Hidden Florida Beach Towns Where You Won’t Find Crowds

A trip to the beach doesn’t need to be hectic, it can embrace a slower way of life. Having the opportunity to explore the area and recharge your batteries may very well be the best decision you’ve made all year. If you’re considering a getaway and want it to be as tranquil as possible, choose one of the quiet Florida beach towns listed here where you can fully relax your mind, body, and soul.

Vilano Beach

Located north of Downtown St. Augustine, Vilano Beach is an artist’s dream. Featuring intricately tiled fountains and Art Deco décor, it’s one of those quiet Florida beach towns that has a really special vibe.

You can easily take a vacation to the city and feel completely rejuvenated, leaving it for home. Spending time at the beach near the inlet allows you to focus on the things that matter most to you. Should you arrive for a romantic getaway, book your stay at the Casa Monica Resort that is the most romantic hotel nearby.

If you’ve always wanted to try surfing or skimboarding, you’ll have your opportunity to do so in Vilano Beach. There are rental locations throughout the city that allow you to borrow boards of all sizes. You might make a splash, but you’ll have a ton of fun doing it!

Vero Beach

When looking for hidden Florida beach towns on the Atlantic Coast, make sure to visit Vero Beach. A haven for golfers, watersports enthusiasts, and anglers, the city provides a slower way of life that everyone who visits it appreciates.

The historic downtown area is full of unique shops to buy souvenirs from year-round. There is also a wide range of art museums and galleries to visit throughout the city if you’re searching for something to do in the air-conditioned indoors.

Many parks in Vero Beach give you the perfect view of the inlet where rest and relaxation are the norm. It’s not unusual to spend the entire day at the beach or a park mindfully becoming aware of your surroundings. You’ll certainly go home in a relaxed state of mind and with many stories to tell.

Fernandina Beach

From its exquisite architecture to its beautiful beaches, Fernandina Beach is one of those quaint Florida beach towns worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Part of the National Main Street Program, much of the downtown area, has been preserved because of its rich history.

Home to the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, the sleepy beach town doesn’t get busy until mid-April when it sees an influx of tourists ready to celebrate the swimming crustacean.

Thirteen miles of beaches offering secluded spots to relax and exciting times for those who wish to find shells on the East Coast. If you want to get away from the busyness of a packed schedule, relax on a beach towel beside the ocean. You’ll recharge your batteries enough to enjoy shopping and dining later on.

Jacksonville

Nicknamed ‘The River City by the Sea,’ Jacksonville is among several quiet Florida coastal towns with nothing but personality. Located by the Atlantic Ocean, the city is one that people visit when they want to relax in a luxurious setting.

With the largest urban park system in the nation, you have your pick of ten state and national parks as well as 20 miles of outstanding beaches to visit.

If you love culturally diverse settings with rich nightlife, you’ll find it in this gem of one of many quiet Florida beach towns. It’s a place for people of all ages to enjoy, with things you can do alone, as a couple, a group or a family.

Spend the day visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville or exploring Tree Hill Nature Center’s many paths. You’ve got plenty of indoor and outdoor options to choose from when you visit this location on vacation.

Captiva

A coastal vacation in Florida wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Captiva. It’s a little slice of paradise known as one of the most beautiful Gulf Coast beaches and famous for its diverse arts and entertainment offerings.

The destination is a favorite among couples too who want to get married at the Captiva Chapel By-the-Sea. The tiny chapel is open to the public on holidays, too, with its Christmas service being among its most popular offerings.

Taking an eco-tour of the area helps acquaint you with its diverse ecosystems. You’ll find all types of marine life in Captiva to admire. It’s among the best places to fish, hunt for seashells, and take in the area’s history, thanks to the Captiva Island Historical Gallery. No day would be complete without some shopping and dining, too, which are easy things to do in a sleepy beach town that isn’t crowded.

Boca Grande

Boca Grande well-to-do community with luxury homes on Gasparilla Island. It’s best known for its excellent tarpon fishing spots. Home to the Gasparilla Inn & Club, a resort that has been around since 1911, the city is quaint and charming.

You can get lost in the stores that make up the area because of the friendly shopkeepers and vast array of merchandise to choose from in each shop and enjoy dramatic sunsets if you visit this hidden Florida beach town.

When in Boca Grande, make sure to visit Cayo Costa too which is one of the most secluded beaches on the Gulf Coast. This barrier island is accessible only by boat. It is a popular spot for fishing and nearly untouched by man, so a quiet time is guaranteed.

Stuart

Hailed as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” this Treasure Coast city is outstanding in every way. It’s perfect for exploring on foot, thanks to its historic downtown area where you find charming cafes and art galleries.

Visiting the Stuart Green Market is an opportunity to pick up some fresh produce before leaving the city. It’s held on Sunday mornings and provides many opportunities to meet and speak to local farmers and artisans.

Getting to know the area’s history is rewarding, with two major museums giving you plenty to think about on your trip. There is the Stuart Heritage Museum and Road to Victory Military Museum. Each offers a unique glimpse into the area’s past. They’re an awesome escape from the hot sun you’ll find during mid-afternoon in Florida.

The area is proud to have a healthy ecosystem so you can observe various ocean species such as dolphins in the crystal clear water. If you want to learn about marine life, visit the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Those who are on a romantic getaway can make a bonfire at the beach.

Key Biscayne

A short drive from Miami puts you at Key Biscayne, a Southern Florida delight. The small piece of land has big appeal, largely due to its incredible beaches and relaxing parks. Nature enthusiasts will get their fill of the warm Florida sun at this hidden Miami beach.

The most striking thing about Key Biscayne is its coastal barrier reef that is among the best place to snorkel in Florida. It’s the only underwater archaeological trail in the US that has federal recognition. The area’s other landmarks is the Cape Florida lighthouse that is the oldest structure of Miami-Dade.

If you want to visit a hidden Florida beach town without crowds and with plenty to see and experience, this is the location for you. You can finally chuck that rigid schedule away in favor of a more relaxed itinerary while visiting the area.

Port St Joe

Known as a “small town with a big heart,” Port St Joe is quiet and relaxing and often mentioned when it comes to the best Florida Panhandle family beaches. It’s located on North Florida’s Emerald Coast and provides scenery that looks like it came straight from a travel brochure. In addition to the white sand beach, you can go snorkeling, birdwatching and fishing too.

The Historic Downtown Shopping District consists of old and new shops as well as bistros and parks. Taking a break from the hectic daily schedule you keep at home is easy in Port St Joe. You can sit by the waterfront marina and enjoy a quick bite to eat of fresh fish and seafood. You’ll never grow tired of trying new bites at the local restaurants in the area. It’s one of the highlights of visiting a town of a smaller size.

Seaside

The most striking thing about Seaside is its colorful architecture. The coastal homes that exist in the town are a part of history. After all, Seaside is where the New Urbanism architectural design movement originated. You can explore the area by foot or bicycle and ride up to the white sand beaches to enjoy a bite to eat via picnic basket before soaking up the sun.

The town was in Jim Carrey’s movie, The Truman Show, which features an idyllic place to live. It’s easy to see why the director chose it for the film because of its picturesque setting near the ocean.

The town offers exciting opportunities to shop and explore, with Central Square Records and Sundog Books being two favorite stores that locals frequent. Bringing home a memorable souvenir with you involves hunting for the perfect vinyl or work of literature

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