Top 5 Florida Travel Destinations for Water Lovers

Written by Boatsetter Team
December 6, 2017

There many amazing destinations to choose from when visiting Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts, especially if you’re a water lover. You’ll find everything from historic maritime havens to seaside villages that are buzzing with arts and culture. Really, there’s something for everyone in this coastal state. With this in mind, here are the top five Florida travel destinations for water lovers.

Clearwater Beach

Located on a 3-mile stretch of the Pinellas Peninsula on the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach is known as one of America’s finest beaches. Over the years, it’s lured lots of people to it thanks to its broad, sandy shorelines along beautiful expanses of blue water. Located minutes from Tampa, Clearwater Beach offers even more great activities in its neighboring areas, including beach volleyball, fishing, dolphin-watching, parasailing, museums and aquariums.

South Beach – Miami

This long, man-made beach is an international playground. Perfect for early-morning runs and topless sunbathing, you’ll also enjoy the nonstop nightlife with plenty of nightclubs to visit. Although you’re not in the Caribbean, the water is still clean and clear, there’s plenty of funky architecture, art, fashion, fine-dining, as well as great fishing and golf for the more active visitors. Oh and don’t miss the view of the city lights, Miami is known as the Magic City, after all.

Key West

Many people call this “paradise” thanks to its beautiful parks and tranquil waters. One of these state parks, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, allows you to rent snorkel gear and two-person glass-bottom kayaks. You can also rent bikes to ride along the single bike path that winds its way through the quaint and history-filled area. You’ll find characters, epic sunsets, secluded, rocky beaches, great Mojitos and so much more in Key West.

Palm Beach

With more than 47 miles of pristine beaches in Palm Beach County, FL, Palm Beach is the crown jewel of this area. It’s a 14-mile expanse that’s a half-mile-wide where the people like the Vanderbilts, Kennedys, Rockefellers and other millionaires enjoy vacationing in some of the finest hotels, restaurants and shops along the most beautiful beaches along the Gulf Stream. One of the best beaches for families in this area is the John D. MacArthur State Park with its abundant marine and rare plant life.

Naples Beach

As you relax on the pearly white sand of Naples Beach you’ll find yourself wondering which way to look first. Featuring rolling waves, as well as mansions that form Millionaires’ Row, Naples is a sightseeing dream come true. One of the most popular beaches in Naples is on 12th Avenue South with another only a few miles north that’s known as the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. You’ll enjoy spreading out your beach towel by one of the bathouses or food stands. From there it’s easy to just take in the view or get active out on the water by renting kayaks and snorkeling gear.


Browse by experience


Explore articles