This Is the No. 1 Beach in the U.S. Southeast—and It Has Some of the Bluest and Clearest Waters in the Nation
"Located on Florida's eastern coast, I found Ocean Reef Park in Riviera, Florida, to stand above the rest — a recent study from Beach.com named it the best beach in the southeastern U.S., and it's roughly 13 acres in size." - Lydia Price
Lydia Price
Lydia Price is a senior engagement editor at Travel + Leisure, where she hosts short-form videos and leads content engagement initiatives.
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We had an amazing day here! Lots of snorkeling fun and so much sea life to swim with. We saw squids, lots of different kinds of fish, and even a nurse shark! Being able to swim with the schools of little fish is magical. Definitely will be back again as it was worth the 2-3 hour drive from the golf side of the state. I will say the sand is HOT!!! wear something protective not flip flops...you will burn your feet!!!!
Rachel Snow
Google
This is 1 of my favorite beaches. Beautiful blue ocean. You can see 🐟 🐠. So many shells 🐚. Absolutely love this park .
Stephanie Cristina
Google
Such a beautiful park with picnic tables, charcoal grills, free parking, and lots of trees for shade. There are bathrooms and outdoor showers to rinse yourself. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as their water fountains don’t work.
Mostafa Dargahi
Google
Wonderful place, highly recommended! ❤️🌅
Free parking beautiful beach stone beach and sand beach beautiful fishes
K Hattie
Google
We were there 10/11/2025. NO swimming, beach walk looked like a cliff from the angry ocean.
Vasile Bivol
Google
If you like corals, snorkeling and blowing rocks-thats the best place in SE and probably in Florida. The best time to me is on a sunny days especially when there is no winds in the morning and late afternoon as there are a lot of fish and abundant sea creatures. I have seen turtles and sting rays many times. This is one of my favorite place in Florida
Georgia
Google
Beautiful, crystal clear water. Very clean beach, lots of shells, great place to snorkel. Free parking, as every beach should be free for all to enjoy.
Yolanda Brown
Google
Nice beach park with plenty of parking. Nice family park there space for private grilling while the kids and grandkids enjoy the water