Florida Atlantic Coast Barrier Islands: The Best Beaches You Need to Visit

Florida’s Atlantic barrier islands tend to feel breezier, wilder and more kinetic than the Gulf. The Atlantic brings more wave energy. Beaches can feel longer and more windswept. You are more likely to see surfers, kiteboarders and anglers working currents and cuts. Many Atlantic barrier islands also sit near older coastal cities, giving trips a layered feel — history in the morning, beach in the afternoon.