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Florida is famous for its sun-drenched coastline, boasting some of the most popular beaches in the world.

While many of these spots draw large crowds, there’s a different side to Florida’s beaches—hidden gems that offer peace, tranquility, and pristine natural beauty.

For travelers who prefer solitude over social buzz, these 20 secluded beaches in Florida provide the perfect escape.

Keewaydin Island – Accessible only by boat, located near Naples.

Keewaydin Island is a true hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, accessible only by boat. Its untouched natural beauty makes it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds. The island offers miles of white sand beaches framed by crystal-clear waters. Without any commercial development, Keewaydin remains pristine, making it a haven for shell collectors, bird watchers, and beach lovers. Visitors can enjoy a day of fishing, picnicking, or simply basking in the sun while experiencing true isolation.

Why it’s secluded

Lack of roads and development keep Keewaydin off the beaten path.

About 30 minutes.

The easiest way to reach the island is via Gulf Breeze Charters or the Hemingway Water Shuttle, which runs daily year-round.

Yes, swimming is allowed.

By boat or ferry, as it is boat-access only.

Approximately 8 miles long.

Cayo Costa State Park – Gulf Coast barrier island, only accessible by boat.

Cayo Costa State Park is a stunning and secluded barrier island located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, just west of Fort Myers and Cape Coral. It’s one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, offering an unspoiled slice of paradise far away from the crowded beaches that the state is known for. The park is only accessible by boat or ferry, adding to its sense of isolation and natural beauty.

What happened to Cayo Costa State Park?
Cayo Costa State Park was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian, and as a result, the park is closed for repairs. Friends of Cayo Costa is proud to be actively supporting the rebuilding efforts and asks visitors to be patient as the state works to address all concerns.
 
A remote barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, only accessible by boat or ferry from Pine Island or Boca Grande, which helps maintain its seclusion and unspoiled natural environment.
 
The park features 9 miles of untouched, white-sand beaches, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing in a peaceful setting far from crowded tourist areas.
 
Cayo Costa is one of the few remaining undeveloped islands in Florida, with preserved pine forests, mangroves, and dunes, offering a true escape into nature.
 
A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, visitors can spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds like ospreys and pelicans, as well as nesting sea turtles during certain times of the year.
 
Visitors can enjoy hiking on nature trails, kayaking through mangroves, fishing, and camping at one of the park’s primitive campsites or rustic cabins near the beach.
 
The park offers both primitive camping and rustic cabins, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the Gulf.
 
Known for being a shell collector’s paradise, Cayo Costa’s beaches are frequently littered with beautiful, unbroken seashells, making it a popular destination for beachcombing.
 

Caladesi Island State Park – Pristine beaches reachable by ferry from Honeymoon Island.

Caladesi Island State Park is a pristine barrier island located off Florida’s Gulf Coast, near Clearwater and Dunedin. Known for its unspoiled natural beauty, it offers one of the most serene beach experiences in Florida. Accessible only by ferry, private boat, or kayak from Honeymoon Island, this park is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the more touristy beaches.

St. George Island State Park – Remote and peaceful in the Florida Panhandle.

St. George Island State Park is a remote, tranquil barrier island located off the coast of the Florida Panhandle, east of Apalachicola. Known for its untouched natural beauty, pristine beaches, and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a perfect escape for those looking to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast in its most unspoiled form. With miles of white-sand beaches, clear waters, and a variety of outdoor activities, St. George Island State Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers, campers, and adventure seekers.

Dry Tortugas National Park – Isolated beach accessible by seaplane or boat from Key West.

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote and beautiful national parks in the United States, located about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park is made up of seven small islands and is famous for its stunning turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, rich marine life, and the historic Fort Jefferson. Due to its remote location, the park is only accessible by seaplane or boat, making it an incredible, secluded destination for beach lovers, snorkelers, and history enthusiasts alike.

Little Talbot Island State Park – Undeveloped island near Jacksonville.

Little Talbot Island State Park is an unspoiled barrier island located near Jacksonville on Florida’s northeast coast. Known for its natural beauty and undeveloped landscapes, it’s one of the last remaining barrier islands in northeast Florida that has been preserved in its natural state. The park features over 5 miles of pristine, sandy beaches, salt marshes, and coastal forests, making it a peaceful escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Playalinda Beach – Quiet beach within Canaveral National Seashore.

Playalinda Beach is a tranquil, undeveloped beach located within the Canaveral National Seashore on Florida’s east coast, near Titusville and the Kennedy Space Center. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, Playalinda Beach offers a true escape from the crowds, with over 24 miles of coastline. It’s a popular spot for locals who want to enjoy a quiet day by the ocean.

Bahia Honda State Park – Hidden gem in the Florida Keys.

Bahia Honda State Park is a stunning and secluded gem in the Florida Keys, located about 12 miles from Marathon. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and incredible views of the iconic Old Bahia Honda Bridge. The park offers some of the best snorkeling, beachcombing, and outdoor activities in the Keys, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility.

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge – Secluded beach on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is a serene and secluded beach located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, between Jupiter and Stuart. This lesser-known coastal gem is part of a 1,160-acre wildlife refuge, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking peace and quiet. The refuge preserves both beach and estuarine environments, offering visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy Florida’s coastline in its most natural state.

Shell Key Preserve – Near St. Petersburg, accessible by kayak or boat.

Shell Key Preserve is a beautiful, undeveloped barrier island located near St. Petersburg, Florida. Accessible only by kayak, private boat, or ferry, this remote island offers a peaceful escape from the crowds with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. It’s part of a larger preserve that protects the island’s delicate ecosystems, making it a haven for nature lovers, beachgoers, and birdwatchers.

Blowing Rocks Preserve – Stunning, rocky coastline near Jupiter.

Blowing Rocks Preserve is a unique and stunning stretch of coastline located near Jupiter, Florida, on Hutchinson Island. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, the preserve is famous for its dramatic limestone rock formations that line the shore. During high tide or rough seas, waves crash against the rocks, sending water spouting high into the air—hence the name “Blowing Rocks.” This natural spectacle makes it a must-visit spot for photographers and nature lovers.

Sebastian Inlet State Park – Serene beach for nature lovers and surfers.

Sebastian Inlet State Park is a serene and scenic beach located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, near Melbourne Beach. Known for its natural beauty and diverse activities, the park offers a relaxing escape for nature lovers, beachgoers, and surfers alike. The inlet connects the Indian River Lagoon with the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular spot for both water sports and wildlife viewing.

Fort De Soto Park – Vast beach with quiet areas, near St. Petersburg.

Fort De Soto Park is a vast and beautiful beach park located near St. Petersburg, Florida, offering a mix of historical significance, natural beauty, and quiet spots for those seeking relaxation. Spread across five interconnected islands, the park boasts over 1,100 acres of pristine shoreline, clear waters, and lush greenery. It’s a popular destination for families, nature lovers, and those looking for a quieter beach experience.

Cape Romano – Remote beach with unique dome homes, accessible by boat.

Cape Romano is a remote and fascinating beach located at the southern tip of Marco Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s most famous for its unique dome homes, a set of abandoned, futuristic-looking structures that sit eerily on the shoreline. Accessible only by boat, Cape Romano offers a secluded and off-the-beaten-path destination for beachgoers and those seeking to explore a piece of Florida’s quirky history.

Anastasia State Park – Peaceful stretch of beach near St. Augustine.

Anastasia State Park is a peaceful and scenic beach located just minutes from historic St. Augustine, Florida. This beautiful park features over 4 miles of pristine, white-sand beaches bordered by sand dunes, tidal marshes, and ancient sand dunes. It’s a haven for nature lovers and offers a quiet retreat away from the crowds, while still being close to the historic attractions of St. Augustine.

Stump Pass Beach State Park – A quiet getaway on Manasota Key.

Stump Pass Beach State Park is a peaceful and secluded beach located on the southern tip of Manasota Key in southwest Florida. Known for its natural beauty, pristine shoreline, and tranquil atmosphere, the park offers a quiet retreat for visitors looking to escape the more crowded Florida beaches. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, shell collectors, and those seeking a laid-back day by the water.

Tigertail Beach – Secluded stretch on Marco Island, perfect for shelling.

Tigertail Beach is a secluded and picturesque beach located on Marco Island on Florida’s southwest coast. It’s a favorite spot for those who enjoy peaceful, uncrowded beaches and is particularly well-known for shelling, with an abundance of beautiful seashells washing up on its shores. The beach also features unique tidal lagoons, providing a perfect setting for birdwatching and exploring nature.

Hutchinson Island – Low-key and often uncrowded, located on Florida’s east coast.

Hutchinson Island is a laid-back and often uncrowded barrier island located on Florida’s east coast, stretching across St. Lucie and Martin Counties. Known for its serene beaches, crystal-clear waters, and natural beauty, Hutchinson Island offers visitors a peaceful alternative to Florida’s more crowded beach destinations. It’s a hidden gem for beachgoers, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxing retreat.

Big Talbot Island State Park – Secluded, tree-covered beach known for its unique driftwood.

Big Talbot Island State Park is a hidden gem located on Florida’s northeast coast, just north of Jacksonville. This secluded beach is known for its boneyard beach, a unique coastal landscape where large, weathered driftwood trees lie scattered along the shore, creating a surreal and stunning scene. The park’s blend of natural beauty, quiet beaches, and scenic hiking trails make it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

Grayton Beach State Park – Secluded, scenic, and located along the Gulf in the Panhandle.

Grayton Beach State Park is a secluded and scenic beach located along the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle. It’s known for its sugar-white sand, emerald-green waters, and tranquil, natural surroundings. Consistently ranked among the top beaches in the U.S., Grayton Beach offers a peaceful retreat for visitors looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.

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