If you're a beach-goer, there's really no better place than Southwest Florida where we have so many and 2 Southwest Florida beaches made a list of the best in Florida.
When I was deciding where I wanted to live when I moved from Sarasota to Fort Myers, I took the length of my commute to the beach into consideration. Not that I lived far before, it was only about 15 minutes, but I knew I wanted to be closer. When I first moved to Fort Myers, I had a job on the beach so that had a lot to do with it, but I also knew that I spend every weekend at the beach and go many times throughout the week as well, whether it's to lay in the sun or take my pup for a sunset walk.
Beach days are my favorite and now that I'm spoiled with so many beautiful sandy spots in our area from Marco Island to Naples to Bonita to the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, I'm not sure I could live anywhere else.
2 Southwest Florida Beaches Made List Of The Best In Florida
U.S. News just released their list of the 15 best beaches in Florida for 2024. I have to say that I'm shocked that only 2 in Southwest Florida made the list, because I think there are many more that deserve a spot, but if anything, it may keep some of the lesser known beaches from getting overcrowded once people hear about them. And really, Florida is a huge state with a lot of coastline.
To put the list together, they looked at a number of factors like atmosphere, convenience and aesthetics. So which beaches made the list? Here are the top 5:
- Siesta Key
- Anna Maria Island
- Delray Beach
- Santa Rosa Beach
- Palm Beach
Here in Southwest Florida, Marco Island came in at #7 on the list with a mention of Tigertail Beach Park. Sanibel Island came in at #12 with Bowman's Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park named as "resiliently restored serene spots". I find myself out on Sanibel often, opting usually for Tarpon Bay Beach or Algiers Beach. But really, anywhere you go out on the island, you can't go wrong.
For the full list, click here
I fondly remember the days of drinking on Fort Myers Beach. It wasn't really legal, but we did it anyway. Going to 7-11 and getting a giant Big Gulp cup and then making a mixed drink to sip on the beach. It was so common that every Spring Breaker outside the Lani Kai was carrying a Big Gulp cup. I'm pretty sure the cops knew. Florida beaches and alcohol have always gone together.
And if you're going to drink on Fort Myers Beach, you better hide it. The Town Of Fort Myers Beach has this posted "Any person convicted of violation of Section 5 of this Ordinance may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not to exceed 60 days, or both." 60 days in jail for a Mich Ultra? Seems harsh.
The grown up version is to make a drink in a giant Yeti cup. The ice lasts so much longer. That's how I do my summertime vodka cranberry down on Bonita Beach. Even though it's not actually legal to do so. There used to be a sign that says "no alcohol", but the Hurricane Ian destroyed it.
One thing to remember with alcohol on Florida beaches. It's really never ok to bring glass. Even if no one says don't bring glass - don't bring glass. If you break a bottle you'll never get all the pieces and then someone will step on it.
And it's hot here. Don't forget to alternate between booze and bottled water or you'll be hurting. That dehydration headache is a killer.
Perdido Key
Perdido Key is on the Panhandle, at the Florida - Alabama border. The local sheriff breaks down the rules:
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is in the same county as Perdido Key, so the same rules apply. Pensacola Beach does have an alcohol free "family zone" west of the pier.
Shell Island
It's ok to drink on private lots and county roads in the middle of the island, but it's illegal in the State Park area.
Panama City Beach
The PCB has a Spring Break law where no alcohol is allowed on the beach during the month of March. Also, no metal shovels are allowed on the beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. I'm interested in hearing whatever story caused that law. So it's legal for 11 months out of the year. PCB has had a major problem with rip currents this year. If the double red flag warning is out, drink on the beach - but stay out of the water.
Madeira Beach
On over to the Tampa - St. Pete Area. We don't call it Mad Beach for nothing. As is usually the case, no glass. I spent spring break there when I was in college. Not sure how I made it out alive.
St. Pete Beach
Rules on this beach. You can drink on the sand at beachfront hotels, but only if you're a guest of the hotel.
Treasure Island
Apparently it's ok to drink here as long as it's not day-drinking. No alcohol is allowed on the beach between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. So pack it and let it set on ice until 4pm.
Siesta Beach
We're in Sarasota County. Cans and cups, no glass. Bad behavior is not ok, so be cool.
Turtle Beach
Another Sarasota County Beach, so the same rules as Siesta.
Lido Beach
Sarasota County, so it's cool here, too.
Naples Municipal Beach
I see a lot of conflicting information on this one. Some sites say it's ok to drink on the beach. Others say it's not. I know you can't drink at the pier. You can drink on Marco Island beaches. I know people do drink on Naples Beach, but I don't know if it's really legal.
Flagler Beach
Let's move on over to the East Coast. The Sheriff's Department says this "Open containers are prohibited except on the sand of the beaches. " So finish it before you step off the sand.
Cocoa Beach
Drinking is fine, but no glass, and no pets. Sometimes there's even live music out on the sand.
Playalinda Beach
Not only can you drink here, but if you park in lot 13 that takes you to a clothing optional section of the beach. Yes, a nude beach where drinking is allowed. How have I not been here, yet?
