Let’s all face facts, Florida is known for having some of the best beaches in the country. But rather than having to choose one beach for one adventure, we’ve decided to make an entire weekend out of exploring three of the most underrated Florida beaches this state has to offer. In this one-weekend road trip, you’ll be immersed in Florida’s natural beauty, plus catch some sweet sun rays while you’re at it. Who’s ready to dip their toes in the sand?

The weekend road trip starts at Fernandina Beach and ends at Crescent Beach. In total, the travel time is just over 2.5 hours, but plan to extend that time for stopping and overnight stays as well. You can find the entire trip itinerary.

Google Maps
Day 1 — Fernandina Beach, Florida
Google Anthony Russell
Spend your first day exploring Fernandina Beach, Florida, and enjoy a slice of the northeastern part of the state. Situated on the beautiful Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is the northernmost city on Florida’s Atlantic coast. The natural beauty is practically endless.
Google Kathy Isenhour
You can meander your way through Fort Clinch State Park for a trip back in time. The fort is very well maintained and is one of the most popular historic sites in the entire area. But you can also explore Main Beach Park, where you can walk the sandy shoreline, take a swim in the water, and even go shelling!
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA
Google Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island
End your day at the Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island, which is a stone’s throw from the ocean. These delightful accommodations are perfect for any family looking for a solid night’s sleep. Before you go, learn more about what makes Fernandina Beach so spectacular. Take a look at the video below to learn more about the gorgeous Fernandina Beach:

Day 2 — Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Flickr Robert Gulley
We’re headed to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for the next leg of this journey. This beautiful beach area is a hidden gem along the coast but is well worth the exploration.

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TripAdvisor Jacksonville Beach Moms
The first stop if you really want to take in all the natural beauty is Mickler’s Landing (pronounced "mike-lers"). Just two blocks east of A1A this is the first public beach in Ponte Vedra. Also, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for shark’s teeth to wash up along the shore! This beach is known for being a shell collector’s paradise.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, USA
TripAdvisor ToniAnn95
Also, make sure you spend some time in Bird Island Park. This natural gem has 30 different types of birds that come through the area, each visiting and roosting on a small island in a pond nearby. See the gorgeous Ponte Verda Beach from above when you watch this beautiful drone footage:

Day 3 — Crescent Beach, Florida
Google Krista Starr
Our final day on this beach exploration road trip is to Crescent Beach, Florida. Crescent Beach is a small park located on A1A South that has direct access to the beach. Here, visitors can enjoy a stretch of St. Augustine that gets its name from the natural shape of the coastline.
Google Romanian Spice
Check out Spyglass Public Beach Access to walk the stairs right down to the shoreline. Come early though, as this part of the beach really fills up!
Google Lynn Godinez
Make sure to grab a bite to eat at The Commander’s Shellfish Camp. This place is a no-frills hideaway with some truly fresh fish. Grab a plate of cold, freshly-shucked oysters and a beer for a relaxing evening dining alfresco.
Crescent Beach, FL 32080, USA
TripAdvisor nancyd3
To end the trip, we’ll spend the night at Devil’s Elbow Fishing Resort. These waterfront cottages are an adorable way to finish the weekend right on the water. Plus, if you’re looking to cast a line too, you can fish right from the camp. This resort offers saltwater fishing, boat rentals, and luxury accommodations. Looking for even more travel inspiration? The aerial footage of Crescent Beach, Florida will inspire you to plan your trip ASAP:

So, what do you think about this Florida beaches road trip? Would you visit these beautiful beaches in one epic weekend? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section — we would love to hear from you! Looking for some related content? We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite secret beaches in Florida for those looking to experience the state as a local. Prepare to be impressed!

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More to Explore

Florida beaches

Beth C. | April 24, 2023

What are some secret beaches in Florida to visit?

Florida has so many beaches, that it can be overwhelming to try to pinpoint the best ones to visit. Fortunately, we've done most of the work for you, and have devised a list of the best top-secret beaches in the Sunshine State. Some of our favorite hidden beaches in Florida include:

  • Usina Beach — St. Augustine, FL
  • Playalinda Beach — Canaveral National Seashore, FL
  • Cayo Costa State Park — Captiva, FL
  • St. George Island — Franklin County, FL
  • Caladesi Island State Park — Dunedin, FL
  • Juno Beach — Palm Beach County, FL
  • Captiva Island — Fort Myers
  • Blowing Rocks Preserve — Hobe Sound, FL

 

What are some other top-rated beaches in Florida to check out?

There's nothing better than spending the day lounging on a Florida beach, and that's true basically any time of the year. Below, we've compiled a list of the most beautiful, top-rated beaches in Florida:

  • Bahia Honda
  • Delray Beach
  • Grayton Beach
  • Naples Beaches
  • Lovers Key
  • Anna Maria Island
  • Destin
  • Caladesi Island State Park
  • Fort De Soto Park
  • Fort Myers Beach
  • Siesta Key
  • Sanibel Island
  • St. Andrews State Park

 

No matter what you're looking for, there's bound to be a Florida beach to suit your needs!

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Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, USA
Crescent Beach, FL 32080, USA