There are several popular beaches in Florida, such as Destin/Fort Walton, Panama City, and Miami, but Florida also has many beautiful small beaches with lots to offer if you want a relaxing beach vacation. If you’re looking for a saltwater paradise, here are 10 great Florida beaches you’ve never heard of.
- Grayton
This small historic beach village is located on the Florida Panhandle halfway between Destin and Panama City, adjacent to Grayton Beach State Park. The locals are friendly, and you know you’ll love a place whose unofficial slogan is “nice dogs, strange people.” This beach has several rentals available, such as apartments, houses, and mansions! - Seaside
Seaside, Florida, has been ranked one of the best seaside vacation spots by Trip Advisor. This beach is absolutely stunning. The main city offers shopping opportunities, but you can also enjoy area events, such as farmers markets, theater, and live music. There are plenty of places to rent if you’re looking to vacation right in Seaside and countless rentals along the 26-mile Scenic Highway 30A, whether you want one bedroom or six. - Crandon Park
Crandon Park is a quiet little beach near Key Biscayne. This two-mile beach is family-friendly with gentle waves anyone can swim. It also features an outdoor skating rink, a carousel, and kiteboard equipment rentals. If those activities don’t interest you, you can always visit the beautiful golf course near the beach or play tennis at your leisure. There are several rentals within walking distance of the beach, all with spectacular views. - Bahia Honda State Park
People love Key West, but it’s not the only island in the Lower Florida Keys. Whether you’re looking for a more relaxing vacation or one that’s family-friendly, you can visit Bahia Honda State Park. At this beautiful beach, you can take snorkeling tours, kayak, and rent boats. Not only that, but you can camp right in the park! There are cabins available, or you can pitch your own tent at this amazing beach. - Amelia Island
This lesser-known beach definitely holds its own against nearby Jacksonville Beach. Amelia Island is 13 miles long and offers the chance for visitors to see dolphins swimming in the Gulf. This beach also features more than 70 distinctive restaurants that use fresh, local seafood to prepare authentic international specialties. Not only does the island feature historic B&Bs that will melt your heart, but it also has camping for the wild-at-heart. - Caladesi Island State Park
This beach has been called one of America’s best beaches by famous coastal researcher Stephen Leatherman. Not many people visit this beach, however, due to the fact that you have to take a ferry from Dunedin to get to it, but it’s their loss. It’s more than worth it, as you can watch wildlife in their natural habitat, participate in canoeing or kayaking, or even take a boat out onto the waves. You’ll love this white-sandy beach. - Blowing Rocks Preserve
This beach is still unknown to many native Floridians. The coastline looks a little jagged and like something you’d see in northern California, but this beautiful beach boasts some of the best views in America. Hobe Sound sanctuary offers a true look at aquatic life. Rare birds, plants, and animals inhabit this little area near Jupiter, but watching the wildlife isn’t all you can do. You can also hike, visit exhibits at Hawley Education Center, swim, snorkel, and scuba dive! - Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa looks just like the Bahamas. Turquoise waves wash up onto this white sand beach. It’s also located along the 30A Scenic Highway, so you’re bound to have a wonderful vacation. It has B&Bs to die for and views that will make your jaw drop. The restaurants in Santa Rosa are unparalleled and feature some of the best, authentic food you’ll ever eat. Whether you’re just visiting or a local, you need to check this beach out. - Vero
This beach is one of the most formidable beaches in Florida. It features five-star restaurants with mouth-watering creations, and the hotels have views that will make you wish you could never leave. If a hotel isn’t what you had in mind, there are also a few resorts on Vero, such as Driftwood and Oyster Pointe. There is something for everyone on this beautiful island. - Lover’s Key
?If you’re looking for a couple’s haven, look no further. This beautiful Gulf Coast barrier island is only accessible by boat, but it’s worth the journey. Lover's Key is partially a state park but is also home to resorts for couples to spark some romance. You can swim, snorkel, camp, hike, and more at this hidden gem.
