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20 Best Secluded Beaches in Florida

Victoria Green

Finding secluded beaches in Florida can seem like a challenge. 

With nearly 8,500 miles of coastline, Florida is known for having the best beaches leaving you with an overwhelming number of options.

Skip the beach search and peek through our list of carefully curated secluded beaches in Florida.

These destinations help you enjoy Florida’s warm, sandy beaches without fighting the crowds. 

You’ll experience miles of pristine, white sand and picturesque views of the rolling turquoise waves that will leave you with a desire to spend every hour at these beaches.

Whether you prefer a relaxed vibe or an option with many activity opportunities, we’ve got you covered!

Best Secluded Beaches in Florida: Crowd-less Fun for Everyone!

Spend your day on hidden beaches, untouched islands, preserves, and beaches that are idyllic while in Florida. 

Most of these hidden gems are family-friendly and will provide the perfect spot for enjoying what Florida has to offer.

Madeira Beach

Blue beach chairs in Madiera beach Florida

Found in Pinellas County, this secluded beach is sidled up next to John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk along the Gulf of Mexico. 

This charming village is sea-themed, dripping with legends of pirates, and is home to many quaint shops and restaurants along the boardwalk.

You can drop a fishing line into the water like the locals and enjoy the waves lapping against the shoreline in between shopping. Or, spend your time swimming in the serene water.

If you happen to be visiting during October, there’s a large Seafood Festival that you can attend. Grab some tasty bites while enjoying the views from Madeira Beach.

Cayo Costa State Park

White sand beach of Cayo Costa State Park

Cayo Costa State Park features one of the best secluded beaches in Florida. Here, you’ll find the perfect combination of lush green forest and white sandy beach to explore.

This beach is so remote that you’ll have to travel on a ferry and boat to get here! Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with nine miles of a tree-dotted beach to discover.

Spend your day snorkeling or scuba diving to see the marine wildlife. Hunt for shells as you jog or stroll on the shoreline. 

You may even be lucky enough to see a manatee or porpoise breaching the water.

Caladesi Island

A family on a trip to Caladesi Island in Florida

How does visiting one of the most remote beaches in Florida sound? This untouched island stretches along Florida’s Gulf Coast and provides the perfect spot to enjoy fun under the sun with your family.

This spot is another Florida beach you’ll need to travel by boat to reach, adding to the remote feeling you get while visiting. 

Pack a picnic, head to Caladesi Island, and spend the day swimming, fishing, shelling, and enjoying this beach paradise.

You can rent kayaks here, offering a closer look at the wildlife swimming around Caladesi Island. 

There are restrooms, picnic areas, shower stations, and kayak launching areas waiting for you at this beach destination.

Caladesi Island is so stunning that you may even catch a wedding ceremony under the swaying trees.

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach in Florida on a sunny day

Rosemary Beach is a community and one of Florida’s most stunning beach destinations. You can reach the beach by following pathways that lead through lush greenery.

Spend your time swimming in the water under the watchful eye of the lifeguards situated along the beach. 

Many people are content to rent or bring a beach umbrella and watch the tranquil waves shifting.

Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach. This note also means you’ll be able to stroll through the pristine, soft sand confidently to the crystal-clear water.

The charming town of Rosemary Beach is famous for its delicious food options; make sure to try some fresh seafood before going to the next beach destination.

Beautiful white sands of Navarre Beach in Florida

Navarre Beach is one of the quietest beaches in Florida. The Navarre Beach neighborhood’s tagline is “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place,” and we can’t argue with it!

This beautiful beach destination is perfect for those wanting to hang out at the beach without being bothered. 

It’s a place to visit when you need a break from your busy schedule. Walk along the sand as you enjoy the calm waters of Navarre Beach.

Sunbathing and swimming are two of the top activities you’ll see others doing at this beach. 

After hanging out at the beach for a few hours, ride your bike along the scenic pathway. There is also a convenient parking area and restrooms available.

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

View of St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park from above

This barrier island featuring a boardwalk with stunning views of the mangroves, paradise trees, and wild limes made its way to our top secluded beaches in Florida list. 

Yet another beach that requires boat travel to be reached; this is one location you won’t want to miss.

If you visit in the summer, keep an eye out for the different species of turtles that call this island home. 

You may even see some nature students observing the turtles and learning about the trees and plants that grow on the island.

There’s quite a lot to do on this island, including birdwatching, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, camping, and more. 

While this beach is super remote, you’ll still find shower facilities and restrooms at St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park. 

Miramar Beach

Fun and lively Miramar Beach in Florida

Miramar Beach offers a different atmosphere than Navarre Beach. It’s lively, fun, and a great place to enjoy a game of volleyball on the beach or soar over the water while parasailing.

Located in South Walton, this beach has a lot to offer! Miramar Beach is the perfect spot to learn how to surf, with an array of surf shops along the shore.

This beach is a great place to bring kids, as lifeguards are on duty every day until 6 pm. 

Keep an eye on the flag color as you enter the beach area, and don’t brave the water unless the flag is green or yellow.

Other available activities include jet-skiing or enjoying the views from scenic roads along the beach.

Pass-a-Grille

long stretch of Pass-a-Grille beach in Florida

With four miles of sugar sand to stretch out on, it’s safe to say this is a quiet beach in Florida. Even when more people visit Pass-a-Grille Beach, you’ll have plenty of space.

Visiting Pass-a-Grille Beach offers a different atmosphere than most Florida beaches. There is only one building directly on the beach – the Paradise Grille. 

It’s the perfect location to grab a drink and a snack between swimming in the ocean and sunning on a towel.

If you’d rather stay on land, many pathways offer incredible views of the clear water. Keep an eye out for the sea grapes and oats dot these pathways.

Head to town afterward to enjoy the local art markets as you eat an ice cream cone from a mom-and-pop shop.

Clam Pass Park

the Amazing Clam Pass Park

This Naples, Florida beach is one of the busier options on this list, but you’ll still have plenty of room to sit by the water! 

There is a parking lot directly next to this stunning beach, though you’ll want to arrive early on the weekends to avoid any parking snafus.

You can enjoy the preserved habitat along the coast as you trek along the boardwalk and the beach area. 

Here, you’ll find restrooms, a bike rack, and even a foot shower so you can avoid a sand-covered car.

If your kids need a break from building sandcastles, there’s a play place on the beach for them to enjoy. 

Snack time is easy, as the boardwalk leads right to a food stand. Bring cash, as parking attendants and the food stand don’t accept credit cards.

Grayton Beach State Park

Peaceful Grayton Beach State Park
Dramatic views at Grayton Beach

You’ll find Grayton Beach State Park between Destin and Panama City Beach. It features stunning lush green areas, dunes to explore, and a shimmering lake to relax by.

It’s one of the top-rated secluded beaches in Florida (and the US). You can fish, kayak, swim, boat, and watch the wildlife scurrying through the brush during a trip to Grayton Beach State Park.

This park is chock full of amenities, including restrooms, campfire circles, hiking trails, and RV access. 

Grayton Beach State Park is one option that allows you to bring dogs so that you can bring your furry friend for a night of camping under the stars.

Amelia Island State Park

Amazing beach access in Amelia Island in Florida

This state park on the Atlantic Coast has the best beaches for shelling and finding shark teeth in the sand. 

Spend your day swimming in the water, surf fishing from the shore, and kite-flying on the sand.

This state park also offers visitors views of salt marshes and forests that stretch along the coastline. 

If you intend to fish from the pier, stop by the bait and tackle shop for some supplies and tasty snacks.

Another unique activity other Florida state parks don’t offer is horseback riding directly on the beach! There’s also a shower station and picnic area to enjoy.

Barefoot Beach Preserve

 Barefoot Beach Preserve boardwalk surrounded by beautiful scenery

Barefoot Beach Preserve is a nature lovers’ paradise. Not only will you find a beautiful beach to swim at and enjoy the views, but there is a butterfly garden, cactus garden, and a learning center.

This beach is the ideal location for wildlife viewing, both on land and water. Tortoises and turtles lay their eggs on the sand while various fish swim through the water. 

Watch your step if you’re visiting between May and October, as the stingrays love to hang out in the shallow water.

You’ll find restrooms, showers, and wheelchair access to the beach at this lovely spot.

Tigertail Beach

Tigertail Beach on Marco Island in Florida

This beach has two immediate positives going for it – it’s pristine and not crowded. This beach in Marco Island has three miles of soft white sand to stroll on. 

You’ll find a great concession stand that offers rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, and other items you may want to use on the beach.

There’s also a snack bar with beer and sandwiches, the perfect beach combo. 

After spending a few hours at Tigertail Beach, you’ll likely have seen dolphins swimming in the distance and heard birds cawing above.

This beach has a playground, restrooms, parking, and a picnic area. If you’re feeling adventurous, try renting a jet ski to ride the waves at Tigertail Beach.

St George Island State Park

Lighthouse on St. George Island in Florida

St. George Island State Park is an idyllic spot that boasts incredible sunset views and opportunities for stargazing. 

This barrier island runs alongside Apalachicola Bay and provides an undeveloped, remote area for you to explore.

There is a long list of activities that you can enjoy at this state park, from swimming to canoeing, hiking, camping, or getting your tan on nearby the sparkling water.

On the other side of the park, the Gulf of Mexico meets the sugary white sands. Here’s where you can catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming and working their way through the water.

At St. George Island State Park, you’ll find campgrounds, showers, restrooms, a picnic pavilion, a playground, and more.

Silver Key Beach

Peaceful Silver Key beach in Florida

Silver Key Beach is found in the Silver Key Preserve in Sanibel. This protected area houses some of unique wildlife around! You can visit this beach to see sea turtles and snowy plovers.

You’ll find Silver Key Beach tucked away between Blind Pass and Bowman’s Beach. This remote beach is a hidden gem. There are amenities like a small parking lot, bathrooms, showers, a playground, and even a gym.

Spend the day enjoying the beach or exploring the hiking trails. There are even charcoal grills so that you can enjoy some tasty burgers with family and friends.

Perdido Key

Gorgeous Perdido Keybeach in Florida

Skip the crowds at Destin Beach in South Florida and head to the Perdido Key Beaches instead. 

These gorgeous beaches feature hilly dunes and reside along the Gulf of Mexico on the southernmost part. 

If you head to the other side of Perdido Key Island, you’ll find wetlands and an abundance of wildlife.

As there are numerous beaches to choose from, you can easily find the perfect sandy spot. 

Some beaches are smaller, making it more challenging to find parking spots later in the day. Most offer bathrooms (public or on the beach), and a few provide showers.

Camping and hiking are also available at Perdido Key. Check the amenities that each access point offers to ensure it matches your needs before choosing a beach here.

Palmetto Avenue Beach

Palmetto Avenue Beach is one the secluded beaches in Florida

This spot is one of the top secluded beaches in Florida. This Anna Maria Island beach is located on the Florida Gulf Coast and is hands-down one of the best beach towns in Florida

Palmetto Avenue Beach is not usually crowded, so you can swim and sunbathe at your leisure.

There’s no lifeguard at this beach, so you may want to avoid bringing smaller children. There are also no restrooms or showers at this location. However, parking is free.

You can find this beach at 100 Palmetto Avenue. It’s open 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy a late-night romantic stroll under the stars if you please.

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore is one of the secluded beaches in FLorida

With the waves lapping on one side, and a lush green area on the other side, you’ll feel as if you’re in a romantic movie. 

It’s hard to deny that Canaveral National Seashore is one of the most picturesque beaches in Florida.

There are multiple beach areas included in the Canaveral National Seashore, so you can continue to the next beach if the parking lot is full for one. These beaches are an excellent place to view, like turtles.

This area is a preserve that helps protect the Timucua Native American mounds and the local wildlife. There are outhouses at most beaches, though no showers or lifeguards.

Avoid Playalinda Beach with children, as this spot is bathing suit optional.

Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach is one of the secluded beaches in Florida

Can’t decide between a relaxing beach or one that’s jam-packed with activities? Mexico Beach is the best of both worlds. 

As you stroll along the shoreline, you may notice something different about the sand here.

Unlike most beaches, it’s only made from one ingredient – quartz crystals. One benefit is that you won’t burn your feet on the sand since the light reflects off the crystals! It’s a win-win in our book.

Spend your day lounging under an umbrella or rent a jet ski for an exciting day on the water. Kayaking, surfing, shelling, swimming, and eco-tours are all great activities to pursue on Mexico Beach.

A few amenities include picnic tables, public showers, and proximity to public bathrooms. Plus, there are quite a few restaurants nearby to stop at for dinner after an exciting day at the beach.

Bahia Honda State Park

beautiful beach in Bahia Honda State Park

If your primary concern is getting too hot under the Florida sun, you’ll want to check out Bahia Honda State Park. Here, there’s a cool breeze that occurs throughout the year.

The beach at Bahia Honda State Park gives you a taste of the “real Florida” with its beautiful clear waters and lines of palm trees on the shore. Kayak on the beautiful water as you watch different birds wading around you.

Snorkeling, boating, and swimming are additional activities you can do while visiting the Bahia Honda State Park. There’s a gift shop near the beach that has snacks, fun souvenirs, and water sports equipment.

This beach also has restrooms and public showers that you can use.

Secluded Beaches in Florida

Now that you’ve read through some of the most beautiful, remote beaches, it’s time to check them out in person! 

Most of these locations are great for kids, making it easy to incorporate them into a family vacation in Florida.

While planning your next trip in this sunny state, consider exploring one of these locations instead of crowded beaches like Fort Myers, Cape San Blas, Santa Rosa Beach, Joseph Peninsula State Park, and Gasparilla Island. 

floridasplendors.com

Wednesday 10th of May 2023

Love this list! Siesta Key and South Walton beaches are on top of our list of quiet places in Florida. There are tons of activities for family to enjoy there too. Can't wait to visit there soon! :)