Summary

• Florida offers a mix of adrenaline-filled attractions and laid-back beach towns that provide a serene and relaxed atmosphere for a low-key vacation.
• Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Siesta Key, and Sebring are some of Florida's best small beach towns that offer a combination of cultural fun and exciting outdoor adventures.
• These beach towns provide attractions such as blue-flag beaches, fishing piers, shopping centers, nature parks, and historic sites, making them ideal destinations for a peaceful getaway.

Adrenaline-filled amusement parks, buzzing nightlife, pristine beaches, and family-friendly fun are some attractions that garner thousands of tourists in Florida. These spots deserve attention for their wide offerings, but nothing beats the satisfaction of vacationing in places without busy crowds.

Mellow vibes and a relaxed atmosphere don't quite exist in some of the most popular destinations like Miami (which offers lots of must-see hot spots), but Florida is home to some of the most laid-back beach towns, too. So, anyone who prefers under-the-radar destinations with a mix of cultural fun and exciting outdoor adventures will love these beautiful seaside destinations in Florida. Here are some of Florida's best small beach towns for a low-key vacation.

UPDATE: 2023/11/19 22:26 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Quaint And Low-Key Small Beach Towns In Florida

This list has been updated with two more of the best small beach towns in Florida that are quaint, serene, and perfect for a leisurely getaway by the water. Have fun, and be well!

18 Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is yet another one of the best beach towns in Florida that deserves to be on this list. Just a 15-minute drive from the famous Fort Lauderdale, this little town is not as buzzy as its famous neighbor. Certainly, it has a serene appeal and incredible experiences for an unforgettable trip. The town is all walkable, so guests can enjoy the blue-flag beach for one moment and head to Commercial Boulevard for some dining and shopping.

• Places to visit: Anglin's Fishing Pier, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Beach, Sea Ranch Village Shopping Center, El Prado Park, Datura Avenue Shipwreck Snorkel Trail
• Best time to visit: December to April,

17 Siesta Key

Despite having an award-winning beach with sugary, soft white sand, the town retains its serenity and laid-back vibes, making it one of the quiet beach towns in Florida. The town's crown jewel is its beach, where visitors can relax while taking in the scenery, take a rejuvenating dip in warm waters, or get an adrenaline rush by jet skiing or parasailing. Take the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, bike to the neighboring Siesta's Sands, and visit Sunset Point for amazing views.

• Places to visit: Siesta Beach, Siesta Village, Point of Rocks, Siesta's Sands, Sunset Point
• Best time to visit: October to May

16 Sebring

Sebring, Florida, is best known for the historic annual race that is held at its internationally renowned racetrack. For tourists and locals looking to avoid crowds at the state's more commercial and touristy attractions, Sebring, which is situated in an especially underdeveloped area of the state, is the ideal destination. However, it is perfectly situated halfway between the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, providing tourists with a variety of Florida’s best beach options.

• Places to visit: Sebring International Raceway, Highlands Hammock State Park, Downtown Historic Sebring, Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works, Sebring Golf Courses
• Best time to visit: November to April

15 Boynton Beach

Boynton Beach is home to some of the most picturesque coastlines in the state and is close enough to numerous cultural, historical, and natural attractions for day trips. Boynton Beach, Florida, feels like it exists on a completely different planet, even though it is actually a part of the posh and privileged Miami metropolitan area. Boynton Beach is one of the best Florida beaches for families because it offers a ton of kid-friendly attractions, many of which are reasonably priced.

• Places to visit: Boynton Inlet, Oceanfront Park Beach, Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands, Schoolhouse Children's Museum and Learning Center, Mangrove Nature Park
• Best time to visit: November to April

Anyone without little ones will still love this place, though; there are many exhilarating and relaxing things to do in Boynton Beach for all ages, after all.

14 Sebastian

Along Florida's central Atlantic coast, tourists can explore Sebastian's natural beauty and rich history. Sebastian, Florida's top fishing and surfing spot on the East Coast, is conveniently located across from Sebastian Inlet and is regarded as North America's biologically diverse estuary.

Although this spot is a relatively small Florida beach town, tourists can find a wide range of fun and interesting activities and attractions that will suit adventure seekers, eco-lovers, and relaxation enthusiasts. Pelican Island, the country's first National Wildlife Refuge, is also located near Sebastian, renowned for its pristine beauty and varied fisheries.

• Places to visit: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Sebastian Inlet State Park, McLarty Treasure Museum, Riverview Park, Captain Hiram's Resort
• Activities: Kayaking and paddleboarding, picturesque pontoon and airboat rides, world-class surfing and skydiving, etc.
• Best time to visit: November to April

13 Hernando Beach

Tourists have probably never heard of the coastal town of Hernando Beach, Florida. Although this refuge is off the usual road and out of the way, it has some of Florida's best-kept secrets. This shrimping hamlet, one of the low-key Florida beach towns near the Weeki Wachee River and Springs on the state's west coast, provides much more than easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. Gilligan's Island, Hernando Flats, and the best canal life may be found there.

• Places to visit: Jenkins Creek Park, Linda Pedersen Park, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Pine Island Park, Hernando Beach Marina
• Best time to visit: October to March

12 Key Biscayne

With a population of 15,547, Key Biscayne is widely known as one of the most scenic and laid-back Florida beach towns. It is home to stunning beaches, a vast array of local restaurants, and a lighthouse that dates back to 1846 in the Bill Baggs Cape State Park, Florida.

To the north, the island borders Crandon Park, which features a tennis court, marina, nature center, and a picturesque beach. So, travelers will have a lot of easy-going yet exciting activities to keep them occupied. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center is another attraction where guests can learn about the local flora and fauna.

• Places to visit: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Crandon Park, Miami Seaquarium, Cape Florida Lighthouse, Key Biscayne Beach
• Best time to visit: December to April

11 Apalachicola

Apalachicola is a quaint fishing beach town in Florida, offering delectable seafood, gorgeous seaside parks, charming inns, and a rich maritime history. This distinctive town also has unique art galleries, boutiques, and popular music venues tucked in tin-roofed warehouses.

History buffs will love strolling the Historic District as they view the Victorian homes and learn about the town’s diverse but colorful history. Apalachicola has over 900 historic homes from the 1830s, worth exploring on a self-guided tour.

• Places to visit: Apalachicola Historic District, St. George Island, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, John Gorrie Museum State Park, Orman House Historic State Park
• Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

10 Seaside

Best known for being the filming location of the 1998 film The Truman Show, Seaside is one of Florida’s best beach towns with a relaxed vibe (and with a name like this, it's unsurprising). Seaside has everything worth touring, from white sandy beaches and some of Florida's most beautiful seaside hiking trails to the farmer’s market.

The nine pavilions at the entrance to the beach are some of the unique finds in this charming town. Besides beautifying this small beach town with varying architectural styles, they protect the dunes from traffic and add a beautiful backdrop to pictures.

• Places to visit: Seaside Beach, Central Square, Seaside Amphitheater, Modica Market, Grayton Beach State Park
• Best time to visit: March to May and September to October

9 Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach boasts two miles of calming beaches facing east toward the Atlantic Ocean. The shores have a pier where anglers can catch fish while admiring spectacular views of the beautiful sunrise. Travelers longing for lush vegetation, ponds, or trails can head to the nearby Howell Park.

This park is one of the less-visited areas, adding to the fact that this whole area is one of the many quiet beach towns in Florida that's perfect for anyone who wants to avoid crowds. The park also features a meandering 2500-foot nature trail, a favorite of cyclists and hikers.

• Places to visit: Hannah Park, Atlantic Beach Town Center, Dutton Island Preserve, Howell Park, Atlantic Beach Boardwalk
• Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

8 Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria is all about scenic beaches, crystal clear waters, ocean activities, and stunning nature preserves. Some watersport activities to enjoy include kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. Guests who crave glorious, unobstructed sunrises and sunsets will find what they seek here.

Several restaurants, such as The Waterfront Restaurant, offer ocean views of dazzling sunsets, creating a romantic backdrop. Attractions are within walking distance, so travelers don’t need a car to explore the island. There are rental bikes to get people around.

• Places to visit: Bean Point, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Beach, Historic Bridge Street Pier, Coquina Beach
• Best time to visit: October to May

7 Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a real-life treasure trove for shell collectors. This curved shape 35 square-mile island has around 400 types of shells. But those that are easy to find include clams, scallops, tulips, and sand dollars. The beach town also hosts the Sanibel Shell Show each March, where shell lovers can admire shell art and show off their impeccable collections.

Nature lovers can visit the Botanical Gardens situated in the Sanibel Moorings Resort. These stunning gardens feature hundreds of native and non-native plants, with nature talks happening weekly.

• Places to visit: J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Island Lighthouse, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Captiva Island
• Best time to visit: December to April

6 Islamorada

Known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is a popular destination (even over places like Key Largo) for water sports enthusiasts, families, and art lovers. One of the most intriguing places to tour is the non-profit History of Diving Museum. The owners, Joe and Sally Bauer, started collecting diving antiquities in the 1970s and have been growing their collections for over 40 years.

The museum is now home to one of the largest collections of diving artifacts. Some of the museum’s exhibits include vintage underwater equipment and diving helmets.

• Places to visit: Theater of the Sea, Morada Bay Beach Café, Robbie's of Islamorada, Founders Park, Indian Key State Historic Site
• Best time to visit: December to April

5 Gasparilla Island

Gasparilla Island is perfect for anyone looking for an off-the-radar destination. The beautiful tranquil beaches with blue-green waters attract peace seekers yearning to sunbathe and swim. Tourists can catch sight of turtles, dolphins, and manatees as they swim offshore. The 1-mile stretch of Gasparilla Island State Park beach is home to native plants, snowy plovers, and several tern species.

In addition to lounging at the beach, visitors can look for fossilized shark teeth and shells along the shores.

• Places to visit: Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum, Gasparilla Island State Park, Banyan Street, Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum, The Gasparilla Inn & Club
• Best time to visit: December through April

4 Fernandina Beach

With an exciting mix of culture, history, and distinctive attractions, Fernandina Beach never runs out of things to keep visitors intrigued. Main Street Fernandina has a variety of coffee shops, historical attractions, restaurants, and galleries where guests can spend a few hours before heading to Fort Clinch State Park.

The park sits near the northern tip of Amelia Island, and its major draw is the 19th-century fort, which played significant roles in the early years. Anyone visiting this beach town should attend the Isle Of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, one of the most popular events.

• Festival Date: May 5 to 7, 2023
• Places to visit: Fort Clinch State Park, Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island Lighthouse, Fernandina Beach Main Beach Park, Amelia Island Museum of History
• Best time to visit: March to May and September and October

3 Captiva Island

Despite its remote location, Captiva Island never fails to amaze holidaymakers with its fantastic weather and magnificent beaches. This beach town has an unrushed pace of life. People wake up late, enjoy breakfast leisurely, and spend the day relaxing at the beach. It’s the ultimate destination for anyone looking to escape from the stir of big cities.

Strolling around the island’s market, watching manatees play, and trying exciting watersports are a few activities that keep vacationers in high spirits. The gorgeous sunset gives the town a more inviting atmosphere.

• Places to visit: Captiva Beach, Alison Hagerup Beach Park, Captiva Chapel By The Sea, McCarthy's Marina, Blind Pass Beach
• Best time to visit: December to April

Visitors should also discover when and where to see manatees in Florida if they want to see these adorable creatures in their natural habitats.

2 Key Largo

The vibe of the Florida Keys is distinctively relaxed throughout the island archipelago. While Key West may be the most well-known of the bunch, thanks to all its action, those looking for laid-back Florida beach towns should add Key Largo to their vacation bucket list instead. Since Key Largo is one of the northernmost Keys, it is within easy driving distance from Miami (about 65 miles).

Home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat rides are a must - the colorful coral covers over 70 protected nautical miles. Thanks to the Dagney Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, nature lovers won't be disappointed on land either.

• Places to visit: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Christ of the Abyss, Everglades National Park, Dolphin Cove, Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
• Best time to visit: December to March

Looking for more laid-back beach towns in Florida? Look no further than some of the other nearby Florida Keys:

• Duck Key: small and secluded with several luxury oceanfront resorts
• Little Torch Key: hidden gem best known for its untouched atmosphere
• Marathon Key: a family-friendly island home to the jaw-dropping Seven Mile Bridge
• Big Pine Key: home to incredible wildlife, including the only natural colony of the Miami blue butterfly

1 New Smyrna Beach

Vacationers looking for laid-back vibes and a relaxed atmosphere should consider heading to New Smyrna Beach. Located on the state's Central Atlantic Coast, this charming locale is easily one of Florida's best small beach towns. A friendly and tight-knit local community sets the ambiance apart from other tourist beach towns due partly to its longstanding significance in surfing.

• Visit the Museum of East Coast Surfing, located at 424 Canal Street and open 10 am - 4 pm Tuesday - Saturday
• Watch the action: head to Ponce Inlet to see some of the best East Coast surfers in the water or maybe catch one of the contests frequently held there.

Pristine white sand beaches will have visitors feeling like they're in the Caribbean. A lively downtown is also filled with art, culture, and locally-owned eats and boutiques. Apart from surfing, outdoor adventure lovers can take advantage of abundant fishing options, kayaking or paddle-boarding in the Indian River Lagoon, or climbing the 200+ steps of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse (the tallest lighthouse in Florida).

• Places to visit: New Smyrna Beach, Canaveral National Seashore, Smyrna Dunes Park, Flagler Avenue, Marine Discovery Center
• Best time to visit: October to March