With over 700 miles of stunning beaches, it’s difficult to choose the top beautiful clear-water beaches in Florida. As a result, I have compiled a list of the 16 most well-liked clear-water beaches for tourists who wish to soak up the sun, unwind in the sand, swim, and snorkel while on their trip.
One of the main reasons people adore it so much is that they have so many options available to them. For those who enjoy the ocean’s ambiance and the sound of the waves, clear water not only offers more breathtaking views but also makes snorkeling possible because you can observe underwater life. Nothing compares to a stunning beach with clean water on a sunny day, with light reflecting off the emerald-blue water.
In the list below, you’ll discover details on 10 of Florida’s most stunning beaches with clear water that we urge you to visit while you’re there.
Jupiter
Jupiter is one of the most popular Florida beaches with clear water. Jupiter is maintained at a pleasant 78 degrees throughout the entire year due to the Gulf Stream’s proximity. It is thus one of the beaches that can be visited whenever the weather is favorable. Jupiter is known for being a beach for active people and is renowned for its water sports because of the calm, clear water and its warmth. Here, you may go paddle boarding, snorkeling, and surfing all year round.
Between Ocean Cay Park and Carlin Park, Jupiter features one of the remaining beaches in the state that welcomes dogs. This is a terrific choice for those who wish to spend a day in the sun with their four-legged companions.
You might also see nesting turtles near the beaches from March to October. Although the beach authorities ask that visitors keep their away, they are a beautiful sight. The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, and DuBois Park are some of the top local attractions. As well as on-street parking along the A1A corridor, locations including Jupiter Beach Park, DuBois Park, and Carlin Park all offer free parking.
Crab Island
Crab Island, situated directly off the coast of Destin, more especially on the north side of Destin Bridge, isn’t an island at all because there isn’t any land there, even though it’s a little off the main route. It’s just a sandbar that has been strangely dropped into the water. Its singularity has led to its appearance in numerous travel publications and on television across the globe. You’ll need a boat to get to Crab Island, but if you don’t have one or want to hire one, there are also many shuttles and guided tours available.
Jet-skiing, paddle boarding, and other water sports are available here, along with pontoon rentals. Along with dolphin sighting trips, there are alternatives for fishing. One of Florida’s most distinctive and beautiful clear-water beaches, it has seas that are between one and four feet deep. The Emerald Grande, the Henderson Park Inn, and the Hilton Garden Inn are three hotels. In addition, there are many dining options, including Tailfins Waterfront Grill, AJs on the Harbor, and Anglers Beachside Bar & Grill, as well as shopping, nightlife, golf courses, and other activities.
Destin
Speaking of Destin, it is frequently referred to as one of Florida’s clear-water beaches—if not the state’s most—beautiful. Destin’s gorgeous blue water is the consequence of the Choctawhatchee Bay serving as a filter to remove darker silt residue before the water reaches the Gulf. Destin is situated in the Florida Panhandle in a region between the well-known Pensacola and Panama City. The fact that there is just one canal from the Gulf to Destin helps with this.
It is a truly tropical paradise and one of Florida’s most beautiful sights when all that is left is the magnificent emerald lake and glittering beach. It is the perfect location for anyone who wishes to experience the ambiance without being surrounded by too many people, as it has a relatively low population compared to other beaches. Every standard water sport available at other beaches is available in Destin. Particularly suggested is Henderson Beach State Park near Destin. Additionally, Destin is home to a variety of golf courses and family-friendly attractions like the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
Fort De Soto
Fort De Soto, which lies just off the coast of St. Petersburg and offers not only the lovely crystal clear water and sands of the other beaches but also some history is one of the most beautiful and rare clean water beaches in Florida. With its 1,136 acres spread across 5 different islands, Fort De Soto Beach offers kilometers of breathtaking scenery to hike through and rest on, as well as water to swim in and its namesake fort.
This is a real historical fort from the Spanish-American War that has been transformed into an informative museum. This makes Fort De Soto Beach an excellent destination for families looking to experience some culture in addition to the tropical setting and activities like dolphin watching. Additionally, it features a sizable campsite with 236 accessible sites. Picnic areas, grills, utilities, and even washing facilities are available as amenities. We advise visiting Fort De Soto Beach on a weekday or during a less congested time of the year because of its numerous unique features, which can make it quite crowded on Saturdays and Sundays, especially during peak season.
Rosemary Beach
Next, we have a beach in Florida with crystal-clear water that is somewhat of a hidden gem. The main reason Rosemary Beach is less well-known is that no one can access it as a public beach. This is significant to know before planning a visit because you must be either a resident or staying at a hotel nearby.
However, if you choose to stay at one of the neighborhood hotels, like The Pearl Hotel or The Blue Lagoon, or to conduct a short-term rental or overnight stay at one of the beachfront villas, you have access to this picture-perfect location, complete with soft sand and breathtakingly clear water. The beach is wonderfully maintained, kept clean, and has a variety of beach chairs available to enjoy the ambiance in style. Because it’s a little bit exclusive, it never gets too crowded. The next town is also charming, with homes that have shuttered windows and gorgeous wraparound porches and are painted in different candy hues. The Summer Kitchen Café, Gallion’s, and Paradis are a few of the nearby eateries.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is among Florida’s top beaches for pure water. Similar to Destin, it is situated next to Choctawhatchee Bay and has two state parks in addition to the regular beach activities. It also has 27 miles of lovely sand and ocean. People visit Panama City Beach for the same reasons they visit most other beaches: to go swimming, snorkeling, tanning, and more. The numerous boats in the vicinity also allow you to take in the scenery. Restaurant choices include Schooners Last Local Beach Club, Capt Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market, and Harpoon Harry’s.
The Shopping Pier Park Mall, an outdoor mall built on the beach with shops, cafés, a Ferris wheel, and more, is one of the most enjoyable, lively shopping places. Panama City has a nearby island that is comparable to Crab Island by Destin, although it is a true island as opposed to a sandbar. Shell Island is an uninhabited barrier island but a well-liked spot for boating, fishing, and daytime exploration. Its name comes from the abundance of shells that wash up on the shore, making it a wonderful destination for shell collectors to enjoy a fun day out, whether with their families or as lone hobbyists.
Beer Can Island
Beer Can Island, which is situated on Longboat Key, is the following beach on our list. Beer Can Island is a remote, undeveloped beach that is one of Florida’s lesser-known clear-water beaches. Visitors frequently comment on how lovely they find the island to be. There are several causes for this. It features some of Florida’s clearest water, and the sand is so white that it almost resembles a perfect fantasy island. Its famed driftwood is another feature that contributes to the area’s almost fantastical vibe.
This is further aided by the difficulty of getting to the island, which only serves to increase its attractiveness. Parking your vehicle close to Longboat Key Bridge at Coquina Beach is probably your best option. You can reach the beach by walking across the bridge, past a neighborhood filled with affluent homes, and down a winding road. It’s important to remember that the route has no shade and is full of insects, so sunscreen and bug spray are your friends.
Dry Tortugas
The Dry Tortugas Islands, which are seven islands encompassing 100 square miles and are part of Dry Tortugas National Park, are another of Florida’s most stunning clear-water beaches (which was established in 1992). Only accessible by plane, ferry, or boat, it is located in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles west of Key West, and is well worth the inconvenience for the gorgeous water, picture-perfect white sandy beaches, the breathtaking views, and the opportunities for exploring, unwinding, swimming, and other beach activities. Additionally, it is home to the only tropical reef in the United States, which also happens to be the third-largest reef in the entire world, so you should go snorkeling or scuba diving while there.
There is also the option of camping there, which is not only enjoyable but also increases the value of the journey. Additionally, while you’re in the area, be sure to visit Fort Jefferson, another fort from the 19th century, which offers spectacular views of its brick and arch building against the lovely blue seashore background. The greatest time of year to travel is from November to April since there are fewer winds and the sea is at its purest during this time. You should eat before going to the park or pack a picnic because there are no food alternatives there.
Miami Beach
Given how well-known and iconic Miami Beach is, it may seem almost redundant to include it on this list. However, since we’ve included so many off-the-beaten-path locations, we felt it was important to also include a well-known location that is simpler to access for those who want to enjoy the stunning blue water without too much of a hassle. Along with all the shopping, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and other amenities you could want, Miami Beach and the adjoining city of Fort Lauderdale offer every beach activity you could dream of. There are so many different hotels and resorts there that entire books might be written on just them.
However, not all of Miami will provide you with the best opportunities to see the water, therefore we do wish to suggest South Beach, Haulover Sandbar, and the other diverse south bars situated south of the lovely Key Biscayne as the ideal places to enjoy it. Particularly South Beach is a stunningly well-liked location that offers a wide range of practical amenities like equipment rental and showers, as well as some nice additions for additional enjoyable beach activities like volleyball courts in addition to water activities like snorkeling, boat rental, and more. The sand is particularly lovely because it is frequently washed by tides and marine life. Because of this, it’s another fantastic location for the shell collection.
Anna Maria Island
To return to the topic of lesser-known Florida beaches with clear water, Anna Maria Island is a charming little beach to the south of Sarasota that has sugar-white sands and gorgeous, emerald-green water that makes it possible to see right down to the ocean floor while also providing a less crowded beach experience. It’s a wonderful alternative for families as well as couples seeking a romantic getaway because of its beautiful panoramas and tranquility. Because it is nearly twenty-two miles long, there are times when it almost feels like having your private beach.
In addition, there are numerous hotels and resorts, including Cedar Cove, BridgeWalk, and Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort, as well as beachfront cottages and other residences that can be rented both temporarily and permanently. Along with attractions like museums, aquariums, boat rentals, and more, the town also has a tonne of places to shop and eat, like the Sandbar Restaurant and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub. A trolley is another option for getting to the island, which is a delightful experience.
Conclusion
Our list represents a mere drop in the ocean of Florida’s alternatives for beaches with glistening blue waters that allow visitors to see spectacular sights on the ocean floor. However, we do hope that it was an excellent introduction to your upcoming travel endeavors.