Florida is known for its warm climate and sandy beaches. It's no wonder why so RVers people flock here in droves. Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or just want a chance to kick back and relax, nothing quite compares with soaking up some sunshine on a white-sand beach.
If crowds aren't your thing, you might be wondering which Florida beaches are worth the view. Look no further! We've compiled the best Florida beaches that allow you to experience all that this wonderful state has to offer without too much hustle and bustle. So prepare yourself for some peace and quiet as we take you through our top picks for those seeking an uncrowded beach experience in the Sunshine State!
Guest Post By TheAdventureDetour
What Part Of The State Has The Least Crowded Beaches?
Florida beaches are incredible along any section of the states coastline. There are many amazing options, and each one has its own unique charm. You may be wondering what part of the state has the least crowded beaches as a whole.
The Gulf Coast of Florida holds the prize for the whitest and finest sand beaches in the state. That prize also comes with way more people on the beaches also wanting to enjoy this natural treasure. Everyone wants to put their toes in the soft white sand of this coast. It really is fantastic, but also very crowded. The beaches on the East Coast and in the Panhandle are generally much less crowded and still beautiful to visit.
Top Beaches For Avoiding Crowds In Florida
We simply love a day at the beach. I don't know about you, but our idea of a great beach day isn't circling the parking lot over and over, looking for a parking spot, or searching for an empty area of sand to plop down on. Nope! Our favorite beach is always any beach that isn't crowded. We love to soak up the sand in peace and quiet.
Some people don't even think there are quiet beaches anymore in Florida! Our family has been on a quest during our winter RV trips to find the quiet, non-touristy beaches of the state. We have really found some gems in our travels and are excited to share them here with you. Let's dive in!
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park is a great Gulf Coast beach option if you're looking to avoid crowds. Located just off the coast of Dunedin, Florida, this unique island paradise offers 4 miles of pristine white-sand beaches and sparkling waters. It's perfect for an intimate day on the beach. The clear waters are filled with dolphins, manatees, and a variety of other sea life, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and shell collecting.
Visitors to the island can enjoy beach activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and biking. There are also plenty of nature trails for hiking located on the island that showcases the area's diverse wildlife and even a pine forest. This barrier island beach offers calm waters on the Saint Joeseph Sound side that is great for paddling and swimming. There is also a nature center as part of the park.
Since the island is so long, it's easy to park and start walking north toward the tip of the island to leave the crowds behind. Our family visited one year on Christmas Day and found the most amazing large shells. Although the beach area was a bit full of people near the parking area, once we walked farther north up the beach, we had the place almost to ourselves. Not bad for a holiday visit which is traditionally a huge day for beach crowds. It really is a beautiful beach!
Caladesi Island State Park
Next to Honeymoon Island State Park is another incredible beach to avoid crowds that can only be reached by boat. Caladesi Island State Park may just be the quietest beach experience on the Gulf Coast. This barrier island is located just off the coast of Dunedin, Florida and can only be reached by ferry or private boat, so it's definitely not one of the more crowded beaches in the area.
This stunning beach is 3 miles of white sand and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy a nature trail or explore the islands' mangroves on one of its kayak or canoe trails. There are also historic homestead remains and pine forests to explore on the island. To reach this island paradise, hop on the ferry boat at Honeymoon Island State Park.
Canaveral National Seashore
Next, we head to the quieter East Coast of Florida, where there are many hidden beach gems, including even some rocky beaches. North of Cape Canaveral, Florida, is a huge deserted protected stretch of beach within Canaveral National Seashore. Stop into the Apollo Beach Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the area and watch a free film. Kids can complete a few activities to earn a free Junior Ranger Badge. Then head south to Apollo Beach to enjoy some quiet beach time.
This stretch of Florida national park protected beach is massive so if there are some people near the parking area, just walk south to find your own private beach. On the river side of the road, you can paddle the calm Intracoastal Waterway. If it is a rocket launch day at the Kennedy Space Center, this area is perfect for watching the launch, but there will be more crowds on those days. This section of the Indian River is also where you can experience the rare and beautiful Bioluminescence glowing on the water's surface at night during the late summer months.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Another hidden beach gem to avoid crowds is Sebastian Inlet State Park. This inlet park is beautiful and has a nice protected swim area inside the inlet. We visit the state park often because we always see dolphins and sea turtles in the inlet area. It's always a thrill to watch these beautiful animals in the wild.
This park also has a scenic waterfront state park campground that sits on the inlet and Intracoastal Waterway. The campground has some tight turns, so even though some of the campsites are long enough for big rigs, the campground itself is a bit hard to maneuver for large RVs. It can be difficult to get campground reservations at this beautiful park on the water, but it is worth the effort for the amazing views and water access.
The actual state park area can have more people on the beach and many fishermen around the inlet. However, if you drive just a bit north of the inlet or south of the inlet, you will find many small secluded beaches. South of the inlet, you can park on the side of the road for free and put in a paddleboard or kayak on the riverside. Or you can follow a path over to the beach. Don't miss checking out the McLarty Treasure Museum to learn the history of shipwreck treasures found in this area. There are also treasures on display to check out.
The Florida coastline is known for its multitude of stunning beaches and gorgeous views, but sometimes it's hard to find a stretch of sand all to yourself! With these picks, you'll be able to take in pristine ocean vistas and dig your toes into golden sand without having to compete with hoards of other beachgoers. Whether you're headed out on a family RV vacation or just want some alone time in nature, these secluded spots are sure getaways that won't disappoint!
Stop by La Mesa While RVing Florida
Looking for the perfect RV to head to Florida in? La Mesa has the selection to find your dream road trip RV. Stop by for a visit today at one of our many Florida locations!
Scott, his wife Van, and their 12-year-old daughter Sissy have traveled full-time in their RV for 7 years. They have worked and homeschooled on the road through 42 states so far. They blog about RVing tips, travel destinations, and the full-time RV lifestyle on their blog, theadventuredetour. They are also RV content creators @theadventuredetour on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. They love connecting with RVers, so be sure to reach out to them and say hi!
