ocean Boulevard) runs the walking path along the beaches. You’ll find a lot of historical landmarks, and dog-friendly spots, and enjoy the salty air.

This beach town in Florida has an active pedestrian area called the Pineapple Grove Arts Districts, half a mile to enjoy great walks with your friends and partner.

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6. Siesta Key

Come to explore Florida’s Gulf Coast to admire the miracle of Mother Nature, from gorgeous wooded state parks to pristine beaches – Siesta Key. Also, one of the cheap places to visit in Florida.

And, the most eco-friendly mode of transportation here is by foot. You do not want to miss out on walking through unique terrains to get a glimpse of birds on the way.

Siesta Key is the most walkable beach town in Florida as it is only 8 miles long island. However, if you get tired, you can hop into Siesta Key Breeze Trolley.

Start your walk visiting the urban oasis by watching a live collection of sweet tropical plants at The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 

Snorkelers, in search of the best place for snorkeling, Siesta Key always tops the position. Sometimes, I wonder starting from clear water to gorgeous botanical garden, Florida has it all!

Then come to The Joan M Durante Community Park, a blooming tropical fauna area along with a walking trail under the shades of mangroves. You’ll love its setting.

You should come to Siesta Village. Of course, Siesta Beach is pretty and that’s why it earned an award of Best Beach from TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards.

For a full-filling breakfast, come to the Village Café. In the evening, hang out at Siesta Key Oyster, and have fresh seafood with raw beer over music.

I went to Siesta Key Tropical Wines and Gifts at Ocean Blvd Suite C. I’ve to tell you that they’ve some rare quality wines and flavor-filled gift baskets. Do come here.

7. Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is a spot where I can come back again and again. Every time the thrill feels unique and different. I’ve been coming here since childhood.

Now, 20 years on, my grandma resides here, giving my sister and me the perfect opportunity to come for Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Did you check out, Christmas towns in Florida? You should know it. Fort Myers Beach is about 7 miles long sitting on a little barrier island. You should check out Christmas tree farms in Florida too.

Indeed, it is one of the best walkable beach towns in Florida to enjoy the white sugary sand and dozens of wildlife, and also take the famous dolphin eco-tour. 

Though the coastline is preserved land, beach bum goes to the beach. So, I recommend coming to Downtown Fort Myers to reach Times Square.

You must go for the free concert on Friday at Times Square to enjoy the events and the party vibe. After roaming around, I go to Plaka to have Gyro.  

However, in my childhood days, the place was so quiet but now it is home to million-dollar condos. You can also go to The Edison and Ford Winter Estates. 

Read Next: The Myth of Pink Sands Beach in Florida and Where to Find It

8. Clearwater Beach

I’m sure in search of a clear water beach in Florida, you’ve come across Clearwater Beach but do you know where you can actually say bye to the car and roam barefoot?

Clearwater Beach is the most walkable Florida beach town in the St.Petersburg area. Also, I’m sure you’ll love to explore beach parks and the island.

I went for a walk around City Marina. It is a shopping mall for water sports lovers. You can go on a parasail lift, to a pirate-themed cruise, and more.

The air of the Jamaican beach is sure to evoke sea adventure and aquamarine thrills. In the evening, walk across Coronado Drive to Pier 60 to enjoy the sunset festival. 

If you want to enjoy a walk in peace by yourself, reach Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. You can stay here or reside at Barefoot Bay Resort to enjoy Gulf views.

Clearwater Beach is a quaint walkable town in Florida as it is only 3.8 miles long. From casual beach stores to ice cream parlors, everything is within walking distance.

Conclusion

So, how did you like the thriving walkable beach towns in Florida? It’s full of fun scenes, fun activities, a cool breeze, friendly people, cool cafes, and bars.

This list of the best walkable Florida beach towns will also help in saving dollars on transportation, renting a car, and Uber.

The extensive boardwalks, “old Florida” ambiance, and relaxed vibe make these places charming and a lot more credible to come and spend holidays. 

So, this weekend, plan to visit these most walkable cities in Florida.

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• 11 Best Beaches In North Florida: A Descriptive List
• 13 Things Florida Is Known And Famous For
• Moving to Florida Checklist: 18 Things to Know Before Relocating to The Sunshine State

FAQ: Best Walkable Beach Towns in Florida