🏖 Beaches
Beach conditions, top spots, and coastal news from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic side of Florida.
Anastasia State Park Camping: Sites, Bungalows & How to Book
A clear-eyed guide to the loops, the booking window, and the brand-new glamping bungalows at one of Florida's most coveted campgrounds.
Florida Dodges a Second Record Sargassum Season
USF scientists say 2026's sargassum peak has passed, sparing Florida from back-to-back record years.
Atlantic Beach: Jacksonville's Low-Key Coastal Gem
This small Jacksonville-area town offers white-sand beaches, walkable streets, and a refreshingly unhurried pace.
Florida Beach Warning Flags: What Every Color Means
Green, yellow, red, double red, purple — here's how Florida's five-flag system works and what you must do at each level.
Pompano Beach: South Florida's Low-Key Coastal Escape
From a beachfront Marriott to the Pompano Pier and a January food festival, here's how to do this laid-back stretch of South Florida right.
Florida Shelling Laws 2026: What You Can and Can't Take Home
From queen conch rules to county-specific bans, here's what every Florida shell collector needs to know before filling that bucket.
Rip Current Risk Rises for Central Florida Beaches This Weekend
An Atlantic disturbance pushes storm chances to 70–80% Friday and lifts rip current risk at Brevard, Volusia, and Flagler beaches.
Dry Tortugas Ferry: Cost, Booking & How to Get a Spot
Everything you need to know about riding the Yankee Freedom to one of America's most remote national parks — before dates sell out.
New Dredge Named Amelia Island to Rebuild Florida's Turtle Nesting Beaches
The 346-foot trailing suction hopper dredge can carry 6,330 cubic yards of sand per load to replenish eroding Florida shorelines.
Track Chairs Coming to Two Panhandle State Parks
A $100,000 grant is funding all-terrain motorized wheelchairs at two beloved Panhandle beach parks.
Could Beach Renourishment Be Fueling Rip Currents?
A water safety researcher says sand-dumping projects may be creating steeper beaches that intensify dangerous rip currents.
Four Florida State Parks Get New Accessible Beach Track Chairs
A $100,000 grant from Surfing's Evolution & Preservation Foundation brings EcoRover track chairs to coastal parks from Naples to Panama City Beach.
Florida Beach Alcohol Rules 2026: Where You Can (and Can't) Drink
No statewide law governs it — here's the county-by-county breakdown every cooler-packer needs before hitting the sand.
Florida Healthy Beaches: How to Check Water Quality Before You Swim
Florida's Healthy Beaches Program tests for bacteria at hundreds of spots statewide — but knowing how to read the results (and what the program can't tell you) is just as important as checking them.
Sargassum Seaweed Hits 14 Florida Beaches This Summer
From Jacksonville to Miami, brown seaweed mats are reshaping the Atlantic coastline — but beaches remain open.
Record Sargassum Is Choking Caribbean and Gulf Beaches
Scientists say 27 million metric tons of sargassum are blanketing coastlines — and 2026 is shaping up to be the second-worst year on record.
FWC Orders County to Roll Back Shark Fishing Rules
Local residents are pushing back, saying the regulations keep swimmers and surfers safer.
Vero Beach's South Beach Park Lands on World's Best Beaches List
Beach.com ranked the Treasure Coast gem No. 22 out of 25 beaches across 14 countries — the only Florida entry on the list.
August Rip Current Risk Is Rising on Florida Panhandle Beaches
A cold front and the approaching peak of hurricane season are combining to raise rip current danger along Pensacola Beach.
What's New at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
The beloved Key Biscayne park earned a top beach honor and has more going on than you might expect.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Earns 'Best Beach' Honor
The beloved Key Biscayne park snagged a top beach title — and there's more to celebrate beyond the sand.
What's Actually Legal at Miami's Beaches
Before you crack open a cold one or light up on the sand, here's what the law actually allows.
East Coast vs. West Coast: Which Florida Shore Suits You?
Atlantic waves win for surfers; Gulf calm takes the trophy for swimmers — here's where to go on each side.
Sargassum Hits Near-Record Levels in Gulf and Caribbean
The Gulf of America saw nearly double its previous sargassum record in June 2026, USF scientists report.
Anna Maria Island Parking & Trolley Guide (2026)
How to beat the crowds, park for free, and ride the island's no-cost trolley like a seasoned local.
John Pennekamp's New Aquarium Lands $250K Gift from Pittsburgh Foundation
A $52 million Discovery Center and Aquarium is taking shape in Key Largo, with opening set for 2028.
Anna Maria Island: Old Florida's Best-Kept Beach Secret
This charming seven-mile barrier island near St. Petersburg delivers beautiful beaches and a genuine Old Florida vibe.
10 Florida Beach Towns Tipped as Next Retirement Hot Spots
From the Panhandle to the Treasure Coast, real estate pros share the Florida beach towns worth watching before everyone else catches on.
Pennekamp Coral Reef Park Lands $250K Education Gift
A Pittsburgh foundation's quarter-million-dollar gift will deepen educational offerings at Florida's iconic undersea park.
Florida Weekend Forecast: Brutal Heat and Afternoon Storms
Heat indices topping 110°F and storm chances statewide — here's what to expect from Pensacola to Miami.
Sargassum Is Back on South Florida Beaches — and It's Not Leaving
The floating seaweed is piling up onshore this summer, bringing foul odors, toxic gases, and threats to coral reefs.
Pinellas County Beach Parking Pass: Cost, Coverage & Is It Worth It?
A $75 annual pass unlocks unlimited parking at three of Florida's best county beach parks — here's everything you need to know before you buy.
St. Pete Beach Hosts Free Seminar on Public Beach Access Rights
A free event at City Hall will walk residents through Florida's customary use doctrine and what it means for beachgoers and property owners alike.
Tropical Storm Bertha Hits Louisiana, Closes Florida Panhandle Beaches
Bertha made landfall in St. Bernard Parish Wednesday, prompting closures along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Mississippi.
Tropical Storm Bertha Makes Landfall in Louisiana
Bertha hit St. Bernard Parish Wednesday afternoon, closing Florida Panhandle beaches and threatening storm surge along the Gulf Coast.
Florida's Sharkiest Beaches — and Safest Ones — Ranked
Volusia County leads the state in shark bites, but some Florida beaches have recorded fewer than 10 incidents since 1882.
Shark Week 2026 Kicks Off July 26 — And Florida Leads the Nation in Bites
Florida claimed 44% of all U.S. shark bites in 2025, just as the 38th annual Shark Week premieres on Discovery.
Tropical Storm Bertha Closes Panhandle Beaches and Piers
Double red flags are flying and two piers are shut as Bertha churns up dangerous surf along the Gulf Coast.
Florida Beach Jellyfish Season: Flags, Species & Sting Guide
Know which creatures show up when, what the purple flag really means, and exactly what to do if you get stung.
Miami-Dade Eyes Faster Sargassum Cleanup for South Florida Beaches
A new proposal would give the county more freedom to clear seaweed from additional beach areas without seeking fresh state approvals each time.
New Smyrna Beach: Art, History, and Wild Shores
From Bob Ross's old stomping grounds to 17 miles of untouched coastline, New Smyrna Beach rewards curious visitors.
Florida Beaches Bracing for Heavy Sargassum This Summer
Large amounts of brown seaweed are expected to wash ashore along Florida's coastline this summer.
Tropical Storm Bertha Puts Gulf Coast Travel on Alert
The storm threatens Florida through Texas with storm surge, dangerous surf, and possible flight delays during peak summer travel season.
Tropical Depression Two Eyes Florida Panhandle Coastline
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the western Florida Panhandle, with dangerous rip currents and heavy rain expected midweek.
Florida Beach Bonfire Permits: Rules, Costs & Where It's Allowed
Beach fires aren't automatically legal anywhere in Florida — here's a county-by-county breakdown of permits, fees, and turtle-season blackouts.
Florida's Dirtiest Beaches, Ranked by Visitor Complaints
A new analysis of Tripadvisor reviews ranks Panama City Beach first for litter complaints, ahead of Clearwater, Fort Myers, and Siesta.
Blue Angels Beach Flyby Review Clears Pilots of Wrongdoing
The Navy's flight demonstration team found no cause for punishment after a low pass over beachgoers went viral.
Bahia Honda Camping Reservations: How to Actually Get a Site
Eighty campsites, three very different campgrounds, six coveted cabins — and a booking window that rewards the obsessively prepared.
Blue Angels Fly Low Over a Florida Beach
Footage captured a dramatic low pass by the Navy's Blue Angels over a Florida beach.
Florida's Island Retreats Make the Best Secluded U.S. Beaches List
Travel + Leisure spotlights quiet Florida getaways among the top 15 crowd-free shores in the country.
Two Miami-Dade Beaches Cleared for Swimming Again
The Florida Department of Health confirmed bacteria levels are back within safe limits at both locations.
ParkVolusia Beach Parking Passes: What Visitors Need to Know
Volusia County's all-digital ParkVolusia system replaced windshield stickers — here's how it works, what it costs, and how to get sorted before you arrive.
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Daytona and Cocoa Beach Land on Florida's Dirtiest Beach List
A new study using Tripadvisor reviews flags both popular Space Coast and Volusia spots for cleanliness concerns.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea: A Walkable Beach Town Worth Knowing
This small South Florida community offers turquoise water, local dining, and a slower pace just steps from the shore.
Water Quality Advisory Issued for Several Miami-Dade Beaches
Elevated bacteria levels have prompted officials to warn swimmers away from a handful of Miami-Dade County beaches.
New Smyrna Beach Leads the US in Shark Encounters
A new analysis puts New Smyrna Beach at the top of the US list for shark encounters, with Florida leading all states.
A Beach Chair Worth Packing Every Single Time
Coleman's Utopia Breeze blends the best of a camping chair and a low-profile beach chair into one easy carry.
Wheelchair-Accessible Florida Beaches: Rentals, Mats & Free Loans
From no-cost county loan programs to motorized rentals delivered to your door, here's how to roll straight to the water's edge.
Your Complete Guide to Florida's Highway 30A Beach Towns
From great eats to hidden shops, Florida's scenic 30A corridor delivers the Gulf Coast beach town experience.
Best Gulf Coast Beaches for Finding Sand Dollars
These Gulf Coast shores give beachcombers the best shot at spotting a perfect sand dollar.
Florida State Parks Annual Pass: Is It Worth It for Beach Trips?
A $60 card unlocks 100 miles of state-park beaches — here's exactly what you get, who qualifies for discounts, and how to do the math.
Honeymoon Island State Park: The Complete 2026 Visitor's Guide
Fees, parking, the dog beach, the Caladesi ferry, and everything else you need to plan a perfect day on Florida's most-visited state park.
Driving on Florida Beaches: Passes, Rules & Where It's Allowed
Florida is one of the few states where you can legally park your car on the sand — but the rules vary sharply by county.
Gulf Coast Beach Trips Get Pricier — Here's How Visitors Cope
Travelers are rethinking how they vacation on the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast as prices climb.
Venice, FL: Shark Teeth, Gulf Beaches & Mediterranean Charm
Venice packs shark tooth hunting, dog-friendly shores, and a walkable downtown into one Gulf Coast getaway.
Getting to Caladesi Island: Ferry Costs, Rules & What to Know
No bridges, no crowds, no problem — here's exactly how the ferry system works and what the trip will cost you.
St. George Island State Park Gets New ADA Beach Viewing Platform
A partnership between the Florida State Parks Foundation and Athletic Brewing brings improved coastal access to one of the Panhandle's beloved parks.
Sargassum Season Is Here: What Florida Beachgoers Should Know
FIU researchers are weighing in on sargassum's growing effects along Florida's coastline this season.
Venice, FL: Shark Teeth, Dog-Friendly Shores & Gulf Charm
Venice packs 14 miles of Gulf shoreline, fossil hunting, and a walkable downtown into one easy weekend trip.
Clearwater Beach vs. St. Pete Beach: Which Is Right for You?
Two iconic Gulf Coast strips, one big decision — here's how they really compare before you book.
Clean Beaches Week Asks Floridians to Leave No Trace
The annual observance challenges beachgoers to pack out every piece of trash, recycling, and mess they bring in.
Florida State Parks Day-Use Reservations: What Beach Visitors Must Know
Four beloved parks now require advance online booking before you arrive — here's exactly how the system works.
8 Florida Beach Towns Where Retirement Fits a Tight Budget
New research identifies affordable coastal communities where retirees can live by the water for $1,700 a month or less.
Central Florida Beaches Ready for Big July 4th Crowds
Local beach authorities are ramping up safety measures ahead of one of the busiest beach days of the year.
Which Florida Beach Fits Your Trip? A No-Nonsense Guide
Calm water for kids, real snorkeling, a boardwalk scene, or total quiet — Florida's beaches are wildly different. Here's how to actually pick.