10 Secret Beaches in Florida

by Kimberly Button and Lauren Dana Ellman

10 Secret Beaches in Florida

by Kimberly Button and Lauren Dana Ellman

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is home to a whopping 663 miles of pristine beaches. For rest and relaxation, consider visiting one of these 10 often-overlooked, quiet beaches in Florida.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is home to a whopping 663 miles of pristine beaches. For rest and relaxation, choose these TK often-overlooked, quiet beaches.

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Juno Beach, FL / Sean Pavone/iStock
Pass-A-Grille, FL
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Pass-A-Grille

This quaint resort town, which is technically part of St. Pete Beach, features postcard-worthy white-sand beaches and crystal-blue waters. Pass-A-Grille's historic 8th Avenue was also named the shortest Main Street in America, according to Ripley's Believe It or Not! (it's just 250 yards long!). Here, you'll find restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and gorgeous architecture. 

Read more: Three Ways to Explore St. Pete Beach

This quaint resort town, which is technically part of St. Pete Beach, features postcard-worthy white-sand beaches and crystal-blue waters. Pass-A-Grille's historic 8th Avenue was also named the shortest Main Street in America, according to Ripley's Believe It or Not! (it's just 250 yards long!). Here, you'll find restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and gorgeous architecture. 

Read more: Three Ways to Explore St. Pete Beach

Bean Point, FL
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Bean Point

Bean Point is a favorite among locals on Anna Maria Island. 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). Also, the sunsets here are absolutely spectacular. If you love to collect seashells, this is the beach for you.

Read more: 13 Islands in the U.S. for an Affordable Getaway
 

 

Bean Point is a favorite among locals on Anna Maria Island. 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). Also, the sunsets here are absolutely spectacular. If you love to collect seashells, this is the beach for you.

Read more: 13 Islands in the U.S. for an Affordable Getaway 

 

 

Bahia Honda State Park, FL
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Bahia Honda State Park

At Bahia Honda State Park, which is located in the Florida Keys, 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. Bahia Honda State Park also makes a great day trip from Key West, which is about 45 minutes away by car.

Read more: A Budget Guide to Key West

At Bahia Honda State Park, which is located in the Florida Keys, 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. Bahia Honda State Park also makes a great day trip from Key West, which is about 45 minutes away by car.

 

Honeymoon Island, FL
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Honeymoon Island

This state park is home to one of the most pristine shorelines along the Gulf of Mexico. There are four miles of beach to explore, along with scenic hiking trails for walking, running, or biking. Here, it's easy to find your very own private slice of paradise: Just stroll a few minutes past the main entrance to bypass any crowds.

Read more: The Quaint, History-Filled Florida Beach Town That's Still a Secret

This state park is home to one of the most pristine shorelines along the Gulf of Mexico. There are four miles of beach to explore, along with scenic hiking trails for walking, running, or biking. Here, it's easy to find your very own private slice of paradise: Just stroll a few minutes past the main entrance to bypass any crowds.

 Read more: The Quaint, History-Filled Florida Beach Town That's Still a Secret

Cayo Costa State Park
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Cayo Costa State Park

This secluded, nine-mile stretch of coastline is only accessible by boat. Here, you'll find beautiful seashells, unspoiled beaches, and tons of natural beauty. If you love to fish, this is the place to be. The park is also home to several scenic hiking trails, so be sure to bring comfy shoes to change into after a dip in the ocean. 

Read more: Take in the Outdoors on This Romantic Florida Getaway

This secluded, nine-mile stretch of coastline is only accessible by boat. Here, you'll find beautiful seashells, unspoiled beaches, and tons of natural beauty. If you love to fish, this is the place to be. The park is also home to several scenic hiking trails, so be sure to bring comfy shoes to change into after a dip in the ocean. 

Read more: Take in the Outdoors on This Romantic Florida Getaway

Lovers Key State Park
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Lovers Key State Park

At Lovers Key State Park, spend the day soaking up the sun on the beach, kayaking through two-and-a-half miles of estuaries (if you're lucky, you may even spot a manatee or a dolphin), or just spend some time admiring the beautiful surroundings and stunning flora.

Read more: 12 Ultra-Affordable (Or Free!) Must-See Nature Spots in Fort Myers and Sanibel

At Lovers Key State Park, spend the day soaking up the sun on the beach, kayaking through two-and-a-half miles of estuaries (if you're lucky, you may even spot a manatee or a dolphin), or just spend some time admiring the beautiful surroundings and stunning flora.

Read more: 12 Ultra-Affordable (Or Free!) Must-See Nature Spots in Fort Myers and Sanibel 

Santa Rosa Beach
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Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach, located on Florida's Emerald Coast, boasts 26 miles of gorgeous beaches. After a day well spent at the beach, enjoy fresh seafood and peruse some of the nearby art galleries. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts should visit the nearby Point Washington State Forest, which spans an astounding 15,000-acres. 

Read more: 6 Under-the-Radar, Affordable North Florida Beaches

Santa Rosa Beach, located on Florida's Emerald Coast, boasts 26 miles of gorgeous beaches. After a day well spent at the beach, enjoy fresh seafood and peruse some of the nearby art galleries. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts should visit the nearby Point Washington State Forest, which spans an astounding 15,000-acres. 

Read more: 6 Under-the-Radar, Affordable North Florida Beaches

Juno Beach
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Juno Beach

Juno Beach is conveniently located between Jupiter and Palm Beach. The beach is flanked by both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, which means there are plenty of recreational activities to partake in, including fishing, kayaking, surfing, and everything in between. And, while you're here, be on the lookout for adorable nesting sea turtles.

Read more: Your Ultimate Guide to Palm Beach

Juno Beach is conveniently located between Jupiter and Palm Beach. The beach is flanked by both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, which means there are plenty of recreational activities to partake in, including fishing, kayaking, surfing, and everything in between. And, while you're here, be on the lookout for adorable nesting sea turtles.

Read more: Your Ultimate Guide to Palm Beach

St. George Island
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St. George Island

St. George Island, a barrier island surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, spans just 28 miles. It's the perfect place to catch up on some much-needed R&R. Here, you can take a sunset cruise, go fishing or kayaking, or simply soak up the sun on the sand. The crystal-clear waters are also great for swimming and wildlife spotting. 

Read more: 15 Essentials for Your Next Beach Trip
 

St. George Island, a barrier island surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, spans just 28 miles. It's the perfect place to catch up on some much-needed R&R. Here, you can take a sunset cruise, go fishing or kayaking, or simply soak up the sun on the sand. The crystal-clear waters are also great for swimming and wildlife spotting. 

Read more: 15 Essentials for Your Next Beach Trip

 

 

Grayton Beach, Florida
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Grayton Beach

From fresh seafood to bustling beachside bars, to beautiful emerald-green waters, this laid-back South Walton town offers so much to see and do. After spending a few days relaxing at the beach, head to the sprawling, 400-acre Grayton Beach State Park, where you can paddleboard or kayak along a salt marsh. The park is also home to scenic trails, sand dunes, and even a forest.

Read more: What to Bring to Your Vacation Rental
 

 

From fresh seafood to bustling beachside bars, to beautiful emerald-green waters, this laid-back South Walton town offers so much to see and do. After spending a few days relaxing at the beach, head to the sprawling, 400-acre Grayton Beach State Park, where you can paddleboard or kayak along a salt marsh. The park is also home to scenic trails, sand dunes, and even a forest.

Read more: What to Bring to Your Vacation Rental

 

 

 

 

 

 

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