Miami and Orlando are popular cities in Florida, but that doesn’t mean they have the most beautiful views in the state. Florida has many lovely beach towns that are not crowded with tourists. Many of these beach destinations and island retreats have beautiful, untouched beaches, protected areas for wildlife, and delicious fresh food to enjoy. If you like relaxing in a gentle ocean breeze rather than going on a thrilling ride like Space Mountain, this list of cute beach towns might make you think about trying a new vacation destination.
Cutest Beach Towns in Florida
Islamorada
Islamorada is a group of six islands that is highly respected by people who enjoy sport fishing. The waters at Anne’s Beach are calm, clear, and full of creatures, making it a great spot for snorkelling. If you prefer kayaking or canoeing, you can rent them at Long Key State Park. Library Beach is a popular spot for families because it has playground equipment and is not usually crowded. It is located on a mangrove channel. There are other things to do in Islamorada, such as watching dolphin shows at Theatre of the Sea and exploring the exhibits at the History of Diving Museum. The Rain Barrel Artisan Village has many interesting galleries that are worth exploring.
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach, located south of Daytona Beach, is famous for being a trendy destination for surfers. The town has approximately 12 miles of beaches with white sand and excellent waves. It’s not hard to rent a surfboard, but people who really love surfing might prefer to bring their own. If you’re planning a trip, you might consider going during one of the food festivals that happen throughout the year in New Smyrna Beach.
These include the New Smyrna Beach Food Festival in April, the Cinco de Mayo celebration in May, the Shrimp & Seafood Festival in August, and Jazz Fest in September. There are many things to do all year round in this area. You can visit the artist studios at The Hub on Canal, see exhibitions at the Atlantic Centre for the Arts, and enjoy the local wildlife, such as manatees and dolphins.
Captiva Island
Located off the west coast of Florida, Captiva Island is a short one-hour drive from Fort Myers. It is a small island where you won’t need a car once you get there. South Seas Island Resort has lots of fun activities for families on its 300 acres. You can relax on private beaches, enjoy the beautiful yacht harbour, play golf on the nine-hole course, and swim in the three outdoor pools with waterslides. People who like to have a more personalised vacation have many choices for where to stay and eat. The Keylime Bistro at Captiva Island Inn offers a variety of dishes including crab cake Benedict and, of course, Key lime pie.
Also Read: Exploring the Wine Country Towns That You Can Actually Afford
Stuart
In the past, trains would stop in Stuart to transport large quantities of chrysanthemums and pineapples. Stuart used to be a farming community, but now it has a small-town charm. You can find this charm in its B&Bs, pavement cafes and art galleries. You can also enjoy beautiful waterfront scenery here. This town has a population of 19,000 residents and offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also located along the St. Lucie and Indian rivers, making it a great place for relaxing walks by the waterfront. The boardwalk has many boutiques, restaurants, and people to watch. The locals here are proud of the healthy ecosystem, which allows them to see dolphins swimming in the clear blue waves near the coast.
Seaside
Visiting Seaside feels like travelling back in time. Robert S. Davis became the owner of the land in 1978 and transformed it into a community that looks like an old beach town. Seaside is a town in the northwestern Panhandle of Florida. It is closer to Alabama and Georgia than Orlando. The town’s culture is based on the polite and charming lifestyle of small-town Southern communities. The buildings in Seaside have a mix of different architectural styles such as Victorian, neoclassical, modern, and postmodern. This unique combination is what made it a great location for filming “The Truman Show.”
Vero Beach
Vero Beach has a lot of culture and wildlife in a small area of 13 square miles. A local law prohibits buildings from being taller than four stories, which helps the area maintain its small-town atmosphere. Vero’s white-sand beaches are different from other crowded stretches in Florida because they usually have more birds than humans. About 25% of the world’s sea turtles come to Florida’s East Coast, where Vero is located, to lay their eggs. This means that people in Vero often see baby turtles hatching. There are many tours available that focus on the local turtle population. The Florida Cracker Airboat rides are a popular attraction where guests can ride on a boat powered by an aeroplane engine and zip through the St. Johns River.