Discover the Top 13 Least Crowded Beaches in Florida

Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you want to go there but hesitant because you think it will be too crowded, you would be happy to know that many of them are still relatively undiscovered. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and soak up the sun or a secluded spot for a romantic getaway, there are plenty of non-crowded beaches in Florida to choose from.

One of the best things about Florida’s least crowded beaches is that they offer all the beauty and amenities of the more popular beaches, without the crowds. You can still enjoy the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean, stroll along miles of pristine white sand, and watch the sun set over the horizon. And because these beaches are less crowded, you’ll have plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

Why Seek Out Less Crowded Beaches?

Crowded beaches can be overwhelming, with limited space to spread out and relax. You may find yourself constantly dodging beachgoers and their belongings, or struggling to find a spot to lay your towel. This can take away from the relaxation and enjoyment that a beach vacation is supposed to provide.

On the other hand, less crowded beaches offer a more peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to fully unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the beach. You can take a leisurely stroll along the shore, read a book, or simply soak up the sun without feeling cramped or rushed.

Additionally, less crowded beaches often have fewer vendors and activities, which can be a plus for those seeking a more low-key vacation. You can fully disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures of the beach, without the distractions of loud music or crowds.

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is located on an offshore island in Port Salerno, Florida, and can only be accessed by boat. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year, and the fees are $3 per boat. Correct change is required, and you can use the honor box to pay fees.

Once you arrive at the island, you’ll find a beautiful and pristine beach. The beach is surrounded by mangrove forests and hammocks of live oaks, cabbage palms, paradise trees, and wild lime. The water is crystal clear, and you can often see schools of fish swimming near the shore. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

One of the best things about St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is that it’s not crowded. Since the park can only be accessed by boat, it’s not as popular as some of the other beaches in Florida. This means that you can enjoy the beach without having to worry about crowds of people.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore the park’s scenic kayak trail. The trail takes you through mangroves teeming with fish and birds, and it leads to a hidden beach on a wild island. The trail is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Playalinda Beach, Brevard County

Playalinda Beach in Brevard County is located in the Canaveral National Seashore, which means that it’s protected from development and commercialization.

Playalinda Beach is known for its pristine white sand, clear blue waters, and beautiful dunes. It’s also a popular spot for surfing, fishing, and birdwatching. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some sea turtles nesting on the beach during the summer months.

One thing to keep in mind is that Playalinda Beach is a bit of a hidden gem, so it can be a bit tricky to find. There are no signs directing you to the beach, and the entrance is located at the end of a long, winding road. However, once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding.

Here are some other things you should know about Playalinda Beach:

• There are no facilities on the beach, so be sure to bring your own food, water, and sunscreen.
• The beach is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is a small fee to enter the Canaveral National Seashore.
• The northern section of the beach is designated as a clothing-optional area, so be aware of this if you’re planning to visit with children.
• Playalinda Beach is located near the Kennedy Space Center, so you might be able to catch a glimpse of a rocket launch if you’re lucky.

Santa Rosa Beach, Walton County

If you’re seeking a serene and tranquil beach experience, Santa Rosa Beach in Walton County is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. Nestled along the stunning Emerald Coast, this picturesque stretch of coastline offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of more crowded beaches.

With its pristine white sands and emerald-green waters, Santa Rosa Beach provides a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. You can take leisurely strolls along the shore, bask in the warm Florida sun, or simply unwind with a good book while listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

One of the standout features of Santa Rosa Beach is its uncrowded and unspoiled nature, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty without feeling cramped or overwhelmed. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly escape, or a solo retreat, Santa Rosa Beach offers a tranquil haven for all beach lovers.

Boca Beach, Gasparilla Island

One of the best things about Boca Beach is its small-town allure. It’s a tranquil respite from the frenetic pace of our modern world and many parts of Florida. The beach has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and the locals are always happy to help visitors find their way around the island.

Boca Beach is also a great place to enjoy water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. The beach has calm waters, making it an ideal spot for families with children. You can rent a boat or take a fishing charter to explore the waters around the island.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are a variety of hotels and accommodations available on Gasparilla Island. However, it’s worth noting that the Gasparilla Inn is closed for the entire year from mid-July to early October. Other hotels remain open and offer comfortable and convenient accommodations for visitors.

Boneyard Beach, Jacksonville

Looking for a beach that’s both secluded and unique? Head to Boneyard Beach in Jacksonville, one of Florida’s hidden gems. This beach is known for its stunning visuals and ecological wonderland.

Located at the very northeast corner of the city limits, Boneyard Beach offers three miles of shoreline along the Nassau Sound. It’s part of Big Talbot Island State Park, which is a nature preserve featuring trails, boating docks, fishing spots, and beaches like Boneyard Beach.

The beach is covered in oak and cypress trees that have been bleached by the sun, held down by sand and wind, and formed by the forces of mother nature. The result is a unique landscape that’s both eerie and beautiful.

One of the best things about Boneyard Beach is that it’s not crowded. Since it’s a bit off the beaten path, you won’t have to fight for a spot on the sand or worry about noisy crowds. Instead, you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of this secluded beach.

Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin

The Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin is a beautiful barrier island that is one of the least crowded beaches in Florida, so you can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf without worrying about crowds.

Caladesi Island State Park is known for its pristine white sandy beaches. The beach is untouched and natural, making it a great spot for nature lovers. You can enjoy the sunshine and wildlife inland, or take a kayak through the mangroves on the bay.

To get to Caladesi Island State Park, you’ll need to take a ferry or a private boat. The ferry ride is a fun adventure in itself, with great views of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding islands. Once you arrive at the island, you’ll find plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a concession stand.

Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach is known for its clean and wide shoreline, perfect for walking or sunbathing. The water is also clear and calm, making it ideal for swimming or other water activities. Plus, the beach is lined with palm trees, providing shade for those who want to take a break from the sun.

Ormond Beach is not as crowded as other beaches in Florida. You can find a spot to lay your towel and relax without having to worry about being too close to others. The beach is also well-maintained, with plenty of trash cans and restrooms available for visitors.

If you’re looking for things to do in Ormond Beach, there are several options. You can rent a bike and ride along the beach, or take a stroll along the nearby Main Street, which has plenty of shops and restaurants. There are also several parks in the area, including the Tomoka State Park, which offers hiking trails and fishing opportunities.

Pensacola Beach, Santa Rosa Island

If you’re looking for a beach with fewer crowds, Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island might be the perfect spot for you. This beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico and offers soft white sand and clear waters.

One of the great things about Pensacola Beach is that it’s not as well-known as some of the other beaches in Florida, so you won’t have to worry about fighting for a spot on the sand. Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, from swimming and paddleboarding to fishing and strolling along the Portofino Boardwalk’s shops.

If you’re interested in exploring the local wildlife, you can take a guided tour of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which includes a visit to the historic Fort Pickens. The tour is a great way to learn about the area’s history and see some of the local wildlife up close.

Navarre Beach

Located on Santa Rosa Island, Navarre Beach offers crystal clear emerald water, beautiful beaches, and plenty of sun. While it is popular with beachgoers and vacationers from near and far, it is still less crowded than many other beaches in Florida.

Navarre Beach has a variety of activities to offer. You can take a walk along the beach, go for a swim, or simply relax and soak up the sun. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try paddleboarding, kayaking, or even parasailing. There are also several parks and nature preserves nearby where you can hike, bike, or enjoy a picnic.

One of the best things about Navarre Beach is that it has a small-town feel. The beach is not lined with high-rise hotels or crowded with tourists. Instead, you’ll find a few small hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants. This gives Navarre Beach a more relaxed and laid-back vibe, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.

Perdido Key Beach

Perdido Key Beach, located on a barrier island in the far western shores of Florida Panhandle, offers miles of untouched shoreline and plenty of privacy for those looking to get away from it all.

One of the best parts of Perdido Key Beach is its natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches are stunning, and the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or explore the natural surroundings, this beach has something for everyone.

Another great thing about Perdido Key Beach is that it’s not as crowded as some of the other beaches in the area. You won’t have to worry about fighting for a spot on the sand or dealing with noisy crowds. Instead, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

If you’re looking for activities to do, Perdido Key Beach has plenty of options. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the waters, or go fishing and try to catch some of the local fish species. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area, so you can explore the natural beauty of the island.

Shell Island Beach

Shell Island Beach is located near Panama City Beach. It boasts miles of untouched shoreline and offers plenty of privacy for those looking to get away from it all. As the name suggests, Shell Island is also home to a plethora of seashells, making it a great spot for beachcombing!

One of the best things about Shell Island Beach is that it’s only accessible by boat. This means that it’s much less crowded than some of the other beaches in the area. You can rent a boat or take a guided tour to get there. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear water and soft, white sand.

If you’re looking for something to do besides sunbathing and swimming, there are plenty of other activities available at Shell Island Beach. You can go kayaking, fishing, or even take a dolphin-watching tour. There are also hiking trails and picnic areas if you want to spend some time on land.

Overall, Shell Island Beach is a great option if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded beach in Florida. With its pristine shoreline and abundance of seashells, it’s a beachcomber’s paradise. Plus, its remote location means that you won’t have to fight for space on the sand.

Cape San Blas

One of the best things about Cape San Blas is that there are no big hotels or high-rises, making it one of the least crowded beaches in the Florida Panhandle. Instead, you’ll find charming beach houses and cottages that add to the overall relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Cape San Blas is also home to one of the richest ecosystems in Florida, making it a great destination for nature lovers. You can explore the area’s diverse wildlife by hiking along the nature trails or kayaking through the marshes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the area’s resident dolphins playing in the waves.

Of course, the main attraction at Cape San Blas is the beach itself. With miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear water, this is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and soak up some sun. You can swim, snorkel, or simply lounge on the beach with a good book. And if you’re into fishing, Cape San Blas is a great spot to cast a line and try your luck.