Destin, known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village", has become one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Florida Panhandle. Destin, founded in the 1850s, was a sleepy fishing town until a bridge connected the skinny peninsula to Florida's mainland. This town retains an intimate, friendly atmosphere despite its baseline population of 13,000 residents (which swells to 25,000-plus during the summer). Every summer, families from the Midwest and the South flock to Destin's beaches to enjoy the city's signature bright white sands made of pure Appalachian quartz.

This one-of-a-kind sand not only keeps you cool in the summer heat but also gives the water an emerald tint due to sunlight reflection. Golfers navigate seaside bunkers, while children play in water parks. Visitors who are more daring can snorkel and scuba dive off the coast or charter a boat to try their luck at deep-sea fishing. After all, fishing is an essential part of this peninsular paradise.

This secluded Fort Myers offshoot is thought to be even more low-key, quiet, and quaint than its Gulf Coast neighbor, which is saying a lot. On Sanibel Island, casual is the order of the day; a shabby chic vibe pervades the Periwinkle Way galleries, restaurants, and shops; and seashells cover every sandy and linoleum surface. In fact, the abundance of seashells has become this island's (and Captiva's) claim to fame. On any long stretch of sand, you'll see plenty of beachcombers doing the "Sanibel Stoop" – what locals call shelling. If the mood strikes you, plan on joining them for at least one afternoon of your stay. Sanibel's laid-back residents wouldn't have it any other way.

Sanibel is a city and an island in Lee County, Florida, in the United States. The population was 6,469 at the time of the 2010 census, with an estimated population of 7,402 in 2018. It is included in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Combined Statistical Area. The entire city is built on the island, also known as Sanibel Island. It's a barrier island, a sand spit on the leeward side of Pine Island, which is made up of more solid coral rock.

Clearwater Beach is located on a long, thin island off Florida's west coast, approximately 25 miles from both St. Petersburg and Tampa. Even though the trip from the mainland to the town is only a few minutes, you'll feel worlds away from the big-city atmosphere you're leaving behind. This laid-back neighborhood is known for its beautiful coastline – U.S. News ranks Clearwater Beach as one of Florida's best beaches – but there are also a number of other attractions worth seeing.

When you're not at the beach paddle boarding, riding Jet Skis, or parasailing, among other water sports activities, visit Clearwater Beach's historical theaters, parks, shopping districts, and casual beachfront restaurants. You should also pay a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see the attraction's well-known dolphin residents. If you enjoy sports, no trip to Philadelphia would be complete unless you saw the Philadelphia Phillies play at Spectrum Field during MLB's spring training season.

Naples, located on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida, is known for its luxury shopping and golf courses. Naples Beach is a 10-mile stretch of calm, warm water with white "sugary" sand that is only a two-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Miami. If you go at the right time of year, you might see sea turtles nesting or dolphins splashing around in the water, as the Gulf of Mexico is home to a variety of wildlife. Popular activities include fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling, and it's a great place for families to unwind and relax for the day. Naples is a luxury beach destination with a plethora of golf courses and shopping opportunities. It is the ideal beach for relaxing in warm, calm waters.

America's Napoli is one of the most relaxing and romantic beach destinations in the United States, with gently lapping waves on the white-sand beaches of southern Florida's Gulf Coast. However, partygoers and young families will likely seek out another beach because Naples lacks the distractions they seek. Relaxation is the name of the game here, so leave the kids at home or the keg at the frat house, grab your special someone, and head down to Florida's city of love.

St. Petersburg is appropriately dubbed "The Sunshine City" because it holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine. The city offers visitors a one-of-a-kind blend of a traditional beach getaway and urban flavor. The white, sandy beaches provide views of spectacular sunsets, and the 7 miles of waterfront parks invite visitors to participate in a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. A thriving creative renaissance also promises a diverse cultural experience, whether through the world-renowned Dal Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts.

Every year, the city hosts over 1,000 events, ranging from the St. Anthony's Triathlon to Ribfest, a celebration of barbecued ribs and touring bands. These events are frequently held in downtown areas, which are densely packed with shops, restaurants, and craft beer pubs that come alive after the sun goes down. With so much to offer, the sun-kissed city is a popular destination for visitors of all ages: families will enjoy the relaxing outdoors and teeming wildlife, while the younger set will enjoy the lively nightlife.

This fun-filled barrier island off the coast of Sarasota is popular with couples and families alike (and was recently featured on the MTV show "Siesta Key"). Siesta Beach, often regarded as one of the best beaches in the country, boasts 8 miles of white quartz sand and turquoise water, as well as dining, shopping, and nightlife. Crescent Beach, another excellent choice, is ideal for visitors looking for soft white sand, beautiful scenery, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Meanwhile, Turtle Beach is ideal for long walks, convenient parking, and shell collecting.

Siesta Beach is located on Siesta Key, an eight-mile barrier island an hour outside of Tampa that runs along Florida's Gulf Coast and is, to say the least, impressive. Siesta Beach is known for its fine white quartz sand, described as the most pristine and finest in the world, and is consistently ranked as one of the top white sand beaches in Florida (and the United States). Many beachgoers enjoy the fine quartz powder that gives this beach an unmistakable magical quality and allows it to stay cool in the hot Florida sun.

Santa Rosa Beach, which stretches 26 miles along Florida's northwest coast, is known for its bright white sand, emerald water, fine dining, and local art galleries and boutiques. Recent visitors recommend this beach town if you want to avoid the crowds at Panama City Beach or Destin. Vacationers can swim, sunbathe, explore sand dunes, bodysurf, and more at Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach State Park, and Blue Mountain Beach.

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida's Emerald Coast's 26-mile Caribbean-quality beach, draws beachgoers for its tranquil turquoise waters and quartz-crystal sand. Despite recent hurricane damage, Santa Rosa Beach is open and ready for visitors. Sunbathe, bike, bird watch, and hike at nearby Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Topsail has 3.2 miles of secluded white sandy beaches in addition to a diverse range of natural resources.

Fort Walton Beach is a city in Florida's southern Okaloosa County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Fort Walton Beach was 19,510 in 2010. It serves as the principal city of the Fort Walton BeachCrestviewDestin Combined Statistical Area.

Visit Fort Walton Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast for its laid-back beaches, deep-sea fishing, golf, and family-friendly attractions ranging from aquariums to theme parks. The beaches of Okaloosa Island, which have a fishing pier, a boardwalk, and stunning sunsets, are worth exploring. On Okaloosa Island, John C. Beasley Park has clean white-sand, restrooms, and designated picnic areas.

Islamorada is a beach in Monroe County, Florida, in the United States. It is located in the Florida Keys on five islands: Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key, and Plantation Key.

Travelers passing through the Florida Keys from mainland Florida will find Islamorada after Key Largo but before Marathon. This tranquil paradise, made up of six islands, is best known for its excellent sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing conditions. Beachgoers, on the other hand, will be pleased; spots worth visiting include Anne's Beach (a calm, quiet stretch ideal for small children and dogs, as well as those looking to picnic or kayak) and Holiday Isle Beach (which sits alongside bars, hotels and other amenities).