Florida features more comfy coastline than almost any other US state. Thus, finding a great hidden beach in a place with a lot of sunworshippers is a challenge. Fortunately for you readers, we’ve done our homework. So, without further ado, here are nine hidden beaches in Florida that the locals try to keep a secret.

9 Hidden Beaches In Florida That The Locals Try To Keep A Secret

1. Vilano Beach

When you’ve seen enough of historic downtown St. Augustine or are simply tired of the crowds, grab your towel and head to Vilano Beach in St Johns County. Nestled on the north side of memorable Matanzas Inlet, this beach is best known for its laid-back vibe and surf waves. You won’t find any super stylish accommodations here but if that’s your thing you can book a room right across the bridge back in St. Augustine at the popular Casa Monica Resort & Spa. Travel writers praise this place for its exceptional Old Town location, second-floor pool, and Spanish Revival architecture which harkens back to the 1800s.

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Pass-a-Grille Beach

According to travel writers, the majority of tourists visiting St. Petersburg and Tampa typically head for the crowded beaches of St. Pete or Clearwater. The more knowledgeable traveler, however, goes south at the Don CeSar hotel in St. Pete Beach and instead head for pretty Pass-a-Grille. This colorful place was actually named after the native fishermen who once grilled fresh fish right on the sand there. Be sure to dine at the dockside seafood restaurant known as Sea Critters and try some fresh cobia and grouper.

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Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sebastian Inlet State Park is located six miles north of Vero Beach and 10 miles south of popular Melbourne Beach. Its nigh-legendary fishing pier is perfect for addicted anglers because it’s a great place to fish. The undeveloped and dune-backed beach is super for hardcore surfers too.  

Animal lovers might even spot ospreys, sea turtles, and several species of shorebirds. Spend the night at Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa. It’s south of Sebastian in Vero Beach with an oceanfront location. Veteran visitors confirm that it also includes an exceptional Cuban restaurant.

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Calusa Beach, Florida Keys

Regular readers know the Florida Keys are well-known for a number of different things such as sweet sunsets and world-class fishing. Their beaches, however, aren’t really the stuff of legend. After all, the Florida Keys are actually coral islands.  

Thus, their beaches are often mucky, pebble-strewn, or shallow. You can still score a beautiful patch of sand, but it helps if you know where to look. Head for Big Pine Key.  

Sandspur Beach in Bahia Honda State Park is arguably one of the key’s best hidden beaches. Here you will find turquoise water and powdery white sand. Compare that to neighboring Loggerhead Beach which has a solid, shallow-water sandbar that rises at low tide. Once you have had your fill of the beach and the park, spend the night at the memorable Amara Cay Resort on striking Islamorada, known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” 

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Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park is nestled on the sunny southern end of bustling Fort Myers Beach. Here on lovely Lovers Key, the largest of the state park’s four barrier isles, you will find a beautiful two-mile stretch of sand.

Here the beachgoers are actually outnumbered by the wading birds. You can get to this beach by boardwalk or by taking the tram (if you have a lot of luggage to lug.) If you’re big on shell hunting, you will love this beach. Here you will find large swaths of attractive, intact seashells that are constantly deposited here thanks to the lovely lapping Gulf of Mexico. Book a room at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina in Fort Myers.

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 Navarre Beach

You will discover Navarre Beach between the tourist hot spots of Destin and Pensacola Beach. This comparatively hidden gem is a panhandle hideaway that most folks outside of the area even consider. Indeed, this laidback seaside community features sparkling water from the Gulf of Mexico and generally crowd-free sugar-white beaches. Here in “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place,” you can play a game of beach volleyball, stroll along the pier, and try to spot dolphins and sea turtles too.

Gasparilla Island

Gasparilla Island is a generally ignored stretch of the Gulf Coast, south of Sarasota and north of Sanibel. This angler’s paradise is both secluded and naturally gorgeous. Since the entire isle is automobile-free, you can not only enjoy strolls on the beach but also nature walks.  

Indeed, if you enjoy animals, you will be happy to know that you’ll often see sea turtles, manatees, and even dolphins putting on a show for you. Enjoy such watersports as scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Dine at one of the atmospheric eateries and spend the night at the Main Inn.

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Longboat Key

The town of Longboat Key is ensconced on the beautiful barrier island of the same name. Just head toward Sarasota. When you see the crowds thinning and the tropical foliage thickening, you’ll be in Longboat Key.

The beach here is actually pretty well hidden and it only has a couple of public access points too. Looking for a place to stay? Head for the key’s southern end to the sprawling Resort at Longboat Key Club. It has great gulf-front rooms, a golf course, and its own marina as well.

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Grayton Beach

Florida is famous for its beautiful coastline. However, South Walton in Florida’s famous Panhandle has beaches with emerald water and some of the softest sand anywhere. Again, you just have to know exactly where to go.

In this case, go to the friendly seaside spot known as Grayton Beach. Be sure to book your accommodations at the favored WaterColor Inn & Resort, at the end of popular Grayton Beach State Park. Here you can enjoy easy access to all of the dune-backed beautiful beach Florida property you will ever need. 

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