Are you the kind of traveler smitten by the small wonders of each destination? If you are, then you likely enjoy the uniqueness and mystery of each destination’s sunsets. What better place to catch these daily wonders than in “The Sunshine State” itself? Here are The Top 10 Best Sunsets in Florida.
The Best Sunsets in Florida can often be found near THIRDHOME properties. Have you witnessed one of these amazing views?
10. Bradenton
Where does the sun set? In the West, of course! Most of Florida’s best sunsets can be found on the state’s western coast and panhandle, facing the Gulf of Mexico. Bradenton Beach is no exception. Located on Anna Maria Island, just south of St. Petersburg, Bradenton Beach is surrounded on all sides by gorgeous blue waters. Bradenton rarely gets too crowded and the beach is very clean. The island’s small size also makes Bradenton very walkable. So take a stroll down Bradenton Beach to watch the sunset in a haze of purple and orange, it’s a sight you won’t forget.
9. Clearwater Beach
Further north along the West Coast, you’ll find another stellar spot for sunset viewing at Clearwater Beach. Make your way to Pier 60’s sunset festivities which include; live music, artisans, street performers and many other family-friendly activities from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. There’s also a large number of restaurants and bars along the shore with rooftop decks facing West, as well as a number of sunset cruises offered. If finding your zen is important, maybe head to Indian Rocks Beach for a sunset yoga session. The sheer number of sunset based activities in Clearwater makes it an obvious choice for Florida’s best sunsets.
8. Destin
Celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse once commented, “Destin’s vanilla sky will take your breath away but the view at twilight is just the beginning. With sugar white sand (and) emerald green water, walking through Destin is like strolling down an exotic beach.” And other’s visiting Destin share the sentiment. Since most of Destin’s coast faces South, you’ll experience the sunset at an angle. Regardless the sunset paints an unforgettable image. Head down Destin’s Harbor Boardwalk or to the dunes at Henderson Park for a great vantage point.
7. Fort Walton Beach
Another panhandle beauty, Fort Walton Beach is brimming with fantastic sunset views. Just hop onto Okaloosa Island Pier, for a small fee, to join in a beautiful sunset ritual. Visitors and locals gather at Okaloosa Island Pier to watch dolphins and manatees swim while the sun swells on the horizon. The pier also features deep sea fishing, while the surrounding area features a number of restaurants and watering holes. Share your next sunset with the dolphins and manatees down at Fort Walton Beach!
6. Islamorada
The west coast has some stellar sunsets, but one of Florida’s most remarkable sunsets can be found in the Florida Keys. Head down to Islamorada and catch an evening champagne cruise or a kayak tour to witness this sunset. Islamorada also has a number of beachfront cafes and restaurants with pristine views of the horizon. Just make sure you’re on the Gulf facing side of the island! You’ll miss your sunset on the ocean facing side.
5. Jupiter
You wouldn’t expect Florida’s eastern coast to have a must-see sunset, but you can find one in Jupiter thanks to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. This towering red icon sits on an inlet just off the coast. If you go across the Loxahatchee River to Square Grouper Tiki Bar or U Tiki Beach, you’ll have a western facing view of the lighthouse for the sunset. Or you can take a lighthouse sunset tour (moonrise tours are also offered) for an up-close sunset experience. If you ever find yourself in Jupiter, Florida, be sure to stop by Jupiter Inlet for a colorful evening.
4. Miramar Beach
If you’re in the Destin area and the Harbor Boardwalk isn’t open or is just too crowded, head down to Miramar Beach for an equally romantic view. High-end designer shops and delightful restaurants skirt the beach, giving you plenty to do after watching the sun illuminate the turquoise shore. Again, the southward view offered by Miramar Beach won’t give you a direct sunset, but you’ll see it at a southwestern angle. Despite the angle, it’ll still stop you in your tracks.
3. Naples Pier
Naples, Florida, looks directly west, out into the Gulf of Mexico. Naples Pier is a 1,000-foot-long pier that’s perfect for sunset gazing. Although it was recently damaged by Hurricane Irma, it should be repaired by the summer season. You can check out a time-lapse of Naples Pier’s sunset by clicking here. You’ll see why locals and visitors love a Naples sunset.
2. Pompano Beach
Just north of Fort Lauderdale is the City of Pompano Beach. The city has a beautiful 3-mile stretch of golden beaches. Although this destination puts you on the east coast, the sky still lights up in a remarkable way. So if you happen to be on the east coast and still want a satisfying sunset, make your way towards Pompano Beach.
1. Santa Rosa Beach
This top selection isn’t an immediately obvious choice for sunsets. Santa Rosa Beach is on an interior inlet facing Choctawhatchee Bay past Miramar Beach. But the peninsula it sits on runs West, giving you a prime view of the sun setting on the water. With splendid beachfront and grassy dunes spread out across Santa Rosa Beach, nothing is quite as pleasant as watching the sun’s glow contrast against the blue water, white sand and green grass. And since Santa Rosa Beach is mostly comprised of rental properties, you won’t find many large crowds out here.
Let’s be honest, Florida is full of gorgeous beaches with amazing sunset views. Find your next sunset with a Florida THIRDHOME stay: Click here to see all available properties in Florida.
So, before booking your next family beach trip in the United States, make sure you research the destination or choose from these kid-friendly beach vacations.
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Beach Vacations in the United States
There are plenty of kid-friendly beach vacation options with THIRDHOME!
1. Assateague Island, Maryland
This sliver of oceanside paradise extends from Southern Delaware, through Maryland and all the way to Northern Virginia. For the purposes of this guide, we’ll be focusing on the Maryland segment of Assateague Island National Seashore near Ocean City. The wild horses that roam the island are one of the main attractions for visitors. The horses are technically wild but are effectively tame. Just don’t feed them! Your kids will love swimming in the Atlantic, exploring Ocean City and taking pictures with the locals.
2. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Florida’s Gulf west-facing coast is filled with splendid beaches, many of which are great for kid-friendly beach vacations. But few Floridian beaches offer Clearwater’s level of kid-friendliness and number of activities. Clearwater has been voted “Best Beach Town in Florida” a number of times due to its cleanliness, safe and shallow waters, walkability and surrounding activities. City workers rake the sand every morning and local law enforcement patrol the beaches every day, leaving a safe and fine talcum powder-like grain behind for eager families to relax on. Your kids will love swimming in the crystal clear surf. They don’t call it “Clearwater” for nothing!
3. Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
A longtime, Cape Cod favorite, Coast Guard Beach is the perfect Northeastern family getaway. You’ll find rolling dunes, marshlands and big waves at Coast Guard Beach. If you look close enough, you might also catch a sea lion swimming offshore. The beach also has historical significance. 65 days out from Plymouth, the Mayflower made its first landfall in the New World at Coast Guard Beach. If you’re a family that loves history, you won’t find a lack of it in Cape Cod.
4. Corolla Beach, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina have always been a family-favorite beach destination. The long stretch of communities, that make up the Outer Banks, all have something different to offer. The town of Corolla, where Corolla Beach is located, is known for its seclusion and wealth of shopping and dining options. Take your family to the Center for Wildlife Education, the Kitty Hawk First Flight Museum or observe the majestic beauty of Corolla’s Wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs that roam the shores. The beach itself is immaculately kept and less populated than other parts of the Outer Banks, making Corrola Beach the perfect destination for kid-friendly beach vacations.
5. Gulf State Park, Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Shores boasts 3.5 miles of unspoiled white sand beaches. With that much space, it’s very easy to find a quiet secluded spot for your family. Plus, the Orange Beach area has plenty to offer children of all ages. The Wharf, one of Orange Beach’s busiest spots, offers unique shopping, entertainment and dining for your family. Gulf Shores is also home to the country’s largest artificial reef program, making it a wonderful destination for charter fishing. This area is very popular for kid-friendly beach vacations.
6. Hanalei Bay Beach, Hawaii
This nearly 3-mile long horseshoe beach is located on the northern coast of Kauai Island, amidst a picturesque mountain backdrop. Hanalei Bay is a well-kept secret and hasn’t been widely commercialized for tourists, making for a secluded old-school Hawaiian feel. You won’t find any large crowds or loud music in this turquoise blue gem. The intensity of the waves also changes depending on your location on the beach. The far-side, near the pier, offers weak waves for beginners. The closer you move to the middle, the larger the waves get. This beach is perfect for children learning how to surf or boogie board.
7. Hilton Head, South Carolina
The southern region of Hilton Head, near Coligny Beach, is the best beachfront for a quality day with the family. Although the popularity of Hilton Head might make this beach more crowded than others on this list, it’s easy to see why families flock back to Coligny Beach every year. The number of shopping and dining amenities in the area makes it so convenient! The beach also has fine white sand that is hard-packed for comfortable sitting and sunbathing. Shallow waters with flat sandy bottoms also make the beach safe for first-time swimmers.
8. Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii
This 2.5 miles beach on Oahu gives Hanalei Bay a run for its money. Located only 30 minutes from Honolulu, Kailua Beach is one of the most easily accessible beaches in Hawaii. The water is a clear turquoise blue like Hanalei Bay and the sand is equally as inviting. But calm waters and additional park amenities make this beach stand out. Beach showers, bathrooms, grills, kayak rentals, lifeguards and volleyball courts are available to visitors. This beach usually features a kid-friendly beach crowd and should be perfect for a family-friendly Hawaii holiday.
9. Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Just southwest of Charleston and two hours up the coast from Hilton Head is Kiawah Beachwalker Park. This well-kept park sits on the west end of Kiawah Island and includes a number of park amenities including drink vendors, picnic areas, restrooms and dressing areas. A cooperative of county commissions all pitch in to make sure that Kiawah Beachwalker Park is as clean as possible for visitors. A gentle surf and a large number of accumulated tide pools make Kiawah Beachwalker Park a perfect place for first-time swimmers. If you value solitude, beautiful sunsets, and miles of uninterrupted beachfront, Kiawah Island might be the place for you!
10. Menemsha Beach, Martha’s Vineyard
Named Travel + Leisure‘s Best Sunset in Massachusetts, Menemsha Beach is a must-visit for anyone staying in Martha’s Vineyard. This small secluded beach has a sleepy New England feel and is close to some of the island’s best seafood vendors. The calm surf and amenities provided at Menemsha Harbor make this beach very popular with parents of young children. The beach faces the Vineyard Sound rather than the Atlantic Ocean, making it a calmer experience than other beaches on Elizabeth Island.
11. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Once Known as the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” Rehoboth Beach was once known as a beach getaway for Washington D.C. locals. It has now grown into the largest beach resort town in Delaware. This small Victorian-style beach town knows how to cater to families. Throughout the summer, the city puts on a number of recreational activities for families including arts & crafts days, children’s entertainment at the bandstand and ocean education activities. If you want an all-American boardwalk, salt water taffy, small-town style holiday, Rehoboth Beach might be the destination for you.
The kids have been fighting in the back of the car for hours, you’ve already stopped three times, and the humidity is oppressive. You finally check in to your resort, the kids get their bathing suits on, and you run triumphantly to the beach. Next thing you know a gust of wind has blown sand in your eyes and your youngest daughter is crying because the water is still a frigid 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Why can’t the beaches be ready when you are? Well, maybe you’ve been booking the wrong beach vacations.
THESE BEACHES ARE CLIMATE CHAMPIONS YEAR-ROUND: Check out THIRDHOME‘s picks for best beach vacations you can take any time of year
Disclaimer: There’s no one perfect climate for everyone. This list attempts to round up temperatures and climates that remain more consistent throughout the year than other popular destinations for beach vacations.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Climate: Temperature is typically between 68°F to 87°F (20°C-30°C). Rarely below 65°F (18°C) or above 89°F (31°C)
Hawaiian Christmas should definitely be on your bucket-list if it isn’t already. There’s nothing like a tropical escape in the midst of mainland cold. Kailua-Kona is on the western side of Big Island, which is considered the leeward side of the island. The leeward side of any island is the side that’s protected by the island’s elevation. On Big Island, west is leeward and east is windward. This makes Kaiulua-Kona one of the most protected beach sites (from rain and storms) in Hawaii.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Kailua-Kona area or book a stay at this ocean view Equity Residences home in September.
Malaga, Spain
Climate: Temperature is typically between 45°F to 88°F (7°C-31°C). Rarely below 38°F (3°C) or above 97°F (36°C)
Parts of Southern Spain, such as Costa Del Sol, are notorious for their insufferably hot days in the city. Malaga falls in this category during summer months, but receives welcome gusts of cool wind from the Meditteranean, making the dry heat bearable. The winters in this subtropical-Mediterranean climate are very mild due to the Northern Malaga mountains which block most of the northern cold from reaching the coast. The city has only seen snow once in the 20th century on a February night in 1954. Malaga is touted for being “green” all year round making it a joy to visit any time of year. June, July, and August- the hottest months- usually peak out around 87° Fahrenheit. Many British and German ex-nationals have moved to the area since the 1970’s for the pleasant weather.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Malaga area.
Cyprus
Climate: Temperature is typically between 43°F to 92°F (6°C-33°C). Rarely below 36°F (2°C) or above 96°F (35°C)
Another subtropical-Mediterranean climate, the island of Cyprus has one of the warmest climates in the Mediterranean Sea. The climate does shift dramatically the more you travel inland, reflected by the snow covered Troodos Mountains, but the coast is a sunny delight. The coast of Cyprus receives 3,200 hours of sunlight per year compared to foggy London’s 1,540 hours per year. So plan your trip to Cyprus today, and play on the sun-drenched beaches of Nissi.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Cyprus area.
Marseille, France
Climate: Temperature is typically between 39°F to 84°F (4°C-29°C). Rarely below 30°F (-1°C) or above 90°F (32°C)
Not quite as sunny as Cyprus, but sunnier than the rest of France, Marseille is the perfect mix of beachside fun and French culture. The coastline is spotted with old fortifications and buildings. If you look out into the Bay of Marseille you can see the Frioul Archipelago, which was made famous in the Dumas novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Dry summers and mild humid winters paired with the Mediterranean breeze makes Marseille, and the surrounding coastal region, a delightful holiday destination year-round.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Marseille area or stay in nearby St. Tropez or Nice.
Mykonos, Greece
Climate: Temperature is typically between 48°F to 82°F (9°C-28°C). Rarely below 41°F (5°C) or above 86°F (30°C)
Mykonos and the other Cyclades islands of the Aegean all share bright and temperate springs and summers. But many tourists have the misconception that the islands completely shut down in winter. It is true that many of the big resorts and tourist based restaurants are closed in the off-season, but this can work to your advantage. Traveling off-season can help you avoid the tourist traps that would deprive you of a completely immersive island experience. The waters do get cold during the winter months, but the rocky coast is just as beautiful and the views are fabulous. Mykonos itself is too popular to be abandoned during the off-season so most amenities remain open and operational. Several beachside properties in these areas feature hot Jacuzzis as well.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Mykonos area or stay at Villa Deep Blue in October.
Aruba
Climate: Temperature is typically between 77°F to 91°F (19°C-31°C). Rarely below 74°F (16°C) or above 93°F (33°C)
Want all of the thrills of the Caribbean without the unpredictable weather? Visit Aruba! Around 20 miles north of the coast of Venezuela, this Dutch island sits right outside the hurricane zone and receives a constant stream of refreshing trade winds from the north. Cactuses thrive in the semi-arid climate though the island is not uncomfortably dry. The predictability in weather has made Aruba a go-to vacation spot for Americans- so much so that three-quarters of Aruba’s gross national product is made up by tourism and tourism related activities. The other ABC Islands (Curaçao, and Bonaire) also have similar climates.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Aruba area or stay at the Marriott Aruba Surf Club in December.
Explore any of these prime spots for beach vacations on THIRDHOME‘s website, and book today!