With over 1,300 miles of coastline, Florida is a beachgoer’s dream. Despite the state’s abundance of sandy beaches, it can be difficult to find a peaceful and private beach that has not yet been overrun by tourists.
Fortunately, there are still a few lesser-known locations where you may experience a sense of discovery (and have plenty of room for your beach blanket). Some spots can only be reached by boat, but, like many natural marvels, the journey is well worth it. Below, we’ve listed six of Florida’s best-kept secret beaches.
Boneyard Beach, Jacksonville
Enter the ghostly scene inside Big Talbot Island State Park, just south of Amelia Island, where salt-dusted skeletons are all that remains of the oak and cedar trees that once defended this stretch of coastline. Stroll the beach and notice the aroma of the coastal trees directly behind the huge sand dunes.
At the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, guests may relax on a large, crescent-shaped pool deck with views of 1.5 miles of shoreline. Golfers flock to the 18-hole championship golf course, which is flanked by wetlands and moss-covered oaks.
Santa Rosa Beach, Walton County
When you first see this 26-mile stretch of north Florida beach, you’ll assume you’ve landed in the Caribbean. It’s reminiscent of both Aruba and Curaçao. Quartz crystals pour down from the Appalachian Mountains, settling on the sugar-white sand and causing it to shine. The gemstone-colored water explains why the area is known as Florida’s Emerald Coast; its placid, flat surface is ideal for paddle boarding.
Stay: The main area in Rosemary Beach, inspired by the West Indies, is surrounded by cottages and villas, as well as booksellers, boutiques, and cafés that specialize in Southern cuisine.
Playalinda Beach, Brevard County
To get to this beautiful section of Canaveral National Seashore, you must first drive through a wildlife reserve. With bald eagles, manatees, and loggerhead turtles hidden in marshes, you’ll feel like you’re playing nature’s version of “I Spy” on your journey to one of the state’s most quiet beaches. Perhaps more stunning is the absence of buildings, traffic, and motorized watersports along nearly 24 miles of pristine shoreline. You will, however, see azure waves, which keep the soundtrack relaxing and the bodysurfing enjoyable.
Stay: While bustling Cocoa Beach is the closest beach town, the Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach Shores is better suited to maintaining a peaceful vibe.
Boca Beach on Gasparilla Island
“Hush, don’t rush” is the unofficial mantra on Gasparilla Island, which lies between Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. The one-mile stretch of pristine white sand is littered with driftwood and shells, transforming the beach into a natural art exhibit. The blue seas are regarded as some of the best for both sailing and tarpon fishing, with a decent chance of seeing dolphins and sea turtles.
Stay: The beautiful Gasparilla Inn & Club is ideal for individuals who enjoy porch swings, clapboard shutters, and afternoon tea.
Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin
Take a 20-minute boat voyage to beautiful Caladesi Island, where good things come in threes: three miles of beaches teeming with mollusk shells and sand dollars, a three-mile nature trail through tropical mangrove woods, and three miles of paddling routes. Gopher tortoises burrow among sand dunes, and shorebirds wade in the surf, creating a natural spectacle. A snack shack provides picnic food, kayaks, and beach chairs, so all you need to bring is your swimsuit.
Stay: The hacienda-style Hotel Zamora in adjacent St. Pete Beach has architecture influenced by its namesake Spanish region and features spacious balconies, a rooftop bar, and a tapas-style restaurant.
Pensacola Beach, Santa Rosa Island
Pensacola Beach, located on a beautiful 40-mile barrier island, offers translucent seas that are best enjoyed at low tide, when you may travel hundreds of yards and see nothing but a sandy, winter-white bottom and perhaps a few minnows. This postcard-worthy beach is located on the nation’s longest stretch of protected shoreline, and with fewer than 3,000 residents, you may be the only person you see while there.
Stay: Paradise Beach Homes’ luxurious waterfront villas rent for a fraction of the price of more popular Florida beaches and provide nicer views.
Conclusion
Florida’s hidden gems offer serene escapes from tourist crowds. From the haunting beauty of Boneyard Beach to the Caribbean-like allure of Santa Rosa Beach, these tranquil havens provide unique experiences. Whether it’s the wildlife-rich Playalinda Beach, the driftwood-adorned Boca Beach, or the pristine Caladesi Island, these secret spots promise a blissful retreat.