Florida Keys Hidden Beaches: Escape The Crowds At These Secret Spots
The Florida Keys continues to be one of the top vacation destinations in the world, where many people come to play in the water and enjoy a laid-back setting. Therefore, the beaches here can often become overcrowded, especially during summer as the temperatures rise. But who loves spending the day on a beach where you can hardly stretch out your towel and it is so noisy that you can’t relax? Fortunately, I know some secluded beaches in the Keys where a relaxing day is still possible, and ready to share these secret spots with you!
Harry Harris Beach and Park – Key Largo
When you don’t have a lot of time to drive to the south but want to explore some hidden beaches in the Florida Keys, you should stop at Harry Harris Beach and Park in Key Largo; this is our go-to spot for an adventure-filled yet relaxing family day.
Harry Harris Beach Park is a gem if you want to show your kids the state’s natural attractions. You’ll find plenty of iguanas roaming around, which will entertain both children and adults.
It is easy to spend the day here participating in different types of activities; there is a baseball field and a playground. You’ll also find here a swimming area with showers and even a boat ramp that makes it easy to go for a ride on the water. And all these without crowds!
Sombrero Beach – Marathon
We love visiting Marathon because it is usually less busy than other keys and offers many free activities. Our choice here is Sombrero Beach, a secluded spot to enjoy a beach picnic and go for a swim. There’s even a playground available for children, making it a top family beach in The Florida Keys.
The beach is easy to access and even has free parking available. Not only is it one of the most secluded beaches in the Florida Keys, where you won’t find huge crowds, but it is also a great sunset-watching spot! You might even see some dolphins in the distance if you are lucky!
Horseshoe Beach – Big Pine Key
Horseshoe Beach is located in Big Pine Key and is a unique location for Florida fun in the sun. It has a rich history and is known as an old quarry needed to build the Overseas Railroad. It is a prime spot to go snorkeling in Florida and get a view of the colorful marine life such as sea urchins, stingrays and starfish.
Take a stroll on the boardwalk, which passes through to the old Bahia bridge turnout. There are even more places to walk and explore during the low tide. The large trees and plants on the ground also create a lot of privacy.
Anne’s Beach – Islamorada
Located at Islamorada, Anne’s Beach features one of the best boardwalks you can find in the Keys. There are plenty of places to walk and explore without running into other people.
The shallow water makes it a family-friendly location where kids can wade in the water. Covered picnic areas offer plenty of spots to enjoy a meal in the shade. The views from here are spectacular and feel hidden away from the rest of the location.
You’ll likely spot a few iguanas and unique birds to photograph. Many people also visit Anne’s Beach to go kitesurfing further out in the water. Kayaking is also a popular activity to enjoy. If you visit this beach during the week, you can expect to have the entire place to yourself. So, if you are looking for secluded beaches in the Florida Keys where all types of beachgoers find something to do, this is a highly recommended spot to visit!
Smathers Beach – Key West
As the largest public beach in Key West, Smathers Beach is a half-mile-long sandy stretch that is a great place to take the kids and do watersports. Here, you’ll find plenty of palm trees that make it a picturesque and serene location where it’s easy to spend time in the shade.
It might get a little busy during peak season and at the weekends, but if you come during the week, it is a pleasant, quiet place to enjoy the sun. Many vendors are present and rent out different types of water gear, umbrellas, and beach chairs. Paddleboards are also available to rent so you can spend more time playing in the water.
The grounds are clean and the water is so transparent that you can spot different types of colorful fish, even without going snorkeling! Bathrooms and a water fountain are also available, allowing you to spend the whole day in comfort.
Indian Key Historic State Park
If you want to visit a top-secret Florida Keys Beach, Indian Key Historic State Park is a hideaway you can only reach by boat. The entire island is a state park and is considered to be one of the most hidden beaches in Florida because it feels like a deserted island. You can even climb the observation tower and get a view through the lush trees.
Indian Key Historic State Park is also a great place to kayak and paddleboard. It also features excellent signage and historical information about the location.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Located about 70 miles from Key West, the 100-square mile Dry Tortugas National Park is a secret beach getaway in Florida and only accessible by seaplane or boat. It is famous for the Fort Jefferson fortress and known as one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive in Florida. Guided tours are also available to learn more about the location and its rich history.
The views of the turquoise waters are some of the best you’ll find in the Florida Keys. There are plenty of places to stretch out on the sand without laying out too close to other visitors. Due to how much wildlife is present, it’s also a great place to birdwatch. While walking along the shore, many types of shells are present to take home.
I hope I could help you with this list to find an under-the-radar spot in the Keys to visit on your next getaway! So pack your bags, get the family ready and enjoy a crowd-free seaside escape!
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