Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach, FL
Sugar-white sand within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, with dunes protected from development and water clear enough for snorkeling near the jetties.
Water clarity near the jetties is best on calm days with little wind chop, so check the forecast before planning to snorkel.
More Gulf Coast beaches
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key, FL · Gulf Coast
Fine quartz sand that stays cool underfoot even in summer, sloping gently into calm Gulf water, and consistently rated among the best family beaches in the country.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater, FL · Gulf Coast
A lively Gulf-front strip with a fishing pier, a nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60, and calm, shallow water that makes it an easy family favorite.
Gulf Shores Public Beach
Gulf Shores, AL · Gulf Coast
Broad, quartz-white sand along Alabama's short but scenic coastline, with warm, calm water and a slower pace than its bigger Florida neighbors.