Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

2 Southwest Florida Beaches Made List Of The Best In Florida

Avatar photo
Author Marija

If you’re a beach-goer, there’s really no better place than Southwest Florida where we have so many and 2 Southwest Florida beaches made a list of the best in Florida.

When I was deciding where I wanted to live when I moved from Sarasota to Fort Myers, I took the length of my commute to the beach into consideration. Not that I lived far before, it was only about 15 minutes, but I knew I wanted to be closer. When I first moved to Fort Myers, I had a job on the beach so that had a lot to do with it, but I also knew that I spend every weekend at the beach and go many times throughout the week as well, whether it’s to lay in the sun or take my pup for a sunset walk.

Beach days are my favorite and now that I’m spoiled with so many beautiful sandy spots in our area from Marco Island to Naples to Bonita to the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, I’m not sure I could live anywhere else.

2 Southwest Florida Beaches Made List Of The Best In Florida

U.S. News just released their list of the 15 best beaches in Florida for 2024. I have to say that I’m shocked that only 2 in Southwest Florida made the list, because I think there are many more that deserve a spot, but if anything, it may keep some of the lesser known beaches from getting overcrowded once people hear about them. And really, Florida is a huge state with a lot of coastline.

To put the list together, they looked at a number of factors like atmosphere, convenience and aesthetics. So which beaches made the list? Here are the top 5:

  1. Siesta Key
  2. Anna Maria Island
  3. Delray Beach
  4. Santa Rosa Beach
  5. Palm Beach

Here in Southwest Florida, Marco Island came in at #7 on the list with a mention of Tigertail Beach Park. Sanibel Island came in at #12 with Bowman’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park named as “resiliently restored serene spots”. I find myself out on Sanibel often, opting usually for Tarpon Bay Beach or Algiers Beach. But really, anywhere you go out on the island, you can’t go wrong.

For the full list, click here

Marija is a morning show host on WXKB/B1039, midday host on WRXK/96KRock and night show host on WPBB/98.7 The Shark. She loves to write about food, travel, and things to do around the state of Florida.

15 Florida Beaches Where Alcohol Is Legal To Drink

  • Perdido Key

    Perdido Key is on the Panhandle, at the Florida – Alabama border. The local sheriff breaks down the rules:

    • There is absolutely NO GLASS allowed on any of the beaches.
    • Alcohol may be consumed on sandy portions of the beaches only. This applies both Soundside and Gulfside. It must not be in a glass container.

    Perdido Key, FL 32507

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Pensacola Beach

    Pensacola Beach is in the same county as Perdido Key, so the same rules apply. Pensacola Beach  does have an alcohol free “family zone” west of the pier.

    Pensacola Beach, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Shell Island

    It’s ok to drink on private lots and county roads in the middle of the island, but it’s illegal in the State Park area.

    shell island

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Panama City Beach

    The PCB has a Spring Break law where no alcohol is allowed on the beach during the month of March. Also, no metal shovels are allowed on the beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. I’m interested in hearing whatever story caused that law. So it’s legal for 11 months out of the year. 

    Panama City Beach, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Madeira Beach

    On over to the Tampa – St. Pete Area. We don’t call it Mad Beach for nothing. As is usually the case, no glass.

    Madeira Beach, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

     

  • St. Pete Beach

    Rules on this beach. You can drink on the sand at beachfront hotels, but only if you’re a guest of the hotel.

    St Pete Beach, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Treasure Island

    Apparently it’s ok to drink here as long as it’s not day-drinking. No alcohol is allowed on the beach between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. So pack it and let it set on ice until 4pm. 

    Treasure Island, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Siesta Beach

    We’re in Sarasota County. Cans and cups, no glass. Bad behavior is not ok, so be cool.

    Siesta Beach

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Turtle Beach

    Another Sarasota County Beach, so the same rules as Siesta.

    Turtle Beach

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Lido Beach

    Sarasota County, so it’s cool here, too.

    Lido beach

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Naples Municipal Beach

    I see a lot of conflicting information on this one. Some sites say it’s ok to drink on the beach. Others say it’s not. I know you can’t drink at the pier. You can drink on Marco Island beaches. I know people do drink on Naples Beach, but I don’t know if it’s really legal.

    Naples Pier

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Flagler Beach

    Let’s move on over to the East Coast. The Sheriff’s Department says this “Open containers are prohibited except on the sand of the beaches. ” So finish it before you step off the sand.

    Flagler Beach, FL 32136

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Cocoa Beach

    Drinking is fine, but no glass, and no pets. Sometimes there’s even live music out on the sand.

    Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Playalinda Beach

    Not only can you drink here, but if you park in lot 13 that takes you to a clothing optional section of the beach. Yes, a nude beach where drinking is allowed. How have I not been here, yet?

    Playalinda Beach

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Get The K-Rock Report Delivered Right To Your Inbox

Get the latest Rock and local stories you need to know about, plus exclusive contests, games, and more.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Avatar photo
Author Marija
Category:
Tags:
,,

More Trending Locally

Load More