Best Beach Towns in Florida

There’s no shortage of stunning coastline in Florida, and the Sunshine State boasts some of the most captivating beach towns in the entire United States. From the easygoing charm of the Gulf Coast in the west to the popular Atlantic destinations in the east, each town has its own unique take on coastal living.

Located on Florida’s west coast, Bradenton boasts beautiful beaches with sugar-white sands, but it has also become a scenic hub for art, culture and cuisine. Founded in 1999, the town’s Village of the Arts is where local artisans make a splash creatively. The village is filled with galleries, shops and restaurants in cracker houses built by early Florida settlers, quaint bungalows and other structures painted in a rainbow of colors. The recent grand opening of the 252-room Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa means locally caught seafood and stunning sunset views of the Gulf of Mexico are now served up daily on the property’s rooftop restaurant, just one of four at the hotel. The 1.5-mile Riverwalk in downtown is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists to stroll along the Manatee River.

Tucked away off the beaten path, through a reserve and across several bridges, Cedar Key is a rustic fishing village on North Central Florida’s Nature Coast. The hidden gem is explorable on foot and serves as a hub for all things water, from boating and kayaking to fishing. But perhaps its biggest claim to fame lies in clamming. The town produces an estimated 95% of Florida’s clams, totaling around 200 million annually. It’s no surprise Cedar Key has earned its unofficial title as the clam chowder capital of the Sunshine State. A quick jaunt through town to Tony’s Chowder House or Steamers Clam Bar & Grill is all that’s required to score perhaps one of the best bowls of chowder in the entire United States.

Apalachicola on the Northwest Coast started out as a trading post in the early 19th century thanks to its location at the meeting point of the Apalachicola River and Gulf of Mexico. This laid-back port, also called "Oystertown," still has a working waterfront, making it the perfect place to go for a seafood feast. After filling up on blue crab, oysters, shrimp and other dishes at restaurants like Half Shell Dockside and The Station Raw Bar, take off on a tour of the artistic town’s many galleries and shops featuring the work of local artisans. Housed in an 1840s shipping warehouse, the riverfront Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Art showcases ongoing exhibits. It’s a must-see destination for art enthusiasts.

The main star of Hollywood, the Floridian version, is the town’s 2.5-mile boardwalk (pictured). The historic brick pedestrian promenade features a showstopping array of restaurants and shops, great for endless people-watching opportunities. Hollywood’s impressive hotels and resorts are just as popular and many are also located near the water. There’s lodging to suit every preference, from the lively Margaritaville Hollywood Beach or bustling Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to the luxe Diplomat Spa & Resort. The area is great for nature lovers who want to explore beyond the beach since it’s home to scores of parks, including the family-friendly 1,501-acre Anne Kolb Nature Center, with its impressive 3,500-gallon aquarium.