While the rest of the country shovels snow, Florida's beaches stay open. These seven are the ones we would point a friend to for a winter beach day, strongest first. Each one is checked against its park, county or state page, and we pass along the notes that change a plan: when it opens, whether it closes when full, and what is not available right now. Winter weather and water temperature vary by the day, so check the forecast the morning you go.
In this guide 7 sections
Siesta Beach
Sarasota County calls its sand nearly 100 percent quartz crystal and the world's finest, whitest sand. Lifeguards and sheriff's deputies are on the beach every day, there are two concession stands, a playground and a half mile esplanade, and it has the most parking of any public beach in the county.
Insider note — The county beach hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Bahia Honda State Park
Palm lined beaches, clear water and a sea breeze the park says keeps moving all year. Walk the old Bahia Honda bridge for the view, rent kayaks or snorkel gear, or watch for wading birds and shorebirds.
Insider note — The park can close when its day use areas fill up, so arrive early on weekends and holidays. Shade is limited, so bring an umbrella.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
A beach the park says is often ranked among the top ten in the country, with Atlantic and Biscayne Bay views from the top of the 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse. Lighthouse and keeper's cottage visits happen on tour times.
Insider note — Weekends and holidays get very busy, and the park closes to new arrivals when it reaches capacity. Go early.
Honeymoon Island State Park
More than four miles of beach, plus a three mile trail through one of the last stands of virgin slash pine in Florida. Eagles, osprey and gopher tortoises live here, and it is the ferry stop for Caladesi Island.
Insider note — The northernmost mile of the sandspit has been cut off by erosion. The park warns of deep water and strong currents there, so stay out of that stretch.
Lovers Key State Park
Over two miles of sugar sand beach backed by mangrove canals and lagoons where the park says manatees and shorebirds graze. Bring a kayak or paddle the canals.
Insider note — There is currently no food or drink service and no tram. The beach is a walk from parking lot 1 over a wooden bridge, so pack water and snacks.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
A stretch of Gulf sand near Naples that the park calls one of the most pristine beaches in the world, with shelling, paddleboarding, bird watching and a boat launch into Water Turkey Bay.
Insider note — Wiggins Pass is being dredged, so expect equipment near the beach and some temporary closures of parking lot four. Pay at a kiosk and leave the printed receipt on your dashboard.
Coquina Beach
The big public beach at the south end of Anna Maria Island. It has a lifeguard station, concessions, pavilions, a walking trail, sand volleyball and a trolley stop.
Insider note — Manatee County lists the beach as open sunrise to sunset.
Good to know
Are Florida state park beaches open in winter?
Yes. Bahia Honda, Honeymoon Island, Lovers Key, Bill Baggs and Delnor-Wiggins Pass all list daily hours, every day of the year, on their Florida State Parks pages.
Which Florida beaches close when they are full?
Bahia Honda State Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park both say they can close to new arrivals when they reach capacity. Arrive early on weekends and holidays.
Which of these beaches have lifeguards?
Sarasota County says Siesta Beach has lifeguards every day, and Manatee County lists a lifeguard station at Coquina Beach. Check posted flags and hours when you arrive.
Is there food at Lovers Key State Park?
Not right now. The park says it currently has no gift shop, bait shop or food and beverage service, so bring your own.
Keep exploring
Every one of these is a ranked list, not a directory page.
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