Live Near Top Florida Beaches

Updated on April 2, 2024: This story was originally published on March 23, 2022, and has been updated with new information.

Picture this: Soaking in the sunshine on a wonderfully warm day. Palm trees whispering in the breeze. White sand between your toes, as turquoise waters lap at your feet.

Sounds amazing, right? If you are considering relocating to a new city or state and beautiful beaches are at the top of your wish list, we have exciting news - Tripadvisor recently released a list naming nine Florida beaches among the top 25 best beaches in the United States!

The list, part of Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, is compiled based on traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, as well as an additional editorial process, with fewer than 1% of destinations on Tripadvisor receiving recognition.

When you live in Florida, you get to enjoy these world-class beaches, as well as renowned Florida sunshine, year-round recreation, and theme park destinations, right in your backyard! And, if you’re searching for a new home, you’ll be excited to learn that Highland Homes builds new construction homes in Florida just a short drive from two of the top beaches in the nation: Siesta Beach and Clearwater Beach.

Siesta Beach

Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, is ranked the No. 2 best beach in the United States and the No. 9 best beach in the entire world! With white sand as soft as powdered sugar, miles of majestic views, and crystal clear water with underwater rock and coral formations ideal for snorkeling, it's easy to see this is one of the top-rated beaches in the world.

Siesta Key also offers a convenient, free trolley to transport you around the island, where you will find waterfront dining, quaint shopping at the Siesta Key Village, or can charter a boat or parasailing excursion.

Fun fact: The sand on Siesta Key is so white because it's made almost entirely of quartz, whereas most sand is comprised of a mix of minerals resulting in a tan or brown color. Siesta Key is known to have Florida's best white sand beaches, though other notable white sand beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast include Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, St. Pete Beach, Fort Myers, and Clearwater Beach - which just so happens to be next up on our list!

Clearwater Beach

Landing in the No. 12 slot on this year’s best beaches list, Clearwater Beach is known as a fun-loving beach town with wide sugar-sand beaches and emerald waters. While relaxing on the soft sand, it’s not uncommon to look see parasailers gliding by, jet skiers zooming about on the water, and paddleboarders gliding along in the calm spots. Clearwater Beach is also home to Pier 60, which hosts a nightly festival with street performers and craft vendors, providing all-day activities and fun at this beach!

Local's tip: This is a very popular beach, so arrive early in the day to snag parking and your perfect beach spot.

Additional Best of the Best Florida Beaches

Siesta Beach and Clearwater Beach may be the nearest world-class beaches for those of us who live in Central Florida, but Florida has plenty more to offer! Consider a day trip or weekend visit to some of the other Florida beaches on the Best of the Best list:

• Hollywood Beach - Hit the boardwalk or relax in the surf and sand at this Atlantic Coast beach, ranked No. 4 in the US.
• Panama City Beach - This destination on Florida's Panhandle ranks No. 13 on the list and features shallow waters and soft white sand, with exciting on and off-shore attractions.
• Fort Lauderdale Beach - Located just up the shoreline from Hollywood Beach, this lively entertainment spot hits the list at No. 15.
• St. Augustine Beach - Coming in at No. 17, this scenic beach delivers amazing sunsets and hard-packed sand ideal for strolling along along the waterline.
• Henderson Beach State Park in Destin - This beach stands out at No. 18 on the list with white sand dunes, crystal clear waters, a boardwalk, and dog-friendly trails.
• Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key, MM 37 in the Florida Keys - From sand and surf to a marina, snorkeling, fishing, and a historic train bridge turned walking trail, this state park offers over 500 acres of island activities, and is ranked No. 22 best beach in the US.
• Sombrero Beach on Marathon, MM 50 in the Florida Keys - While smaller than some other beaches on the list, Sombrero Beach is a local-favorite and a hidden gem for visitors, rounding out the list as the No. 25 best beach in the US.

New Homes Near Florida Beaches

Perhaps the only thing better than visiting these top beaches as a tourist is living close by so you can enjoy the beach morning, afternoon, and evening! As a Florida home builder, Highland Homes is excited to offer you new homes near these award-winning Florida beaches!

Our new homes in the Bradenton-Sarasota area are just minutes from Bay waters and within about 30-miles of the top-rated Siesta Beach:

• Aviary at Rutland Ranch in Parrish offers homes with resort-style amenities in a location reminiscent of old Florida, yet convenient to beaches, shopping, and the cities of Bradenton, Sarasota, and St. Pete.
• Jackson Crossing in Palmetto provides a small town address just minutes from Bradenton, major roadways, and beaches. Situated in a beautiful, natural setting, homes are now available in Phjase 2 of this popular neighborhood.

Heading north, new homes in Tampa Bay are as little as 45-minutes from the waters of Clearwater Beach:

• In the Tampa suburb of Riverview, single-family homes with amenities are now building in Ridgewood South. Located just 5-miles inland from the waters of Hillsborough Bay, boating and water activities are a way of life for many in this community, and nearby highways make it easy to get to top beach destinations.
• Stonebridge at Chapel Creek in the small Pasco County city of Zephyrhills offers homes situated in peaceful landscapes amongst natural conservation areas. With these beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, you may never want to leave home - except, of course, for a waterside meal or beach day at some of the nation's best beaches!
• Terrace at Walden Lake in Plant City features luxurious, low-maintenance townhomes in a small hometown, just 15 miles from Tampa, with homes priced under $300,000!

Further inland in Central Florida, living in a new home in Lakeland-Winter Haven gives you access to award-winning beaches within about a 1 to 2-hour drive, depending on your hometown. Even living in the Ocala and Orlando areas provides you with access to top Florida beaches within about 2 hours, making them the perfect destination for your weekend getaway!

Ready to move and start loving life in your dream home near Florida beaches? There’s no time like the present! Call or email our Florida New Home Specialists for help finding your perfect new home, in your ideal Florida community, with access to award-winning white sand beaches!