South Florida Holds Several Spots on Annual 'Best Beaches' List
File this under obvious news: South Florida holds several spots in TripAdvisor’s annual list of the nation’s top beaches. But, here’s something surprising — Florida beat out Hawaii with the most beaches in the top 10. Six of the coveted spots went to the Sunshine State.
Clearwater Beach and Siesta Beach in Tampa Bay placed first and second, respectively, with South Beach taking the No. 4 spot. Fort Lauderdale Beach received sixth place, St. Pete Beach received seventh, and Hollywood Beach received eighth place.
We’re spotlighting these six South Florida spots with tips on where to eat and what to do when you’re not lounging on the sand or taking a dip in the water.
Clearwater Beach
TripAdvisor Ranking: No. 1
Features: TripAdvisor gave this beach the coveted top spot in part because of its trademark “sugar-fine white sand.” Its Gulf Coast location offers languid waves and the occasional pod of dolphins visible from shore.
Where to Eat: Head to Island Way Grill for fresh catches and Sunday brunch. Their brunch buffet includes mimosas and copious oysters on the half shell.
Things to Do: Check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or Pier 60.
Siesta Beach
TripAdvisor Ranking: No. 2
Features: Siesta Beach (on the west coast barrier island, Siesta Key) features sand that is 99 percent quartz crystal. That means it’s cool on the feet — even in the summertime.
Where to Eat: Sun Garden Cafe is a charming spot for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served all day, and the restaurant recently won the distinction of having the best bacon in Sarasota.
Things to Do: Head to a resort like Turtle Beach or book a dolphin tour with Siesta Key Watersports.
South Beach
TripAdvisor Ranking: No. 4
Features: South Beach has turquoise sand, glitz, glam, and all those Art Deco buildings.
Where to Eat: You’ve got a lot of options on bustling South Beach, from Yardbird Southern Table & Bar for fried chicken, Pubbelly Noodle Bar for fare from a James Beard-nominated chef, Macchialina for all things Italian, or the iconic standby Joe’s Stone Crab for fresh seafood.
Things to Do: Shop on Lincoln Road, or just people watch — there’s always plenty to see.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
TripAdvisor Ranking: No. 6
Features: There’s a beachfront promenade with shops and restaurants, if you tire from relaxing on the sand.
Where to Eat: Burlock Coast, inside the Fort Lauderdale Beach Ritz-Carlton, is an upscale spot for seafood dishes like charred octopus and roasted swordfish.
Things to Do: Stroll the promenade!
St. Pete Beach
TripAdvisor Ranking: No. 7
Features: Another west coast barrier island, St. Pete Beach features postcard-worthy views and the aptly named Postcard Inn On The Beach.
Where to Eat: Taco Bus is a no-frills spot for tasty tacos at cheap prices.
Things to Do: Check out the Salvador Dali Museum, with an interior staircase as remarkable and surreal as Dali’s works.
Hollywood Beach
TripAdvisor Ranking: No. 8
Features: Hollywood Beach’s location between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is a draw, as is its turquoise waters.
Where to Eat: ETARU Hallandale in nearby Hallandale Beach is a beachfront spot with Japanese cuisine and minimalist, wabi-sabi interiors. Bonus points for lots of healthy options.
Things to Do: Hit the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, with its charming brick pavers and easy access to the ocean.