Oftentimes when people are visiting Florida, they’re not drawn to Orlando with its theme parks and variety of attractions, or some other popular, busy destination. These can be quite stressful vacations which leave you more tired at the end than when you started!
Instead, there are some very interesting, beautiful smaller beach towns nearby.
THE PAN HANDLE
Instead of Destin, try Fort Walton Beach—you’re still near all of the Okaloosa Island attractions, but away from the overstimulation of the crowds. Even more quiet and remote is beautiful Navarre beach! Far less crowded, but same beautiful white sand! Instead of Pensacola Beach, consider Santa Rosa Island, or head over to the west side of Pensacola to visit the Perdido Key area. It’s much quieter over there, and you’re very close to Alabama’s Beautiful Orange Beach.
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
From about West Palm Beach southward, you can expect tons of traffic, parking fees, and crowded beaches. Instead, consider the quiet towns of the Florida Treasure Coast. Stuart, Florida and Fort Pierce have quaint downtown areas and much quieter beaches. Sebastian is certainly a hidden gem—a clean, beautiful town with some affordable resorts right on the water. Vero Beach might be a little bit more touristy, with some shops and plazas along the water, but you’re still going to experience a quieter environment overall.
ON THE SPACE COAST
Cocoa Beach can get a little crowded from time to time. It’s located right next to Port Canaveral and is only an hour from Orlando, and it is beautiful, so it can often get pretty crowded. Consider nearby Melbourne, Florida or Titusville, Florida instead. You still have quick access to Orlando and the Central, FL attractions if you wish, and the same beautiful Sandy beaches you’d expect from Cocoa, with significantly less crowds.
ON THE FLORIDA FUN COAST
Instead of Daytona, which can get extremely busy at certain parts of the year, consider the more laid back town of Ormond Beach, which is right next to Daytona. New Smyrna Beach is just a little bit further away, which is one of our absolute favorites in the state. As far as this list goes, this one might be one of our busier recommendations, but strolling the streets of Atlantic Avenue and Canal Street are very enjoyable and relaxing.
Another favorite not far from there is Flagler Beach, this quirky town is known as the “Mayberry By the Sea” and has some small, local shops and restaurants right along the beach. By sure to stop by Whaam! Burger, one of our favorite restaurants in the state. Mostly because of its location and quirky space-themed décor (cows being abducted by UFOs etc.) This beach has the most unique sand color we’ve ever seen—is it pink? Is it orange? Is it “coral-colored?” You be the judge!
ON THE WEST COAST
Fort Myers, Naples, and the Tampa Bay Area can all be pretty busy and overwhelming. Consider some of the beautiful towns like Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda instead!
CONCLUSION:
There are so many great quiet, relaxing towns all across the state of Florida so that you don’t need to take a vacation from your vacation!