19 Florida Beaches That Feel Just Like The Caribbean + 3 Hidden Gems I Would Revisit Anytime
You don’t need a passport to find paradise. Tucked along Florida’s coastline are stretches of sand and sea that look straight out of the Caribbean. Think clear, shallow water in shades of turquoise, soft white sand underfoot, and palm trees swaying just enough to remind you you’re on vacation.
After years of exploring every corner of the state, I’ve found beach spots that feel more like island escapes than anything you’d expect from the mainland. These are the places that surprise you, relax you, and keep you coming back.
1. Siesta Key Beach
Powder-soft granules massage your feet with each step along this pristine shoreline. Siesta Key Beach boasts sand composed of 99% quartz, giving it that cool-to-the-touch feeling even on scorching summer days.
The shallow, crystal-clear waters extend far from shore, creating a wading paradise for families. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by how the sunlight dances across the azure surface.
2. Bahia Honda State Park
Emerald waters lap against shores framed by swaying palms and natural coastal vegetation. At Bahia Honda, you’ll discover one of the few natural beaches in the Keys, where snorkelers regularly spot vibrant fish just yards from shore.
The old railroad bridge creates a stunning backdrop for sunset photos. This peaceful haven feels worlds away from the tourist crowds elsewhere in the Keys.
3. Caladesi Island
Arriving by boat instantly sets the mood for this secluded paradise. The ferry journey to Caladesi Island builds anticipation before revealing three miles of untouched coastline where development hasn’t intruded.
Shell collectors rejoice at the treasures washing ashore with each tide. The mangrove-lined kayak trail offers a perfect complement to beach lounging, letting you explore this pristine barrier island from different perspectives.
4. Sanibel Island
Shell seekers perform what locals call the “Sanibel Stoop” along this curved shoreline. The east-west orientation of Sanibel Island creates a natural catching net for seashells that wash up in astonishing varieties and quantities.
Gentle waves make swimming pleasant for all ages. Beyond the beach, wildlife refuges cover much of the island, preserving the natural coastal ecosystem that gives this special place its laid-back, old-Florida charm.
5. Anna Maria Island
Old Florida charm persists on this seven-mile stretch where high-rises haven’t taken over the skyline. The laid-back atmosphere of Anna Maria Island makes time slow down as you wander past colorful beach cottages to reach the Gulf.
Clear, shallow waters extend far offshore, creating perfect conditions for spotting dolphins. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood just steps from where you spread your beach towel, completing the island paradise experience.
6. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Rocky shorelines aren’t common in Florida, making this gem uniquely picturesque. Fort Zachary Taylor’s beach offers the Keys’ clearest water, where snorkelers regularly spot tropical fish without venturing far from shore.
The historic fort provides fascinating exploration between swimming sessions. Shaded picnic areas nestled among Australian pines offer respite from the sun, while the western-facing beach delivers spectacular sunsets that draw photographers and romantics alike.
7. Clearwater Beach
Sugar-white sand stretches for miles along this beloved Gulf Coast destination. Clearwater Beach consistently ranks among America’s top beaches thanks to its perfect combination of natural beauty and convenient amenities.
The promenade bustles with activity as street performers entertain passersby. Shallow, warm waters maintain that striking turquoise hue year-round, while the famous Pier 60 sunset celebration captures the joyful atmosphere that makes this beach so special.
8. Navarre Beach
Locals call it Florida’s best-kept secret, though word is slowly spreading about this peaceful stretch. Navarre Beach sits between Gulf Islands National Seashore and a protected marine sanctuary, ensuring development remains limited and natural beauty prevails.
The pier extends 1,500 feet into emerald waters. Families appreciate the uncrowded atmosphere and gentle waves, while photographers capture the striking contrast between sugar-white sand and the brilliant blue-green Gulf.
9. Lovers Key State Park
Once accessible only by boat, this romantic hideaway still feels wonderfully remote. Lovers Key encompasses four barrier islands where wildlife thrives alongside pristine beaches that stretch for over two miles.
Dolphins frequently play in the clear waters just offshore. Kayakers paddle through mangrove forests between beach sessions, while shellers discover treasures along the shoreline that’s far less picked-over than neighboring beaches.
10. Smathers Beach
Palm trees line the largest sandy stretch in a destination better known for coral shores. Smathers Beach brings Caribbean vibes to Key West with imported sand creating a soft, inviting coastline along the Atlantic side of the island.
Water sports enthusiasts have their pick of activities from parasailing to paddleboarding. The shallow, protected waters maintain comfortable temperatures year-round, while the beach’s location makes it perfect for sunrise viewing before the day’s heat arrives.
11. Dry Tortugas National Park
Seventy miles from civilization lies an aquatic wonderland few travelers ever experience. Dry Tortugas combines history and natural beauty as the imposing Fort Jefferson stands surrounded by waters so clear you can count fish from the ferry.
The remote location means crowds are nonexistent. Snorkelers explore vibrant coral gardens while history buffs wander the massive 19th-century fort, creating a unique beach experience unmatched anywhere else in Florida.
12. Captiva Island
Sunsets paint the sky in impossible colors at this magical island retreat. Captiva Island sits just north of Sanibel but feels even more remote, with fewer visitors competing for space on its shell-strewn beaches.
The narrow island configuration means you’re never far from water in any direction. Local legends about pirates and treasures add mystique to beach walks, while the lack of high-rises preserves the natural skyline dominated by swaying palms.
13. Grayton Beach State Park
Artists and photographers flock to capture the rare coastal dune lakes that distinguish this spectacular shoreline. Grayton Beach features the blindingly white sand characteristic of Florida’s Panhandle, but with a bohemian vibe that sets it apart.
The striking contrast between emerald waters and snow-white sand seems almost unreal. A favorite local saying painted on a weathered sign—”Nice Dogs, Strange People”—perfectly captures the quirky, welcoming atmosphere of this artistic beach community.
14. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
America’s first underwater park offers an aquatic playground unlike any other beach destination. John Pennekamp protects 70 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps just offshore from its beaches.
Snorkelers marvel at the famous Christ of the Abyss statue submerged in crystal waters. Glass-bottom boat tours provide reef views for those preferring to stay dry, while the park’s beaches offer a perfect launching point for underwater adventures.
15. Honeymoon Island
Four miles of pristine shoreline await on this aptly-named romantic escape. Honeymoon Island earned its moniker in the 1940s when developers built thatched huts for newlyweds, though today’s visitors find natural beauty rather than honeymoon cottages.
The Osprey Trail winds through one of Florida’s few remaining virgin slash pine forests. Shellers discover treasures along the northern beaches, while swimmers enjoy the clearer waters of the southern shoreline.
16. South Beach (Key West)
Hidden behind a local hotel lies this compact shoreline with outsized charm. South Beach in Key West offers a refreshing alternative to the island’s more famous but often crowded spots, with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere.
Palm trees provide natural shade along the small but pristine beach. The concrete pier remnants create perfect perches for watching fish dart through transparent waters, while the nearby café means refreshments are just steps away.
17. Blowing Rocks Preserve
Nature created a dramatic masterpiece where ancient limestone meets crashing waves. Blowing Rocks Preserve gets its name from the spectacular sight of water shooting up to 50 feet in the air through holes in the rocky shoreline during high tide and rough surf.
This geological wonder stands in stark contrast to Florida’s typically flat beaches. The preserve protects the largest stretch of Anastasia limestone on the Atlantic coast, creating a unique ecosystem where rare plants thrive in this otherworldly landscape.
18. Fort De Soto Park
Five interconnected islands create a beach lover’s paradise spanning more than 1,100 acres. Fort De Soto Park consistently ranks among America’s top beaches thanks to its immaculate shoreline and facilities that make day trips comfortable for everyone.
The North Beach area features a rare tidal lagoon perfect for families. History buffs explore the Spanish-American War-era fort between swimming sessions, while kayakers paddle through mangrove trails spotting local wildlife.
19. Sombrero Beach
Locals treasure this crescent-shaped haven tucked away in a residential neighborhood. Sombrero Beach underwent a major renovation that created one of the most beautiful and accessible public beaches in the Florida Keys.
Turtle nesting areas are carefully protected during summer months. The calm, clear water makes for excellent swimming conditions, while the curved shape of the beach provides different perspectives of the Atlantic, from peaceful shallows to deeper blue waters offshore.
20. Pass-A-Grille Beach
Vintage Florida charm pervades this historic beach town dating back to the 1800s. The narrow strip of land offers waterfront views in both directions – Gulf sunsets to the west and bay sunrises to the east.
Low-rise buildings maintain the old-school atmosphere at Pass-a-Grille. The uncrowded, powdery white sand stretches for miles, while the historic district’s small shops and restaurants provide perfect breaks from sunbathing without the commercial overdevelopment found elsewhere.
21. Little Gasparilla Island
Footprints in the sand might be your only company on this vehicle-free island escape. Accessible only by private boat or water taxi, Little Gasparilla Island offers the rare experience of truly uncrowded Florida beaches.
No paved roads, no businesses, no distractions – just seven miles of natural shoreline. Vacation rentals sit tucked among native vegetation, while the beach itself offers exceptional shelling and peaceful walks where you’ll collect sand dollars rather than tourist memories.
22. Coral Cove Park
Ancient limestone formations create a photographer’s dream landscape unlike typical Florida beaches. Coral Cove Park features fascinating rock pools that fill with each tide, creating natural aquariums where kids explore marine life up close.
The craggy shoreline stands in dramatic contrast to the turquoise Atlantic. During low tide, the exposed Anastasia limestone formations reveal a prehistoric-looking landscape that feels more like an exotic foreign destination than the Sunshine State.