The waters along Florida beaches are generally warm compared to the the rest of the US. Surf tends to be higher on the Atlantic coast with relatively little surf on the Gulf coast. Surf temperature is also warmer on the Gulf coast throughout the year.  Consider your vacation activities and choose the Florida beach best suited for those purposes.

Tampa Vacation Packages

Florida beach sand consistency in the northwest along Pensacola, and Panama City Beach is fine and very white.  Clearwater Beach also shares this same fine and very white texture.  Beaches along the Atlantic tend to shade towards light beige with a somewhat coarser texture. Daytona Beach is unique with its hard packed sand suitable for driving motor vehicles.  See our florida beach sand comparison.

Click pictures for larger view Bradenton  (west central Florida) Along the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and into Tampa Bay are over 20 miles of fine Florida beaches - many which are shaded by tall Australian Pines. Clearwater  (west central Florida) Clearwater Beach is the centerpiece of a number of equally beautiful beaches to its north and south. One can find active, popular beaches or quiet, relaxing beaches. Daytona Beach  (east central Florida) Miles of hard-packed sand make this beach ideal for driving cars, four-wheelers, motorcycles, scooters and bicycles. In the summer and during spring break this beach is absolutely bustling with activity. During the winter months Daytona Beach takes on a more leisurely pace. Fort Lauderdale  (southeast Florida) Continuing north from Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a pleasant strip of sand accentuated with palms and numerous parks. Fort Myers  (southwest Florida) A world of tropical beauty and wildlife, white sandy beaches with dozens of islands to explore. The area is a playground of beaches. Fort Myers beach, Bonita Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva are just a few excellent places to enjoy the sand, sea and sun. Jacksonville  (northeast Florida) sports twenty miles of wide, beautiful beaches along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and sunning are popular at several beaches in the coastal communities of Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach. Jacksonville Beach has a 1,000 foot long fishing pier that accommodates fishermen and sightseers. It has a restaurant and gift shop on premises. Miami  (southeast Florida) Miami Beach is a strip of miles of fine golden sand with emerald waters. People flock to Miami for business, sun, sand, beaches, and entertainment - this place really rocks! Naples  (southwest Florida) Naples originally established itself with its spectacular beaches.  It has now become an upscale community known for its golfing, shopping, and of course, its beaches. Panama City Beach  (northwest Florida) The beaches are among the best in Florida with nearly 20 miles of fine sugar-white sand, relatively warm and generally calm seas. In the summer the water is often crystal clear with a beautiful emerald-green hue. Pensacola  (northwest Florida) Located at the west end of the Florida panhandle, the area is best known for its many miles of pristine snow-white beaches. Sand dunes decorated with delicate sea oats accent the coast. With so many miles of beach it is easy to find a secluded spot away from it all. St. Augustine  (northeast Florida) has several miles of hard-packed sand beaches which are bordered with beautiful natural dunes. Driving is permitted on the hard sand in some areas. Swimming, surfing, sunning and fishing are popular at this beach. St. Petersburg  (west central Florida) St. Pete Beach is a seven mile beach of fine white sand that so typifies the west-central coast. Fort De Soto beach is a natural beauty with magnificent beaches and recreational facilities.  It was name North America's best beach by "Dr. Beach" in 2005. Florida Beach Sand - Pictorial samples of beach sand from selected beaches. Each beach has its own distinctive texture and color.