One would think that finding private beaches in Florida is no easy feat and they wouldn’t be completely wrong in assuming so, but once you realize that the state has 1,350 miles of just coastline, there has to be at least a few non-commercialized beaches, right? Right! You just need to know where to look.
The need for seclusion and remoteness for your beach vacation is absolutely valid and understandable. Especially in such a popular state as Florida. So we took it upon ourselves to do a quarter of the work for you and compiled a list of secluded and relatively private beaches in Florida to check out for an uncrowded getaway with your loved ones.
While we do not promise you a selection of completely deserted beaches, we are positive that our picks on this list are remote and spacious enough for you to enjoy your desired vacation.
Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is one of the premier destinations of South Walton County. What makes South Walton special is the famous Emerald Coastline that Santa Rosa Beach happens to be a part of. This is precisely one of the reasons why Santa Rosa is a superb choice: it’s a glamorous neighborhood which means that it comes with the full package. Your visit won’t be limited to just sunbathing on a sugar-white beach and splashing in baby blue waters.
You will find everything within walking distance. Breweries, restaurants, accommodation options (AirBnB is extremely popular every summer). There’s even a 15,000-acre-state forest – Point Washington State Park – with which you can balance your beach-relaxation with local wilderness exploration.
What’s most important is that you’ll find considerably less crowds here – isn’t that what you came here for in the first place? Santa Rosa is an ideal destination for a non-crowded vacation. However, note that due to its fame, accommodation options will be priced accordingly.
Location: Walton County. 17,9 miles from Destin, FL.
Boneyard Beach
We promise you this destination is a lot better than it sounds, but you gotta admit that it intrigued you there for a sec.
Located in Jacksonville, Florida, Boneyard Beach is a cherished denizen of Big Talbot Island State Park and Jacksonville’s pretty well-kept secret.
It is a federally protected 3-mile-shoreline of creamy-brown sand. The waters of Boneyard Beach merge with Nassau Sound which results in soil erosion. The countless sun-bleached but absolutely majestic driftwood trees that you’ll find scattered on the beach are products of said soil and cliff erosion. Boneyard Beach is an utterly ideal place to reach peace and seclusion and take in the sheer beauty of mother nature. This is why its landscape is a photographer’s dream character. On top of that, you can enjoy picnicking and sunbathing on the shoreline and a scenic hike because there’s no other way to get there other than getting a bit sporty on an inconvenient trail.
Just note that the waters are not for swimming!
If you’re ready to walk down the coastline, you’ll find an adjacent beach known as Black Rock Beach which is well-known for its fascinating rock formations.
So a visit to Boneyard Beach actually means visiting two beaches.
How neat is that?!
Location: Between Big Talbot Island State Park and Amelia Island.
Madeira Beach
Not to be confused with the Portuguese Madeira, Madeira Beach in Florida is a very lively and homely beach city boasting a 2.5-mile-beach of powdery white sand and turquoise blue waters. Located west of St. Petersburg – not to be confused with the Russian one – Madeira Beach coast lines the Gulf of Mexico and is best known for its 1,100-foot boardwalk and a sea-themed village known as John’s Pass.
You will be greeted with around 1000 businesses on the boardwalk that include shops, restaurants, stores and more. There are tons of attractions and ways to have fun both on and off the beach. Naturally, fishing is the most popular water activity in the area so if you’re a lover of it, then grab your hook, line and sinker and fish to your heart’s content. Great news for seafood enthusiasts out there – if you visit in October then you’ll be just in time for the very beloved John’s Pass Seafood Festival.
Madeira Beach is a stunning destination that is not overly mainstream, so the crowds are considerably less. You may not find the beach completely deserted but you will be welcomed by an extremely familial and friendly community that promises you a memorable time and what’s more, it was named one of the best beaches in the US by TripAdvisor in 2021.
Address: 14400 Gulf Blvd. Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a 3 mile long strip of velvety soft sand and crystalline waters. Even though it’s not technically a state park, it might as well be with its well-equipped amenities – the kind that you always find in standard state parks.
Caladesi Island isn’t deserted, not by any means, but it is remote. Seeing as it was named as the second best beach in the whole of the US by Dr. Beach (no surprises there), it would’ve been a crime to not include it on the list.
You can reach Caladesi Island by boat or ferry. This is why it’s a relatively undisturbed beach because not many people trouble themselves with the water transportation. So if you’re willing and ready, you’ll be greeted with a stunning undeveloped beach still boasting numerous on and off-land activities. Water sports equipment can be rented onsite as well
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
Pensacola Beach
The powdery white sand and light blue-green water of the Gulf of Mexico call all the surfing, swimming, fishing and boating enthusiasts to Pensacola Beach – a 40-mile barrier island of breathtaking views, lovely community, an array of indie businesses for all purposes and entertainment galore!
Pensacola Beach is located on Santa Rosa Island, 43.2 miles west of Destin, Florida and is an ideal swimming destination when the tides are low.
Beach goers’ favorite attraction on Pensacola Beach is the 1,471-foot-long pier where you can either fish or just immerse yourself in the beautiful views of the emerald coastline and completely unspoiled sugar-sand beach. This is why Pensacola Beach is one of the best destinations to achieve the most important goal: having fun without becoming overwhelmed by the crowds.
Address: 1688 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Cayo Costa State Park
Cayo Costa State Park is one of the best remote beaches in Florida. Some people even say that if you want to get a picture-perfect view of coastal Florida, you have to visit Cayo Costa.
It’s a stunning blend of on-land and off-land nature consisting of 9 miles of tree-lined and grayish white sandy beach that naturally borders the Gulf of Mexico and its characteristic waters. It’s an absolutely undisturbed and unspoiled destination that requires a ferry or a boat to get to.
You will also find water sports activities aplenty such as snorkeling, scuba diving, casual swimming as well as bird-watching, fishing, and shelling. If you get lucky enough, you may even encounter some sea turtles, porpoises and manatees.
Overnight accommodation options come in the form of cabins and camping, but only in designated areas.
Location: 4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381) Cayo Costa, FL 33922
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach is a gorgeous beach town of thin secret passageways leading to the beach, beautifully lined cozy cottages, familial vibes and an extremely welcoming community. The town center is filled with countless shops, stores, and restaurants in a way that’ll make you think that you’re in Europe for a second.
In typical Florida fashion, though, when it comes to its coastline, Rosemary Beach rewards both locals and visitors with emerald water and velvety sand. The beach is well-stocked with all necessary amenities. There are also lifeguard services to give you some peace of mind. However, note that dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Seeing as it’s not only a beach but a whole beach town, you will find plenty of accommodation options.
With all that said, we’re positive that Rosemary Beach is one of the prime destinations if you’re planning a crowd-less beach getaway.
Location: Northwest Florida’s gulf coast, between Panama City and Destin, at the eastern end of Scenic Highway 30A.
Playalinda Beach
A place deserted of all things material, digital and capitalized. It’s pure nature, beige sand and soothing sounds of the waves – it’s named Playalinda Beach and calls the name of everyone who would love to just get away and untether from the daily mundane life. What more could one want?
Playalinda Beach is located on Canaveral National Seashore and is protected and run by the National Parks Service. As we mentioned, it’s completely undeveloped and stretches for 24 miles of pristine creamy-brown sand. Just when you thought that it couldn’t get any cooler, Playalinda is situated close enough to Merritt Island Refuge to see numerous species of wildlife such as dolphins, migrating birds and sea turtles if you get lucky and visit between May 1 to November 15.
The beach is also strategically located next to Kennedy Space Center, which means that during rocket launches, Playalinda Beach is the spot to go to for getting a clear view of a launch.
Seeing that it’s conservation land and protected by NPS, opening hours vary and beach closures are unpredictable, so always do prior research before heading out and be sure that the park is open.
Address: Florida State Road 406/402 Titusville, FL 32796
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
Just like most of its companions on the list, St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is also accessible only by boat or a ferry.
Apart from boasting the typical Florida-style convergence of sand and waves, St. Lucie boasts so many Florida-native plants and wildlife that it attracts nature-enthusiasts from all over the world. It’s also a place where loggerhead, leatherback and green turtles nest, so watch where you step!
Naturally, swimming and sunbathing are allowed in St. Lucie and that combined with all the experiences mentioned above will definitely make your visit one of the most unique and cherished memories.
Address: 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale FL 33304
Navarre Beach
Triumphing as one of the quietest beaches in Florida, Navarre Beach will definitely deliver all that you’re looking for: relaxation, solitude, the absence of loud chatter and utter bliss.
It’s only a 33-minute-drive east of Pensacola Beach so you can literally hop back and forth whenever your heart desires.
Navarre sand dunes are pristine and unblemished, the atmosphere is peaceful enough to experience quality solitude.
Navarre is a small but extremely welcoming beach community which means that all the necessities required for a vacation – stores, shops and dining areas – are all accessible within walking distance.
The Final Takeaway
As you can see, finding some private beaches in Florida isn’t as big a challenge as you probably initially thought. There are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of in order to plan your dream vacation. From wildlife conservation parks to small beach communities, you’ll find all that you may be looking for right here. So plan ahead and enjoy your well-deserved getaway and while you’re there, don’t forget to take a look at some of the best tidepools in Florida to make the most of your vacation.
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about tourist destinations, sometimes life happens, weather happens, property owners happen, etc. We always recommend you go to the official web page and/or the relevant state authority page of your destination to check conditions, times and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your adventure!
