Fun in the summer sun: that’s all we really want, right? While you can visit some incredible beaches in Florida all year round, some are just infinitely better when you visit during the summer months. In case you don’t want to get stuck visiting those super-crowded beaches, we have some hidden gem beaches in Florida to add to your summer bucket list. Get your swimsuits on, pack a beach bag, and lather on that sunscreen: these hidden beaches are where the fun is definitely at any time you need a beach fix!

1. Usina Beach — St. Augustine, FL

First up on our list of hidden beach gems in Florida is Usina Beach. While many locals or visitors flock to St. Augustine for the historical elements of the city, not too many come to kick back on the beach, which is why Usina Beach is a hidden gem for many. Enjoy one of the best-kept beach secrets in Florida right here.

2. Playalinda Beach — Canaveral National Seashore, FL

Located on Florida’s East Coast, Playalinda Beach is a gem because it’s located right next to the Kennedy Space Center. Backed by grassy dunes and various plants, enjoy what has been dubbed the "longest undeveloped stretch of oceanfront on Florida's east coast." This top-secret beach in Florida is easily one of its best.

3. Cayo Costa State Park — Captiva, FL

While everyone has dubbed the best beach to go shelling as either Captiva or Sanibel, others argue that it is Cayo Costa State Park. Nine miles in length, Cayo Costa offers seashells along the seashore that you won’t find elsewhere. Spend the weekend camping in Florida ON the island and explore it for days.

4. St. George Island — Franklin County, FL

Located in the panhandle along Florida's hidden coast, you’ll find St. George Island. This 22-mile barrier island in the Gulf is home to some of the quietest, most unspoiled beaches in the entire state. Enjoy visiting the state park and explore all the unfettered natural beauty this gem has to offer. This is one of the best beaches in Florida for ocean lovers.

5. Caladesi Island State Park — Dunedin, FL

There are really only two quick ways to get to this stunning state park in Florida — to take the ferry known as the Caladesi Connection or to take a private boat! Since not everyone is aware of these two options, this only means that this beach remains one of those secret spots. If you’re lucky, you might just have a whole stretch of beach to yourself. This is one of the most hidden gem vacation spots in Florida you can't miss out on.

6. Juno Beach — Palm Beach County, FL

Juno Beach is an actual town in Palm Beach County with just a few thousand residents. While visiting, you’ll have a truly unspoiled coastline, plus a perfect beachy vibe that will be as laid back as it gets. Head to the pier and step out onto the beautiful rolling waves.

7. Captiva Island — Fort Myers

Ahh, Captiva Island. It doesn’t get much better than this one. Not only is Captiva Island a true shelling paradise, but it also remains one of the prettiest beaches around. You don’t need much to enjoy this Florida Island, just a sense of adventure and a slower-than-usual pace. This is a beach town in Florida you'll fall in love with pretty fast.

8. Blowing Rocks Preserve — Hobe Sound, FL

This protected barrier island has been appreciated for years as the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on Florida’s east coast. While many visitors are enjoying the one-of-a-kind rock formations, others are splashing in the rolling waves and unobstructed coastline. Anyone interested even a little bit in interesting geology in Florida will find this destination fun and exciting.

If you were to do a search for “beaches near me,” we're pretty sure that at least a few of these would come up near the top of the list!

Have you ever been to these hidden beaches in Florida before? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that they are some of the best hidden gem beaches in Florida? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below! Or if you want to offer up your own suggestions for a few hidden gems in The Sunshine State, then make sure to shout those out, too.

If you enjoy the beach, then you'll definitely enjoy this list of the 10 best seafood restaurants in Florida.

If you’re still in the mood for more Sunshine State adventures, take a look at this video: