6 Secret, Uncrowded Beaches in Florida

by  Kimberly Button | Aug 17, 2015
Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Burea
Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Burea / Bean Point Dunes

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida has plenty of shoreline to go around. In fact, its world-renowned beaches span a whopping 663 miles. And it's because of this fame that you must choose carefully, lest you end up somewhere where you can't see the sand for the beach towels and lounge chairs. For rest and relaxation, choose these six quiet beaches that are no less spectacular -- just less crowded.

Pass-A-Grille Beach, located on the Gulf coast, is one of the few towns in Florida where there's almost no development directly on the 31-block beach -- meaning it's perfect for those who want to revel in sun and sand without any distractions. That said, this doesn’t mean that modern amenities are far away. A handful of inns, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. Another surprise: This hidden gem is only 10 minutes away from the busier St. Pete Beach.

So secret that there are no signs directing you to the beach, Bean Point is a favorite among locals on Anna Maria Island. This spot where the Gulf of Mexico joins Tampa Bay offers some great shell collecting, too. The beach is located on the very northern tip of the island, and getting there is much easier by bike -- though you can always try to grab one of the few parking spots available. We especially recommend this one for an evening stroll; the sunsets on Bean Point are spectacular.

One of Florida’s southernmost state parks, Bahia Honda State Park, is a rustic beach in the Florida Keys where nature is the star of the show. Snorkeling excursions to the nearby reef unveil the colorful underwater world, while land-based activities, such as birding, camping, fishing, and nature trails also await.

Located in the less-populated panhandle of Florida, Franklin County boast more than 250 miles of beaches. Tahiti Beach, covered with palm trees, can only be accessed by boat -- making it, arguably, the quietest spot for sunbathing and napping you'll find. (The strong currents here make the surrounding waters unsuitable for swimming.) Unit Four Beach is also extremely remote. While it has no facilities, it makes for a fantastic and completely different experience, thanks to its natural shallow oyster bars that attract eagles and osprey and the freshwater pools that teem with fish along the coastline. Finally, Old Carrabelle Beach is made for strolling hand-in-hand and watching a picture-perfect sunset.

Chris Sanchez / Pass-a-Grille Beach

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