Top 5 Secluded Beaches in Florida: Where to Go to Beat the Crowds
If there’s one thing Florida is known for, it’s beautiful beaches that entice you with their white sands and bright blue and turquoise water. Unfortunately, with stunning scenery comes loads of crowds, the last thing you want to run into when you’re trying to get away from it all.
For a Florida beach vacation that will give you the peace and relaxation you’re looking for, don’t miss our list of the top secluded beaches.
St. George Island
One of the state’s barrier islands and most unspoiled coastline, St. George Island is a piece of paradise loved by the locals (and the few outsiders that know about it). With no skyrises in sight thanks to strict zoning laws, the island is a true escape from the busyness of more popular Florida beaches.
What to do: With sand dunes, marshlands, and undeveloped coastline, St. George Island has everything you could want from an island getaway. And whenever you’re ready to hang up your kayak or fishing poles and return to civilization, the island is home to numerous locally-owned restaurants serving up mouth-watering seafood.
Perdido Key Beach
Despite being one of the most pristine white sand beaches in Florida, Perdido Key Beach lives up to its name. With the feeling of a lost island, this stretch of sand lets visitors relax amongst wildlife rather than other beachgoers as they admire the spectacular views of the Emerald Coast.
What to do: We doubt you’ll want to get up from the crystal sands, but if you need a break from sunbathing, head to one of the wetland trails for a chance to see some unique wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle.
Tigertail Beach
Reaching the best, most secluded beaches is often an adventure itself, and the journey to Tigertail Beach is no exception. The fastest and most fun way to leave behind the development on Marco Island and reach the untouched shores of Tigertail Beach is to wade through the waist-high waters of the grassy and muddy 50-yard lagoon.
What to do: Once you’ve crossed the lagoon’s murky waters, you’ll be treated with soft white sand, stunning seashells, and even the sights of dolphins swimming offshore. When you’re not watching the waves of the Gulf, track down the special tree adorned in seashells with hand-written messages or head to the Big Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area to catch sights of the local animals.
Cayo Costa State Park
If you’re looking for a complete escape from the real world, Cayo Costa State Park is the place for you. A one-hour ferry ride from Bokeelia, an already remote location, Cayo Costa is the ideal spot to get away from it all and experience Florida in a more wild state.
What to do: For $36 per night, visitors can book one of the 12 rustic cabins located throughout the state park. Though you’ll be without Wifi and electricity and will need to trek to nearby sites for drinking water, cold showers, and toilets, you’re sure to find an unmatched sense of solitude surrounded by stunning views and native vegetation.
Grayton Beach State Park
Not everyone wants to wade through lagoons or hop on a ferry to a remote island to find some peace and quiet. Luckily, Grayton Beach has opportunities for all of the best beach activities without the crowds and without having to do more than park your car and take a short walk to the water.
What to do: Though the park comes to life during the high season, you’ll never feel crowded with over 2,000 acres to enjoy. But if you’re looking for some extra space to enjoy the park’s natural beauty, grab your kayak and set off to explore the Western Lake.
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