quiet places in florida We were biking the coastal road on ritzy Jupiter Island, which ends at Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. None of the signs indicate that there is a beach at the end of this road, and after 30-plus years of exploring southeast Florida, I had never heard of this beach . . . .
So when we got there, we were shocked to realize that we had landed at the entrance of over five miles of wide, unspoilt sandy beach.
The shoreline of Hobe Sound stretches north more than two miles from St. Louis. Lucie Beach Preserve.
Parking is $5, restrooms are portapotties and there are no picnic tables or supplies. What you will get is miles of beauty and solitude.
The best hidden beaches in South Florida
Street. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park, Stuart
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, Hobe Sound
Past Clam Park, Naples
Barefoot Beach Preserve District Park, Bonita Beach
Cayo Costa State Park, Pine Island
Tigertail Beach, Marco Island
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Best Small Towns in Florida
Florida’s charming small towns offer a glimpse into the state’s true character and are a great choice for a quiet and hassle-free vacation.
Many of the best small towns in Florida are lined with pristine sandy beaches or offer nearby championship golf courses. They’re also wonderful destinations to discover interesting boutiques and galleries.
These adorable spots, found spread across the entire state, are a haven for snowbirds and entice year-round visitors to wander their historic streets, soak up the old-world charm, and kick back in a mom and pop restaurant.
To find out more about what they have to offer, read our list of the top small towns in Florida.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Anna Maria Island
If you are looking for a perfect stretch of white, sandy shore, Anna Maria Island is the perfect choice for your small town getaway in Florida. Located between the Gulf of Mexico and the mainland, this seven-mile strip of a barrier island is home to one of the best beaches in Florida. The shores here are white-sand beaches and a sanctuary for bird lovers.
Some might call the peaceful town of Anna Maria sleepy; others call it laid-back and relaxing. Antique stores, galleries, and seafood restaurants dot the downtown area. The pier, built in 1911, makes a great spot for a stroll. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins offshore when you take to the ocean for fishing, surfing, or a spin on a paddleboard.
Vero Beach
Tucked along The Treasure Coast is a barrier island, which in years past has been labeled “The Best Small Town in Florida.” Town planners have been very restrictive about zoning and building heights, allowing Vero Beach to grow in a way that still maintains its lovely charm. One can walk for miles along the coastline and not see another soul. How rare is that in Florida!
The reefs just offshore were notorious for claiming ships carrying valuables, thus the Treasure Coast name. The resulting shipwrecks have left their mark, and this is a favorite spot for divers and those searching for treasure with metal detectors. There is even a newly sunk shipwreck, the S.S. The iconic Ocean Grill is right offshore in Breconshire.
