A Guide to Florida’s Gulf Coast Beaches

Located a 35-minute drive from the town of the same name, Fort Myers Beach is nestled on the north end of Estero Island. The sugar-sand beach is seven miles of almost uninterrupted coastline with shallow, calm water. There are plenty of state parks and nature preserves to get your fill of Mother Earth, but you can also visit the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center to interact with wildlife.

Quaint Anna Maria Island is one of the Gulf Coast’s barrier islands, which means there are beautiful broad beaches with tranquil surf. The island is home to abundant wildlife, ranging from sea turtles (who nest May through October) and bottlenose dolphins to bald eagles and other birds. If nature isn’t your thing, Pine Avenue, the town’s main drag, hosts numerous shops, galleries, and eateries. 

Aptly named Clearwater Beach’s sandy stretches are frequently ranked as some of the best in the state -- if not the country. The beach’s southern strip is anchored by Beach Walk, an expansive promenade surrounded by resorts, white sand, artwork, and of course, stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Yet another beach with sand so fine you’ll think it’s sugar, Destin is a good choice for both the Olympic sunbather and the sportsman, as it's a particularly good destination for anglers. Fishing out of Destin offers sportsman the opportunity to catch everything ranging from Amberjack to Marlin. 

The more subdued beachgoer will love Marco Island, the largest in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands chain. Home to several beautiful beachfront properties, the Marco Island scene is more likely to attract retirees and empty nesters as opposed to the rowdy vacationers of some other Gulf Coast destinations. (And the shell-hunting here is among the best in the world!)

Formerly known as state’s most popular “party” beach, Panama City Beach (and its 27 miles of coastline) has tamed itself with a series of new liquor laws. While you can still imbibe at restaurants and bars, there's much more to do here. Looking for nature? PCB is home to two state parks. The 3,000-acre Panama City Beach Conservation Park is more than three times the size of New York's Central Park, with ample opportunity for hiking, biking, or running. 

Laid-back travelers who are just looking for sand and surf will love Naples, where the coastlines are completely free of retail shops or restaurants. Instead, the Naples coast is flanked by houses, parks, and even nature preserves. The peaceful experience makes sunset-watching from one of the many piers -- a Naples tradition -- extra special.

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