Best Florida Kid-friendly Beaches for Families
Related Post: Blowing Rocks Preserve: A Must-See Adventure in Jupiter Island.
photo by local mom, Abby Bridges
Best Florida Beaches for families
It’s no surprise that this list of the best family beaches in Florida is all on the Treasure Coast.
We have some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches!
Where is the Treasure Coast?
The treasure coast is a highly desired travel destination on the east coast of Florida, beginning from the northernmost part, Sebastian, to the southernmost part, Jupiter Island. Just south of the Treasure Coast is Palm Beach County, a fun, but much busier place to travel.
If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful beaches, but desire a less-crowded scene, then you’ve come to the right place—the insider’s scoop on the best Florida family beaches!
Kid-friendly beaches in Martin County
Hobe Sound Beach
Situated in Martin County, Hobe Sound Beach is a scenic beach with clear waters and soft sands. It has lifeguards, restrooms and picnic areas. See below why this ranks as one of the best Florida beaches for families
This is a beautiful beach but as a local, I feel obliged to share a really fun itinerary, that leads you to this little slice of heaven in the picture above.
Go to the Hobe Sound Nature Center, on Federal Highway. There, you can enjoy a free educational experience related to Florida’s wildlife. You can access the Indian River lagoon beach from the nature center parking lot, or from the 0.7 mile hiking trail directly behind it.
I’d rate the trail as easy, with little elevation gain and some moderate terrain-however for littles ones it can be more challenging, especially on extremely hot days.
I suggest packing a bakpack with sunscreen, bug-repellent, water and a first aid kit before hitting the trail!
The trail will lead you down to the lagoon, where you can enjoy the beach. But, my favorite itinerary is to leave all my bags in the car, explore the air- conditioned nature center, grab my backpack for the hike and then finally come back to the car and grab my beach stuff to access the lagoon from the parking lot entrance!
Indian Riverside Park
Jensen Beach: Located in Martin County, directly behind the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, this beach is on the Indian River lagoon, and offers a family-friendly atmosphere with shallow waters for littles ones. It also features a boardwalk and trail path, restrooms, pavilions, wide open grass fields, and a large interactive splash pad!
Stuart Beach
Also in Martin County, Stuart Beach is a top family friendly beach in Florida. It has lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and is home to a beachy, local-favorite waterfront diner: the Seaside Cafe.
Photo by local mom, Dana Simkins
things to do near Port Saint Lucie
Bathtub Reef Beach
This special beach is temporarily closed due to hurricane damage. Located In Martin County, Bathtub Reef Beach is known for its shallow and calm waters, making it a great beach for kids. During low tide, the reef serves as a barrier to the ocean creating a “bathtub.” However, when the tide is higher than the reef, the animals can swim over it and get stuck there when the tide goes back down. The reef being so close to shore is such a unique part of this beach, and you’ll be sure to see some marine life upon your visit. You may even see sharks!
Jensen Beach
Located in Martin County, Jensen Beach is known as the pineapple capital of the world, and Jensen Beach Park is known for its turquoise waters! Free parking is located very close by. You’ll conveniently find the laid-back and relaxing atmosphere of the Sand Dune Cafe. This is a great beach to visit before exploring the quaint downtown area.
Photo by local mom, Christie O’Neill
Looking for another option in Jensen that’s less crowded? Check out Waveland Beach. This beach has lifeguards, restrooms, pavilions, and convenient parking. The beach offers shallow waters that makes it great for kids.
things to do near Port Saint Lucie
Kid-Friendly Beaches in St. Lucie County
Pepper Park Beach
Fort Pierce beaches are recognized as some of the most beautiful and clear waters on this coast. This kid-friendly beach is directly behind the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum. Pepper Park Beach is a popular beach for families because it offers calm waters, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic areas, and a playground. The shallow reefs are not far from shore and make for a great snorkeling spot! Pack a beach bag for a fun day of exploring the Navy Seal Museum, the playground next to it, and Pepper Park Beach. There is easy access parking to all three if you pull into the Navy Seal Museum entrance.
Looking for a list of the ultimate playgrounds on the Treasure Coast? Check out my guide here
Best Playgrounds on the Treasure Coast
Photo by local mom, Christie O’Neill
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Where the Indian River meets the Atlantic Ocean, you can be sure this beach is well-maintained due to it being a state park preserve!
Photo contributed by local mom, Emma Laing
When visiting, note that the Fort Pierce Inlet state park is on the North side of Hutchinson Island. You’ll want to take US-1 to North Causeway. If you wind up on South Causeway, you’ll get to other beaches, restaurants, and hotels. So, that’s not such a terrible place to get lost.
Visitors contribute $6 per car of up to 8 people to help preserve the beauty of Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. It is well-worth the money in exchange for a less-crowded beach, shallow water for kids to play, hiking trails, and picnic tables. You may even spot some manatees or dolphins!
Photo by local mom, Jennifer Durick
Walton Rocks Beach
Located in St. Lucie County, Walton Rocks Beach is a pet-friendly beach where families can enjoy a day out with their furry friends. The beach has lifeguards, restrooms, picnic areas, and an area designated for dogs to play-making it one of the best Florida beaches for families. Well, fur families, that is.
Best Florida Beaches for families on the Treasure Coast
Kid-Friendly Beaches in Vero Beach
South Beach Park
Looking for beaches in Vero? At this beach, you’ll enjoy wide-open field of white sand, turquoise water, restrooms, paved parking, ADA access, shaded picnic areas and nearby dining along Ocean Avenue. Lifeguards are usually on duty. Shark Bait Beach Gear Rentals offer fantastic seating and shade during season.
Photo by local mom, Olivia Coogan
Best beaches for kids near me
Have you checked out my Best Playgrounds on the Treasure Coast guide yet?
Remember to always check local guidelines and beach conditions before visiting, as they may vary. If visiting a beach in Martin County, you can call (772) 320-3112 to listen to a pre-recorded message on weather, lifeguard status, and other notices.
