The 12 Best Beach Towns on the Florida Gulf Coast

Why live on the Florida Gulf Coast? It’s a paradise of sunny shores, warm weather, and exciting activities! From its beautiful beaches to delicious seafood restaurants to an affordable cost of living, you’ll find plenty of reasons why life along the Florida Gulf Coast is so extraordinary.

The west coast has a reputation as being more casual and laid back than the east coast. That doesn’t mean you won’t find big cities. Naples, Sarasota-Bradenton, Tampa, and Pensacola are all highly developed metro areas. Still, you’ll find many appealing beach towns if you prefer a more rustic beach town and a chill coastal vibe.

Here are our top choices if you’re looking for some of the best beach towns in Florida. We’ll start in the northern Panhandle and move south. The Florida Keys aren’t included in our Gulf Coast list.

Destin

Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, this charming fishing village is a top destination for tourism and the Florida lifestyle. Water views abound across town thanks to its peninsula location.

If you’re looking for a place to buy some coastal property with great opportunities for fishing, sailing, and other water sports, golfing, and shopping, then look no further.

Big Kahuna Water Park, HarborWalk Village, and Destin Commons are only some of the reasons why over a million people flock to this area each year. The town’s crown jewel, Henderson Beach State Park, is where people go to sunbathe on sugar-white sands beside emerald-green waters. Away from the beaches, family fun awaits. Two championship golf courses add to the resort town vibe. There’s also an abundance of fantastic restaurants to choose from!

Destin has many housing options, including beachfront condos and luxurious waterfront homes. A segment of the market caters to a second home or vacation rentals. The median list price for December 2022 was $650,000, with 667 listings.

Miramar Beach

With easy access to Destin and Pensacola, this Florida Panhandle town has all the ingredients for an amazing beach lifestyle. It’s not technically a town, but it has its own zip code, and locals consider it distinct from next-door Destin. It’s quieter and more residential, which has its own appeal.

Besides its snow-white beaches and jewel-toned waters, Miramar Beach is considered a retail destination. Head to Silver Sands Premium Outlets or Grand Boulevard for a shopping spree. Or, take in a round at one of the many nearby golf courses. The Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort is the perfect place for tennis, with six championship clay courts and instruction from award-winning USPTA teaching staff.

Spend your days kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating, or simply relaxing by the shoreline. The sunsets here are some of Florida’s most spectacular.

Miramar Beach is perfect for those looking to purchase Florida waterfront property or investors interested in buying Florida real estate for rental income purposes. Median list prices have been steadily increasing year-over-year as of December 2022 and currently stand at $795,900 with 625 homes on the market.

Seaside

Most beach towns grow organically, but Seaside was purposefully designed as New Urbanism meets coastal. Seaside promotes a pedestrian-friendly, car-free layout, with brightly painted homes and charming boutiques. Its unique look can be seen in the movie The Truman Show, famously filmed here.

The two main draws are the beach and the shopping. The popular Seaside Beach offers miles of sugary sand against a backdrop of vibrant blue waters. Cabanas and pavilions line the beachfront. You won’t find any high rises here, as this beach has been kept relatively undeveloped – an anomaly from Florida’s typical touristy beaches! It’s a favorite destination for couples and families alike.

At Seaside, stroll down the town’s main street and find yourself drawn in by the vibrant and colorful storefronts. Browse through one-of-a-kind shops offering everything from handmade jewelry to Florida-inspired souvenirs.

Seaside real estate is part of the Point Washington area, which includes other beachside places to check out like Grayson Beach. The median list price for December 2022 was $1.2 million, with 956 listings.

Saint George Island

Saint George Island is the perfect choice if you’re searching for an “Old Florida” feel. This 22-mile-long barrier island offers miles of pristine beaches, salt marshes, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s also home to unique ecological communities, making it ideal for nature lovers who come to hike, bike, swim, and bird watch.

Several state parks help maintain the low-density population on Saint George Island, including Saint George Island State Park, a safe haven for various coastal plant and animal species. The Saint George Island Lighthouse was built in 1833 and just so happens to be one of Florida’s oldest lighthouses!

One of the best things about living on this island is that you don’t need a car to get around – cycling is the preferred method of transportation. The infrastructure here is geared towards tourism, so there are restaurants and stores, but most of your essential needs will be met on the mainland.

The real estate market on Saint George Island is mainly made up of single-family homes that range from cozy beach bungalows to luxury vacation rentals. The median list price in December 2022 was $1.3 million, with 142 listings. Many buyers choose this as their second home destination due to its tranquil vibe.

Cedar Key

Moving to central Florida and the Big Bend area, this old Florida fishing village is truly a unique destination on the Gulf Coast. It’s actually the second-oldest town in Florida but has only 800 residents. While it has a tourist component, it’s the perfect escape for anyone longing for a slower pace of life, as it lies in a rural area.

Located on Florida’s Nature Coast, Cedar Key offers incredible views of Florida’s Gulf Coast and a unique cultural experience. Driving down Florida Highway 24 to access the town is like stepping back in time. Once you arrive, you’ll find an array of art galleries, antique stores, and farm-to-table restaurants in the historic waterfront downtown.

The main attractions are its spectacular sunsets, picturesque waterfront, and salt marshes, bird-watching opportunities, and some of Florida’s best seafood.

Cedar Lake National Wildlife Refuge is just outside of town, where you can catch glimpses of otters and alligators in their natural habitats. This is also a fantastic place for boating enthusiasts as it offers access to some excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing spots.

Cedar Key real estate is mainly made up of single-family homes and has many stilt houses. The median list price in December 2022 was $449,000, with 83 listings.

Tarpon Springs

Heading down towards the Tampa Bay region, we come to Tarpon Springs. One of the most interesting things about this town is its rich Greek heritage, which can be seen in the architecture, traditional cuisine, and year-round festivals. The Greeks arrived here in the late 1800s, so it is one of Florida’s oldest Greek settlements.

If you’re looking to see how the sponge divers collect one of 18 varieties of sponges, St. Nicholas is the place for you. Take a boat tour around the Dodecanese Blvd area to get up close and personal with the sponge diving process. If being on a boat isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to enjoy this beautiful city from land, too.

Tarpon Springs also offers spectacular views of Florida’s Gulf Coast and natural beauty. Fred Howard Park features 155 acres of preserved waterfront with a causeway that takes you directly to the white sandy beach for gorgeous views of the Gulf.

In terms of real estate, this town primarily consists of single-family homes, but there are waterfront villas and condos, including on the beach, Anclote River, and Lake Tarpon. The median list price for December 2022 was $450,000, with 317 listings.

Madeira Beach

Situated midway between Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach is an excellent alternative for those who want to be close enough to the action but don’t want to live in the hustle and bustle of other central Florida beach towns.

Madeira Beach has a colorful history, as it was supposedly founded by a pirate near John’s Pass. Today, the main attractions are its beautiful 2.5-mile-long beach and the Johns Pass Village and Boardwalk shops. It is known as the “Grouper Capital of the World” as more catches are brought in here than anywhere else.

This city consists of single-family homes and condos. The median list price in December 2022 was $769,000, with 131 listings. Most listings and housing are on the Intracoastal, while some will have gulf views across the highway.

Pass-a-Grille Beach

Both beloved and oft-overlooked by those who don’t know its charms, Pass-a-Grille is a small beachfront town on the southern tip of St. Petersburg’s barrier island. It is just a short drive away from Tampa Bay and Clearwater Beach but feels laidback and quieter as there’s no through traffic.

The main attractions here are the breathtaking beaches, which are St. Petersburg’s best. Spend your days relaxing by the shore, searching for shells, or taking a walk down 8th Avenue towards the Pass-a-Grille historic district to explore the boutiques and restaurants.

You’ll also find plenty of boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities while enjoying Florida’s spectacular gulf coast sunsets.

Real estate-wise, this town’s architectural aesthetic is single-family homes in a bungalow style. You won’t find high-rise condo towers here. December 2022 had 248 listings, which included nearby St. Pete Beach, and a median list price of $784,500.

Anna Maria

Across Tampa Bay awaits Anna Maria, the town on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island. The island is connected to the mainland by two bridges, which can congest traffic during peak season. However, it’s well worth it as this seven-mile-long island is one of Florida’s most beautiful.

The Anna Maria Historic District is an excellent place for shopping and dining. Coastal-style buildings add to the downtown charm, as does the robust arts culture. The Anna Maria Island Art League offers classes and workshops in various mediums.

The locals love the chilled-out vibe, the classic coastal Florida architecture, and the fact that there are no high-rise condos. The speed limit of 35 miles per hour is perfect for leisurely sunset cruises.

Anna Maria’s December 2022 median list price was $3.7M for 57 homes on sale. Many properties had some waterfront, as the island’s northern end includes many canals on the bayside.

Siesta Key

Siesta Key is Florida’s number one beach, and with good reason. The sand here is made up of 99% quartz crystals, making it extra soft on the feet and not burning hot in summer. It’s so special that Dr. Beach has even twice listed it as the nation’s best beach!

This barrier island just south of Sarasota is home to eight miles of beaches and canals, boutique stores, and excellent restaurants. The moment you arrive, you can feel the difference here. Siesta has a chill vibe, as much of it is residential. Still, there’s always something going on here: the weekly free Siesta Drum Circle on Sundays or a special event like Valentine’s Day Renewal of Vows against a beautiful sunset backdrop. Outdoor activities include exploring the shores by paddleboard or kayak, fishing in Sarasota Bay, or visiting Turtle Beach for some wildlife spotting.

Architectural styles vary from palatial oceanfront estates with private beachfront access on the southern end to bayside condominiums. The December 2022 list price was $1.3 million for 153 homes.

Venice

Just south of Sarasota is the charming coastal town of Venice. With its unique Mediterranean architecture, palm-lined streets, and captivating views of Florida’s wetlands, it’s easy to see why this place is the “Venice of America.”

The main attraction here is Venice Beach, where you can enjoy the Florida sunshine and search for shark teeth. Hunters have found everything from small fossilized teeth in the beach sands to massive ancient megalodon teeth in offshore waters.

The town is full of restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Take a stroll down Venice Avenue for shopping or dining, or explore the historic downtown theater.

Venice real estate offers beachfront estates and inland homes within golf community developments. Or, try one of the cozy master-planned neighborhoods with many amenities for retirees or families alike. The median list price from December 2022 was $500,000 for 995 listings.

Sanibel and Captiva Island

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are two small, picturesque towns located off the southwest coast of Florida. These islands were once world-renowned for their beautiful white sandy beaches, and an abundance of shells before Hurricane Ian hit in 2022. Sanibel Island was ranked as one of the top shelling beaches globally.

While currently facing rebuilding, Sanibel and Captiva are included because they are beloved destinations and communities. In the years to come, the islands will likely be thriving beach towns again.

The island offers a refuge from the hustle and bustle of Florida’s mainland. With its abundant wildlife and conservation efforts, you can spot all kinds of creatures here, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Fishing is also popular in these parts, as anglers often catch snook or tarpon in the waters.

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach town with plenty to explore and lots of natural beauty, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are definitely worth considering. The median list price in December 2022 was $1.2 million for 134 listings. The current redevelopment means you have the chance to customize your island home.

The Best Gulf Coast Beach Towns

Overall, Florida’s Gulf Coast offers plenty of options for anyone looking to take the plunge and live by the sea. Whether you prefer larger towns with an array of attractions or a more laid-back atmosphere away from the tourist crowds, the Gulf Coast has something to fit everyone’s needs. From luxurious homes to charming bungalows, these top beach towns are sure to have what you’re looking for!