Discover 7 Hidden Florida Beaches for a Peaceful Escape

With over 1,300 miles of coastline, Florida is a beach lover’s paradise. However, finding a quiet and secluded beach that remains untouched by the crowds can be challenging. Fortunately, there are still remarkable, lesser-known beaches where you can enjoy tranquility and have ample space for relaxation. Below, we’ve outlined seven of Florida’s hidden gem beaches.

Boneyard Beach, Jacksonville

Step into the ethereal scene inside Big Talbot Island State Park just south of Amelia Island, where salt-dusted skeletons remain of the oak and cedar trees that once guarded this stretch of coast. Stroll the shore and take in the scent of the maritime forests behind the towering sand dunes.

Stay: Enjoy a sprawling, crescent-shaped pool deck overlooking 1.5 miles of beachfront at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, where golfers can enjoy its 18-hole championship golf course surrounded by scenic marshes and moss-covered oaks.

Santa Rosa Beach, Walton County

You’ll think you’ve discovered the Caribbean at this 26-mile stretch of North Florida beach, which draws comparisons to Aruba and Curaçao. The sugar-white sand shines, courtesy of quartz crystals that wash down from the Appalachian Mountains. This area is referred to as Florida’s Emerald Coast, with calm waters ideal for paddleboarding.

Stay: Cottages and villas in the West Indies-inspired town of Rosemary Beach surround the main square, which features charming bookshops, boutiques, and cafés offering delightful Southern cuisine.

Playalinda Beach, Brevard County

To reach this serene stretch of Canaveral National Seashore, you must drive through a wildlife refuge. While observing bald eagles and manatees in the wetlands, you’ll be on your way to one of Florida’s most peaceful sandy spots. What’s truly remarkable is the absence of buildings, traffic, or motorized watersports along these comfortable 24 miles of shoreline.

Stay: Cocoa Beach is the closest vibrant beach town, but the Shores Resort & Spa at Daytona Beach Shores offers a more relaxed atmosphere for your stay.

Boca Beach, Gasparilla Island

“Hush, don’t rush” is the unofficial mantra on Gasparilla Island, nestled between Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. This one-mile stretch of powdery white sand is adorned with driftwood and shells, creating an organic art installation along the beach. The aquamarine waters are perfect for sailing and tarpon fishing, with opportunities to spot dolphins and sea turtles.

Stay: The elegant Gasparilla Inn & Club is ideal for those who appreciate porch swings, clapboard shutters, and afternoon tea.

Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin

Escape by taking a 20-minute ferry ride to the pristine Caladesi Island, where you’ll find three miles of picturesque beaches filled with mollusk shells and sand dollars for collectors. A three-mile nature trail runs through tropical mangrove forests, and paddling trails weave through the serene surroundings. Watch the natural beauty as gopher tortoises burrow in sand dunes while shorebirds wade in the surf. A snack shack provides picnic supplies, plus kayaks and beach chairs, ensuring a perfect beach day.

Stay: With architecture inspired by a Spanish province, the hacienda-style Hotel Zamora in nearby St. Pete Beach features roomy balconies, a rooftop bar, and a tapas-style restaurant.

Pensacola Beach, Santa Rosa Island

Set on a pristine 40-mile barrier island, Pensacola Beach boasts translucent waters best enjoyed at low tide. At this time, you can walk hundreds of yards and see a snowy-bottomed sandy floor with perhaps a few minnows. This beautiful beach is located within the nation’s longest stretch of protected seashore, allowing for a calm retreat with fewer people.

Stay: The luxury waterfront villas from Paradise Beach Homes offer an outstanding cost-to-view ratio compared to more crowded Florida beaches.

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

Located an hour north of West Palm Beach, the 1.7-mile-long beach at St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is accessible only by boat. This pristine barrier island features a boardwalk with views of lush mangrove forests and diverse wildlife. Visitors often picnic, sunbathe, and swim, while some take advantage of the excellent scuba diving and snorkeling conditions. In the summer, pay attention to your surroundings, as this island serves as a crucial nesting site for loggerhead, leatherback, and green turtles. The best route to this beach is via the kayak trail, starting from Seabranch Preserve State Park.

Stay: Campsites and cabins are available at nearby Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The expansive Sandpiper Bay Resort in Port St. Lucie provides all-inclusive packages with sports-focused activities, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.