Fun in the summer sun: that’s all we really want, right? While you can visit some incredible beaches in Florida all year round, some are just infinitely better when you visit during the summer months. In case you don’t want to get stuck visiting those super-crowded beaches, we have some hidden gems beaches in Florida to add to your summer bucket list. Get your swimsuits on and lather on that sunscreen: these hidden beaches are where the fun is definitely at any time you need a beach fix!

1. Usina Beach — St. Augustine, FL
Usina Beach, FL 32082, USA
Flickr Don Dearing
First up on our list of hidden gem beaches in Florida is Usina Beach. While many locals or visitors flock to St. Augustine for the historical elements of the city, not too many come to kick back on the beach, which is why Usina Beach is a hidden gem for many. Enjoy one of the best-kept beach secrets in Florida right here.
2. Playalinda Beach — Canaveral National Seashore, FL
Playalinda Beach, PLAYALINDA Beach, Florida, USA
Flickr John Stockton
Located on Florida’s East Coast, Playalinda Beach is a gem because it’s located right next to the Kennedy Space Center. Backed by grassy dunes and various plants, enjoy what has been dubbed the "longest undeveloped stretch of oceanfront on Florida's east coast." This top-secret beach in Florida is easily one of its best.
3. Cayo Costa State Park — Captiva, FL
Cayo Costa State Park, Captiva, FL 33924, USA
Flickr Florida Fish and Wildlife
While everyone has dubbed the best beach to go shelling as either Captiva or Sanibel, others argue that it is Cayo Costa State Park. Nine miles in length, Cayo Costa offers seashells along the seashore that you won’t find elsewhere. Spend the weekend camping in Florida ON the island and explore it for days.
4. St. George Island — Franklin County, FL
Saint George Island, St George Island, FL 32328, USA
Flickr Arturo Donate
Located in the Florida panhandle, you’ll find St. George Island. This 22-mile barrier island in the Gulf is home to some of the quietest, most unspoiled beaches in the entire state. Enjoy visiting the state park and explore all the unfettered natural beauty this gem has to offer. This is one of the best beaches in Florida for ocean lovers.

Related Stories

15 Florida Swimming Holes That Are Ideal For A Summer Adventure

15 Florida Swimming Holes That Are Ideal For A Summer Adventure

 The 10 Best Things To Do In Florida In June, 2023

The 10 Best Things To Do In Florida In June, 2023

 8 Lazy Rivers In Florida That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day

8 Lazy Rivers In Florida That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day
5. Caladesi Island State Park — Dunedin, FL
Caladesi Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698, USA
Flickr Pinellas County
There are really only two quick ways to get to this stunning state park in Florida — to take the ferry known as the Caladesi Connection or to take a private boat! Since not everyone is aware of these two options, this only means that this beach remains one of those secret spots. If you’re lucky, you might just have a whole stretch of beach to yourself. This is one remote beach in Florida you can't miss out on.
6. Juno Beach — Palm Beach County, FL
Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA
Flickr apasciuto
Juno Beach is an actual town in Palm Beach County with just a few thousand residents. While visiting, you’ll have a truly unspoiled coastline, plus a perfect beachy vibe that will be as laid back as it gets. Head to the pier and step out onto the beautiful rolling waves.
7. Captiva Island — Fort Myers
Captiva Island, Florida 33924, USA
Flickr Freebird
Ahh, Captiva Island. It doesn’t get much better than this one. Not only is Captiva Island a true shelling paradise, but it also remains one of the prettiest beaches around. You don’t need much to enjoy this Florida Island, just a sense of adventure and a slower-than-usual pace. This is a beach town in Florida you'll fall in love with pretty fast.
8. Blowing Rocks Preserve — Hobe Sound, FL
The Nature Conservancy Blowing Rocks Preserve, 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, USA
Flickr apasciuto
This protected barrier island has been appreciated for years as the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on Florida’s east coast. While many visitors are enjoying the one-of-a-kind rock formations, others are splashing in the rolling waves and unobstructed coastline. Anyone interested even a little bit in interesting geology in Florida will find this destination fun and exciting.

If you were to do a search for “beaches near me,” we’re pretty sure that at least a few of these would come up near the top of the list!

Have you ever been to these hidden beaches in Florida before? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that they are some of the best hidden gem beaches in Florida? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below! Or if you want to offer up your own suggestions for a few hidden gems in The Sunshine State, then make sure to shout those out, too.

If you enjoy the beach, then you’ll definitely enjoy this list of the 10 best seafood restaurants in Florida.

If you’re still in the mood for more Sunshine State adventures, take a look at this video:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hidden Beaches in Florida

Tori Jane | April 03, 2022

Where can we find other secret beaches in Florida? 

  • Flagler Beach is a small beach town with 19 miles of beautiful sandy beaches and is popular for swimming, boating, and surfing,
  • George Island features 28 miles of pristine white sand and is one of the last inhabited and unspoiled barrier islands in the state. It also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
  • Keewaydin Island is a great local secret that is only accessible by boat and features seven miles of beautiful soft, white sand.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful secret beaches in Florida.

Where can we find the best shopping in Florida?  

  • Dysfunctional Grace in Tampa sells some really curiously odd things like vintage antique items, taxidermy skulls, metaphysical items, and more.
  • The Other Side Vintage in Tallahassee runs the gamut from vintage clothing to furniture, jewelry, records, home décor items, and more.
  • The International Market World Flea and Farmer’s Market in Fussels Corner attracts residents and tourists seeking unique goods, second-hand items, and other unusual treasures.

Read on to learn about some of the many other places to go shopping in Florida.

Where can we find wineries in Florida?

  • Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont offers complimentary winery tours and wine tastings and has live entertainment on the weekends.
  • San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine is known in part for its outstanding sparkling and dessert wines made from Muscadine grapes.
  • Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery in Lake Placid, in addition to producing great wines, also offers U-Pick seasons and has an annual Grape Stomp.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful wineries in Florida.

. 

Related Articles

Explore Florida