White powder beaches, turquoise sandbars, and swaying palms are just part of the Gulf Coast’s allure. Although the Sunshine State is well known for its hot spots like Orlando and Miami, its western coast has a more low-key vibe, dotted with endearing beachfront towns that draw vacationers back year after year. Discover your barefoot getaway at these choice beach towns.
Discover the difference! Every reservation is backed by our signature triple-diamond Haven Guarantee. Learn MoreExpert Selections
10 Best Beach Towns on Florida’s Gulf Coast
From barefoot beachfront bars to old-world elegance, explore Florida's Gulf Coast to find your perfect haven.
Rosemary Beach
This charming town is filled with upscale rentals within walking distance of downtown and the beach. The town’s immaculate, tree-lined center has gourmet eateries and a few high-end boutiques, plus a weekly farmers’ market. The bicycle is a favorite mode of transport, with the Timpoochee trail stretching more than 18 miles north up to Seaside. For communities to the south, like Inlet Beach and Panama City Beach, Rosemary Beach is a great option for spending an afternoon. Other popular activities include golfing and, of course, savoring that warm turquoise Gulf on the white-sand beach.
Santa Rosa Beach
More than just a beach town on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Santa Rosa Beach attracts nature lovers and artists alike. The town borders Point Washington State Forest, a 15,000-acre protected forest with numerous hiking trails. 30A is lined with plenty of restaurants for a night out, as well as mainstream markets to stock up on groceries, plus art lovers can’t miss Gulf Place’s creative offerings.
St. George Island
Guests visit St. George Island with one goal in mind: to unplug. This 22-mile island boasts excellent fishing and miles of beaches paired with thriving marshland teeming with wildlife. With just a handful of eateries and even fewer stores, St. George’s main attraction is its incredibly beautiful surroundings. Both bay side and beachfront homes offer gorgeous water views and provide the perfect backdrop for family gatherings.
Anna Maria Island
With 7 miles of gorgeous beach, Anna Maria Island offers enough space for beach lovers to claim their spot. And while the Gulf-side of the island is all about the beach, the bay side offers unpretentious waterfront dining on picturesque piers. Stretch your legs on Coquina Baywalk, which is on the southern part of island, or rent a kayak to explore the mangroves. With an abundance of restaurants and activities, the island has plenty of options to keep visitors busy without even crossing the bridge.
Siesta Key
There’s one main attraction in Siesta Key: the stunning quartz-sand beach. As deep as 100 yards in some parts, the beach stretches around the island for 8 miles of glorious white sand. Siesta Key Village is within walking distance of the beach and is packed with family-friendly restaurants. Brightly painted shops and lively outdoor venues are part of the friendly allure that keeps guests coming back.
Sanibel
Often paired with its island neighbor Captiva, Sanibel is a favorite barrier island among birders and shell-seekers. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a 4-mile trail where bird watchers can discover up to 245 bird species, while beach lovers can peruse the white sand shores for rare shells. Larger than Captiva, Sanibel still retains a laid-back feel but offers more accommodation options.
Captiva
Captiva’s small-town feel and island-time philosophy help guests unwind. The island’s natural beauty is the star attraction, with stunning white sand beaches, excellent shelling, and abundant bird life. With its relatively small size, visitors can bike or walk almost everywhere. In addition to a couple art galleries and shops, a notable favorite in town is The Bubble Room, a vibrant eatery where it’s Christmas all year round. Combined with neighboring Sanibel, Captiva is the ideal setting for travelers who want to enjoy boating, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with family.
Boca Grande
Old-world Florida meets upscale beach living in Boca Grande. Set on Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande flourished in the early 20th century when the now-defunct railroad made the island accessible to wealthy northerners who flocked to the Gasparilla Inn, the town’s most iconic building. Now home to both beachfront condos and sprawling private residences, the island has a welcoming feel and encourages visitors to savor the gorgeous outdoors with its 6.5-mile bike path, historic lighthouses, and numerous stunning public beaches.
Venice
Families flock to Venice Beach, a bustling beachfront community about a half-hour south of Sarasota. The historic town center is pedestrian-friendly, with tree-shaded park benches and a satisfying mix of dining and shopping choices. After hunting for shark teeth on Venice Beach, visitors can peddle along the water on the paved Venetian Waterway Trail or try to hook the night’s dinner off Venice Fishing Pier.
Bonita Springs
Just north of Naples, Bonita Springs is rich in protected natural beauty, as well as golf courses. The main town is set inland and is on the larger side, with big-box stores and commercial strips. However, this means the town’s waterfront and its famous Barefoot Beach are spared from towering developments, instead offering a relaxed feel with swaying dune grasses and white sand shores.
Ready To Find Your Haven in Florida?
Get in touch now to begin planning your next journey.