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We Asked 7 Travel Experts Their Favorite U.S. Beach Getaway—and They All Picked the Same Destination
In August, we asked travel professionals to share their favorite coastal escapes, and one state came up again and again with resounding enthusiasm: Florida. After all, it's called the Sunshine State for a reason, and with 825 miles of beaches along its eastern, southern, and western coasts, it offers more than enough shoreline to explore.
If you're looking for specific spots to visit, the experts have you covered. Here are the top beach destinations travel professionals recommend you visit in Florida.
Brad Busby, the executive vice president of Hospitality at RREAF Holdings, suggests seeking out lesser-known beach towns as the season winds down to help people unwind on one final getaway. "Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a prime example, where peaceful days on the sand might be punctuated by the awe of a rocket launch from nearby Kennedy Space Center," he told Travel + Leisure . "[It] offers a sense of nostalgic charm, reminding us of a time when beach towns felt more personal and more relaxed."
David Ciccarelli, the CEO of Lake.com, also recommends venturing beyond the usual spots in search for more solitude. That's why he thinks a drive up to West Palm Beach is a fantastic way to spend a Floridian vacation. "It's away from the crowds of Miami's beaches, and further north of the yacht capital of the world is West Palm," Ciccarelli said. "I first visited there because my grandparents have a place in the city, and they took me to the beach each day. Certainly, it's changed since then, but it has all the beauty without the busyness of Miami."
Looking for both a little hustle and bustle with your beach time? Follow Elizabeth Valdez, the founder of Paradise Food Tours, to Naples and Bonita Springs. "It's where powder-soft beaches, upscale dining, and serene natural beauty overlap, offering the sophistication of Palm Beach without the crowds of Miami or the commercial buzz of other Gulf Coast towns," Valdez told T+L, adding that the area has something for everyone. "Naples offers art galleries, luxury resorts, and manicured golf courses, while Bonita Springs has a slower, more casual vibe: think nature preserves, historic charm, and a laid-back beach culture."
Shannon Jones, a travel advisor and founder of KeeKee's Big Adventures, believes more travelers should consider Sarasota as a prime beach escape. "It has a small-town feel with a great culinary scene, think Italian, seafood, and more," Jones said. "The area has a youthful vibe due to local colleges like Ringling College of Art & Design." Bonus: Sarasota also has a strong arts and culture scene thanks to spots like the Ringling Museum and the upcoming Mote Science Education Aquarium.
Ava Wilson, a travel expert at Travel Taste Discover, calls Navarre Beach her top pick for a quieter coastal experience. "Loved by families looking for secluded beaches as well as the general tourists, and for good reason, it is a beautiful beach. Sugar white sand, emerald waters, and fewer crowds than what we usually have in Florida's panhandle, Navarre Beach is one of my favorite domestic beach destinations that I recommend to literally everyone." According to Wilson, the prime time to visit is September as it's the time when "the temperatures are still balmy and the summer crowd is gone."
Susan Blume, the founder of Personal Escape Travel, recommends an easy, breezy getaway that's quick to reach and packed with everything you need in one spot. "One of my favorite beach destinations to recommend is Delray Beach. Very easy flights from most of the East Coast, lots of hotel options, and a great stretch of beach," Blume said. Here, you can "walk everywhere in terms of dining and nightlife, plus there are always cultural events. It's a reasonable getaway and a good option for a long weekend."
Chelsea Wimberley, an online scout for Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism, invites travelers to visit her home turf. "Destin-Fort Walton Beach is surrounded by water, and each waterway is different. We have The Gulf, Choctawhatchee Bay, Destin Harbor, and each is unique for all kinds of water activities. It's also the perfect place to try something new, such as snorkeling, fishing, or paddleboarding." Her must-see picks include the tidepools and the Gulf on Okaloosa Island because it's "laid back, kids can play in the sand, and right on the water."
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