26 secluded beaches worth the drive from Orlando

Bowditch Point Park
50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
Bowditch Point Park is found at the northern tip of Estero Island, and its beaches provide a laid-back atmosphere for beachgoers. Swim, sunbathe, and maybe even build a sand castle on its shores. Parking is $2 per hour though, so keep that in mind.
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Atlantic Beach
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
Many people believe Atlantic Beach was the site of the first year-round Native American Settlement in North America, but today it claims miles of beaches with some great surfing. And when you need a little city life, you can head into Jacksonville.
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Bean Point
Anna Maria Island Beach, Anna Maria Island, Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Anna Maria might be a beach hot-spot over the summer, but Bean Point is at the very northern tip of the island where most visitors never reach. The beach is quiet, and here you can enjoy a great sunset without the obstruction of people’s rainbow umbrellas.
Photo via iluvannamariaisland/Instagram

Blowing Rocks Preserve
574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Named for its Anastasia limestone shoreline, Blowing Rocks Preserve is a barrier island sanctuary that underwent a lot of coastal habitat restoration. Daily beach access is $2, and you can swim, scuba and snorkel. During the summer, loggerhead turtles use Blowing Rocks Preserve as a nesting ground, so there is a chance for you to spot a couple.
Photo via robbie_d.nikonjunkie/Instagram

Clam Pass Park Beach
465 Seagate Dr, Naples, Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
In order to get to the beach at Clam Pass, you have to walk through a three-quarter mile boardwalk, which gives a new meaning to secluded beaches. But the walk is half of the fun. It runs through a mangrove forest which houses a variety of wildlife, marine life, and birds.
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Hobe Sound National Wildlife Preserve
13640 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
Since it is a wildlife preserve, there are no condos, no hotels, and practically no people to disturb you at Hobe Sound. There is an entry fee of $5 per vehicle, but there are very few beaches in Florida that will truly be empty in the summer, so this one is worth it. There are no signs alerting you to where the beach is, but with a little exploring, you’ll find it. Just keep walking north.
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Little Talbot State Park
12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Little Talbot Island is one of the last remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida, and you’ll be able to relax all along its 5-mile stretch of beaches. You’ll be able to do all of your favorite summer beach activities without the summer crowds. From surfing to fishing for bluefish, there are tons of things for you to do beside just swim. Entrance is $5 per vehicle.
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Lovers Key
8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
Lovers Key is rumored to once have been a haven for couples to enjoy its remote beaches, which used to be only accessible by boat. However, you don’t have to have a significant other to relax along its quiet shores. Today, this beach is known for its excellent shelling, sunbathing, swimming and picnicking. They also offer kayak tours from the park’s concession stand. Entrance is $8 per vehicle.
Photo via larrybrophy/Instagram

Playalinda Beach
402 Titusville, Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Located in Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda was rated “Quietest Beach” by Tripadvisor in 2013, so if seclusion is what you’re after, this is one that is definitely worth the drive. It also has some great waves for surfing, and while pets are not allowed in the beach, they are allowed in the lagoon.
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Juan Ponce de León Landing
4005 Florida A1A, Melbourne Beach, Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
This park is a memorial to Juan Ponce de León’s 1513 landing near Melbourne Beach. Today, it offers sandy beaches and great surf fishing. It might not exactly have been the fountain of youth, but León discovered a little stretch of paradise that people can still enjoy over 500 years later.
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Santa Rosa Beach
1701 S Co Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Approximately 5 hours 45 minutes
Yeah this one is too far for a day trip, but it you’re able to stay a couple days, Santa Rosa Beach’s turquoise waters might be hard to say no to. It’s a charming beach town in the Emerald Coast, with all its white sand and clear water, but without the Destin crowds.
Photo via jeremylinker/Instagram

Stump Pass Beach State Park
South end of Manasota Key 900 Gulf Blvd, Englewood, Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
If shell collecting is your thing, Stump Pass Beach State Park is one to put on your list. A lot of seashells and even shark teeth wash up on the shore, and you can kayak and paddle to the two off-shore islands east of the park. Entrance to the Stump Pass is just $3 per vehicle.
Photo via mandajean526/Instagram

Tigertail Beach
490 Hernando Dr, Marco Island, Approximately 3 hours 50 minutes
Tigertail Beach is part of the Great Florida Bird & Wildlife Trail, so great bird-watching is one of the highlights of this beach. There is also a good opportunity for you to spot some dolphins and manatees from its shores, as well as nesting sea turtles. And later, stay to watch the sunset to see if you can spot the green flash.
Photo via mermaid_at_heart87

Varn Park
3665 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast, Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Varn Park is another excellent spot for bird-watching as well as fishing. It’s just north of Flagler Beach, so you’ll be able to enjoy the same blue waters in a much calmer setting. It’s also open from dawn until 11:00 p.m., so you can keep relaxing after the sun goes down.
Photo via kirillzadov/Instagram

Red Reef Park
1400 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton Approximately 3 hours
You can access the beach from designated locations in this 67-acre Boca Raton park, which is a popular snorkeling spot for visitors. The park is open from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. every day of the week, and has ever-present lifeguards to help your beach trips goes smoothly. Once you’ve wrapped up swimming for the day, make a visit to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and see some of their sea turtles.
Photo via alphard_photos/Instagram

John D MacArthur State Park
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach, Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
John D. Macarthur is distinguished by its mixture of sunny beaches and mangrove forests that are home to several of Florida’s unique tropical species. You can swim at the beach, have a lazy lunch at the picnic areas, or if you’re feeling brave, rent a kayak to swim out to the nearby Little Munyon island, a small stretch of land that’s visited by all kinds of animals and underwater critters. But if you’re aiming to get a kayak, make sure to arrive early because they sell out quick.
Photo via clintoncimring/Instagram

Coral Cove Park
1600 Beach Road, Tequesta, Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
The beach at Coral Cove park is open sunup to sundown, and is pet friendly to boot. It’s a fine place to fish, snorkel, picnic with your friends, or just get away from it all. If you’re bringing your kids, there’s a playground too.
Photo via sheralynm/Instagram

Avalon State Park
State Road A1A North, Approximately 2 hours
Sporting a mile of undeveloped beachfront, a relative rarity in this day and age, Avalon’s dune crossovers protect the fragile dune ecosystem. Beachgoers are advised to watch out for underwater obstacles left behind from amphibious warfare exercises in WW2. And do mind the different species of sea turtles that nest on the beach during spring and summer.
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Wabasso Beach Park
1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Vero Beach, Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
Open from 7 a.m. to Midnight, Wabasso Beach Park offers a reliable, remote beach that doesn’t offer much in frills but will get the job done if you’re looking to get away for a day trip. There’s limited parking, so come early.
Photo via ibelongtothem/Instagram

Bonsteel Park
8455 Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
Bonsteel Park may not allow animals (besides service animals, of course), but you may not mind due to the presence of wildlife including but not limited to sea turtles, shorebirds, and turtles.
Photo via movebeachside/Instagram