Whether you are looking for sun-kissed beaches in quirky surfing towns or far-flung pristine beaches with only sea turtles for company, you’re in for a treat as the best beaches in Davenport, Florida, are simply spectacular!
The best beaches in Davenport, Florida are award-winning Clearwater Beach (87 miles away), Cocoa Beach for water sports (84.9 miles away), The Canaveral National Seashore for wildlife (97,8 miles away), New Smyrna Beach, a laidback town (90 miles away), including dazzling Miami Beach (232 miles away).
While numerous stunning beaches are relatively close to Davenport, Florida, few beaches tick every box in terms of their scenery and an eclectic mix of fun activities. So, if you want to know why the following beaches are the best – read on!
Clearwater Beach
Distance from Davenport, Florida: 87 miles (1 hr 33 min)
Consistently voted as one of the greatest beach towns in Florida and winner of the 2022 Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice award, Clearwater Beach, nestled in the idyllic Gulf Coast Tampa Bay area, is a beach lovers’ paradise!
While there are several fun things to do in the Clearwater Beach area, the pristine shoreline with its dazzling powdery soft white sand and inviting crystal clear, shallow water is the main attraction for a great family day in the sun.
It’s one of those charming little seaside towns where you can walk for miles on the beach, experience the thrill of encountering dolphins, go for an exhilarating boat ride, read a book in a rented cabana, and try your luck at fishing or enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
Moreover, you can indulge in a leisurely lunch at any of the 50 restaurants in the vicinity without having to drive anywhere (and look for parking).
Then head to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, dedicated to rehabilitating rescued marine animals with your family, to learn more about the ocean’s amazing wildlife.
Cocoa Beach
Distance from Davenport, Florida: 84.9 miles (1 hr 27 min)
Cocoa Beach, situated on Florida’s eastern Atlantic coast in Brevard County, is a surfer’s mecca and home to the iconic 52,000 square feet Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, the world’s biggest surf shop, including the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.
It is one of those rare laid-back small towns where you can truly relax and enjoy the beautifully preserved wildlife that frequents the golden tan-hued beach, even though it has become a popular tourist attraction.
It is also an ideal beach if you want to experience the sheer thrill of windsurfing, kiteboarding, and parasailing or learn to surf the ocean’s soothing waves.
Then head over to the historic pier that juts 800 feet into the vast ocean for a delicious lunch at one of the pier’s five restaurants, listen to some live music, or browse through gift shops for souvenirs.
Other great attractions include deep sea fishing expeditions, airboat rides, and kayak eco-tours where you can encounter Florida’s spectacular wildlife face-to-face.
Other great attractions include the Kennedy Space Center, where you might be fortunate enough to see a rocket launch in action, including numerous interesting historic sites and museums where you can immerse yourself in the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Canaveral National Seashore
Distance from Davenport, Florida: 97,8 miles (1 hr 41 min)
The Canaveral National Seashore is an ideal getaway destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get away from it all and explore mother nature’s bounty in a pristine sanctuary for endangered wildlife, including sea turtles frequent the beach to lay their eggs amidst the sand.
Remember to bring a picnic basket with you as there are no restaurants or hotels around the seashore with limited picnic tables, so you might have to enjoy your lunch on the beach.
Oh, and don’t be surprised if you happen to see other visitors in their “birthday suites” at one of the surrounding nude beaches, as nudity is legal in that area, although the police regularly patrol them to keep them safe.
There are also numerous great outdoor activities to choose from, like horseback riding, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating, and swimming, including a breathtaking hiking trail close to the sanctuary’s Visitor’s Center, and you can even camp at the nearby Klondike Beach if you have a permit.
New Smyrna Beach
Distance from Davenport, Florida: 90 miles (1 hr 36 min)
New Smyrna Beach, situated on the scenic Central Atlantic Coast, is a one-a-kind beach town with a gorgeous sandy coastline, stunning coastal architecture, a thriving surfing community, and a vibrant art scene steeped in history.
It features a drivable shoreline, outstanding eco-tourism, and several pet-friendly amenities. So, your fur babies can tag along to explore all this charming town has to offer.
There are numerous great outdoor activities to choose from, including amazing eateries and interesting little boutiques where you can shop until you drop.
Then head to the award-winning Smyrna Dunes Park, situated at the Ponce De Leon southern shoreline, which features a 2-mile elevated boardwalk with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce de Leon Inlet, and the Indian River.
Miami Beach
Distance from Davenport, Florida: 232 miles (3 hr 41 min)
Even though Miami Beach is further away from Davenport, Florida, it’s worth a visit if you love an eclectic mix of pristine beaches, delicious Latin American food, delicious cocktails, and a vibe nightlife.
While Miami Beach is famous for its incredible beaches, Lumus Park Beach, which runs alongside scenic Ocean Drive in the trendy South Beach community, is probably one of its finest, and it often features as the backdrop for movies and television shows.
Lumus Park Beach features paved paths for biking and walking, including the iconic Muscle Beach South Beach, an impressive outdoor fitness area, and the park is often used to host several special events, so if you want to experience Miami Beach in all its vibe glory – head on over!
Conclusion
Whether you prefer a laidback seaside town with amazing outdoor activities and incredible eateries or the windswept serenity of an untouched coastal sanctuary, Davenport, Florida, has some of the finest beaches on the planet. So, what are you waiting for?
Resources
- https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Attraction_Review-g34439-d183810-Reviews-Lummus_Park_Beach-Miami_Beach_Florida.html
- https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=beaches&find_loc=Davenport%2C+FL
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g34169-i1256-k5699414-Going_to_davenport_Florida_what_beach_is_closest-Davenport_Florida.html
- https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Attraction_Review-g34471-d3604845-Reviews-New_Smyrna_Town_Beach-New_Smyrna_Beach_Florida.html
- https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Attraction_Review-g34606-d3161449-Reviews-St_Pete_Beach-St_Pete_Beach_Florida.html