Did you know that there are more than 650 miles of beaches in Florida? While the bigger-name beaches are often packed with tourists, there are plenty of hidden gem beach towns that offer more privacy. If visiting a town with beautiful sandy shores sounds like the perfect getaway, read below to start planning your next Florida vacation!
Related:5 of the Most Amazing Beach Vacations to Take in 2017
11 Florida Beach Towns to Visit on Your Family Vacation
1. St. Augustine
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQRHW3Xge7c/?tagged=staugustine
In St. Augustine there are miles of beaches, stretching from Vilano Beach to Crescent Beach. On Beachfront Ave. there are tons of local hot spots, including restaurants and bars. Outside of the well-known beaches, the area is also home to Anastasia State Park. The park is a protected bird sanctuary that boasts of five miles of beaches, trails and other entertainment.
2. Santa Rosa Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQCC3vpjiCe/?taken-at=215425496
Santa Rosa Beach, ideally located in South Walton, is the go-to beach if you want to be surrounded by luxury and fancy restaurants. The beach offers amazing turquoise water and sand that is as soft as it looks in pictures. Around Santa Rosa Beach you’ll find charming luxury homes, fine dining and a state forest to explore.
3. Grayton Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQKBO55ADhh/?taken-at=216575244
Grayton Beach, also found in South Walton, is known for its pristine water and sand. While the beach isn’t very big, with the motto “nice dogs, friendly folks,” who wouldn’t want to visit? Grayton Beach offers a laid-back and easygoing scene for anyone who is visiting.
4. Pass-a-Grille
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQMFcVsjkIK/?tagged=passagrille
If you’re looking for a true small beach town, Pass-a-Grille is it! The town, which is located at the very bottom of Pete Beach offers not only a beach but historical museums, a ferry and all sorts of water activities. You can count on privacy and relaxation in Pass-a-Grille.
5. Clearwater Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPkhSAwBZn2/?taken-by=clearwaterbeachdaily
If you’re looking for almost promised sunshine during a vacation, Clearwater Beach is the place to be! With 361 days of consecutive sunshine, Clearwater holds the record for most consecutive sunny days. While you’re likely to encounter more tourists here, this beach offer beautiful white sand surrounded by crystal clear water.
6. Marco Island
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLmD5TmDicr/?taken-by=jwmarcoisland
Marco Island is one of Florida’s only developed islands that make up Ten Thousand Islands. The island is home to dozens of luxury beachfront resorts. The beaches are covered in white sand and Tigertail Beach offers a picturesque view, a tidal lagoon and a plenty of good eats.
7. Siesta Key
https://www.instagram.com/p/_Eq3SGmof6/?taken-at=272080185
Siesta Key, which is located on the Gulf of Mexico, boasts of 8 miles of amazing beach and has been said to have the finext and whitest sand in the world. If you want a beach location that offers all sorts of entertainment, from snorkeling to parasailing and even dolphin watching tours, this is the beach for you.
8. Deerfield Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQQt6wigpfO/?taken-at=216164314
Deerfield Beach is located near Palm Beach County, a popular Florida destination. Crazily enough, the beach was once home to several kinda of deer! The beach town is home to an arboretum, a pier as well as several parks where visitors can waterski and wakeboard.
9. Vero Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQQrw5klsst/?tagged=verobeach
Vero Beach is home to not only plenty of white sand and azure ocean water, it’s also home to tons of wildlife. At Vero you’re likely to run into a sea turtle, sandpiper or a pelican. Because Vero Beach isn’t a tourist hot spot, you can count on having your own piece of the beach to your self.
10. Naples
https://www.instagram.com/p/BO7d9KBjvLu/?taken-by=naples_fl
Not only is Naples known for its amazing golf courses and its high-end designer shopping, it’s also home to sugar sand beaches. The Naples Pier is one of the go-to spots in the city, especially if you’re looking to see a few dolphins or go fishing. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to checkout the Everglades!
11. Anna Maria Island
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQOGezUBuSu/?taken-at=1019015348
Anna Maria Island is all about casual and easygoing paradise. The island offers 7 miles of white-sand beaches engulfed by restaurants. At night you are likely to see sea turtles nesting, especially during nesting months. The island is also a bird sanctuary.
With so many gorgeous Florida beach towns to visit, it’s hard to know where to start first! Plan a vacation to just one and spend the days relaxing or make an adventure out of visiting as many as you can during your family travels!
My husband has been to Marco and said it’s gorgeous. We live in Florida, but aren’t a big beach-type of family…sand clean-up is a pain. That said, I’d love to visit some more of our beaches sometime!
Definitely Clearwater beach is beautiful an dI loved it. I havent been to the otehrs, thye sound amazing too! I love Florida, Only thing I dont wish to see are the sink holes!
Florida is in my travel bucket list. I’ve always wish to go there someday. The beaches look so beautiful. Makes me wish for summer now!
Florida has some gorgeous beaches. Siesta Key is great, as is South Beach. It’s nice to sit out by the water and enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crashing on the shore.
I love the beaches in Florida. I have seen several of them, but have not spent too much time at any of them. I definitely need to make it a point to see more of them.
Truly beautiful and lovely beach towns. Love the photos you shared here!
I have only been to Florida once, and that was a quick weekend trip to Orlando. I would definitely love to visit some of these gorgeous beach towns, especially right about now when I am so tired of the cold and snow!