There's a lot of competition for the title of "best beach in Florida." Most people will agree, however, that some of the best beaches in the state are on the Emerald Coast. In a recent article, Travel + Leisure went a step further and named two Emerald Coast beaches as among the top family beaches in the state!
In an article published on January 31, 2023, Travel + Leisure named the 15 best family beaches in Florida. Two Emerald Coast beaches made this exclusive list! Each beach on this list has been vetted for family-friendly features, including beach style, nearby attractions, and accessible restaurants.
The full list of beaches that made the list is as follows: (1) Vero Beach, (2) Panama City Beach, (3) Longboat Key, (4) Cocoa Beach, (5) Amelia Island, (6) Clam Pass Park, (7) Key Biscayne, (8) St. Pete Beach, (9) Naples, (10) New Smyrna Beach, (11) St. Augustine Beach, (12) Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, (13) Hutchinson Island, (14) Destin-Fort Walton Beach, and (15) Fort Lauderdale.
It is easy to see why Panama City Beach and Destin-Fort Walton Beach made this list! With calm water, white sand beaches, and plentiful activities to enjoy, they're both perfect for families traveling to Florida with kids!
Speaking of Panama City Beach, Travel + Leisure wrote: "Sunset dolphin cruises in the Gulf of Mexico, tours to undeveloped Shell Island just offshore, and 27 miles of glorious white-sand beaches make Panama City Beach a perennial Florida favorite. Families with young kids appreciate that the waters are usually as calm as a lake, ideal for splashing in the shallows. St. Andrews State Park’s undeveloped stretch of sand is idyllic for playing castaway. And for a more entertainment-oriented scene, check out the stores, restaurants, and IMAX movie theater at Pier Park."
Of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, the travel website stated: "A relaxing Northwest Florida family beach vacation practically plans itself when you venture to Destin-Fort Walton Beach in the Panhandle, where shallow, Caribbean-blue waters and sugar-fine beaches make it easy to do nothing but soak up the sun all day long." They recommend booking a luxury accommodation to use as a home base, and encourage visitors to make time for a dolphin excursion and/or a paddling trip.
The Emerald Coast is full of fantastic, family-friendly beaches with lots to offer visitors, but these are two of the best. What beaches would you add to the list? Tell us in the comments!
