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Best Beaches in South Florida

Best Beaches in South Florida

Find stretches of warm golden sand, blue Atlantic Ocean waters, and gently swaying palm trees. In The Palm Beaches, you’ll find the top beaches in Florida of which 2 have earned the Prestigious Blue Flag designation.

The Palm Beaches are home to top beach towns, top beach resorts, and top-rated beaches in Florida. With 47 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline and stretches of golden sand to pick from, naming the best Florida beach in The Palm Beaches is impossible.Notably, two of our beaches have earned the prestigious Blue Flag designation, an international award recognizing excellence in water quality, safety, and environmental management. Here is a here’s a list of some of our favorite white sand beaches for sun and fun so you can decide which strand of oceanfront gets your top spot.

Dubois Park

Delray Beach Municipal Beach – Delray Beach

Address: 400 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483

The two-mile-long stretch of Delray Beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag destination award. Delray Beach sits comfortably between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. The Blue Flag Reward is an international recognition given to beaches that meet strict standards for water quality, safety, environmental education, and sustainable management.

Delray Beach is one of only three beaches in the United States to receive this honor, highlighting its continued commitment to preserving natural beauty and ensuring a safe, eco-friendly experience for visitors and residents alike.It offers easy accessibility and a tranquil experience, thanks to the beach’s calm waves and warm waters. Its boundaries are marked by sand dunes, which act as natural barriers. After your beach trip, explore one of the many Atlantic Avenue restaurants just a short walk from the sand.

Canoes at Delray Beach

Places To Stay Nearby

The Ray just a mile from the beach and steps from Atlantic Avenue, The Ray is a design-driven hotel in Delray’s Pineapple Grove Arts District. With 141 luxe rooms, a rooftop pool deck, immersive art, and lush open-air spaces, it’s a high-end, tropical retreat that feels like its own destination

Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa

Newly renovated, this luxurious hotel makes tranquility a reality. Many of the seaside-themed rooms have stunning views, private balconies, and comforts inspired by home.

Nearby Restaurants

Delray Beach serves up flavor on Atlantic Avenue with two standout spots: Elisabetta’s offering authentic Italian dishes, handmade pastas, and a stylish ambiance; and Rocco’s Taco’s known for its bold Mexican fare, extensive tequila list, and high-energy vibe and their famed Taco Tuesdays. Set in the heart of Atlantic Avenue’s bustling dining scene, both restaurants capture the vibrant spirit of Delray For seafood, check out City Oyster, and Akira Black for Japanese-inspired culinary delights. Also worth noting is Drift, a restaurant with five distinct social and dining spaces.

Spanish River Park – Boca Raton

Address: 3001 N State Road A1A Boca Raton, FL 33431

Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Spanish River Park in Boca Raton offers a peaceful coastal escape with shady picnic areas, nature trails, and a pristine stretch of beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and spotting sea turtles during nesting season. This hidden gem is also now nationally recognized—Spanish River Park was recently awarded the prestigious Blue Flag designation, one of only three beaches in the U.S. to receive this international honor for excellence in water quality, safety, and environmental management.

Places To Stay Nearby

The Boca Raton

For an upscale stay just minutes away, check into the iconic The Boca Raton—a world-class resort offering refined accommodations, a private beach club, gourmet dining, and indulgent spa experiences.

Nearby Restaurants

Some of The Palm Beaches most renowned restaurants can be found in Boca Raton.Check out the SeaSpray Inlet Grill for a water from experience. You can enter Sea Spray through the Waterstone hotel or pull up with your boat on the marina side. Check out Louie Bossi Ristorante Bar Pizzeria for amazing Italian cuisine. Everything on the menu is made to perfection making any choice a good one.

Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park – Boynton Beach

Address: 6415 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Ridge, FL 33435

Canopy-covered walkways, a hardwood boardwalk, and a café welcome families to Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park. Umbrella and lounge chair rentals, a playground, and a concession stand are available for the ultimate relaxation and fun. Oceanfront Park Beach is open 365 days a year from sunrise to 9 pm. Lifeguards are on duty every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Designated surfing and skimboard areas are located at the north and south end of the beach. 

Places To Stay Nearby

Hampton Inn & Suites Boynton Beach

Swim, fish or lounge on the beach, only 4.5 miles from our hotel in Boynton Beach, Florida. Located off Interstate 95, the updated hotel is walking distance of shopping and restaurants at Compson Place across the street. Centrally located our friendly award-winning hotel is less than 15 miles from Palm Beach International Airport and CityPlace. Tee off at nearby golf courses.

Nearby Restaurants

Some of The Palm Beaches most renowned waterfront eateries can be found in the Boynton Beach area. Two Georges Waterfront Grille has been a Boynton staple for over 60 years, and the Banana Boat since 1978. For an upscale dining experience, head over to Prime Catch. Reservations are suggested.

Coral Cove Park – Tequesta

Address: 1600 S Beach Rd, Tequesta, FL 33469

Located in the northern part of the county, this beach is truly unmissable. Known as a beach with a quiet personality, Coral Cove Park offers unparalleled snorkeling conditions. Just a few feet offshore and in just a few inches of water are water-carved rock formations, shaped by countless seasons of wave action. A waterproof camera will come in handy when capturing the beauty of sea turtles, eels, fish, and sharks swimming between the reefs and rocks of the cove. The park is conveniently located close to the Intracoastal Waterway, offering additional areas to explore in and out of the water. Families will be delighted to discover picnic benches, grills, and a small playscape.

Places To Stay Nearby 

Jupiter Waterfront Inn

Located on Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, this hotel offers beautiful views across the water and an authentic Old Florida experience. Enjoy white sandy beaches, plentiful fishing and diving grounds, boating, and local wildlife.

Nearby Restaurants

Home of the come-as-you-are local favorite Hog Snappers and 1000 North, a unique 4-in-1 dining space that features an exclusive members-only club, a lively alfresco bar in the Terrace, and elegant dining with regional flair. A favorite of tourists and locals alike, Jetty’s Waterfront Restaurant has great views of the lighthouse and inlet, and a Sunday Brunch that shouldn’t be missed.

Coral cove park

Juno Beach Park – Juno Beach

Address: 14775 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408

Take in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the Juno Beach pier while enjoying 990 feet of excellent saltwater fishing. Enjoy a variety of fishing tackle for sale at the bait shop, as well as poles for rent. After a day of swimming, grab a snack at the concession stand or prepare dinner on the park’s barbecue grills. Additional amenities include free parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.

Places To Stay Nearby

Hampton Inn Jupiter/Juno Beach

Conveniently located off Route 1, the Hampton Inn Juno Beach is just a short walk from the beach and 10 minutes away from the Palm Beach Cardinals’ spring training at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. 

Nearby Restaurants

Veteran-owned and flavor-focused, Juno Beach Cafe serves up some of the tastiest breakfast in the region. Established in 1989, Captain Charlie’s Original Reef Grill has lunch and dinner covered, while AquaGrille delights tastebuds with both Latin America and Asian flavors.

Juno Beach Pier

Jupiter Beach Park – Jupiter

Address: 1375 Jupiter Beach Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477

Take a dip in the family-friendly small lagoon, or drop a line from the jetty. Make a big catch or buy seafood from Pinders Seafood & Marketplace–either is good for a bit of afternoon grilling. Surf with the locals or play some volleyball. Best of all, bring a furry friend to cool off, as a portion of Jupiter Beach (Ocean Cay Park) allows dogs to be off their leash. Additional amenities include pavilion access, picnic tables, and restrooms.

Places To Stay Nearby

Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

This gem features 175 newly renovated rooms with an island chic motif for optimized relaxation by the sea.

Nearby Restaurants

Jupiter boasts some of South Florida’s most well-loved local eateries. Guanabanas is one of those establishments. Opened by surfers in 2004, Guanabanas has grown from a sandwich shop to a fan favorite restaurant and destination. The Twisted Tuna offers casual dining and fun cocktails while Topside at the Beacon serves up Italian flavors at the only waterfront rooftop bar in Northern Palm Beach County.

Jupiter

Lake Worth Municipal Beach – Lake Worth

Address: 10 S Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460

This beach is ideal for soaking up the sun and taking in scenic views. Lake Worth Beach is noted for its cleanliness and relaxed atmosphere. Take a stroll along its golden sand, or find your way up and along its pier. There, you’ll find Benny’s On The Beach, an oceanfront restaurant with diverse cuisine from breakfast to dinner.

Places To Stay Nearby

Sabal Palm House Bed & Breakfast Inn

This boutique inn is the best-rated, most affordable stay in the area. It’s perfectly located between the beach and Lake Worth’s vibrant downtown, with water activities right outside the front door. 

Nearby Restaurants

Located on the historic Lake Worth Beach pier, Benny’s on the Beach is casual dining South Florida style, complete with live music and karaoke, and other events. Check the calendar for listings. Next to the nearby golf course, the Beach Club is open to the public and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. For a fun date-night experience, head over to Aqua Café for modern, coastal Italian cuisine.

Lake Worth Beach

Ocean Reef Park – Riviera Beach/Singer Island

Address: 3860 N Ocean Dr, Riviera Beach, FL 33404

Perfect for a sunrise walk or run, the boardwalk at Ocean Reef Park stretches along the dune ecosystem. There’s plenty of sand on the wide beach to relax and take in this quintessential South Florida experience. Rock piles just off the shoreline provide plenty of sea life to entertain adventurous snorkelers. Up in the park area, there’s a picnic pavilion, as well as grills and single picnic tables. Additional amenities include a playground and showers.

Places To Stay Nearby

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

Experience paradise in this oceanfront getaway that features a white sand beach, two outdoor pools, a spa, restaurants and bars, and indoor and outdoor venues.

Nearby Restaurants

South Florida is a culinary paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine, and even menus that change with the season at Seasons 52. Or you can put on your flip-flops and head over local hotspot Johnny Longboats for their king crab legs special. Castaways Sports Bar & Grill offers a laid-back dining experience and their signature Hangover Burger is a breakfast favorite.

Ocean Reef Park

Peanut Island Park – Riviera Beach

Address: 6500 Peanut Island Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33404

Peanut island is a family sanctuary that features snorkeling, overnight camping, and swimming. This 79-acre beauty in the heart of the Lake Worth inlet was actually a dredging project dating back to 1918 and is a fan favorite of many! With a rich history, nooks, and crannies to snorkel, sunbathe, and even camp, the island vibes are here and loaded with activities. Peanut Island is only accessible by boat, paddleboard, or canoe. The best ways to visit are to take a water taxi from nearby Sailfish Marina or Riviera Beach Marina–or anchor your boat right along the shoreline.  

Places To Stay Nearby

Peanut Island Park & Tent Campground

Adventure awaits at this beachfront campground! Amenities include: guarded and unguarded swimming beaches and snorkeling lagoon, boat slips and docks, saltwater fishing, observation deck, picnic pavilions, and restroom facilities. Reservations required.  

Nearby Restaurants

The historic restaurant at The Sailfish Marina has been serving the area since 1977, and  Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill is a casual dining option that features a raw bar. Arrive by car or boat and enjoy the Caribbean-inspired food and drinks. 

Peanut island

Phil Foster Park – Riviera Beach/Singer Island

Address: 900 Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL 33404

This 14.7-acre beach park is a gateway to discover the islands of The Palm Beaches: Singer Island, Peanut Island, and Munyon Island. The park is a great fishing spot and has a nice playground. But what Phil Foster is best known for is a man-made snorkeling trail that winds around the south end of the island and near the pilings of the Blue Heron Bridge. While the full trail is intended for stronger swimmers, the beach access is great for kids wanting to wade around closer to shore. Families can play on the sandy beach, while enjoying the fully protected water of the lagoon (also known as the Intracoastal Waterway).

Places To Stay Nearby

The Singer Oceanfront Resort

An oceanfront hotel with a classic twist, this stylish hotel offers warm and inviting accommodations with all the modern comforts and necessities you desire.

Nearby Restaurants

Family-friendly Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill has been serving the area for 27 years, and Johnny Longboats features seafood favorites and a casual atmosphere.

Blue Heron Bridge

Red Reef Park – Boca Raton

Address: 1400 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Red Reef Park is a secluded, heavily foliated area that’s a favorite haunt for a variety of small birds. Bring your camera and see if you can capture images of larger and more spectacular birds on the ocean side of the park. Snorkeling at the park’s south end and surf fishing are popular leisure activities, and access to the beach is available with many parking options. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is part of the 67-acre park. Gumbo Limbo will delight nature lovers of every age, with educational programs about sea turtles, nature, conservation, and the area’s ecology. Programs are tailored for children as well as adults, so children can enjoy learning about endangered sea turtles. Additional amenities include showering stations, walking paths, and a picnic area equipped with grills, tables, and restrooms. There’s even a 9 hole golf course with views of the ocean! 

Places To Stay Nearby

The Boca Raton

Choose from five distinct hotels within one resort, including an adult-only option, and find the perfect place to spend your vacation. The Boca Raton has a private beach, private cabanas, pools, a championship golf course, and a private marina. 

Nearby Restaurants

Sophisticated flavors and casual ambience abound in Boca Raton. Local favorite Mystic Lobster Roll Co makes lobster the star of the show and is a great option for dining in or takeaway.  At Luff’s Fish House, you can bring your own catch in to be cooked or choose another fresh option from the menu. The Boca Beach House specializes in breakfast favorites, and serves it up until they close each day. Their hours are 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Red Reef Park

Dubois Park – Jupiter

Address: 19075 Dubois Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477

Lined with palm trees and protected waters, Dubois Park is located on the southern edge of Jupiter Inlet. Pull into the ample parking lot and you’ll notice the park doesn’t face the ocean, but rather the beautiful and historic Jupiter Inlet. Look west and you’ll see the Jupiter Lighthouse. Look east and you’ll see the mouth of the inlet leading into the shimmering ocean. A man-made barrier of natural rock and concrete shelters a pool of water, perfect for bathers of all ages. The water is replenished and cleaned by the natural currents of the inlet, and access to the swimming area is easy and well-marked. There are public bathrooms available, as well as small grills for cooking. Best of all, the calm swimming area is great for kids, and parents will appreciate how easy it is to keep track of little ones.

Places To Stay Nearby

Wyndham Grand Jupiter At Harbourside Place

Conventionally located on the Intracoastal Waterway in the heart of Jupiter, this hotel is near the area’s top attractions. Enjoy the sunset at the pool and thoughtful amenities at this stylish getaway.

Nearby Restaurants

South Florida energy spills onto its restaurant scene, creating a buzz that’s as intoxicating as the aromas wafting from the kitchens, and nowhere is that more apparent than Guanabanas. Laid-back and on the water, Lucky Shuck serves up fresh seafood and craft beer. U-Tiki Beach is another notable restaurant that features a great kids’ menu.

Dubois Park

John D. MacArthur State Park – North Palm Beach

Address: 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr, North Palm Beach, FL 3340

Located in North Palm Beach and nestled on a barrier island, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is the only state park in Palm Beach County, as well as one of the most family friendly parks among Florida’s State Parks. This nearly-two-mile picturesque beach allows you to explore with a number of water activities. Swim, snorkel, and refresh yourself in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The flip side of the park sits in the urban estuary of the Intracoastal Waterway. Kayak, canoe, hike short trails, and visit the Nature Center. Top amenities include picnic tables, barbecue grills, children’s playground, and a gift shop.

Places To Stay Nearby

Hilton Garden Inn Palm Beach Gardens

Known for friendly Florida hospitality, the Hilton Garden Inn is waterside to Lake Victoria and conveniently located near John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, the city center, and Downtown at the Gardens.

Nearby Restaurants

Whether you’re looking for a casual beachfront bite or an elegant evening out, you’re sure to find it in North Palm Beach. Try The Catch Seafood & Sushi located on the water in the heart of North Palm Beach. The Pelican Cafe offers upscale American and authentic Italian dishes. Do you like BBQ? Park Avenue BBQ Grille serves large portions and is known for its friendly Florida service.

John D. McArthur State Park

 

This was our selection of top-rated beaches in Florida. Check out our beachfront and waterfront hotels, book your stay in one of our beach towns, and enjoy our pristine beaches!

Header picture courtesy of Carri Lager @carrilagerphotopgraphy

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