Top 10 Family-Friendly Beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast

ByMelissa

If you’re dreaming of white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a family getaway you’ll never forget, Florida’s Gulf Coast should be at the top of your list.

As a family who has explored several beach destinations along this stunning coastline, we can confidently say the Gulf is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in America.

From laid-back town to activity-packed shores, these beaches are ideal for family getaways with kids. Let’s just right into our top picks for the best gulf coast beaches for families in Florida!

Beautiful pier on Anna Maria Island in Florida with a soft blue sky and beautiful ocean waters.

*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. All opinions remain my own. 

1. Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island, a lesser-known gem just south of Tampa, has stolen our hearts and secured its spot as one of our favorite beaches in the country.

This charming island feels like it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of busier beach destinations, with no high-rise buildings or towering condos in sight. Instead, Anna Maria Island exudes Southern beach charm, with quaint streets and a laid-back vibe perfect for families.

Getting around the island is a breeze thanks to the free trolley, and everything you need is close by, making it easy to explore.

The beaches here are absolutely stunning, especially Bean Point Beach which is our personal favorite. The powdery sand and turquoise waters feel like a slice of paradise.

Beyond the beach, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do on Anna Maria Island, from kayaking to sunset cruises, as well as delicious local restaurants serving up incredible seafood. It’s a great destination if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, yet a less-touristy feel.

Things to Do

  • Segway Tour: An interesting and fun way to see the island.
  • Rent Bikes: One of our favorite ways to get around.
  • Bean Point Beach: Explore the most beautiful beach on the island!
  • Kayak Tour: You may even see manatees!
  • Paint Sand Dollars at the Shiny Fish Emporium: Your kids will love this and. you’ll head home with a fun souvenir!
  • Stroll Down Pine Avenue: Discover the best shops and eateries in the area.

Where to Stay

Best Restaurants

  • The Ugly Grouper: A laid-back American joint that is an AMI staple.
  • Poppo’s Taqueria: Delicious taco shop with fresh ingredients. Perfect for lunch!
  • Star Fish Company: Just a few miles from Anna Maria Island, this dock-side restaurant is truly an experience where you can watch fisherman come in with their daily catch while you eat.
  • The Waterfront Restaurant: Easy-going yet upscale seafood restaurant.
View of Anna Maria Island Beach from Rod and Reel Pier.
Anna Maria Island

2. 30A

Visiting 30A with kids is always a hit, so much so that our kids frequently ask when we’re going back!

Tucked along the Florida Panhandle, 30A is a scenic stretch of highway known for its beautiful beaches and charming towns. Some of the most popular beach towns along 30A include Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys beach and Watercolor, each offering its own unique vibe while seamlessly flowing into the next. This makes exploring 30A an adventure in itself–you’ll want to take your time soaking in the personality of each town.

Beyond the beaches, there are plenty of family-friendly activities on 30A like biking along the scenic pathways, exploring nearby state parks or going on a popular pirate cruise.

And of course, no 30A itinerary would be complete without dining at one of the many delicious 30A restaurants offering fresh seafood and stunning ocean views. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for families!

Things to Do

  • Go to the Beach: The white-sand beaches and turquoise waters are the main draw to the area and you’ll want to spend plenty of time soaking it all in.
  • Rent Bikes: Ride up and down the 30A bike path for a fun way to get around.
  • Hiking: Check out the Alys Beach Nature Trail and “The Canopy Walk” at Grayton Beach State Park for beautiful family-friendly hikes.
  • Crab Hunting: Grab your flashlight and look for the ghost crabs that like to scurry along the sand after dark.
  • Shopping: Stroll through the towns of Rosemary Beach and Seaside for the best shopping and dessert spots.

Where to Stay

  • The Prominence: This is where we love to stay- beautiful family-friendly townhomes right across from The Big Chill.
  • WaterColor Inn and Resort: Highly-rated resort with a private beach and complementary kayaks, canoes and bikes.
  • The Pearl Hotel: Luxury hotel in Rosemary Beach.
  • Camp Creek Inn: Highly-rated accommodations on a golf course offering tennis and pickleball courts.

Best Restaurants

  • Old Florida Fish House: Always my #1 dinner recommendation! This outdoor restaurant really sets the mood with great food, string lights and live music. You’ll want to make reservations in advance.
  • George’s at Alys Beach: Seafood at it’s best–make sure you start your meal with the popular calamari fries!
  • The Big Chill: Walk-up restaurant hub featuring a variety of family-friendly food and outdoor games.
  • Bud and Alley’s Waterfront: Dinner with a view in Seaside! Ask for a table on the deck.
White sand beach with crashing waves in the turquoise water with a blue sky.
30A

3. Marco Island

Marco Island, located at the southern tip of Florida’s gulf coast, is a tropical paradise that’s perfect for a family getaway. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches and calm, turquoise waters, this island is a popular favorite among beachgoers.

Families will find plenty to do, from exploring the lush mangroves and wildlife at Rookery Bay Reserve to enjoying a dolphin-watching cruise or shelling adventure along the shore.

Tigertail Beach is a must-visit for its pristine beauty and opportunities for kayaking and birdwatching.

The island also boasts a laid-back, upscale vibe with great restaurants and family-friendly resorts, making it an ideal spot to relax and create memories.

Things to Do

Where to Stay

  • Marriot’s Crystal Shores: Highly-rated hotel with 3-bedroom options perfect for large families.
  • JW Marriott: Beautiful hotel featuring three pools, five restaurants, and ocean-view rooms.
  • Vacation Rental with Pickleball Court: This home is just a few minutes from the beach and boast a beautiful outdoor area with a private pool and pickleball court. These are perfect amenities to keep the kids entertained while you relax at home.
  • South Seas Luxury Condo: Beachfront unit with two balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. This condo is just a 7-minute walk from Tigertail Beach.

Best Restaurants

Tigertail beach on Marco Island at sunset.
Marco Island

4. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is a popular destination for families located just west of Tampa. Known for its wide, sugar-soft beaches and calm waters, it’s a great spot for families looking for fun in the sun.

I celebrated my birthday here as a teenager and our family had a great time! The calm waters allow for jet-skiing which is perfect if you’re looking for a little adventure.

The beach is busy with activities, but it also offers plenty of space to relax.

Kids will love the daily Sunset Celebration at Pier 60, which features street performers and craft vendors.

Things to Do

Where to Stay

Best Restaurants

Clearwater beach at sunset with a colorful sky and people walking along the beach.
Clearwater Beach

5. Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, located off the coast of Fort Myers, is a paradise for families who love nature and shelling.

This island is famous for its shell-strewn beaches and laid-back (yet upscale) charm. It’s a peaceful escape from busier destinations and offers plenty of opportunities to connect with the great outdoors, while being close enough to Fort Myers to explore there as well.

Things to Do

  • Bowman’s Beach: Perfect for shelling and picnicking.
  • J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refugee: Explore mangrove ecosystems and spot wildlife.
  • Sanibel Sea School: A hands-on educational experience for kids.
  • Bike the Island: Over 22 miles of bike-friendly paths.
  • Fishing on the Sanibel Pier: A relaxing activity for the whole family.

Where to Stay

  • Sundial Beach Resort & Spa: Family-friendly resort with beach access and activities for kids.
  • Island Inn: Historic beachfront property with a mix of cottages and rooms.
  • Casa Ybel Resort: All-suite beachfront resort with plenty of space for families
  • Seaside Inn: Quaint inn with easy beach access and complimentary breakfast.

Best Restaurants

Sanibel Island

6. Naples

Naples, located on Florida’s southwest coast, it known for it’s sophisticated luxury and beautiful beaches. Families will love the calm Gulf waters, perfect for swimming with little ones, as well as the abundance of outdoor activities like paddleboarding and fishing.

Naples Pier, a historic landmark, is a must-visit for fishing, dolphin spotting, and enjoying incredible ocean views.

The city is also home to world-class shopping, lush gardens, and an array of family-friendly restaurants and attractions that with please both kids and adults.

Things to Do

  • Naples Pier: A historic pier perfect for fishing and dolphin spotting.
  • Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: A natural beach with shaded picnic areas.
  • Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: A small, family-friendly zoo with interactive exhibits.
  • Sun-N-Fun Lagoon: A water park with slides and lazy rivers.
  • Third Street South: Stroll this charming area with boutiques and restaurants.

Where to Stay

Best Restaurants

The Naples Pier at sunset with people admiring the scenery on the pier and a boat sailing by.
Naples Pier

7. Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach, located in the Florida Panhandle, is a fantastic choice for families seeking a mix of fun and relaxation. The beach’s sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters are complemented by a variety of family-friendly activities, from water sports to exploring the historic sites of nearby downtown Pensacola.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a standout attraction, offering unspoiled natural beauty and plenty of wildlife.

Things to Do

  • Fort Pickens: Explore this historic fort and enjoy stunning views of the Gulf.
  • Gulf Islands National Seashore: Perfect for hiking, swimming, or spotting wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles.
  • Pensacola Beach Boardwalk: Discover shops, dining and live entertainment with an oceanfront view.
  • Pirate Cruise: Enjoy a fun family day on the water where your imaginations can run wild.
  • Blue Angels Practice: If you time your trip right, you can watch these world-famous pilots perform!

Where to Stay

Best Restaurants

Pensacola

8. Panama City Beach

Located on the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach is a lively destination known for its family attractions. With 27 miles of beaches, it’s a paradise for beach lovers.

The area is packed with attractions, including water parks, mini golf, and marine animal encounters, making it a hotspot for families.

Things to Do

  • Shipwreck Island Waterpark: A must-visit waterpark with huge water slides and a lazy river.
  • Gulf World Marine Park: Experience interactive animal encounters and live shows.
  • St. Andrews State Park: Enjoy kayaking, hiking and snorkeling in a pristine setting.
  • Pier Park: A popular shopping and entertainment district with plenty of family activities.
  • Dolphin Tours: Hop on a boat tour to see dolphins and other marine life.

Where to Stay

Best Restaurants

View of Panama City Beach with turquoise waters, white sand, and high-rise hotels.
Panama City Beach

9. Fort Myers Beach

Located on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is a laid-back Gulf Coast gem that’s perfect for family vacations.

Its calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for young swimmers, while the expansive shoreline provides plenty of space for building sandcastles or playing beach games.

The Times Square area offers a lively hub of restaurants, shops and street performers, adding a dose of fun to your beach day.

Families can also enjoy eco-tours, dolphin spotting and exploring nearby islands like Sanibel and Captiva.

Things to Do

  • Times Square: Explore this fun area filled with shops, live music and kid-friendly dining.
  • Lover’s Key State Park: Kayak through mangroves, spot wildlife, or enjoy a quiet beach day.
  • Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Take a family-friendly boat ride to see dolphins at play.
  • Bowditch Point Park: A scenic park perfect for picnicking and shelling.
  • Visit Sanibel Island: Just a short drive away, it’s a world-renowned spot for shelling and nature walks.

Where to Stay

Best Restaurants

Fort Myers

10. Siesta Key

Located just off the coast of Sarasota, Siesta Key is a dreamy Gulf Coast destination famous for its powdery, white quartz sand. This family-friendly beach is the epitome of relaxation with stunning, calm waters and views for days.

Siesta Key’s lively Village area adds to its charm, featuring restaurants, ice cream shops and boutiques that make strolling around fun for the whole family.

Beyond the beach, families can enjoy a variety of activities like kayaking, dolphin-watching, and even a drum circle at sunset for a unique cultural experience.

Things to Do

  • Siesta Beach: Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, perfect for swimming and sandcastle building.
  • Electric Bike Sunset Tour: Explore this beautiful area by e-bike as a family.
  • Kayak Through Mangroves: Paddle through the serene mangroves looking for manatees at nearby Lido Key.
  • LeBarge Tropical Cruises: A family-friendly boat tour with dolphin spotting and tropical vibes.
  • Point of Rocks: Explore this snorkeling hotspot filled with marine life just off the beach.

Where to Stay

Best Retaurants

Siesta Key Beach with blue skies, white sand and sparkling water.
Siesta Key

Why the Florida Gulf Coast is Perfect for Families

The Florida Gulf Coast boasts some of the most stunning beach destinations in the country. From the soft white sands of Siesta Key to the unique island life found in Anna Maria Island, these spots are some of the best beach destinations for families in Florida.

Plus, in each of these destinations you’ll find the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, giving you everything you need for an unforgettable family vacation.

Start packing your family beach bag and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

For more help planning your Florida getaway, sign up below to download my complete beach vacation packing list for families!

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    Melissa is a seasoned traveler who studied abroad in Europe and interned in Mexico before embracing family adventures with her husband and four kids. As the founder of Everyday Family Travel, she helps families plan memorable trips across the U.S. with kid-friendly destination guides and expert family travel tips.