Sure, there are plenty of private beach resorts in Florida, but there are just as many alluring small beach towns in Florida and public beaches neighboring larger metro areas that still provide a remote feel and opportunity for a peaceful respite away from the cares of the world.  

Think of Florida beaches and spots like Daytona Beach, South Beach, and Siesta Beach likely come to mind. While all these spots are beautiful, they certainly do tend to draw crowds, and with those crowds, plenty of traffic, too.

If you’re looking for a different kind of beach vacation, whether you want to get away on a solo trip or a peaceful escape with friends and family, check out these 5 quiet beaches in Florida.  

Even if you don’t have access to a fully private beach in Florida, one of these relatively less-traveled public spots is sure to provide the kind of low-key “Old Florida” relaxation and rejuvenation you desire.

Off the coast of Southwest Florida near popular (and busy) Fort Myers Beach are the pristine and peaceful islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Though impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022, both islands have been hard at work rebuilding.  
 
Sanibel is popular with shell collectors. The shape of the island acts as a “scoop”, collecting shells as the waves and tide move them in the water. It also boasts an iconic lighthouse.

Captiva, on the other hand, is a little more secluded, but still accessible by car, making it a peaceful enclave for travelers seeking a truly quiet getaway with white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

If you don’t mind traveling a little further off the beaten path still (it’s accessible only by boat or kayak), Cayo Costa State Park, which is open from 8:00 AM until sundown 365 days a year, makes for a fantastic escape.  

Situated deep in South Florida about 70 miles off the coast of the Florida Keys is Dry Tortugas National Park.  

Home to historic Fort Jefferson, which was built over 30 years from the 1840s to 1870s but never finished, this otherworldly escape offers both historic appeal and 100 square miles of serene beaches to discover.  

It’s only accessible by boat or seaplane, but the trip is well worth it, according to past visitors. It doesn’t get much more remote, quiet, and peaceful than Dry Tortugas.

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, more commonly referred to simply as “St. George Island” fronts historic Apalachicola Bay. Offering both bayside and gulf side stretches of beach, this barrier island that stretches 20 miles long and just 1 mile wide is the definition of peaceful and quiet.

Whether you come to sunbathe, fish, bird watch, or any combination of the three, this relaxing and relatively less busy Panhandle beach has something for every kind of vacationer.  

It also just so happens that St. George Island is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your doggo along for the ride, should you choose to vacation at this accessible spot.

Houston, we have no problems.

Situated off the “Space Coast” of Florida, the Canaveral National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida. So yes, if you want to, you can watch rockets being launched at certain portions of this seashore, with Playalinda Beach offering the best views.

But this beach isn’t just for checking out space shuttles. You can also check out sea turtles hatching by booking a turtle watch tour, or simply relax on miles of pristine white sand.

Another perk? The Canaveral National Seashore, though expansive, is accessible by car, making it one of the easier-to-access beaches on this list.

Located just 20 minutes by car from downtown St. Petersburg, you’d never know it when you visit Pass-a-Grille Beach.  

This spot has it all from cabana, umbrella, and lounge chair rentals for the ultimate convenience to a shuttle to nearby Shell Key. And we can’t forget to mention that due to its geographic location, it’s sunny about 350/365 days a year!

Pack your bags, your sunscreen, and your bathing suit and get ready to relax.

We love to sunbathe, but we are firm believers that for those who know how to swim, a beach vacation is nothing without a dip (or three) in the water! Of course, that requires the right bathing suit.  

We invite you to check out our wide range of flattering swimwear options for your next visit to one of these quiet Florida beaches.