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15 of the best beaches in Florida

A solo figure dips his toes in the sea on a beach at the edge of a fortress

Palm fronds rustle gently in the breeze as sparkling blue waves kiss the shoreline, scattering sandpipers across the warm, white sand beach. Lifting your sunglasses, your eyes struggle against blinding rays to catch a glimpse of gulls and pelicans dive-bombing for afternoon snacks.

This is Florida, where no matter how you define fun-in-the-sun, one – or a couple dozen – of its almost 200 gorgeous beaches will surely be a perfect fit. Gallop through crashing waves, beachcomb for washed-up treasures, welcome your day with sunrise yoga, marvel at sea turtles nesting in the sand, or grab a board and tackle some monster swells. It’s all right here.

Find solitude on the beaches of Dry Tortugas National Park © Eddie Brady / Getty Images

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

Best secluded beach

Hop aboard a ferry (or seaplane) from Key West and soak up the sun, cruising 70 miles of sparkling, emerald-green waters to the secluded paradise of Dry Tortugas National Park. Once there, mosey through Fort Jefferson, teeming with military history, or head straight for its dreamy, white-powder sands. Snorkel the shallow waters exploring the coral reef, or just cozy up with a good book and embrace peaceful solitude.

Planning tip: Consider the weather when making reservations for your trip. Avoid hurricane season (October through January) if you can. The best times to visit are November through April.

2. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Best peaceful beach

Another quiet retreat, the unsigned Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, hides at the north end of Jupiter Island, just past Hobe Sound Beach (often packed with loud kids and teenagers). Escape the racket and treat your feet to a gorgeous two-mile beach stroll along its deserted sandy shores.

Detour: Many celebrities call Jupiter Island home; it’s always fun strolling or biking down Beach Road checking out eye-catching mansions – many un-gated and easy-to-see. Tiger Woods lives here, and previous residents include Celine Dion, Alan Jackson and Burt Reynolds.

Planning tip: Leashed dogs are allowed only on the trails around the Visitor Center but not in other areas of the park. But if you’re thinking of bringing your pet, be aware there are poisonous snakes. Be sure to bring along doggie poop bags.

A white-sand beach with flora
Time it right, and you can catch turtle hatching season on Melbourne Beach © dosecreative / Getty Images

3. Melbourne Beach

Best beach for watching sea turtles

Take a romantic stroll along Melbourne Beach during…

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