12 Most Secluded Beaches in Florida You Need to Visit
Are you looking to escape the crowds and find some peace and quiet on your next beach vacation? Look no further than Florida’s secluded beaches.
With miles of pristine coastline and hidden coves, Florida is home to some of the country’s most secluded and peaceful beaches.
Most Secluded Beaches in Florida
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation away from the hustle and bustle, Florida’s secluded beaches offer the perfect retreat.
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Florida’s coastline. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most secluded beaches in Florida, from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Ocean.
1. Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is the perfect destination for you if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway.
It is situated in South Walton County on the Emerald Coast, spanning over 26 miles. This beach offers crystal-clear water and white sand, with no high-rise buildings or crowds to disturb your peace.
It’s the perfect place to relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Related: 13 Beautiful Coastal Towns in Florida
2. Canaveral National Seashore
Nature lovers will really enjoy the Canaveral National Seashore! This secluded beach is located on a barrier island and is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins.
You can hike on one of the many nature trails, go fishing, or relax on the beach. The best part? The beach is so secluded that you’ll feel like you have it all to yourself.
Related: 87 Epic Things to Do in Orlando, Florida
3. Dry Tortugas National Park
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, head to Dry Tortugas National Park. This remote beach is located 70 miles west of Key West and can only be accessed by boat or seaplane.
Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear water, white sand, and plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Plus, you can explore the historic Fort Jefferson, which was built in the 1800s.
4. Shell Key Preserve
If you’re looking for a secluded beach near St. Petersburg, Shell Key Preserve is amazing! This undeveloped barrier island is home to shallow waters that are crystal clear with plenty of opportunity to collect shells!
People are allowed to visit the southern portion of Shell Key. The only way to reach this barrier island is by boat, kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing. If you join a tour, they will probably only stop on the island for 30 minutes or so.
Be sure to stop for a close-up look at a mangrove forest while you’re out on the water! These mangroves are really cool to see especially from a kayak.
If you want to spend more time on the island, you can camp here overnight if you make a reservation and pay for a $6 permit. A perfect opportunity for nature lovers!
Just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water, as there are no facilities on the island.
Related: 27 Unforgettable Things to Do in Central Florida
5. Pass-a-Grille Beach
Located on the southern end of St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille Beach is a great place to escape the crowds. This beach is known for its laid-back vibe, stunning sunsets, and soft white sand.
Pass-a-Grille Beach provides a unique atmosphere compared to most other Florida beaches due to the presence of only one building, which is the Paradise Grille, located directly on the beach.
This is the perfect spot to get a drink and a snack while taking a break from swimming in the ocean and sunbathing on your towel.
Explore the historic Don CeSar Hotel, which dates back to 1928. Plus, plenty of restaurants and shops are nearby if you need a break from the beach.
6. Sebastian Inlet State Park
The park is also known for its world-class surfing. The area around Sebastian Inlet is considered one of the best surfing spots on the East Coast, and the park hosts several major surfing competitions each year.
But even if you’re not a surfer, you’ll love the secluded feel of this beach. You can take a hike on one of the trails, go fishing, or relax on the beach.
Related: 21 Fun Things to Do in Siesta Key
7. Navarre Beach
Located in the Florida Panhandle, Navarre Beach is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.
This beach is known for its crystal-clear water and white sand, and is a great place to relax, read a book, or enjoy the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Plus, plenty of restaurants and shops are nearby if you need a break from the beach.
Related: Top 20 Unique Things to Do in Florida
8. Amelia Island State Park
Amelia Island State Park is a beautiful natural area located on the southern tip of Amelia Island in northeastern Florida on the Atlantic Coast.
One unique feature of Amelia Island State Park is its 200 acres of undeveloped beaches, salt marshes, and coastal dunes.
Another unique aspect of the park is its historic significance. The island has been inhabited for over 4,000 years and was a hub for the Timucuan Indians, who were one of the largest and most advanced Native American groups in Florida.
The park’s Amelia Island Museum of History offers visitors a chance to learn more about the island’s fascinating past, including its role in the American Revolution and the Civil War.
One activity that sets this Florida state park apart is horseback riding on the beach! Horseback riding is a great way to explore the island, and you can even take a guided tour of the park.
While you’re on the beach, you can use the picnic area and showers, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
Related: 20 Exciting Day Trips from Orlando, Florida
9. Tigertail Beach
Tigertail Beach is a great place to escape the crowds and find peace and quiet. Located on Marco Island, this beach is known for its crystal-clear water, white sand, and stunning sunsets.
At the beach, there is a concession stand to rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other equipment.
There is a snack bar that serves beer and sandwiches, which makes it the perfect combination for a day at the beach.
If you spend a few hours at Tigertail Beach, you’ll likely have the opportunity to see dolphins swimming in the distance and hear birds cawing above.
You can explore the shallow lagoon along the beach or take a kayak out into the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, plenty of restaurants and shops are nearby if you need a break from the beach.
10. St. George Island State Park
St. George Island State Park stands out from other popular Florida beaches because it doesn’t have high-rise condos or hotels nearby. The park boasts over nine miles of coastline, dunes, and forests.
It’s hard to find the same sense of seclusion and natural beauty in other parts of the state due to the underdevelopment of the area.
The park can be reached through a single bridge that links St. George Island to the mainland. This restriction on access helps maintain the place’s peacefulness and prevent overcrowding, especially during high tourism periods.
You can enjoy a variety of activities at this state park such as swimming, canoeing, hiking, camping, or sunbathing near the shining water.
11. Bahia Honda State Park
The island of Bahia Honda in the Florida Keys is home to the beautiful Bahia Honda State Park, which boasts white sand beaches, clear waters, and various wildlife species.
This park is known for its beautiful beaches, which are frequently rated as some of the top beaches in the US.
The park offers clear turquoise waters where you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk along the two-and-a-half-mile-long natural beach.
A historic bridge in the park was built in the early 1900s. It spans the channel between Bahia Honda Key and Spanish Harbor Key. People often go there to fish, birdwatch, and enjoy the park’s panoramic views.
12. Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park is a stunning natural space situated on a barrier island which can be found situated between Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
The park’s popularity stems from its serene beaches, rich variety of wildlife, and range of outdoor activities like camping and hiking. You can take a leisurely stroll along the park’s two miles of nature trails!
Lovers Key State Park has a special history as a favored destination for couples looking for intimate getaways. The island was previously only reachable by boat and was known for the seclusion it offered. This is how the park got its name.
What Makes These Beaches So Secluded?
When you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, the last thing you want is to be surrounded by crowds. That’s why secluded beaches in Florida are such popular destinations. But what makes these beaches so secluded?
First and foremost, many of these beaches are located in state parks or wildlife refuges, which limits the number of visitors allowed at any given time. This means you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the beach without feeling crowded.
Additionally, some of these beaches require a bit of effort to reach. For example, Cayo Costa State Park can only be accessed by ferry or private boat, which means fewer people are willing to make the trip. Similarly, Honeymoon Island State Park requires a short ferry ride to reach, which can deter some visitors.
Finally, many of these secluded beaches are simply off the beaten path. They may not be as well-known as some of the more popular beaches in Florida, which means they don’t attract as many visitors. This can be great for those looking for a quieter, more peaceful beach experience.
Leave No Trace
When you visit secluded beaches, it’s important to remember to leave no trace. This means you should leave the beach exactly as you found it, without leaving any trash or other debris behind.
Not only is littering harmful to the environment and wildlife, but it can also ruin the beach’s natural beauty for others who visit after you.
Here are a few tips to help you leave no trace:
- Bring a trash bag with you and pack out all of your trash.
- Don’t bury your trash or food waste in the sand; it can attract animals and harm the ecosystem.
- Avoid using plastic straws or other single-use plastics that the wind can easily blow away.
- Be mindful of where you step and avoid disturbing any natural habitats or wildlife.
By following these simple tips, you can help preserve the natural beauty of secluded beaches for generations.
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