Whatever may be drawing you to the west coast of Florida, rest assured that there’s plenty of amazing beaches for you to take your family. There are dozens of spots that make for great family vacations while providing gorgeous beaches and plenty of water activities and things to do downtown.
Check out our list of some of the best family-friendly beaches on Florida’s west coast.
Siesta Key
Guess what? I’ve got a beauty picked out for you! At Siesta Beach, you’ll be sunbathing and swimming in one of America’s most popular beaches, located in the Gulf of Mexico. The beauty of the beach may overwhelm you (in a good way)!
It’s a great place to spot wildlife and also for snorkeling. Jet skiing and paddle boarding are also popular activities along with people-watching and swimming. You’ll be excited to hear that there’s so much to do in the Sarasota area, and you won’t have to travel far to see it.
Longboat Key
You’ll find some of the best beaches in all of Florida along Longboat Key. They also can be found in the Sarasota area. The beaches provide you with tranquility and won’t cease to amaze you. Make sure you visit Quick Point Nature Preserve for wildlife-seeing opportunities and also the chance to take your family kitesurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Marco Island
Many families love to vacation at Marco Island, and we can’t blame them. Every single one of its beaches is perfect for families, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. It has the softest white sands and mesmerizing bluish-green waters, providing the perfect view for relaxation.
On the island, you may spot green turtles or dolphins, while enjoying the chance to go parasailing, kayaking, and surfing. Downtown Marco Island is also a neat place that has great restaurants and shopping areas.
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is another great place to take your family because of all the activities that are available for you. Some of them include hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, skating and checking out an old fort. There’s also a playground and a fishing pier to walk down. There’s even an area for you to bring your dog to the beach for the day.
Clearwater Beach
If you’ve never been to Clearwater Beach before, you’ve been missing out. Not only is it beautiful, but there’s also so much to do for the whole family. There’s also a fun downtown atmosphere, along with street performers and musicians.
We encourage you to watch a sunset from Pier 60 and keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot dolphins, rays, and sea turtles. Scuba-diving, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming are all fun activities that you don’t want to miss.
St. George Island
Are you looking for a more laid back beachfront that provides a sense of privacy for your family? At St. George Island your family will enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and even swimming among dolphins.
The beaches along St. George Island are absolutely stunning, making it a popular wedding ceremony destination. There’s not a lot of accommodations there, but there are condos, vacation homes, and even campsites at the state park.
Sanibel Island
Another island paradise that is suitable for families is the tourist destination known as Sanibel Island. Located southwest of Fort Myers, this island is home to the J.N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Bowman’s Beach. Fishing, swimming, seashell hunting, paddle boating, kayaking, and dolphin spotting are several beach activities you can enjoy.
There are so many fantastic beaches to choose from that you may still have some narrowing down to do. If you’ve already visited a number of these destinations, which beach would you suggest for families with children?