3 Lesser-Known Florida Beach Towns That Feel Like The Caribbean
Last Updated
Florida is always the most reliable U.S. escape for winter sun, so why not vacation in destinations that are a spitting image of the Caribbean?
Miami will always be the mecca of Florida for an incredible coastal vacation, but it’s not for everyone.
Some of us enjoy a more idyllic setting without the flashy cars, buzzing nightlife, and highfalutin lifestyle.
Plus, a majority of Florida offers way more paradisal beaches than Miami’s murky waters.
Southern Living is here to assist, recently unveiling the best Florida beaches as easily passable as the Caribbean.
Narrowing down to a few lesser-known gems, you can leave beach crowds behind at the household names in favor of these 3 Florida beach towns with gleaming white sand and vibrant blue waters:
Honeymoon Island: Tampa’s Untouched Sliver Of Paradise
When you fly into Tampa, you have an array of white sand beaches at your fingertips in the surrounding cluster of award-winning beach towns like Siesta Key and Clearwater, two towns in a yearly dual for Southwest Florida supremacy.
While many vacationers opt for these white sand havens, there’s a hidden stretch of uncrowded shores offering nearly identical scenery minus towering condos and hotels.
Honeymoon Island is set away from the action of Siesta Key, Clearwater, and Venice as its own quiet retreat.
You can reach this island by crossing the Dunedin Causeway over neighboring Ward Island into a sprawling State Park you likely didn’t know existed.
There is a $8 entry fee, but don’t kid yourself; nowadays, a coffee run costs more for the drive over.
Upon arriving, you’ll discover pristine white sand and bright blue waters crashing ashore. Bean Bag Pass holds a perfect 5.0 Google Rating, where recent beachgoers claim, ‘Had an amazing time in bean bag pass. Great locals that make you feel right at home.’
A popular spot for boaters is congregating at the sand bar, or you can visit the northernmost tip to find a 4-mile long beach claimed by recent visitors to be ‘nice and clean’ with ‘beautiful sunsets’.
Travel Tip: Check the State Park’s official website for various closure updates due to previous storm damage.
Islamorada: The Keys’ Hidden Gem
We’re all aware of Key West, whether it be a favorite vacation spot or living vicariously through a Jimmy Buffett song.
But, do you know Islamorada, a secret village you’ll pass in the blink of an eye along the famous Overseas Highway?
Islamorada serves as more than a stopping point on the way to Key West. You can easily make your base here for a tranquil hideaway renowned by fishermen for deep sea thrills.
Beyond daylong fishing excursions, there are ample paradisal beaches dotting the area. Southern Living singles out Anne’s Beach as the best for family trips, as the waters are clear and shallow for swimming.
For a little more peace and relaxation, there’s also Library Beach Park overlooking lush mangroves, but you do need to be on alert for crocs.
The tiny town is vibrant and welcoming, offering great local eats and a select few luxe hotels:
- Chesapeake Beach Resort
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa
- The Islands of Islamorada
- Hadley Resort + Marina
- Islander Bayside Villas
Englewood: A Scenic Gulf Coast Hideaway
Ever heard of Englewood? It’s likely not, and that’s because it’s overshadowed by the aforementioned beach towns surrounding Tampa and Sarasota.
Englewood is easily reachable from three airports (Tampa, Sarasota, and Punta Gorda), making this hidden gem along Florida’s Gulf side even more enticing.
Southern Living highlights Blind Pass Beach as Englewood’s go-to beach, but it’s undergoing a glow-up as a result of 2024’s hurricane season.
The same goes for my personal favorite, Stump Pass, as well as Manasota Key. However, there’s a bright side.
Englewood is a go-to destination in its own right as nearby beach towns make an epic comeback; Not to mention some awesome hole-in-the-wall seafood spots like Wink’s Old Town Grill.
Offering bayside bliss, down-home charm, and cozy waterfront stays, Englewood is Southwest Florida’s most underrated base with access to more beaches that are open, such as Don Pedro Island.
You could also opt to venture to Englewood’s hidden riverside gems like Sandy Beach Myakka Park, perfect for peaceful hikes and kayaking tranquil waters.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.