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When it comes to the best clear water beaches in Florida, you’ll want a recommendation from a local. As a Floridian, who spends countless hours at the beach, I’m sharing absolute favorite clear beaches in Florida.
Imagine sinking your toes into powdery white sands and plunging into gem-like waters in hues of emerald and turquoise. From the tranquil Gulf Coast to the vibrant Atlantic Coast, Florida is a treasure trove of stunning beaches.
I also specifically chose beaches throughout the state, so if you don’t have to go too far to find idyllic piece of paradise.
Every beach is only as good as the weather conditions, but this list has your best bets for clear water beaches in Florida. Get ready to plan your next beach trip as we dive into the best beaches in Florida with clear water!
What Beaches in Florida Have Clear Water?
There are plenty of beaches in Florida with clear water, but most of the highest rated ones are on the West coast or South Florida. The beaches in the Florida Panhandle and further south, in particular, have the clearest water in Florida.
If you like emerald green water, this is especially true of the stretch along Destin to Panama City Beach. That includes 30A beaches like Santa Rosa Beach and Rosemary Beach.
Those definitely aren’t the only ones, though, so read on to find out more of the best beaches in Florida (and some hidden gems)!
I do my best to keep the details and pricing up to date. However, these clear water beaches hours and general information can change at any time. I highly recommend checking hours or pricing for your travel dates on their official websites provided below.
Miami Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: South Pointe Beach
📍 Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
The city of Miami Beach has roughly eight miles of South Florida’s best shores. The beach is generally divided into four areas: North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach, and South Pointe Beach.
Each has crystal clear water and lots of amenities but I’m partial to South Pointe Beach. It’s very family-friendly and is relatively tranquil while being beside the most popular area: South Beach. South Point is also by far the best beach in Miami for surfing especially in the winter months.
Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. There are restaurants like the Crab Shack and more high end restaurants in walking distance.
Sunday afternoon is one of my favorite times to visit, when the cruise ships start departing from Port Miami, adding to the views! Make time for a walk down to the South Pointe Park Pier. If you’re traveling with kids there is a covered playground, cafe, or splash areas with fountains. For even more adventures, you may want to consider taking a jet ski tour!
🌴 Pro Tip: For some more of the clearest water in Florida, Biscayne National Park is a must-visit for those that love more remote beaches. It has beautiful turquoise waters and protected coral reefs.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriott Stanton South Beach
Fort De Soto State Park
🏖️ Location: North Beach at Fort De Soto State Park
📍 Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
💸 Admission Fee: $5
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Fort De Soto State Park is not just one of the best clear water beaches in Florida, it’s also one of the calmest.
There are plenty of restrooms dotted around, as well as several playgrounds, two fishing piers, and a boat launch. There are 15 picnic shelter and over 200 campsites. If you get hungry or need beach supplies, there’s a concession, too. However, for better quality food, I highly recommend driving into Tierra Verde and eat at some of my favorite restaurants like Sea Worthy.
North Beach at Fort De Soto State Park is one of my favorite places to go to take photography. There are some beautiful rock formations in the water that set a gorgeous backdrop for sunset views.
🌴 Pro Tip: Though the beach is the main attraction, consider hiking the nature trail and visiting the on-site museum.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott in Tierra Verde
Dry Tortugas National Park
🏖️ Location: Dry Tortugas National Park
💸 Admission Fee: $15
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Dry Tortugas National Park consists of seven islands off of Key West. The way to get to Dry Torgugas is on a boat or seaplane.
It’s a true natural paradise, from the clear waters to the coral reefs to the lack of amenities. There aren’t even any restrooms, so you better go while on the ferry. You’ll have a great time at Dry Tortugas – but it sure is a task getting there.
You can go snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and camping. You can also visit the historic Fort Jefferson. There are also campsites if you prefer this remote island to returning to Key West.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
Pensacola Beach
🏖️ Location: Navarre Beach
📍 Address: 8579 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Navarre Beach is one of the best Emerald Coast beaches that extends out from Pensacola Beach. It’s laidback and not too touristy, and some consider it to be “Florida’s Best Kept Secret.”
Navarre Beach has restrooms, pavilions, and a fishing pier. There are also several buildings within Navarre Beach Marine Park: a marine sanctuary, a science station, and a turtle conservation center.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Navarre
Clearwater Beach
🏖️ Best Beach Access: Pier 60
📍 Address: 160S S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
The name really says it all — Clearwater Beach truly has crystal-clear gulf waters. Beyond the crystalline water, I find it to be one of the clearest beaches in Florida with an impeccably manicured white sand beach.
Clearwater Beach has restrooms, a pavilion, year-round lifeguards, two playgrounds, and volleyball nets. There’s also a rental shop for fishing equipment. It’s indeed a great beach for fishing, as well as water sports like jet skiing or dolphin tours. I tend to prefer their party cruise ship, The Calypso Queen docked across the street for sunset views and music!
While Clearwater Beach access is free, keep in mind there are other costs. Pier 60 parking lot fills up fast. I’ve come early on the weekends, around 10 am and the lot is already full. So, come early or late in the day if you want to snag a parking spot close by. Otherwise, there is parking street parking as well as public garage parking garages.
Just a short walk from Pier 60 is one of my favorite beach hotels, The Sand Pearl. Whether you stay here or enjoy their delicious Sunday brunch, either is a special treat. I also love combining brunch with a massage here, both are top notch! If you’re traveling with children, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a must visit.
While this luxury hotel is not for everyone’s budget, there are several Clearwater Beach hotels nearby that are excellent options too.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sand Pearl Resort
Destin
🏖️ Best Beach: James Lee Park
📍 Address: 3510 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Destin has arguably the clearest water in Florida. The Emerald Coast has gem-like waters and pure white sandy beaches. It’s no wonder why vacationers flock here from nearby states like Alabama, Georgia, and even Mississippi.
You’ll want to head to the beach early for a good parking spot. Or if you’re like me, I like to visit in the evening for turquoise water views against a gorgeous sunset backdrop!
James Lee Park has some of the cleanest beachfront, as well as a boardwalk, restrooms, picnic pavilions, and a playground. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas in designated areas. There is also a restaurant, Crab Trap, right on the beach!
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa
Honeymoon Island State Park & Caladesi
🏖️ Location: Honeymoon Island State Park
📍 Address: #1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698
💸 Admission Fee: $8
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Just a short drive from Tampa, you’ll find Honeymoon Island State Park. From there, you can get to the more untouched Caladesi Island by ferry.
At Honeymoon Island State Park, you’ll have access to restrooms, shower stations, a picnic area with grills, a playground, and a concession. In addition to swimming in the clear water, you can go kayaking, surfing, fishing, or hiking the nature trails. You will also see lots of wildlife including endangered birds and sea turtles.
Dunedin is the closest city to Honeymoon Island State Park and it oozes charm from every angle! I fell in love with this Old Florida town years ago when I moved to Tampa Bay. These days, Dunedin has some of the best restaurants, bars and breweries in the state.
🏄 Pro Tip: The best place to surf here is at the northern end of the park, near Bathhouse 3.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Dunedin
Henderson Beach State Park
🏖️ Location: Henderson Beach State Park
📍 Address: 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32541
💸 Admission Fee: $6
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
The clear waters at Henderson Beach State Park are framed by tall, pure white sand dunes. They make a great backdrop while camping — there are dozens of campsites here!
The park also has restrooms, pavilions, grills, and a playground. It’s within Destin, known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, so try to see what you can reel in from the emerald green water!
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites By Hilton Destin
Siesta Key
🏖️ Best Beach: Siesta Key Beach
📍 Address: 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Siesta Key’s beaches are a great mix of lively and laidback. The sand is made of pure quartz and the water is similarly pristine. It is one of the widest white sandy beaches in Florida; so pack your beach wagon if you’re carrying stuff!
Siesta Beach has some of the most pristine beach facilities in Florida (and it’s ADA accessible). There are public restrooms, picnic shelters with grills, two playground areas, a park, and two concession areas. You can rest easy knowing there are lifeguards seven days a week. Plus, the parking lot is large and free to use!
After you finish your day at Siesta Beach, I highly recommend stopping in Siesta Key Village for delicious seafood or ice cream.
🚌 Pro Tip: During peak season in Siesta Key Beach, you’ll want to come early morning to get a parking spot. Better yet, leave the car at home and take the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley to the beach instead.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites
Panama City Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: St. Andrews State Park
📍 Address: 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL 32408
💸 Admission Fee: $8
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
St. Andrews State Park is home to Panama City Beach’s most pristine beaches. There’s tons to do here, and it’s great for the whole family. You can rent bikes, boats, paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment. St. Andrews State Park is truly a favorite on the list for water sports.
There are also restrooms, picnic pavilions, a playground, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, campgrounds, a food truck, and more!
⛴️ Pro Tip: Make sure to take a ferry out to Shell Island while you’re visiting the park!
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriott’s Legends Edge
Anna Maria Island
🏖️ Best Beach: Bean Point Beach
📍 Address: 793 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Anna Maria Island is one of the busiest of Sarasota’s barrier islands, thanks in part to its clear water beaches. Its most popular beaches are on the southern end and are technically in Bradenton Beach.
On the north end, however, Bean Point Beach is the place to be. It’s relatively untouched and secluded but doesn’t have amenities — just the clear blue water and pure white sands. Plus, there are several excellent boat tours for snorkeling or dolphin watching up close!
Nearby Siesta Key is also a one of the top beach destinations with some of the clearest water in Florida. If you’re not sure which one is better, you’ll want to read my Siesta Key vs Anna Maria Island article next!
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Anna Maria Beach Resort
Sanibel Island
🏖️ Best Beach: Sanibel Lighthouse Beach
📍 Address: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
You can’t mention the best clear water beaches in Florida without mentioning Sanibel and Captiva. My husband’s family has been visiting these beautiful beaches for multiple generations, as locals living on Pine Island.
In addition to having some of the best clear water beaches in Florida, Sanibel Island is also amazing for shelling. To truly experience the natural charm of Sanibel Island, I usually recommend visiting Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier, however it did sustain substantial damage during Hurricane Ian and has been temporarily closed for an extended period.
These days I highly recommend going to Bowman’s Beach. It was surprisingly untouched by the hurricane. Make sure to pack a beach umbrella and wagon. Bowman’s Beach is quite a hike from the parking area, and lugging gear can be exhausting. There are also no shaded spots, so you’ll appreciate both of these items.
Parking is $5 per hour, and payable via App. There are public restrooms located in between the parking area and the beach, roughly a 5-minute walk.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Island Inn Sanibel
Santa Rosa Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: Rosemary Beach
📍 Address: Rosemary Beach, FL 32413
💸 Admission Fee: Free for residents and overnight guests
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
The beaches along 30A are perfectly idyllic! Rosemary Beach is charming and has a historic feel, despite being a newer beach with modern amenities. However, it doesn’t have public beach access unless you’re staying at The Pearl Hotel. I absolutely loved staying at The Pearl for a couple’s getaway. If you have kids then you’ll want to stay at the WaterColor Inn & Resort.
For public beach access, head over to Santa Rosa Beach. It’s one of the oldest and largest 30A beach towns. There are plenty of access points, most of which have restrooms, picnic shelters, and lots of parking.
Rosemary Beach offers so many amazing things to do! I highly recommend a weekend on 30A and make time to explore Aly’s Beach, Seaside, and visit to the beautiful Eden Gardens State Park.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Pearl Hotel
Key West
🏖️ Location: Smathers Beach
📍 Address: South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040
💸 Admission Fee: Free, but parking is $5 an hour
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Smathers Beach is the largest beach in Key West, located on the southern end of the island. It has restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, and beach volleyball nets. You can also rent jet skis right on the beach.
🥳 Pro Tip: Smathers Beach (and Key West as a whole) is like a magnet to spring breakers visiting The Keys. If that’s not your vibe, schedule your trip for a different time of year! I actually love visiting in off-season for less crowds.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
Marco Island
🏖️ Best Beach: Tigertail Beach
📍 Address: 480 Hernando Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145
💸 Admission Fee: Free but parking costs $8
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Marco Island has family-friendly beaches with clear water and soft sands, especially at Tigertail Beach. This beach has restrooms, a bathhouse, and a picnic area. There is also a concession with food, drinks, and beach supply rentals.
This beach is part of the larger Tigertail Beach Park, from which you can take part in a guided or self-guided tour.
🦪 Pro Tip: Tigertail Beach is great for shelling, especially at its north end, in an area called Sand Dollar Spit.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marco Beach Ocean Resort
Bahia Honda State Park
🏖️ Location: Bahia Honda State Park
📍 Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
💸 Admission Fee: $8
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
From a remote island to one of the top Florida beaches, Bahia Honda State Park’s clear waters keep people coming back to the Florida Keys.
Bahia Honda State Park has restrooms, showers, picnic tables, pavilions, grills, a boat ramp, and more. You can also take part in scuba diving or snorkeling tours.
There are cabins for rent, as well as campgrounds. You can also camp in your boat by renting one of the boat slips!
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Parmer’s Resort
Palm Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: John D MacArthur Beach State Park
📍 Address: 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
💸 Admission Fee: $5 per vehicle for a day pass
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Plop down a couple of beach chairs on any stretch on Palm Beach and you’ll be satisfied. Growing up we usually went to Singer Island, which is one of the most popular beaches in Palm Beach County. However, the beach I like the most here is John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.
Being within a state park, the beach and blue water are incredibly pristine. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, picnic pavilions for rent, a playground, and a canoe and kayak launch. Kayaking is a great way to explore the shores. See if you can spot marine life like manatees.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a distance from the parking area. So if you’re carrying a lot of items, you’ll want to use park shuttle or bring a beach wagon.
After the beach, I love going to The Breakers and strolling Worth Avenue! Both are quintessential examples of extreme wealth in beautiful Palm Beach, Florida.
🚣 Pro Tip: Take a boat out to Munyon Island, a quieter and just as beautiful spot that also has amenities.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Palm Beach Gardens
St Pete Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: Upham Beach Park
📍 Address: 6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
💸 Admission Fee: Free, but parking is paid from 8 am to 8 pm
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
St Pete Beach can get quite busy but it has beautiful clear water beaches nonetheless, such as in Upham Beach Park and Pass-a-Grille Beach.
I took the photo above in the Secret Garden in Upham Beach Park, just one of the many things to do in St Pete Beach!
In Upham Beach you’ll find restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, cabanas, and beach volleyball courts. There’s an eatery right on the beach; Paradise Grille — where you can get a bite to eat, as well as vendors who rent beach supplies. There are also beach wheelchairs and a beach library to borrow items. The parking lot is steps away from the beach, and payable via the ParkMobile App.
One of my latest favorite St Pete Beach restaurants is also super close by called Buoys Waterfront Bar and Grill. Make sure to try the Lobster Roll or the Grouper sandwich! There are also a couple of breweries and bars within walking distance.
For the ultimate beach vacation, you’ll want to check out The Don CeSar, or if you don’t choose to stay here, it has of my favorite spas in Florida, Spa Oceana.
St Pete Beach offers a wide variety of hotels for almost any budget and is known for being pet-friendly!
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Don CeSar
Jupiter
🏖️ Best Beach: DuBois Park
📍 Address: 19075 DuBois Road, Jupiter, FL 33477
💸 Admission Fee: Free!
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
The beaches in Jupiter are otherworldly — so serene, especially with a name like the Blue Lagoon! The clearest water beach in my opinion is in DuBois Park.
DuBois Park has two stunningly peaceful lagoons, public restrooms, showers, picnic areas with grills, a playground, a jetty, and boat slips. There are lifeguards on duty which makes it great for families.
Aside from enjoying the ocean, you can also swim and snorkel in the blue lagoon, which looks clearest when the tide rolls in.
🌴 Pro Tip: After visiting the beach, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is just distance away and worth a visit for history buffs.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Jupiter Resort & Spa
Delray Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: Atlantic Dunes Park
📍 Address: 1605 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33483
💸 Admission Fee: Free, but parking is $1.50 an hour
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Delray Beach offers a great mix of bustling downtown vibes with a laidback beach atmosphere. The two main beaches here are Delray Municipal Beach and Atlantic Dunes Park. The latter is my choice, as it’s more peaceful.
There are restrooms, picnic tables, a pavilion, and lifeguards on duty all week. A nature trail winds through the park’s wooded area.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Delray Sands Resort
St Augustine
🏖️ Best Beach: Anastasia State Park
📍 Address: 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
💸 Admission Fee: $8
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Anastasia State Park is on a peninsula right across the bay from St. Augustine’s downtown area. There are restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, boardwalks, a concession, and plenty of campsites.
When you visit, you’ll likely see a variety of activities going on, from paddle boarding and surfing to shelling and hiking — take your pick!
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach
New Smyrna Beach
🏖️ Best Beach: Grayce K. Barck North Beach Park
📍 Address: 1100 North Atlantic Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
💸 Admission Fee: Free
Why This Beach Is Worth Visiting
Along its 17-mile shore, New Smyrna Beach has some of the best wave action on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a favorite of both local and tourist surfers.
Most beaches in New Smyrna Beach have either very few amenities or have expensive parking. Grayce Kenemer Barck North Beach Park has a good balance. There are restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and pavilions.
🏨 Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
What beach in Florida has the prettiest water?
Florida has so many beautiful beaches that it’s hard to choose which is the prettiest water. The beaches on the Emerald Coast like Destin are phenomenal with their extremely clear, bright turquoise waters.
Is the water clearer in Destin or Panama City Beach?
Though they’re very similar, Destin has clearer water than Panama City Beach. This is because Destin borders Choctawhatchee Bay, which filters out darker sediment. Panama City Beach is east of the bay and doesn’t get that help, though it gets some help from St. Andrew Bay.
Is parking free at most Florida beaches?
Most popular Florida beaches near cities tend to have parking fees. I highly recommend downloading the ParkMobile app and link your PayPal account, credit or debit card, or Apple Pay to it. This makes parking much simpler than having to navigate stationary parking kiosks.
Which coast of Florida is nicer?
Florida’s Gulf coast has more top beautiful beaches with clear water. From a safety perspective, the east coast of Florida tends to get more unprovoked shark attacks.
Final Thoughts on Best Clear Water Beaches in Florida
When looking for the absolute clearest water beaches in Florida, my top choices are always the remote beaches like Dry Tortugas National Park. However, taking a 2.15 hour ferry ride (each way) is not always feasible for everyone.
So for large cities like Miami, I highly recommend South Point Beach; as well as Clearwater Beach, Destin, and Siesta Key Beach.
I find that each year my list of favorite best clear water beaches in Florida changes! I am endlessly on the lookout for the ideal situation with the clearest water in Florida without being overly crowded. If I left off your favorite beach, please feel free to leave a note in the comments below.
