Gulf Stream FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Gulf Stream, Florida.
1. Gulfstream Park
SERENE BEACHFRONT ESCAPE
Gulfstream Park is a delightful haven sandwiched between Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, offering a wide beach with soft sands and the blue Atlantic for a refreshing swim. Families will appreciate the newly redesigned playgrounds, ample picnic areas with BBQ grills, and a unique boardwalk that winds through emergent marsh areas where visitors can observe rare bird species. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from bustling crowds, perfect for both family gatherings and quiet moments of reflection.
2. Seagate Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL GETAWAY
Seagate Beach offers visitors a picturesque stretch of coastline with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy a less crowded beach experience while still being close to the amenities and charm of Delray Beach. The natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it an excellent choice for those looking to escape the more touristy beaches in the area.
3. Atlantic Dunes Park
NATURAL COASTAL PARADISE
Atlantic Dunes Park features a beautiful stretch of beach framed by natural sand dunes and native vegetation that creates a more secluded atmosphere. Visitors can access the beach via a winding boardwalk that cuts through the dunes, offering a unique transition from coastal hammock to shoreline. The park combines natural beauty with basic amenities including showers and restrooms, making it perfect for beachgoers who appreciate a more natural setting.
4. Ocean Inlet Park
SCENIC INLET VIEWS
Ocean Inlet Park offers a unique waterfront experience where visitors can enjoy both the beach and views of boats navigating through the Boynton Beach Inlet. The park features a marina, jetty, and beach areas that are popular for swimming, fishing, and watching marine life including manatees that sometimes frequent the area. Its combination of recreational amenities and natural beauty makes it a versatile destination for families, anglers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
5. Spanish River Park
LUSH COASTAL RETREAT
Spanish River Park encompasses 95 acres of coastal hammock with a beautiful beach accessible via tunnels under A1A highway. The park offers extensive amenities including picnic areas, nature trails through the hammock, and a pristine beach with lifeguards on duty year-round. Its combination of natural areas and beach access makes it a favorite for both active recreation and relaxed beach days.
6. Siesta Key Beach
AWARD-WINNING WHITE SANDS
Siesta Key Beach is renowned for its remarkably soft, white quartz sand that stays cool underfoot even on the hottest days, earning it recognition as one of America's best beaches. The expansive shoreline offers plenty of space for visitors to spread out while enjoying the clear, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy beach volleyball courts, a playground, concessions, and spectacular sunset views that showcase why Gulf Coast beaches are so special.
7. Venice Beach
SHARK TOOTH HUNTING HAVEN
Venice Beach is famous as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World" where visitors regularly find prehistoric fossils along its shoreline. The beach offers not only great swimming and sunbathing opportunities but also a unique treasure-hunting experience as beachcombers sift through sand for shark teeth millions of years old. Its relaxed atmosphere, fishing pier, and beachfront pavilion make it a well-rounded destination for families and fossil enthusiasts alike.
8. Clearwater Beach
VIBRANT BEACHFRONT PARADISE
Clearwater Beach features vast stretches of powdery white sand and clear, shallow waters that make it one of Florida's most popular Gulf Coast destinations. The lively beachfront is complemented by a bustling promenade with shops, restaurants, and daily sunset celebrations at Pier 60. Visitors enjoy not only excellent swimming conditions but also easy access to water sports, boat tours, and family attractions like the nearby Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
9. Fort Walton Beach
EMERALD WATERS GETAWAY
Fort Walton Beach captivates visitors with its pristine sands and stunning emerald-green waters that provide a perfect setting for swimming and water activities. The beach area offers a more relaxed alternative to some of Florida's busier destinations while still providing excellent amenities and access to family-friendly attractions. Visitors appreciate the combination of natural beauty, nearby golf courses, and water recreation options that make it a favorite among regular travelers to the Gulf Coast.
10. Gulf Islands National Seashore
PROTECTED COASTAL TREASURE
Gulf Islands National Seashore offers miles of undeveloped shoreline with sugar-white sands and clear blue waters protected as part of the National Park Service. Visitors can explore historic forts, pristine beaches, and preserved wetlands away from commercial development and crowds. The seashore provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast while enjoying swimming, paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a more serene setting.