We know the entire state of Florida is pretty much one huge beach. But rather than deal with the crowds at Cocoa or Daytona, why not check out a nearby beach that's just off the beaten path? Some of you may recognize a few names here, and we salute you on being in the "know." For everyone else needing a break from the norm, here are 25 hidden beaches scattered along the Florida coastline.
The 25 best hidden beaches within driving distance of Orlando
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Apr 15, 2016 at 5:18 pm
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SINGER ISLAND
Don’t get too caught up with all the natural beauty on Singer Island, another barrier island gem tucked away on the Florida coastline. This wild sandy spot is ideal for hiking, canoeing and paddleboarding, so drop the smartphone and go on an adventure.
Distance: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Photo via southflpaddle/Instagram
Don’t get too caught up with all the natural beauty on Singer Island, another barrier island gem tucked away on the Florida coastline. This wild sandy spot is ideal for hiking, canoeing and paddleboarding, so drop the smartphone and go on an adventure.
Distance: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Photo via southflpaddle/Instagram
LOVERS KEY
Lovers Key came to prominence as a place where couples would seclude themselves for romantic rendezvous. No one’s saying you can’t get steamy on the sand dunes, but now there’s plenty more to do: kayaking, fishing, hiking and bald eagle watching.
Distance: 3 hours and 32 minutes
Photo via staysonyamind/Instagram
Lovers Key came to prominence as a place where couples would seclude themselves for romantic rendezvous. No one’s saying you can’t get steamy on the sand dunes, but now there’s plenty more to do: kayaking, fishing, hiking and bald eagle watching.
Distance: 3 hours and 32 minutes
Photo via staysonyamind/Instagram
GASPARILLA ISLAND
You hear that noise? No? Exactly, because on Gasparilla Island seclusion is what it’s all about. This barrier island can get real scenic with all the natural wildlife hanging around. Go for a stroll yourself or have a ranger guide you along. Either way, you’re bound to see the lighthouse that was built in 1890.
Distance: 2 hours and 51 minutes
Photo via adamt_jones/Instagram
You hear that noise? No? Exactly, because on Gasparilla Island seclusion is what it’s all about. This barrier island can get real scenic with all the natural wildlife hanging around. Go for a stroll yourself or have a ranger guide you along. Either way, you’re bound to see the lighthouse that was built in 1890.
Distance: 2 hours and 51 minutes
Photo via adamt_jones/Instagram
SEBASTIAN INLET
With the multiple surfing competitions held at Sebastian Inlet each year, you're bound to catch some good waves here. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular, so don't forget to go underwater exploring.
Distance: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Photo via neaf_nugget/Instagram
With the multiple surfing competitions held at Sebastian Inlet each year, you're bound to catch some good waves here. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular, so don't forget to go underwater exploring.
Distance: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Photo via neaf_nugget/Instagram
FORT DE SOTO PARK
Fort De Soto is truly vast. You can spend the whole day with just you and the dog on the beach, head over to the pier for some relaxing fishing or explore some of the ruins from the beach’s days as a military fortification.
Distance: 2 hours and 24 minutes
Photo via wander.lex/Instagram
Fort De Soto is truly vast. You can spend the whole day with just you and the dog on the beach, head over to the pier for some relaxing fishing or explore some of the ruins from the beach’s days as a military fortification.
Distance: 2 hours and 24 minutes
Photo via wander.lex/Instagram
CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK
When you can only get somewhere by boat... well, let's just say you'll have a lot brag about when you get home. You can have one of the best shelling experiences of your life or just drag a lounge chair to the warm waters for a relaxing afternoon. Either way you'll be left alone at Caladesi.
Distance: 2 hours and 24 minutes
Photo via etraveltrips/Instagram
When you can only get somewhere by boat... well, let's just say you'll have a lot brag about when you get home. You can have one of the best shelling experiences of your life or just drag a lounge chair to the warm waters for a relaxing afternoon. Either way you'll be left alone at Caladesi.
Distance: 2 hours and 24 minutes
Photo via etraveltrips/Instagram
TIGERTAIL BEACH
This isn’t your ordinary beach: you have to either kayak/canoe through or walk around a lagoon to actually get to the beach area, but once you’re there it’s a sight for sore eyes. You don’t even have to worry about packing a cooler thanks to the Tigertail Beachside Cafe and their endless supply of hotdogs and chicken sandwiches.
Distance: 3 hours and 49 minutes
Photo via elebreakstone/Instagram
This isn’t your ordinary beach: you have to either kayak/canoe through or walk around a lagoon to actually get to the beach area, but once you’re there it’s a sight for sore eyes. You don’t even have to worry about packing a cooler thanks to the Tigertail Beachside Cafe and their endless supply of hotdogs and chicken sandwiches.
Distance: 3 hours and 49 minutes
Photo via elebreakstone/Instagram
DISAPPEARING ISLAND
Drop the anchors-- it's low tide and Disappearing Island is back at it again. You'll feel like you're in the middle of a hip hop music video with all the boats, booze and bangin' tunes in every direction. Enjoy the warm water while you can... low tide only last so long.
Distance: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Photo via boosted_09gt/Instagram
Drop the anchors-- it's low tide and Disappearing Island is back at it again. You'll feel like you're in the middle of a hip hop music video with all the boats, booze and bangin' tunes in every direction. Enjoy the warm water while you can... low tide only last so long.
Distance: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Photo via boosted_09gt/Instagram
VILANO BEACH
Surf's up at Vilano Beach. The warm waves just keep coming making it a good time for the surfers and those of us who like to jump over and dive under waves like bosses. Take a beach walk to discover to jetties-- your Instagram followers will thank you.
Distance: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Photo via aefigss/Instagram
Surf's up at Vilano Beach. The warm waves just keep coming making it a good time for the surfers and those of us who like to jump over and dive under waves like bosses. Take a beach walk to discover to jetties-- your Instagram followers will thank you.
Distance: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Photo via aefigss/Instagram
JUNO BEACH
There's not much room to complain when the beach is free to roam on and the sand looks pretty damn white. Pack a basket and grab shade under a picnic shelter, or hustle over to the dog areas with your short-legged bud for some off-leash fun.
Distance: 2 hours and 23 minutes
Photo via laylavonathey/Instagram
There's not much room to complain when the beach is free to roam on and the sand looks pretty damn white. Pack a basket and grab shade under a picnic shelter, or hustle over to the dog areas with your short-legged bud for some off-leash fun.
Distance: 2 hours and 23 minutes
Photo via laylavonathey/Instagram
CRANDON PARK
Avoid the headache of South Beach for the relaxing vibes of Crandon Park. The shaded grassy areas are perfect for picnics and further north in the park area you can rent kiteboarding equipment for an adrenaline shot. Watch out for the peacocks, though. They’re pretty, but feisty.
Distance: 3 hours and 47 minutes
Photo via coolbananasblog/Instagram
Avoid the headache of South Beach for the relaxing vibes of Crandon Park. The shaded grassy areas are perfect for picnics and further north in the park area you can rent kiteboarding equipment for an adrenaline shot. Watch out for the peacocks, though. They’re pretty, but feisty.
Distance: 3 hours and 47 minutes
Photo via coolbananasblog/Instagram
ROUND ISLAND BEACH PARK
Round Island has some of the best observation decks in the state, but we still recommend getting yourself out in a kayak to see a school of Florida manatees. Pull the boat up to one of their ramps and go fishin'.
Distance: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Photo via yunaheart/Instagram
Round Island has some of the best observation decks in the state, but we still recommend getting yourself out in a kayak to see a school of Florida manatees. Pull the boat up to one of their ramps and go fishin'.
Distance: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Photo via yunaheart/Instagram
SIESTA BEACH
The moment your toes touch the warm, soft white sand on Siesta Beach, you'll know you made the right choice. Have your fun in the sun, then stick around for drum circle, which happens every Sunday night at sunset.
Distance: 2 hour and 35 minutes
Photo via thomahawkes/Instagram
The moment your toes touch the warm, soft white sand on Siesta Beach, you'll know you made the right choice. Have your fun in the sun, then stick around for drum circle, which happens every Sunday night at sunset.
Distance: 2 hour and 35 minutes
Photo via thomahawkes/Instagram
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
It's time to relax on Anna Maria Island. This 8-mile barrier island on the Florida West Coast offers plenty of activities like kayaking and canoeing, fishing and paddleboarding. Also, don’t miss out on the Rod & Reel Pier for some of the best coconut shrimp of your life.
Distance: 2 hours and 32 minutes
Photo via bbrand123/Instagram
It's time to relax on Anna Maria Island. This 8-mile barrier island on the Florida West Coast offers plenty of activities like kayaking and canoeing, fishing and paddleboarding. Also, don’t miss out on the Rod & Reel Pier for some of the best coconut shrimp of your life.
Distance: 2 hours and 32 minutes
Photo via bbrand123/Instagram
PASS-A-GRILLE BEACH
Take a break from all the happenings in St. Pete for a laid back day at Pass-a-Grille. This beach is great for dolphin-watching just off shore. Stick around to watch them ring the town bell, which is a nice little daily tradition.
Distance: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Photo via gypzcasey/Instagram
Take a break from all the happenings in St. Pete for a laid back day at Pass-a-Grille. This beach is great for dolphin-watching just off shore. Stick around to watch them ring the town bell, which is a nice little daily tradition.
Distance: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Photo via gypzcasey/Instagram
PONCE INLET
Ponce Inlet is a hot spot in Florida for shelling. Wake up early and jog alongside the sunrise, or get your daily cardio in by climbing to the top of their 175-foot lighthouse.
Distance: 1 hour and 19 minutes
Photo via stevenmadow/Instagram
Ponce Inlet is a hot spot in Florida for shelling. Wake up early and jog alongside the sunrise, or get your daily cardio in by climbing to the top of their 175-foot lighthouse.
Distance: 1 hour and 19 minutes
Photo via stevenmadow/Instagram
CEDAR KEY
It might alarm some outsiders by how many waves and smiles they receive on the way into Cedar Key, but that's just the way the natives roll here. Fishing and boating are highly recommended. If you forgot to pack a lunch, head into town for some real good clam chowder.
Distance: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Photo via mellybythesea/Instagram
It might alarm some outsiders by how many waves and smiles they receive on the way into Cedar Key, but that's just the way the natives roll here. Fishing and boating are highly recommended. If you forgot to pack a lunch, head into town for some real good clam chowder.
Distance: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Photo via mellybythesea/Instagram
PLAYALINDA BEACH
'Tis tradition on most beach days to go for a walk, and if you choose to do that at Playalinda, you just might see a full moon. And by moon we mean a whole lot of naked butts galavanting around one of Florida's only nude beaches. Just remember, you can only change into your birthday suit in Lot 13.
Distance: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Photo via coffeebreathhh/Instagram
'Tis tradition on most beach days to go for a walk, and if you choose to do that at Playalinda, you just might see a full moon. And by moon we mean a whole lot of naked butts galavanting around one of Florida's only nude beaches. Just remember, you can only change into your birthday suit in Lot 13.
Distance: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Photo via coffeebreathhh/Instagram
LITTLE TALBOT
Photography majors might faint at the sight of Little Talbot. The rest of us will have our fun using these trees as a jungle gym. If you're not a tree-hugger, you can always hop on a trail for a bike ride.
Distance: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Photo via hallepiacente/Instagram
Photography majors might faint at the sight of Little Talbot. The rest of us will have our fun using these trees as a jungle gym. If you're not a tree-hugger, you can always hop on a trail for a bike ride.
Distance: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Photo via hallepiacente/Instagram
TREASURE ISLAND
Cool off with a boozy beverage or two then indulge in some kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico at Treasure Island. The beach has some pretty rad neighbors: just a short 20-minute drive away is the renown Dali Museum and an even closer is John’s Pass, a boardwalk with tons of shops and restaurants.
Distance: 1 hour and 56 minutes
Photo via ashleyepping_rn/Instagram
Cool off with a boozy beverage or two then indulge in some kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico at Treasure Island. The beach has some pretty rad neighbors: just a short 20-minute drive away is the renown Dali Museum and an even closer is John’s Pass, a boardwalk with tons of shops and restaurants.
Distance: 1 hour and 56 minutes
Photo via ashleyepping_rn/Instagram
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