How to Have the Perfect Florida Beach Day on Your Next Family Getaway

Are those winter blues getting the best of you? What better place to plan your next getaway than the Sunshine State! Known for their world-renowned beaches, Florida is the perfect place to get your Vitamin D therapy. And we have most of the answers to help in planning the perfect beach day on your next family vacation!

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What are Florida Beaches Like?

The Florida coastline offers over 800 miles of sandy beauty, leaving no shortage of beaches for your next family getaway. When deciding your destination, you will want to consider the 2 distinct coastlines – the Atlantic side and the Gulf side. Both have key differences that could play a role in where you decide to plop your beach chair down.

The Atlantic Coast

Stretching from Fernandina Beach to Miami is the Atlantic coastline. Known for the popular destinations of Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, and South Beach in Miami. Expect the Atlantic side to have wider beaches with harder-packed sand. Perfect for sandcastle building! The seas tend to be rougher at times and waves can be affected more by storms. The Atlantic coast is perfect for those looking to catch some waves on a surfboard or boogie board.

The Gulf Coast

From the Florida Panhandle down to Naples is considered the Gulf coastline. Destin, Clearwater Beach, and Siesta Key are some of the more notable beaches on this side of Florida. Here you will find the powdery soft sand and crystal blue waters. The seas tend to be a little calmer on the gulf side, providing many family-friendly options. The sunsets are also spectacular! One thing to note, algae blooms are more common in the gulf due to the warmer waters. Be mindful of this before going for a swim.

The FLorida Keys

The beaches and waters of the Florida Keys are vastly different compared to the rest of the state. Expect more tropical scenes with a lot more marine life to see. White sandy beaches are less prevalent, however there are a ton of options for snorkeling, diving, and boating. The Keys are perfect for your more adventurous family members!

Shelling and Shark Tooth Hunting

Another element that makes Florida beaches a popular destination is the abundance of shells and shark teeth that wash up on the shorelines. The main reason for this is the unique combination of the ocean currents, tides, and geology that make the Florida coast. Generally, you will have more hunting success on the Gulf Coast. Venich Beach is notable for finding fossilized shark teeth, and Sanibel Island is known for finding unique seashells (like large conches). There are a few gems along the Atlantic side to also consider. Fort Clinch State Park and St. Augustine Beach are known mostly for shark teeth hunting, but you may also luck out with finding some unique shells!

Just a tidbit: The best time to “hunt” is during low tide and shortly after a storm. Low tide offers wider beaches, exposing more areas to search. Stormy weather is also known for stirring up the seabed, bringing ashore unique gems! I also suggest arriving at the beaches early, especially the more popular locations. You will certainly not be the only one going on a hunt!

Packing Essentials

How successful your beach day is will certainly come down to what you bring. If traveling by air, packing can be tricky. Kudos to you if you can figure out how to pack that beach umbrella in a suitcase! I’ve ranked my suggestions from most important to least, while keeping in mind travel packing challenges.

• Sunscreen – If you had to bring just one thing to the beach, sunscreen would be it. No matter what time of the year you visit Florida, there will always be the possibility of getting sunburn. Even on a cloudy day. If traveling during the summer months, you might consider packing an extra tube. The rays are especially brutal then! We like the Mustela mineral sunscreen as it is easy to apply and does not seem to leave a white film like other mineral brands do. It also comes with in a stick version too, making it very packable! If you or someone in your family’s skin is especially prone to burning, don’t forget your aloe vera too.
• Water and Snacks – Staying hydrated is arguably just as important as staying lathered in sunscreen. If swimming in the ocean water, the heat can be deceiving. It is vitally important to keep up with your hydration to prevent heat stroke. Snacks are also imperative to avoid any hangry characters. Heat + hunger does not equal a happy day for my boys! Some public beaches have amenities on site with food options. Be sure to check in advance to plan accordingly.

Just a tidbit: If you do not have a cooler available to you but would like to bring one, I suggest stopping by a gas station or grocery store to purchase a Styrofoam ice chest. They are fairly inexpensive and light to carry. There are usually trash bins at the beach access points if you do not want to carry it out.

• Beach Blanket/Towel – While Florida beaches are known for their soft sand beaches, some may be compacted or full of shells. Having a blanket or towel to sit on will make for a more comfortable sunbath.
• Beach Umbrella – As mentioned, the Florida sun can be brutal. Having a beach umbrella will provide necessary breaks from the UV-rays.
• Beach Chairs – Along the same lines as the beach blanket/towel, beach chairs will make for a more comfortable day. If the waves allow, we love taking our chair to the shoreline to help keep us cool.

Just a tidbit: If you are staying at a vacation rental, check with your hosts to see if they have beach gear for guests to use. Or, if they have suggestions on where you may be able to rent gear for the day. Some public beaches have chairs and umbrellas available to rent as well. If neither option is available, consider purchasing the essentials (if your budget allows, of course) and donating the gear at the end of your trip. A perfect way to pay it forward for your perfect day at the beach!

• Sand Toys and Boogie Boards – What is a beach day without building a sandcastle or riding the waves? Having toys available for the kiddos will help make their day extra memorable. If you are visiting a beach town, most any grocery store or souvenir shop will have options for purchase.
• Beach Cart – Make lugging your beach essentials easier by throwing them all in a cart! We rarely leave for a beach day without one. However, keep in mind some beach access points have stairs to navigate. If you plan to bring a cart, you may consider checking this ahead of time to avoid surprises.

Weather

If you’ve ever experienced a Florida storm, you know how apocalyptic they can be. Black skies, blustery winds, and cooling air are all signs that something is brewing. The rainy season is especially known for these predictable afternoon storms. And while these storms are to be expected, when and where they happen can be less predictable. It is not uncommon to wake up in the morning to see a weather forecast completely change as you get into the afternoon hours. The best way to check the current weather is to just look at the sky! If traveling during the summer months, it is best to plan your day accordingly. We typically start our beach days in the morning, with the expectation that we will likely pack up by mid-afternoon. If lifeguards are on duty, they will alert you if a storm is nearing. Fortunately, these storms are usually short lived. You will likely be able to continue on with your day in no time!

Just a tidbit: I do not suggest you try to ride out the storm on the beach. With the open waters and shorelines people are usually the tallest “structure” around, making it a risky place to be during a thunderstorm. It is best to find shelter nearby. Remember, “when thunder roars, go indoors!”. I always tell my boys, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Other things to Consider

• Beach Flag Safety – Most Florida beaches will post a colored flag at their main access points to alert visitors as to the condition of the water. It is important to take note of the flag color for the day, and to be mindful about what this means for your family. We generally do not let our young boys go in the water if there is a red or purple flag.

• Tides – High tide versus low tide can make a difference in your beach day experience. High tide can lend to larger wavers, making for a fun day of boogie boarding. Low tide provides more shoreline space and sometimes creates tidepools. Our family prefers to have a beach day during low tide as the tidepools bring hours of fun for our boys. There are many tide chart sources online for you to check out ahead of time.
• Rip Currents – Rip currents are not uncommon along the Florida coastline. Every year we unfortunately hear of drowning accidents that occur due to swimmers getting stuck in a rip current. While they should not deter you from enjoying your beach day, it is important to be aware of them. If you are concerned at all, check in with the lifeguards on duty to see if they see any concerns in the water. They are a great source for alerting you of any water hazards.

• Sea Turtle and Seabird Nesting Season – From May to October, female sea turtles and seabirds call the Florida coastline their home. During this time, you are more than likely to see roped off areas along the beach to help protect the mamas and their nest. It is important to keep your distance to not cause stress or harm to these critters. Also, before you leave be sure to fill in any large holes that may have been dug in the sand. They can pose a hazard to the sea turtles who are coming onto the shore in the dark evening hours.

• Lifeguards On Duty – Not all beaches have lifeguards on duty year-round, or ever at all. If visiting a beach with a lifeguard is imperative, check the beach’s website or social media pages ahead of time. They will often post whether there are lifeguards on duty. During our beach outings, we prefer staying near the lifeguard towers just in case we are ever in need of help.

Our Favorite Florida Beaches

Anastasia Beach (St. Augustine)

Anastasia Beach is a public beach located in Anastasia State Park. It is by far one of my favorite Florida beaches for both the beauty, serenity, and amenities. Being that it is a state park, there are always park rangers on hand, keeping the beach pristine. They are also more than happy to answer any questions you may have. You will find ample parking available, public restrooms, a cafe, and souvenir shop for any forgotten essentials. There is an $8 vehicle fee to enter the park, which pays for the upkeep. But it is definitely worth it!

Neptune Beach (Jacksonville)

Just north of the well-known Jacksonville Beach is the small beach town of Neptune Beach. With a little over a mile of coastline, Neptune Beach is considered one of the shortest beaches in Northeast Florida. But while small, it is a hidden gem that is a must visit. Being in a more residential area, the crowds are smaller, lending to a more relaxing day at the beach. Looking for amenities? At the north end of the beach is the city of Atlantic Beach. Here you will find a plethora of eateries and shopping. Poe’s Tavern is perfect for dinner after a day of fun in the sun, and Southern Grounds offers refreshing, iced coffee for an afternoon pick me up. There is no shortage of things to do in this tiny beach town.

Delray Public Beach (Delray Beach)

One hour north of the bustling Miami Beach is the up-and-coming destination of Delray Beach. Here you will get the beautiful sandy beaches of South Florida without the crowds. Recently, there has been a lot of development in Delray Beach, drawing in more tourists every year. What was once nothing more than a small strip of eateries and souvenir shops off of the shoreline, is now a vibrant coastal city. My advice, plan to stay a couple extra days if you can. You will not regret it!

Lighthouse Beach Park (Sanibel Island)

Visiting Sanibel was on my bucket list until we moved to Florida and turned it into reality. The beaches of Sanibel Island are like something off of a postcard. They are picture perfect with the powdered sugar sand and see through waters. In 2022, most of the island was devastated by Hurricane Ian. When we visited in 2025 they were still in the re-building phase. However, the charm of the island was still there, making for a getaway we will never forget!

Have you recently vacationed at a beach location in Florida? Any thoughts on must-packs for a perfect beach day? Please comment below to share your thoughts!