Finding a quiet, secluded beach in sunny Florida isn't easy these days. They're few and far between, tucked away in some surprising places that are definitely worth the effort. This bucket list of 16 “best kept secret” beaches will help you leave the crowds behind. You'll find them scattered along Florida's Atlantic coast and nestled among the Florida Keys. Or head to the Gulf Coast to experience some of the world's most stunning beaches. You can't go wrong. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Totally St. Augustine (@totallystaugustine) 1 | Vilano Beach | For centuries, Vilano Beach has been the beach that locals go to. In the late 1800s, guests of St. Augustine's Hotel Ponce de Leon would spend their beach days there. It's a choice spot just north of the city and over the bridge, popular for its beautiful stretch of beachfront, surfing, fishing pier, boardwalk, restaurants, and casual atmosphere. At day's end, pause for a while and enjoy the dreamy sunset over downtown St. Augustine. Where: 2750 Anahma Dr, FL 32084 | Who: 904-209-0331 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by TOTEM Made (@totem_made) 2 | Washington Oaks Gardens State Park | Located just south of St. Augustine, this park is for people who love dramatic natural settings. It's best known for the unique 3- to 4-foot coquina rock boulders that line its golden-sand beach. These ancient formations create the perfect spot for beachcombing, tidal pool exploring, and photography. And there's tons of space to spread out and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. Where: 6400 N Oceanshore Blvd, FL 32137 | Who: 386-446-6780 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Check Out These Related Articles The 12 Best Fishing Charters Near Daytona Beach Top 12 Beachside Bars on Daytona Beach Top 20 Things to Do in the Poconos View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melissia Taziar (@melissiaandjeremytaziar) 3 | Canaveral National Seashore | This barrier island encompasses 24 miles of undeveloped seashore, something you won't find anywhere else on the eastern seaboard of Florida. With pristine beaches at each end of the park - Apollo in the north and Playalinda Beach in the south – you'll be surrounded by one of Florida's wildlife refuges. It's just windswept sand and the sound of the surf for miles around. (Note that some sections are clothing optional.) Where: 7611 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 | Who: 386-428-3384 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranger Alex (@fpsrangeralex) 4 | Sebastian Inlet State Park | Beach lovers in the know adore the 3-mile stretch of pristine oceanfront here. When you're not watching surfers from around the globe strut their stuff, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. You can stroll unspoiled beaches while gathering shells and observing sea turtle nests. There are even waterfront pavilions and picnic areas for family outings. Where: 9700 South A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 | Who: 321-948-4852 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by nori (@norimeyer) 5 | Hobe Sound Beach | Just getting to Hobe Sound Beach is a unique experience as you wander through a tree-lined canopy of majestic Banyan trees. It's a great spot to swim, soak up the sun, and enjoy a picnic lunch under a shaded pavilion. Where: Jupiter Island Beach Rd & Hwy A1A, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 | Who: 772-221-1418 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dewi C (@dewi_aberdeen_) 6 | Blowing Preserve Rocks | If you're up for some exploring, head to nearby Blowing Rocks Preserve to view the limestone-studded beach. At high tide, water is forced through the holes in the rocks as high as 50 feet in the air! The beach itself has soft sand, and swimming and snorkeling are welcome. Where: 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 | Who: 561-744-6668 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Turqoise Beach Travel Guide (@turqoisebeachtravelguide) 7 | Calusa Beach | If you're looking for a low-key vacation in the Florida Keys, Calusa Beach on Big Pine Key is the place. With its position on the Gulf side of the island, the beach is protected by the bay from ocean winds – making it a great swimming beach, especially for kids. When you're ready for something different, explore more of Bahia Honda State Park with a walk along the nature trails or a visit to the butterfly gardens. Where: 36850 Overseas Hwy (US 1), MM 37, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 | Who: 305-872-2353 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by KEEWAYDIN ISLAND | NAPLES, FL (@keewaydinislandnaples) 8 | Keewaydin Beach | This unique 8-mile-long nature preserve island, located in the Gulf of Mexico between Naples and Marco Island, is a day trip worth taking. It has no cars, roads, or bridges, and is only accessible by boat. You can take a water shuttle from the marinas in Naples and Marco Island, or rent a boat. Keewaydin Island is a nature lover's paradise, boasting miles of soft white sandy beaches. Go swimming in the azure water, stroll the beach for seashells, and keep an eye out for dolphins. Jet ski and boat rentals are also available. The island is serviced by snack boat concessions and food boats, and you can bring your own cooler, too. Where: Barrier Island Beach between Naples & Marco Island, Marco Island, FL 34145 | Who: 239-315-1136VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by FotoPlanet (@thefotoplanet) 9 | Lovers Key State Park | Once a collection of secluded barrier islands reachable only by boat, Lovers Key has become quite the romantic destination. Hop in a kayak, take a swim in the warm Gulf waters, or lounge under an umbrella on the powdery white-sand beach. Explore mangrove forests, canals, and lagoons that are favorite grazing spots for West Indian manatee, shorebirds, and the occasional bottlenose dolphin. You may even sight a beachside wedding or two. Where: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 | Who: 239-463-4588 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chelsea Lankford (@truelane) 10 | Bowman's Beach Park | Sanibel Island's award-winning Bowman's Beach - recognized by U.S. Travel News as one of the “Top 10 Beaches in the World” – offers visitors calm waves, turquoise water, expansive white sands, and some of the best shell hunting in the world. Great amenities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, grills, and a shaded children's playground, make it well worth the 5-minute walk from the parking lot. Where: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | Who: 239-472-6397 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fort De Soto Park (@fortdesoto) 11 | Fort De Soto Park | Tampa Bay Area locals consider Fort De Soto the best beach around, and that's saying something. The island park invokes Old Florida with its 116-year-old fort, nature walks, and 900 acres of bike trails – not to mention views of fishermen tossing nets into the mangrove shallows. This completely natural beach, complete with pristine sugary white sand and dunes, is ideal for shelling, strolling, or swimming in warm, shallow waters. Where: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | Who: 727-552-1862 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wayne Sewell (@sewell43) 12 | Pass-A-Grille Beach | This quaint, laid-back, Old Florida beach town is the perfect jumping-off point for a day at the beach. As beaches go, Pass-a-Grille is a standout. Four miles of crystal-blue waters, powder-soft sand, scenic dune walkways lined with sea grapes and sea oats, and sunsets that inspire a nightly ringing of the bell – not too shabby. Bring just your towel and sunscreen, because everything else you'll need is waiting – chairs with umbrella, freshwater showers, food and beverage concessions, paddleboard rentals, and more. Where: 1000 Pass A Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 | Who: 727-363-9247 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charlotte (@charlotteneedsvacation) 13 | Caladesi Island State Park | This uninhabited Gulf Coast island is accessible only by boat - yours or the 20-minute ferry service that runs from Honeymoon Island and limits stays to 4 hours - but it's worth the effort. Once there, you'll find beach chair and umbrella rentals, kayak rentals, mangrove kayak trails, and a small café offering snacks and drinks. Whether it's strolling along 3 miles of pristine beaches, hiking the nature trail, dolphin spotting, or kayaking through the bayside mangrove forest, you'll enjoy an unforgettable experience. Where: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 | Who: 727-469-5918 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Gadd (@michellegadd1) 14 | Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park | Continuing on to North Florida's Gulf Coast you'll find St. George Island, one of the last inhabited yet unspoiled barrier islands in Florida. The uncrowded beaches are perfect for family-friendly activities - from swimming, fishing, and paddling in the clear Gulf waters, to shelling, castle-building, and relaxing on the sugar white sand. Or, venture out to the island's pristine bay marshes for wildlife-spotting and the stunning views of a sunset cruise. For natural beauty without the crowds, this is the place. Where: 1900 E Gulf Beach Dr, St. George Island, FL 32328 | Who: 850-927-2111 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by @emeraldcoastenthusiast 15 | Grayton Beach State Park | If you like funky and eclectic you'll enjoy the friendly little seaside community of Grayton Beach, which is surrounded on three sides by the natural beauty of Grayton Beach State Park. A 400-acre sliver of paradise, the park features pristine sugar-sand beaches, a rare coastal dune lake, and a wealth of nature. Its nature trail winds through steep dunes, a salt marsh where you can paddleboard or kayak, and a coastal forest thick with twisted scrub oaks and magnolias. Where: 357 Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | Who: 850-267-8300 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pure Florida™ (@pureflorida) 16 | Navarre Beach | Navarre Beach has many allures. It's a part of the Old Florida that offers adventures and solitude for sun seekers, nature lovers, and water sports enthusiasts. Exploring via kayak, canoe, and small boat are among the area's favorite activities. Navarre Beach's most popular features are the emerald Gulf of Mexico waters and crowd-free white-sand beaches – which are the reason it's named among the best in the country year after year. Possibly most compelling of all is the title it's earned over the years: “Florida's Most Relaxing Place.” Where: Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach, FL 32566 | Who: 850-981-8900 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Follow this map to explore Florida's “best kept secret” beaches! Now every 'best kept secret' Florida beach adventure has a beach to call home when the day is done, and we know just the perfect spot! Be sure to check out the centrally located beach destination, filled with all the amenities and comforts of an ocean front home at Grand Seas Daytona Beach by Exploria Resorts! Book Your Exploria Resorts Stay Today Grand Seas Daytona Beach is the perfect setting for creating unique vacation experiences and unforgettable memories. The resort is conveniently located right on Daytona Beach, minutes from shopping, restaurants, and more. So hurry! Check out these resort destination offers and book your stay today! * Exploria Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details
