Best Florida Beaches For Memorial Day Weekend 2021

FLORIDA — If you’re looking to hit the beach this Memorial Day weekend, here are some of the best Florida beaches to check out.

St. Pete Beach

Nabbing the No. 1 spot on TripAdvisor’s annual rankings of the best beaches in the United States, St. Pete Beach is a vacation hotspot in the Tampa Bay area.

In addition to relaxing on the expansive, white sandy beaches and enjoying a variety of watersports, there’s plenty of other things to do in this walkable laidback beach town. Along the bustling Corey Avenue, you’ll find restaurants and bars for a bite to eat or a drink, art galleries to check out local culture and plenty of boutiques to satisfy your shopping cravings.

If you’re really looking to get away from it all, be sure to check out Pass-a-Grille Beach and its historic 8th Avenue.

St. George Island State Park in the Florida Panhandle

Coming in at No. 4 on Dr. Beach’s 2021 list of top 10 beaches in the country, St. George Island State Park is a barrier island offering a stretch of paradise to those visiting the Florida Panhandle.

If you love nature and wildlife, you’ll find sea turtles and a variety of birds — from the bald eagles and red cockaded woodpeckers along the nature trails to the snowy plovers, least terns, willets and skimmers closer to the shore.

You’ll also find the perfect setting for a number of activities, including canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, shelling and beachcombing.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown. The entry fee is $6 per vehicle and a single-day pass can be purchased online here.

Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin

Caladesi Island State Park also made Dr. Beach’s 2021 list of top 10 beaches in the United States, coming in at No. 7.

This pristine Gulf Coast island is only available by boat. Whether you want to sit on the beach and soak in the sun, kayak through the mangrove forest, enjoy a nature walk or tour the historic Scharrer Homestead, there’s something for every interest.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown. Cost is $6 per boat and single-day passes can be purchased online here. Ferry services are currently operating with reduced capacity.

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Miami Beach

Millions of visitors from across the globe come to this coastal city each year. In addition to amazing beaches — South Beach is probably the most popular — visitors are also drawn to the area’s fine dining, legendary nightlife, unique culture and arts scene, Art Deco architecture, and international vibes.

Sanibel Island

This small island — it’s just 15 miles long and 5 miles across — off the coast of Fort Myers, has it all. Sanibel offers visitors natural amenities like gorgeous beaches and all the activities that come with them, nature tours, and an abundance of flora, fauna, and wildlife. You’ll find a variety of accommodations, restaurants, bars, shops, galleries and venues within walking distance of the beach as well.

Siesta Beach in Siesta Key

This Sarasota County beach routinely makes top beaches lists produced by numerous travel and tourism websites, including in 2020, when it topped TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards for best beach in the U.S.

It’s easy to see why. Siesta Beach is known for its white powdery sand and plenty of open space. There’s also a large parking area, several concessions stands, a playground for the little ones, nature trails, and tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts. And the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley makes it easy to get around.

If you get tired of the beach, head over to Siesta Key Village for food, drinks and shopping.

Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine

This 1,600-acre state park is a haven for beach lovers. Located off the coast of the historic city of St. Augustine, you can relax on the beach, observe wildlife on the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail, go kayaking or canoeing, or stay overnight in one of the camping sites.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown daily. The entry fee is $8 per vehicle. A single-day pass can be purchased online here.

Anna Maria Island in Manatee County

This laidback island is just minutes from Bradenton. According to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the island boasts “old Florida charm” free of high-rise condos and chain restaurants.

“Once a best-kept secret among Floridians, Anna Maria Island has always been known for its sugar-white beach coastline, emerald green and blue Gulf waters and quaint business districts,” the chamber wrote on its website. “Today, it is known as a vacation favorite among local, national and international travelers. From honeymooners to Hollywood film crews, youngsters to the young-at-heart, people from around the world have discovered what’s awaiting you — a piece paradise.”

Check out additional Memorial Day coverage:

• Memorial Day 2021 Safe Boating Tips In Florida: Coast Guard
• Memorial Day 2021: Best, Worst Times To Travel From FL Cities