The Sunshine State is known for its beautiful beaches, with the usual suspects like Siesta Key, Daytona, and 30A popular places for beach bums. If you'd prefer to skip the crowds and enjoy a more laid-back beachgoing experience, we've got you covered! Here are seven hidden beaches in Florida perfect for a day, weekend, or entire vacation; just make sure to pack the sunscreen and beach umbrella!
Visit 7 Hidden Beaches in Florida on This Road Trip Adventure
1. Little Talbot Island
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers⬩Jacksonville, FL
Talbot Island State Parks features seven different parks and is easily one of the most beautiful places in Florida. While all are worthy of a visit, Little Talbot Island holds a special place in our heart; this island offers five miles of sandy beach access that remains delightfully untouched and uncrowded. It's easily of our favorite beaches in Florida and a gorgeous hidden gem.
2. Vilano Beach
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers⬩Vilano Beach, FL
The next stop on this hidden beaches in Florida road trip is one of St. Augustine’s best kept secrets: the stunning Vilano Beach. Located just north of the downtown historic district and Matanzas Inlet, Vilano Beach is a real gem for adventure enthusiasts, with surfing, skim boarding and kiteboarding all particularly awesome at this Florida beach.
3. Pass-a-Grille Beach
Trips & Routes⬩Saint Pete Beach, FL
While Pass-a-Grille is more known than the other Florida beaches listed, it remains a lesser developed, well-maintained beach with limited hotels dotting the shoreline. Our Senior Editor Marisa Roman says the sunsets at Pass-a-Grille Beach are particularly noteworthy.
4. Shell Key Preserve
Trips & Routes⬩Tierra Verde, FL
If you're looking for a hidden beach in Florida that's truly off the beaten path, this next stop is for you! As an underdeveloped barrier island near Tampa Bay, Shell Key Preserve has been deemed one of the most crucial areas for shorebird nesting; as such, this Edenic hidden beach is only accessible by boat. Road trippers can access the beach a la the Shell Key Ferry, but if you're feeling extra adventurous, Shell Key Preserve is also accessible via kayak.
5. Keewaydin Island
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers⬩Florida
One of the primary barrier reefs off the coast of Naples, Keewaydin Island remains a hidden gem for many Florida visitors—and residents! Another Florida beach that's only accessible by boat, plan to grab the Hemingway Water Shuttle or Gulf Breeze Charters in order to reach Keewaydin Island (but hey, a little detour is all part of a road trip, right?).
6. Sombrero Beach
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers⬩Marathon, FL
As you continue on down through The Florida Keys, you’ll come across the gem of a beach known as Sombrero Beach. Right near Mile Marker 50 on the island of Marathon, you’ll be able to enjoy some serenity and peace right on the Atlantic side. But what’s more, is that this hidden beach is wildly popular for Loggerhead turtle nesting, so make sure to be careful where you explore!
7. Calusa Beach
Trips & Routes⬩Big Pine Key, FL
Located on the southern tip of the Florida Keys, Calusa Beach boasts the white sands and clear waters for which the Keys are known. Calusa Beach’s shallow shores offer opportunities for snorkeling and its calm waters make it a great option for families.
Florida's beaches are the best beaches, and if you're keen to discover a hidden beach that feels like your very own, this road trip is a great place to start! Do you have a favorite hidden beach in Florida you'd like to share with your fellow travelers? Let us know!
