North Florida is home to some of the finest beaches in all of North America. This part of the state isn’t quite as sunny or hot as the southern cities, but it still gets a lot of sunshine and very warm temperatures all year long, offering just the right conditions for beach activities and water sports.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
If you're in search of a beach with a chilled out vibe and a lot of amazing views in every direction, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in South Walton is the place to be. Visitors to this beach instantly fall in love with the views and stunning dunes here. The waters are also excellent, with gentle waves and crystal clear shallows for paddling, splashing, wading, and swimming. You'll find some basic amenities here too including restrooms, showers, and changing areas, but there aren't any concessions or cafes so you'll have to bring along your own snacks and drinks. Check out this Glamping video in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is one of the biggest beaches in all of Florida, running for over 20 miles in total. The fascinating thing about this beach is that because it's so long, the vibe and conditions can change greatly from one section to the next. Some parts of Panama City Beach are quite lively, with a real party atmosphere and lots of things to do, while others are much quieter and calmer, perfect for people who want to enjoy a little peace and tranquility. Some sections of the beach offer great conditions for diving, while others are good for fishing or shelling.
Grayton Beach
Unlike many of Florida's beaches, which have been greatly affected and transformed by the state's thriving tourism industry, Grayton Beach is relatively untouched and pristine, offering a thoroughly calming, tranquil atmosphere. You can really get away from it all at this beach, without any towering hotels or resorts to be seen. It’s a purely natural environment and really lets visitors get in touch with the wonder and majesty of the Floridian wilderness.
St. George Island State Park
Located up on the Florida Panhandle, St. George Island State Park is home to some of the softest, whitest sands you could ever imagine.
As soon as you step foot on this beach, you'll want to take off your shoes and feel the unparalleled sensation of your toes sinking into those silky smooth powder.
There are many miles of sand to be explored here and great conditions for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and kayaking, with lots of scenic hiking and cycling trails in the surrounding park as well.
Jacksonville Beach
One of the finest beaches in the northeastern part of Florida, Jacksonville Beach is situated in the state's biggest city, which makes it a very popular beach. The nearby city streets offer all the amenities and services you could hope to find, including lots of stores, bars, cafes, and upscale restaurants. So you can spend a full day lazing around on the sand before taking a slow stroll into town and sitting down for a top class meal. Some extraordinary views can be seen from this beach and you can even take a trip over to nearby Amelia Island for even more fun in the sun.
Pensacola Beach
Located on Santa Rosa, which is one of Florida's many barrier islands, Pensacola Beach runs for around eight miles in total, meaning there's more than enough space for everyone to spread out without feeling crowded. Even when special occasions like the 4th of July come along and the crowds start to gather, you can still keep walking and find a perfectly peaceful spot to sit and relax. The beaches here are fitted out with lots of good amenities like restrooms and lifeguards, and the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is a super spot to do some fishing.
