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- No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem: These Are Some Of The Best Laid Back Florida Beach Towns
Adrenaline-filled amusement parks, buzzing nightlife, pristine beaches, and family-friendly fun are some attractions that garner thousands of tourists in Florida. These spots deserve attention for their wide array of offerings, but nothing beats the satisfaction of vacationing in places without busy crowds.
Mellow vibes and a relaxed atmosphere doesn't quite exist in some of the most popular destinations like Miami (which offers lots of must-see hot spots), but Florida is home to some of the most laid-back beach towns too. So, anyone who prefers under-the-radar destinations with a mix of cultural fun and exciting outdoor adventures will love these beautiful seaside destinations in Florida. Here are 16 of the best small beach towns in Florida for a low-key vacation.
UPDATE: 2023/07/16 07:20 EST BY JAIMEE TERESE
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem: These Are Some Of The Best Laid Back Florida Beach Towns
With thousands of miles of sandy coastline encompassing Florida's Panhandle, Gulf, and Atlantic coasts, as well as outlying islands, there are perfect Florida beach towns to suit every taste, style, and budget. Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle on their next beach vacation need to search no further - this article has been expanded to include 16 of the best small beach towns in Florida that are laid-back and low-key.
16 Sebring
Sebring, Florida, is best known for the historic annual race that is held at its internationally renowned racetrack. For tourists and locals looking to avoid crowds at the state's more commercial and touristy attractions, Sebring, which is situated in an especially underdeveloped area of the state, is the ideal destination. However, it is perfectly situated halfway between the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, providing tourists with a variety of Florida’s best beach options.
15 Boynton Beach
Boynton Beach is home to some of the most picturesque coastlines in the state and is close enough to numerous cultural, historical, and natural attractions for day trips. Boynton Beach, Florida, feels like it exists on a completely different planet, even though it is actually a part of the posh and privileged Miami metropolitan area. Boynton Beach is one of the best Florida beaches for families because it offers a ton of kid-friendly attractions, many of which are reasonably priced.
Anyone without little ones will still love this place, though; there are many exhilarating and relaxing things to do in Boynton Beach for all ages, after all.
14 Sebastian
Along Florida's central Atlantic coast, tourists can explore Sebastian's natural beauty and rich history. Sebastian, Florida's top fishing and surfing spot on the east coast, is conveniently located across from Sebastian Inlet and is regarded as North America's most biologically diverse estuary.
Although this spot is one of the relatively small Florida beach towns, tourists can find a wide range of fun and interesting activities and attractions that will suit adventure seekers, eco-lovers, and relaxation enthusiasts. Pelican Island, the country's first National Wildlife Refuge, is also located near Sebastian, which is also renowned for its pristine beauty and varied fisheries.
- Other activities: Kayaking and paddleboarding, picturesque pontoon and airboat rides, world-class surfing and skydiving, etc.
13 Hernando Beach
Tourists have probably never heard of the coastal town of Hernando Beach, Florida. Although this refuge is off the usual road and out of the way, it has some of Florida's best-kept secrets. This shrimping hamlet, which is one of the low-key Florida beach towns near the Weeki Wachee River and Springs on the state's west coast, provides much more than just easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. Gilligan's Island, Hernando Flats, and the best canal life may be found there.
12 Key Biscayne
With a population of 15,547, Key Biscayne is widely known as one of the most scenic and laid back Florida beach towns. It is home to stunning beaches, a vast array of local restaurants, and a lighthouse that dates back to 1846 in the Bill Baggs Cape State Park, Florida.
To the north, the island borders Crandon Park, which features a tennis court, marina, nature center, and a picturesque beach. So, travelers will have a lot of easy-going yet exciting activities to keep them occupied. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center is another attraction where guests can learn about the local flora and fauna.
11 Apalachicola
Apalachicola is a quaint fishing beach town in Florida, offering delectable seafood, gorgeous seaside parks, charming inns, and a rich maritime history. This distinctive town also has unique art galleries, boutiques, and popular music venues tucked in tin-roofed warehouses.
History buffs will love strolling the Historic District as they view the Victorian homes and learn about the town’s diverse but colorful history. Apalachicola has over 900 historic homes from the 1830s, which are worth exploring on a self-guided tour.
10 Seaside
Best known for being the filming location of the 1998 film The Truman Show, Seaside is one of Florida’s best beach towns with a relaxed vibe (and with a name like this, it's unsurprising). Seaside has everything worth touring, from white sandy beaches and some of Florida's most beautiful seaside hiking trails to the farmer’s market.
The nine pavilions at the entrance to the beach are some of the unique finds in this charming town. Besides beautifying this small beach town with varying architectural styles, they protect the dunes from traffic and add a beautiful backdrop to pictures.
9 Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach boasts two miles of calming beaches facing east toward the Atlantic Ocean. The shores have a pier where anglers can catch fish while admiring spectacular views of the beautiful sunrise. Travelers longing for lush vegetation, ponds, or trails can head to the nearby Howell Park.
This park is one of the less-visited areas, adding to the fact that this whole area is one of the many quiet beach towns in Florida that's perfect for anyone who wants to avoid crowds. The park also features a meandering 2500-foot nature trail, a favorite of cyclists and hikers.
8 Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria is all about scenic beaches, crystal clear waters, lots of ocean activities, and stunning nature preserves. Some watersport activities to enjoy include kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. Guests who crave glorious, unobstructed sunrises and sunsets will find what they are looking for here.
Several restaurants, such as The Waterfront Restaurant, offer ocean views of dazzling sunsets, creating a romantic backdrop. Attractions are within walking distance, so travelers don’t need a car to explore the island. There are rental bikes to get people around.
7 Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a real-life treasure trove for shell collectors. This curved shape 35 square-mile island has around 400 types of shells. But those that are easy to find include clams, scallops, tulips, and sand dollars. The beach town also hosts the Sanibel Shell Show each March, where shell lovers can admire shell art and show off their impeccable collections.
Nature lovers can visit the Botanical Gardens situated in the Sanibel Moorings Resort. These stunning gardens feature hundreds of native and non-native plants, with nature talks happening weekly.
6 Islamorada
Known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is a popular destination (even over places like Key Largo) for water sports enthusiasts, families, and art lovers. One of the most intriguing places to tour is the non-profit History of Diving Museum. The owners, Joe and Sally Bauer, started collecting diving antiquities in the 1970s and have been growing their collections for over 40 years.
The museum is now home to one of the largest collections of diving artifacts. Some of the museum’s exhibits include vintage underwater equipment and diving helmets.
5 Gasparilla Island
Gasparilla Island is perfect for anyone looking for an off-the-radar destination. The beautiful tranquil beaches with blue-green waters attract peace seekers yearning to sunbathe and swim. Tourists can catch sight of turtles, dolphins, and manatees as they swim offshore. The 1-mile stretch of Gasparilla Island State Park beach is home to native plants, snowy plovers, and several tern species.
In addition to lounging at the beach, visitors can look for fossilized shark teeth and shells along the shores.
4 Fernandina Beach
With an exciting mix of culture, history, and distinctive attractions, Fernandina Beach never runs out of things to keep visitors intrigued. Main Street Fernandina has a variety of coffee shops, historical attractions, restaurants, and galleries where guests can spend a few hours before heading to Fort Clinch State Park.
The park sits near the northern tip of Amelia Island, and its major draw is the 19th-century fort, which played significant roles in the early years. Anyone visiting this beach town should attend the Isle Of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, one of the most popular events.
- Festival Date: May 5 to 7, 2023
3 Captiva Island
Despite its remote location, Captiva Island never fails to amaze holidaymakers with its fantastic weather and magnificent beaches. This beach town has an unrushed pace of life. People wake up late, enjoy breakfast leisurely, and spend the day relaxing at the beach. It’s the ultimate destination for anyone looking to escape from the stir of big cities.
Strolling around the island’s market, watching manatees play, and trying exciting watersports are a few activities that keep vacationers in high spirits. The gorgeous sunset gives the town a more inviting atmosphere.
Visitors should also discover when and where to see manatees in Florida if they want to see these adorable creatures in their natural habitats.
2 Key Largo
The vibe of the Florida Keys is distinctively relaxed throughout the island archipelago. While Key West may be the most well-known of the bunch thanks to all its action, those looking for laid back Florida beach towns should add Key Largo to their vacation bucket list instead. Since Key Largo is one of the northernmost Keys, it is within easy driving distance from Miami (about 65 miles).
Home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat rides are a must - the colorful coral covers over 70 protected nautical miles. Nature lovers won't be disappointed on land either thanks to the Dagney Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.
Looking for more laid back beach towns in Florida? Look no further than some of the other nearby Florida Keys:
- Duck Key: small and secluded with several luxury oceanfront resorts
- Little Torch Key: hidden gem best known for its untouched atmosphere
- Marathon Key: a family-friendly island home to the jaw-dropping Seven Mile Bridge
- Big Pine Key: home to incredible wildlife, including the only natural colony of the Miami blue butterfly
1 New Smyrna Beach
Vacationers looking for laid-back vibes and a relaxed atmosphere should consider heading to New Smyrna Beach. Located on the state's Central Atlantic Coast, this charming locale is easily one of the best small beach towns in Florida. A friendly and tight-knit local community sets the ambiance apart from other tourist beach towns, due in part to its longstanding significance in the surfing world.
- Visit the Museum of East Coast Surfing: located at 424 Canal Street and open 10am - 4pm Tuesday - Saturday
- Watch the action: head to Ponce Inlet to see some of the best East Coast surfers in the water or maybe catch one of the contests frequently held there.
Pristine white sand beaches will have visitors feeling like they're in the Caribbean. There is also a lively downtown filled with art, culture, and locally-owned eats and boutiques. Apart from surfing, outdoor adventure lovers can take advantage of abundant fishing options, kayaking or paddle-boarding in the Indian River Lagoon, or climbing the 200+ steps of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse (the tallest lighthouse in Florida).