11 Amazing-Yet-Overlooked Beaches in Florida You Need to Visit in Your Lifetime
Florida may be known as the Sunshine State, but it might as well rebrand itself as the Shoreline State. With 8,436 miles of shoreline—second only to Alaska, which arguably, has less beach-friendly weather year-round—the peninsula has no shortage of beaches. Still, certain areas (South Beach! Destin! Daytona!) get all the attention...and can get seriously overcrowded. That's why we turned to a few locals to spill the tea on lesser-known spots that are absolutely worth slathering up in sunscreen and planning a road trip. Consider your next beach trip planned.
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1. John D. MacArthur State Park
- Getting there: 20 minutes from downtown West Palm Beach
- Why we recommend it: Private island feel, family friendly, water activities
- Where to stay: Get the best of city and beach by staying nearby at The Ben, Autograph Collection, $400/night
2. Crescent Beach in St. Augustine
- Getting there: 25 minutes from downtown St. Augustine
- Why we recommend it: Less touristy, local feel
- Where to stay: Oceanfront Condo with Heated Pool: Sleeps 4, $138/night
3. Honeymoon Island in Dunedin
- Getting there: 20 minutes north of Clearwater
- Why we recommend it: Dog friendly, low key, hiking trails with nature center
- Where to stay: Clearwater Coastal Cottage: Sleeps six, $181/night
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4. St. George Island in Franklin County
- Getting there: 5 hours from Tallahassee
- Why we recommend it: Great for swimming and shelling, pet friendly, family friendly
- Where to stay: Bay to Beach Five Bedroom: Sleeps 10, $738/night
5. Blue Mountain Beach in South Walton
- Getting there: 1 hour from Panama City
- Why we recommend it: Picturesque landscape, fresh seafood, local eats
- Where to stay: Affordable, Updated Condo: Sleeps four, $187/night
6. Delray Beach in Palm Beach County
- Getting there: 40 minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport
- Why we recommend it: The best of city and beach,
- Where to stay: Aloft Delray Beach, $229/night
7. Bahia Honda State Park
- Getting there: 5 hours from downtown Miami
- Why we recommend it: Unbeatable views, water activities, close to Key West
- Where to stay: Cottage with Pool and Kayaks: Sleeps 2, $200/night
8. Juno Beach
- Getting there: 25 minutes from West Palm Beach
- Why we recommend it: Next-level sunrises, spacious beaches
- Where to stay: Prime Location Bungalow Four: Sleeps two, $150/night
9. Madeira Beach
- Getting there: 25 minutes from St. Pete
- Why we recommend it: Boardwalk with local eats and shops, quiet beaches, family friendly
- Where to stay: Well-Appointed Getaway: Sleeps 7, $148/night
10. Navarre Beach
- Getting there: 2 hours from Panama City Beach
- Why we recommend it: Fishing, marine science center, gorgeous beaches
- Where to stay: Updated Condo on the Beach: Sleeps 8, $130/night
11. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- Getting there: 15 minutes from downtown Miami
- Why we recommend it: Private island feel, super-quiet beaches, close to restaurants and shops
- Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, $599/night