20 Florida Beaches That Could Pass for the Caribbean

Big Pine Key, Florida

Although it's part of the mainland United States, Bahia Honda State Park has all the Caribbean credentials: crystal-clear water, white-sand beaches, and plenty of breezy palm trees. Located about three-quarters of the way down the Florida Keys at Mile Marker 37, on Big Pine Key, this gem is one of Florida's southernmost state parks, with flora and fauna that originated in the Caribbean. In other words, it's about as close to the cerulean sea as you can get. Transparent water equals top-notch snorkeling, and with its panoramic views, the old bridge from Henry Flagler's historic Overseas Railroad is perfect for sunset photos.

36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, floridastateparks.org

Englewood, Florida

Head to Manasota Key to discover this well-kept Gulf Coast secret. Although it's a narrow stretch of sand, Blind Pass has all the beachgoer's favorites: a bayside lagoon, emerald waters, and a launch for kayaks and canoes. You'll find plenty of spots to cast a line among salt-sprayed mangroves, and the shores are often dotted with shark's teeth, shells, and sand dollars. Farther south is Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, Stump Pass Beach State Park, and connections to the mainland where you can find lodging and fresh seafood.

6725 Manasota Key Road, Englewood, FL 34223, scgov.net

Dunedin, Florida

An unspoiled paradise, Caladesi Island is located in the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, just north of Clearwater. Since the spot is only accessible by boat, you'll have to take the daily ferry, but we don't think you'll mind: The boat trip only enhances the far-flung island vibes. Before it was a state park, Caladesi was the childhood home of author Myrtle Scharrer Betz. The only child ever born on the island, she placed a deed restriction on the property in 1946, keeping the 157 acres pristine to this day. Soak in the natural beauty by paddling through mangrove tunnels, shelling during low tide, or touring the Scharrer homestead.

Dunedin, FL 34698, floridastateparks.org

Funky, quirky Captiva Island has a distinctly artsy vibe—exactly the kind you expect to find in the Caribbean—and the beaches are pure perfection. Legend has it that renegade pirate Jose Gaspar built a prison on "Isle de los Captivas" in the early 1800s where he kept prisoners "captive" for ransom. Today, you'll wish you had the lock and key to throw away so you could stay at this sandy island haven forever. 

Captiva Drive, Captiva, FL 33924, sanibel-captiva.org

A former fishing ground for the Calusa Indians, Cayo Costa Island has nearly nine miles of undeveloped shoreline with rich history and sugary beaches. Several Native American shell mounds are located on the barrier island, making it an archaeologist's paradise (and guaranteeing the place will remain pristine). Accessible only by boat and totally off the grid, the "Key by the Coast" is now a state park with campsites and rustic cabins. (There are also privately-owned homes to rent.) Don't miss the Manatee Hole, a lagoon where adorable sea cows swim.

Four nautical miles west of Pine Island, Cayo Costa, FL 33922, floridastateparks.org 

Though it's an easy drive from some of Florida's most popular attractions, Cocoa Beach feels worlds away from the touristy hustle-and-bustle. Visit this laid-back locale to find quiet beaches, surf shacks, and a nostalgic seaside pier with entertainment and eats. Just south of Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, it's a lesser-traveled vacation destination, but Cocoa Beach doesn't disappoint with its expansive Atlantic views and diverse wildlife. Nearby Lori Wilson Park includes an oceanfront forest that's a haven for migrating and maritime birds.

N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, cityofcocoabeach.com

Homestead, Florida

Situated almost 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is the gateway to the western Caribbean. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, the park is roughly 99 percent open water (really!), vibrantly blue, and filled with stunning coral reefs. On the second largest of the seven remote islands, historic Fort Jefferson stands like a sentinel over the sand. Among the country's largest 19th-century defenses, the structure once protected the shipping routes passing through the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Though it was never fully armed, it remains an architectural marvel with decorative brickwork and 2,000 arches.

Park Headquarters: 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, nps.gov

Tierra Verde, Florida 

Five interconnected islands make up picturesque Fort De Soto Park, located near St. Petersburg on Florida's west coast. While the beaches tend to get crowded on peak-season weekends, large swaths of immaculate sand are wide open during weekdays and the off-season. Even when beachgoers are scant, you'll see plenty of sand dollars, shore birds, and dolphins in this unique location where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay.

3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715, pinellascounty.org

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Decidedly less under-the-radar than many of the destinations on this list, Grayton Beach is halfway between Destin and Panama City, but feels worlds away once your umbrella is staked along the one-mile stretch of powdery sand. Lush dunes create a beautiful natural barrier for the beach, but trust us, you'll want to see what's on the other side: three coastal dune lakes, a rare natural phenomenon occurring in only a few places worldwide. Consider a paddle on Western Lake after you've sunned yourself for the day. (You can rent kayaks at the ranger station.)

357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, floridastateparks.org

Dunedin, Florida

An all-natural escape in the heart of the Tampa Bay area, Honeymoon Island is one of Florida's most beloved state parks—and not just among newlyweds. It's completely pristine with Caribbean-esque white sand and jade water. The ideal time to visit is on a less busy weekday, allowing you to plop down in the sand and witness a spectacular sunset with a lively crowd of pelicans, osprey, eagles, and great horned owls. You'll love this island as much as the birds do!

#1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL 34698, floridastateparks.org

South Walton, Florida

Just a few miles from Seaside, this 30A locale features four snorkeling reefs and wide beaches for relaxing. Stake out your spot in the soft sand early in the day for the best views of the turquoise waters, then stay 'til sunset, when the place is at its most breathtaking. With easy access to Camp Helen State Park, a former resort for the employees of a local textile mill, Inlet Beach is a destination with plenty to keep you busy.

435 Park Place, Inlet Beach, FL 32413, visitsouthwalton.com

Expect blue skies and bluer waters on this stunning stretch of sand. Nestled on the coasts of Islamorada, a village in the Florida Keys, has a series of secluded beaches that attract saltwater fishermen from all over the world. Check out kid-friendly Annie's Beach for a shallow swimming area with calm water; for a quieter spot, try Library Beach Park, which faces a channel of mangroves. Don't forget to stop in the sun-drenched town, located halfway between the mainland and Key West.

Library Beach Park: 84 Johnston Rd, Islamorada, FL 33036, islamorada.florida.us

Although in-the-know locals flock here on the weekends, most beach connoisseurs don't even realize this pristine seven-mile stretch of paradise exists. A barrier island located between Marco Island and Naples, Keewaydin Island is mostly undeveloped land, lending the spot a remote vibe you'll love. Since there are no roads, cars, or bridges, you'll need to a boat to get around. When you're not sunning yourself, take a trip to Rookery Bay, one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America, or watch for wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, wild boars, and bobcats. 

Water Shuttle: 951 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, hemingwaywatershuttle.com

This flawless beach off the coast of Miami is hardly a secret. But its "discovered" status only adds to its intrigue: The island's picturesque Crandon Park, once a coconut plantation, has provided many a backdrop for modeling photo shoots, TV commercials, and magazines. The key is to go on a weekday when crowds are thin, so your only company will be hundreds of towering palm trees and lush tropical flora. Hang a hammock between two breezy beauties and you'll instantly lock in that laid-back Caribbean vibe. Or if you're feeling adventurous, wade along the sandbar or stroll the mangrove boardwalk.

6747 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL, 33149,  miamidade.gov

Situated between Indian River and the Atlantic, Melbourne Beach is a low-key destination with wide sandy beaches that will tempt you spread out your towel and never leave. Find a few laid-back restaurants and lodging options in town, as well as bait-and-tackle shops where you can stock up for weekend fishing jaunts. At least one night of your trip, take your fish and chips to go, and head to the pier for a memorable sunset.

507 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951, melbournebeachfl.org

Pensacola, Florida

Perdido Key is a go-to getaway for those in the know. Hugging the northwest stretch of the Florida Panhandle, this island has long been a destination for families seeking solace from touristy cities as well as easy access to nature. Credit its appeal to white-sand beaches, emerald waters, and proximity to Big Lagoon State Park, Perdido Key State Park, and Johnson's Beach. With a name that means "lost" in Spanish, this Gulf Coast spot just might entice you to get lost and never leave.

Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507, visitperdido.com

By now, anyone who's an avid beachgoer knows that Sanibel Island is the undisputed shelling capital of North America. The waters of this Gulf of Mexico isle offer up more than 250 different kinds of shells, making it a worthy rival for almost any Caribbean destination. Collecting these colorful coastal treasures is such a popular pastime that there's a name for the bent-waist posture of shell gatherers: the "Sanibel stoop."

19931 Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel, FL 33957, sanibel-captiva.org

Sarasota, Florida

This 8-mile-long barrier island entices with quartz-sand beaches and sparkling Gulf water. Near the shoreline, the shallow waters look bright green and aquamarine, then deepen to cobalt blue as they unfurl farther out. But the beauty is only one part of the draw: This tropical key is an easy place to keep the whole family entertained, thanks to tennis and volleyball courts, beachside concession stands, and year-round lifeguards. You may even be able to sneak in a siesta.

948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242, scgov.net

For an unforgettable escape, head to St. Augustine Beach, the seaside stretch just south of the oldest city in the U.S. This small oceanside town is located on Anastasia Island, a pristine wildlife haven, and offers broad Atlantic beaches perfect for wandering. Don't miss the nearby Ocean Hammock Park, a green space with a nature trail that's also a nesting place for sea turtles, or the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, where you can cast your lines into the sea. 

A Street and Ocean Trace Road, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080, staugbch.com 

Vero Beach is the best of all worlds. To access this Atlantic town's picturesque sands, you'll have to cross a bridge over the Indian River Lagoon, but the journey is worth it: You'll be rewarded with clean beaches and waters so blue they could be mistaken for the Caribbean. Nature lovers will find an abundance of places to explore: Nearby McKee Botanical Garden brims with tropical plants (look for water lilies blooming in its streams), while Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge serves as a home for brown pelicans and other migrating avians.

Round Island Beach Park: 2200 South A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963, ircgov.com