Looking for beautiful year-round weather and an idyllic spot to bask on the beach? Florida checks all the boxes for a warm-weather getaway, but the downside is everyone tends to have the same idea. Some destinations in the Sunshine State, like Miami Beach, are overrun with beachgoers, with sandy shores packed to the brim. But if you’re trying to avoid the crowds, there are still many hidden gems in Florida where you can truly relax and get away from it all. Here are 10 of our favorite quiet oceanside Florida towns.
Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach is a tiny oceanfront community with about 3,000 full-time residents. Located approximately 40 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, it sits on a narrow strip of land separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Indian River.
The town has a rich history dating to 1883, making it not only the oldest beach community in Brevard County, but also one of the oldest cities in Florida. Many of Melbourne Beach’s residents will tell you just how quiet the community is, yet it’s still easy to get here from Orlando International Airport, which is 67 miles away. It’s also a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing — Melbourne Beach is the largest nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere.
Boca Grande
The relaxing community of Boca Grande is situated on Gasparilla Island, a thin stretch of land in southern Florida. While Boca Grande is just a short drive to big cities like Fort Myers or Sarasota, it feels completely removed from the hustle and bustle, making it one of the quietest and serenest sports in the state.
The area is known for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, but it also has a rich history worth exploring, including the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, built in 1890. You can even book a relaxing spa day at the famed Gasparilla Inn & Club, which dates to 1911.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a delightfully kitschy beachside town with just over 6,000 full-time residents. This quiet Florida escape south of Boca Raton and north of Fort Lauderdale was voted the third-best beach in Florida by readers of USA Today in 2024.
While the distinction certainly put Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on the map, it still maintains its small-town charm and relaxing vibe. In fact, the town voted to limit the height of new buildings to four stories back in 1973, so there’s no need to worry about a tall high-rise building blocking your sun.
Captiva
There are fewer than 200 Floridians who reside full time in Captiva, but despite its remote feel, Captiva is easily accessible from Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway bridge. This delightful, yet uncrowded tourist destination is particularly renowned for the plentiful seashells lining its sandy shores. It’s also worth booking a boat tour, during which you’re likely to spot dolphins and stingrays in their natural habitat.
Fernandina Beach
Located on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is the northernmost city on Florida’s Atlantic coast. While it technically falls within the Greater Jacksonville area, Fernandina Beach doesn’t feel like a big city in the slightest. Instead of tall buildings, you’ll find beach bungalows lining its sandy shores.
Amelia Island was originally inhabited by the Timucuan peoples and later various French, English, and Spanish communities. That history is exemplified by several historic homes, churches, and other buildings that can be found throughout the 50 blocks of downtown Fernandina Beach’s historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fernandina Beach is known for its warm summer weather and mild winter seasons, making it an ideal beach town to visit year-round.
New Smyrna Beach
With 17 miles of white sand beaches, New Smyrna Beach is a hidden paradise located about 50 miles northeast of Orlando. The community was first settled in the 18th century and is considered one of the best beaches in Florida, particularly among surfers. In fact, National Geographic once ranked it as one of the top 20 surfing spots in the world. Despite being a bucket-list destination for surfers, New Smyrna Beach remains a quiet spot to lay down your towel and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the Atlantic.
Sanibel
Sanibel is a quiet city located on its namesake island along the Gulf Coast. Tragically, the area was devastated during Hurricane Ian in 2022, but thanks to the hard work of the dedicated community, Sanibel continues to recover and has regained its spot among the best hidden-gem beaches in Florida.
Sanibel is several miles away from the nearest major city, Fort Myers, giving it a quiet feel. But there’s plenty to do and see here, including bird-watching in the 6,400-acre J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, relaxing on the sugar sands of Bowman’s Beach, checking out the local farmers market, or visiting its historic lighthouse dating to 1884.
Anna Maria
Anna Maria is located at the tip of Anna Maria Island, across Tampa Bay from both Tampa and St. Petersburg. Unlike trips to those big cities, a visit to Anna Maria offers peace and relaxation, which can be enjoyed along 7 miles of uninterrupted beaches. The town’s history began with an early homesteader named George Bean, who set up his residence on the island in 1892. Today, around 1,000 people call Anna Maria home and strive to maintain its quiet, small-town feel.
Flagler Beach
With 6 miles of pristine shoreline, Flagler Beach is a must-visit beach town in northeast Florida if you’re looking to avoid crowds. The community is located along the Atlantic coast, roughly halfway between Jacksonville and Orlando.
Flagler Beach is known for its retro architecture, laid-back residents, and plentiful surfing and fishing spots. Be sure to book a rooftop table at the Golden Lion Cafe, where you can enjoy a freshly caught seafood meal while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
St. George Island
There are no high-rise buildings or crowded highways along St. George Island — just 22 miles of beautiful beaches adjacent to the Gulf Coast. This relaxing spot is located on the less crowded southern end of the Florida Panhandle. Given the lack of out-of-towners, you’re likely throughout much of the year to find entire swaths of beach all to yourself, where you can swim, fish, or surf.
For cyclists, St. George contains 17 miles of paved bike paths where you can see the island in all its beauty. You can also see Florida fauna in St. George Island’s preserved marsh areas, which you can explore by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.
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