10 Least Crowded Beaches On Gulf Coast Where You Can Really Relax
While planning a Florida beach vacation there are many considerations to make since Sunshine State has an extremely beautiful coastline, especially on the Gulf Coast. To get the most out of every sun-soaked minute away from home and be able to fully relax, skip the popular, crowded spots and head to these secluded beaches in Florida Gulf Coast where you certainly will be able to fully relax!
Navarre Beach
Appearing as if it came from a dream, Navarre’s white sand and emerald waters make it one of the top secret beaches in Florida Panhandle that has a lot to offer for those who prefer relaxing places over crowded spots. From its incredible wooden pier to its rich nightlife, the beach is one place where you can relax from the stresses of everyday life and fully recharge your batteries.
As one of the least crowded Gulf Coast beaches, here you can discover marine life, such as sea turtles that reside in the reefs there. If that wasn’t exciting enough, having the opportunity to rent gear to go jet skiing, biking, paddleboarding, surfboarding, and kayaking most certainly checks items off your bucket list.
After a long day of surf and sand, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many area restaurants. If you love seafood, it doesn’t get any better than enjoying it fresh from the ocean!
Pass-a-Grille Beach
What’s there not to love about Pass-a-Grille? As one of the secret Gulf Coast beaches, it offers a family-friendly atmosphere without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowding of other popular Florida beaches in the state. It’s a hideaway from the rest of the world by being a location where you need to slow down to truly appreciate the scenery.
Pass-a-Grille has a shuttle boat access to an undeveloped barrier island, Shell Key Preserve that is one of the area’s hottest attractions. Climb onboard the Shell Key Shuttle and be whisked away to a location perfect for shelling, sunbathing, and dolphin-watching. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities, too, thanks to the amazing sunsets you’ll witness there.
Grayton Beach
Named the Most Beautiful Beach by “Dr. Beach,” there’s a reason why this sleepy town is a hidden gem. Located by the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a laidback community with a lot of eclectic charm.
Visitors to the area love fishing, watching wildlife in Grayton Beach State Park and sampling fresh seafood at the city’s most beloved restaurants. There is also a lot of art to view, making it a place where people of all ages feel right at home. Should you look for wheelchair accessible beaches in Florida, Grayton is one of them.
The area’s unofficial slogan is “Nice dogs. Strange people.” You see it present in the collection of oddly decorated storefronts and homes. Walking down the well-worn roads throughout the city is a blast from the past. Not much has changed since the city was founded, making it exciting to explore and enjoy the one-mile shoreline of clear emerald green waters.
Silver Key Beach
The island city of Sanibel is one of the most beautiful and most pedestrian-friendly beach towns in Florida, so it is not a surprise that the beaches here are so peaceful and quiet. Our favorite is Silver Key.
This 64-acre preserve is full of birds and beautiful marine life, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Silver Key Beach is the perfect spot for divers and snorkelers. You can paddleboard and skim board there, too.
Opportunities exist to explore the water and the land in abundance, so make sure you pack a pair of comfortable shoes to hike in so you can explore the area in its entirety.
If you’re more of a passive explore, you can birdwatch, go shelling, and take photographs of the beautiful landscape. It’s up to you how you engage with Silver Key. A picnic lunch allows you to enjoy a meal in an amazing setting. It’s one location where making fond memories is inevitable.
Mexico Beach
Consisting of over twenty materials, the sand of Mexico Beach in Florida Panhandle stands out. It contains quartz which is a clear gemstone with a lot of sheen to it. The reflective nature of the material makes the sand cooler even in the Florida heat. It, paired with the ocean’s emerald-colored waters, make the area one of the best-kept secrets in the state.
Hurricane Michael in 2018 caused extensive damage in the area, but the community is working hard to rebuild the homes and building, but the five miles of beachfront views are available for you to explore.
You can access the area by beach walkover, too, because many exist throughout the area. Sea turtles line the beach, which is part of its appeal. They’re well-protected, so acquaint yourself with the rules of interacting with them before arriving at the beach.
Cayo Costa
A location that is only accessible by boat or kayak is among the most relaxing Florida beaches with good reason. The undeveloped area of Florida known as Cayo Costa leaves little to the imagination.
It’s full of wildlife and natural wonders such as wind-shaped trees and dunes. If you love spending time outdoors, exploring the area could very well be the height of your vacation.
If you want to catch a glimpse of manatees, sea turtles, and porpoises, this is the place to find them offshore. Extending your stay for a few days is easy thanks to the campsites and cabins available for visitors.
There is also a ferry that runs throughout the day, too, so you don’t have to be an experienced boater or kayaker to explore the area. You can hitch a ride and enjoy the quiet comfort of one of the best secluded beaches in Florida Gulf Coast.
Madeira Beach
Perhaps the most notable thing about Madeira Beach is its 1,100 ft boardwalk. Full of fantastic shops and places to eat, it’s worth drying off and checking out before leaving the 2.5-mile beach.
An area where fishing is prevalent, the city’s John’s Pass Seafood Festival sees an influx of visitors to the tune of 130,000 a year. People love to feast on fresh fish, crab, lobster, and shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll want to explore John’s Pass Village and even pick up a souvenir or two from one of the area’s boutiques before heading home from your Florida beach trip.
If you love such events, schedule your visit for the festival time, but if you wish to experience Madeira Beach when it rather belongs to the secluded beaches in Florida Gulf Coast, visit during specific times of the year when festivals and special events aren’t taking place. That way, you can encompass the feeling of the area without feeling as though you’re rushing to do so.
Rosemary Beach
Compared to the French Quarter in New Orleans, which is known for its outstanding architecture, Rosemary delivers tranquility every day of the year. As one of the best secluded beaches in Florida Gulf Coast, it provides you with everything you need to have a relaxing and restful vacation.
Sprawling sand and blue ocean water await you at this tucked-away Florida beach. There aren’t the crowds you find in the top Gulf Coast Beaches such as Clearwater or Panama City Beach. Instead, you have the luxury of spreading out and exploring the area without feeling rushed.
Exploring the boardwalk puts you in the proximity of the city’s shops and restaurants, which offer everything a beachgoer could desire. You don’t have to battle a crowd to enjoy a cocktail or delicious seafood dish.
Tigertail Beach – Marco Island
A family-friendly Florida beach, Tigertail on Marco Island is certainly one of the least crowded beaches on Gulf Coast. It’s a place where rest and relaxation meet excitement and exploration; you can very well spend time people watching while soaking up the sun as much as you explore tidal pools and seashells of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
There is a playground area for the kids and restrooms conveniently located within a short distance from the beach. Jet skis, paddleboards, and watersports equipment are available for rental if you want to explore the ocean further.
Packing a picnic lunch is one option for eating at Tigertail. There are concession stands throughout the area as well if you need a pick-me-up in the middle of the day. The sunsets are worth mentioning, too, so if you get the chance to witness one in person, make sure to capture it with your camera.
Inspired? Pin it!