Are you looking for the best Florida beaches in August?
I have just what you are looking for!
With so many beautiful Florida beaches, it can be hard to know where to spend the last days of summer.
But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered!
Florida is turning up the heat this month with sizzling seaside events and long, summer beach days.
Foodies can feast their way through Miami Beach for Miami Spice Months, while those craving barefoot bliss will fall in love with the white sand paradise of Caladesi Island.
So, let’s seas the day and get right into the 10 best Florida beaches to visit in August!
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Key Takeaways
- The Florida beaches in August are way more chill than the packed winter months, giving you more space to spread out and enjoy your beach vacation
- Head out early in the morning, you will get the best sunshine, and you’ll beat those cloudy or afternoon showers
- Miami Beach is one of the hottest and active Florida beaches with a vibrant nightlife, cultural attractions, and Miami Spice Months in August
- Seaside is the picture-perfect Florida beach town, complete with pastel cottages, soft white sands, and gourmet food trucks lined up along Airstream Row
Keep reading to get everything you need to know about the top August beach destinations in Florida.
1. Honeymoon Island
Don’t let the name fool you, you don’t need to hop on a ferry to get here!
Just a quick drive from Tampa over the Dunedin Causeway and you’ll find yourself at one of the best beaches in Florida.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
I fell in love with this Florida beach the first time I visited!
The bright white sand, long peaceful walking trail along the shore, and sparkling Gulf waters made me feel like I had escaped to paradise.
Best Things to Do in Honeymoon Island, Florida in August
- You will see lots of birds feeding in the bay and the estuaries surrounding the park
- Rent a kayak and explore Pelican Cove, it’s tucked between the sand spit and nature trail
- Keep your feet on land and rent one of the bikes to do some exploring
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2. Caladesi Island
While you’re visiting Honeymoon Island, I recommend taking advantage of being so close to a Florida hidden gem, Caladesi Island.
It’s just a 20-minute ferry ride taking you off the beaten path to what feels like a remote island far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
Surrounded by unspoiled nature, four miles of white sandy beach, and not a condo or hotel in sight, you feel like you have landed in paradise.
I love this Florida beach for solo travelers.
You can bring a good beach read and spend some time walking along the undeveloped shoreline, enjoying the peace and remoteness of it all.
Best Things to Do in Caladesi Island, Florida for August
- Take a nature trail walk to the historic Scharrer Homestead
- Rent a chair and umbrella and unwind at the shore
- Paddle through the bayside mangrove forest
- Stop into the Caladesi Café for a snack and any Florida souvenirs you want to pick up before you leave
3. Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach is a great place to get out, walk the peaceful boardwalks, and spend some time along the Atlantic waters.
If you want a front row seat to the stunning sunsets along the US coastline, then the iconic Jacksonville Beach Pier is where you want to be.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
Jacksonville Beach has year-round fishing, and you can rent a rod for just $15 for the entire day.
Nearby, Tide Views Nature Preserve is a Florida hidden gem for nature lovers.
It has a 2,500-foot trail, scenic outlooks, and wooden boardwalks where you can escape the city and reset in the calmness of nature.
Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville is one of the best places to stay beachfront that sends you into an island state of mind.
They have ocean-view rooms, private balconies, incredible food, and a fun atmosphere to dine at Landshark Bar & Grill.
Best Things to Do in Jacksonville Beach, Florida for August
- Head over to Jacksonville for a full-on tropical vacation at the annual Caribbean Carnival in Jacksonville
- Tee off at Jacksonville Beach Golf Club
- Feel like a kid again at Adventure Landing Water Park with miniature golf, go-karts, and batting cages
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4. Amelia Island, Florida
Just 30 minutes north of Jacksonville lies Amelia Island, a Florida hidden gem of only two miles wide and 13 miles long with a shoreline of Appalachian quartz and uncrowded beaches.
The Sea Cottages of Amelia are a super unique place to stay in Amelia Island under a grand tree canopy.
The School House Inn is a boutique hotel experience that was originally built in 1886 as the local school for Amelia Island.
I love that this Florida beach town also has lots of pet-friendly hotels, resorts, and beach vacation rentals throughout, so you can bring your furry babies.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
Amelia Island is one of the best beaches to visit in Florida in August because they have four seasons throughout the year.
August is the month of long, summer beach days before the cooler temperatures set in.
Perfect for their free outdoor concerts in historic Fernandina Beach and beach farmer markets.
Best Things to Do in Amelia Island, Florida for August
- Take a trip back in time through Amelia Island on the Historic Trolley Tour
- Shop the “friendliest farmers market in Florida”, the Fernandina Beach Market Place
- Tour Florida’s oldest lighthouse, Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838
- See dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, shore birds, and more on the one-hour Cumberland Sound Sunset Tour
- Go horseback riding on the beach at sunset
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5. Miami Beach
Miami Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Florida, and for good reason.
You can easily spend all day snapping photos of the iconic Miami Beach lifeguard towers, strolling along the strip, and soaking up the rays on the famous sandy shore.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
Miami Spice Months is heating things up in Florida in August.
It’s when specially curated prix-fixe menus from some of the city’s best restaurants are offered without the usual sky-high price tag.
Best Things to Do in Miami Beach, Florida for August
- Make a trip over to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Walk along the famous Ocean Drive stretch
- Tour the artsy Wynwood neighborhood
- Treat yourself to a spa day at the Spa at Fontainebleau and
- Top off the night with a gorgeous sunset cruise
- Visit Little Havana and grab a plate of authentic Cuban cuisine, watch the locals play dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park, and explore with a classic Cuban cafecito in hand
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6. Seaside
Sugar white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and white beach pavilions, visiting Seaside always gives me those perfect small-town coastal feels.
This seaside village is super photogenic.
After a Florida beach trip here all my photos come out looking like the perfect postcard, even though I still end up picking some up as souvenirs.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
Seaside is packed with so many cute beach vacation homes for every type of Florida beach getaway.
The community was built to walk and bike around, with Central Square in the center of it all.
The layout is perfect for families and solo travelers for a Florida beach vacation.
When you are looking for something to eat in Seaside, Florida, I suggest checking out Airstream Row.
It is lined with cool airstream dining options like Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs, Frostbites, and Barefoot BBQ.
Best Things to Do in Seaside, Florida for August
- Wine Down Wednesday at 87 Central
- Seaside Farmers Market every Saturday
- Free beach volleyball
- Shrimp boil and Paella Night
- Live music and DJ
7. Clearwater Beach, Florida
I love coming to Clearwater Beach whenever I need a little beach therapy.
The white sand beaches are absolutely gorgeous, and the crystal-clear waters make Clearwater Beach one of the best places to go snorkeling in Florida.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
Clearwater Beach is a hotspot for dolphin spotting!
You can catch them swimming out in their natural habitat, or if luck isn’t on your side, then head over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for an up-close encounter.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is one of the best places to eat, not just for the yummy food, but you can also catch some great views of dolphins swimming in the Gulf.
When it comes to where to stay in Clearwater Beach, the Avalon Club Hotel is one of my favorites because it feels like an exclusive beach condo resort!
There is a rooftop bar, in-room spa treatments, and private balconies with beautiful beach views of the Gulf of Mexico.
There are even pet-friendly rooms, so the whole crew can come on your Florida beach vacation.
Best Things to Do in Clearwater Beach, Florida for August
- Hunt for unique finds at The Market Marie, with over 100 local artisans and small businesses in Coachman Park
- Start your mornings or unwind at sunset with free yoga at Coachman Park
- August is concert season at Coachman Park with performances by Brad Paisley and UB40
- Hang out at the world-famous Pier 60
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour to discover all the underwater local sea life
8. St. Augustine Beach
I love that this Ancient City has managed to preserve its rich history while creating so many fun ways to explore it on a Florida beach vacation in August.
The last time I visited St. Augustine, I went on the Old Jail Museum tour and loved it.
The guide mixed history and humor, and the groups are small, especially as the summer ends, so they feel more interactive and fun.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
I also recommend visiting the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine on your August beach vacation if you have some extra time.
I had a really good time exploring the archeological park and the native village, sipping on the water from the spring of eternal youth, and learning about colonial life.
Best Things to Do in St. Augustine Beach, Florida for August
- Tour St. Augustine Inc. has several different free historic walking tours featuring pirates, History, Mystery, Murder & True Crime, and Flagler’s Gilded Age
- If you are a Florida resident, take advantage of their 50% off ghost tours and $50 off food and wine tours
- Rent a beach cruiser and explore the Ancient City
- Enjoy weekly free concerts in the plaza
If you are looking at where to stay in St. Augustine, I recommend 63 Orange Street. It is a beautiful Bed and Breakfast that was once a Victorian home from 1884.
It is right in the heart of the historic downtown city and only two blocks from St. Augustine’s City Gate, so you are super close to all the St. Augustine attractions.
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort is another great option I recommend, with comfortable suites just steps from the sandy shore.
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9. Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Seven miles of gorgeous white sandy beach, lined with waterfront hotels and resorts, Fort Myers Beach is made for lazy beach days.
One of the best things to do at this Florida beach in August is chilling on the main stretch at Times Square.
You can shop at the Fort Myers Beach Market, catch the street performers, and stay for the jaw-dropping sunsets.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
This Florida beach is pure paradise for outdoor lovers!
Try your hand at parasailing, set sail on a dolphin watching cruise or eco tour, or spend some time paddling off into the mangroves.
Then, when your stomach starts rumbling, head over to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille for some really good seafood and amazing rum.
Best Things to Do in Fort Myers Beach, Florida for August
- Channel your inner Joe Dirt, toss on that wig, and prepare for some serious fish-flinging action at Mullet Madness
- Catch the island vibes every Sunday Reggae Party at Tiki Bar at the Lighthouse Resort
- Learn about the local wildlife at CROW (Clinic For The Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
- Take a free guided tour at Cape Coral Museum of History of their natural, Florida Friendly Gardens
- Hop on a boat over to Key West from Fort Myers Beach
10. Treasure Island, Florida
If you are planning a family Florida beach vacation, then Treasure Island is a great option.
There are pirate cruises, four-story tall giant waterslide, waterfront restaurants, and so many cool and old school souvenir shops like my favorite, the iconic Florida Shell Shop.
Why I Love This Florida Beach in August
One of the things I love the most about Treasure Island is that it always feels like beach bar season here.
Sunset Cafe and Beach Bar is a fabulous place to catch one of the postcard-worthy sunsets, plus they have a no-shoes and open patio policy.
Island Girl Tiki Bar is the go-to place for the best frozen cocktails in town, famous for their Shark Bite.
Best Things to Do in Treasure Island, Florida for August
- Take a stroll down memory lane and have a little fun in the souvenir shops at John’s Pass Village
- Explore the world underneath in an LED-illuminated glass-bottom kayak
- See over 250 animals, including a sloth, at the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center
- Mini putt your way through 18 holes and live alligators at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Read NEXT: Florida Packing List Ultimate Guide: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!
My Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Florida to Visit in August
Well, there you have it, Florida Hipsters!
I hope this list of the best places for a Florida beach vacation in August has inspired you to pack your beach bags and hit the sand for some of your best memories yet at Florida’s most beautiful beaches.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
