Looking for the best east coast beach towns but hoping to avoid the massive crowds? Look no further. Here we’ve got a list of the best small beach towns in Florida. From the Atlantic Coast, to the Gulf of Mexico, along the panhandle, and even as far down as the Florida Keys, the list considers it all.
No matter what type of small beach town you’re looking for, Florida has it. Varying from artsy towns to those near major cities (but not actually in the major cities), the towns are so different from one to the next. But the thing they all have are the best beaches in the US, nah, some would say best in the world!
So why wait any longer? Let’s get going to 15 Florida beach towns you will LOVE!
Article Overview:
Best Small Beach Towns in Florida
Delray Beach
Ranking on many lists of Best Small Towns in America, Delray has everything from perfect beaches to a stellar Atlantic Avenue (the main street in town).
With white, soft sand, sun and a great breeze, it’s no wonder folks flock to the beach for an amazing day by the water. It’s also a wicked place to go kiteboarding, so if you’re keen to give it a try or just want to watch the pros, head down to Delray beach.
After a beautiful beach day the town is alive with restaurants, nightlife, and a great art scene in Delray Beach.
LEARN MORE: 12 Epic Weekend Getaways on the East Coast
Fernandina Beach
You’ll love it at Fernandina Beach. Located on Amelia Island on the Atlantic coast, it’s the furthest north point in Florida.
Being so close to Georgia, the Southern charm is felt throughout the entire town. While in Fernandina strolling the downtown historic district is a fun activity for everyone but history buffs will especially appreciate this area.
With great restaurants, quaint shops, an awesome nightlife and a thriving art scene, it’s no wonder Fernandina Beach is on our list of Small Beach Towns in Florida You Will Love.
Key West
Live the tropical island life without leaving the country. Key West is the best place to sit back and relax in paradise.
The thing we love best about Key West is that despite its international reputation, it’s still got that small beach town feel.
Here you can enjoy the beautiful blue waters, sandy beaches, and visit the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA – only 90 miles from Cuba!
When you’re looking for more action, head to the lively Duval Street for some great places to eat, drink, and be merry.
Key West is also on our list of 12 Best Weekend Getaways in Florida
Matlacha
If you want to check out the coolest, most unique, and most colorful town in Florida, head to Matlacha.
This beautiful, small town has a vibe you’ll love and that you won’t find anywhere else. Homes in this small town of less than 700 people are colorfully decorated so that each has its own personality.
Fishing and water-centered activities reign supreme here. Local art shops and boutiques are great to peruse while restaurants in the area specialize in locally caught seafood.
Madeira Beach
Get the pirate feel at Madeira Beach, just west of St. Petersburg. This small town is named after the Portuguese island of Madeira, but locals often refer to it as Mad Beach.
Thanks to a pirate named John Levique, you’ll find the pirate theme in and around the entire community and in May Madeira Beach hosts the 3-day event John Levique Pirate Days!
John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is the lively part of town where you’ll find tons of places to eat, drink, and be merry.
Beachgoers love Madeira Beach’s 2.5 miles of soft sandy beaches, while fishing enthusiasts (pro and novice) love to throw a line in the waters of Madeira. It’s also a great place to head out on the Gulf of Mexico for offshore fishing.
Vilano Beach
A favorite among locals, Vilano Beach is a perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a great beach town on the east coast of Florida.
Among the beach towns around St. Augustine, Vilano Beach also has beautiful beaches and a history dating back just as long.
Boasting two coasts, Vilano Beach is the perfect place to go fishing oceanside and on the Intracoastal Waterway. Or simply hit the soft sandy beach on the Atlantic side, it’s one of the best beaches near St Augustine.
Captiva Island
Captiva Island is the perfect getaway on the southwest coast of Florida. Located just under an hour’s drive from Fort Meyers, this quiet little island is a perfect place to stay when you’re looking for paradise without the massive crowds.
Once you arrive, leave the car to explore the island on foot. It’s only five miles long and half a mile wide so there is so much to enjoy along its sandy white beaches.
Or travel on the water by hopping on a boat to get from place to place on the island or venture to North Captiva.
Vero Beach
The beach and all its natural beauty is what stands out in Vero Beach.
Located 200 miles south of Jacksonville and 150 miles north of Miami, Vero Beach is a quiet getaway for Floridians and visitors alike.
You won’t find massive crowds here, which is just perfect if you’re looking for a small east coast beach town. Instead, keep an eye out for local wildlife including loggerhead turtles, gopher tortoises, and manatees.
After a day enjoying the tranquility of the beach head to the small town itself for delightful restaurants, shops and art galleries.
Ponce Inlet
Looking for the perfect retirement town on the east coast? Ponce Inlet may be just the right seaside town for you.
Located on the barrier island south of Daytona and just north of New Smyrna Beach this charming coastal town is a place to relax and enjoy nature.
Home to Florida’s tallest lighthouse you can climb 203 steps for wondrous views of the coastal area and the ocean. Or get your exercise while walking the white-sand beach and let the sound of the waves carry your worries away.
Apalachicola
We can’t forget about the fabulous beach towns located on Florida’s panhandle. Apalachicola is a perfect small town that has everything to make your trip one to remember.
Beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are perfect for relaxing in the sun and sand. Head out onto the water for fishing, kayaking or paddleboarding.
For a bit more adventure, see if you can spot a gator as you soar through the river on an airboat. When it’s time to eat Apalachicola has tons of great restaurants that serve up seafood including the area’s favorite oysters.
Carrabelle
Carrabelle is another lovely small beach town on Florida’s panhandle.
Located just to the east of Apalachicola, this fishing town is known for its calm waters in the Gulf of Mexico that are perfect for water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
When you’re in town, definitely check out the world’s smallest police station and the Crooked River Lighthouse which dates back to 1895.
Anna Maria Island
A barrier island located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island is a gorgeous place that has a charming small town feel with some of the best beaches in the state of Florida.
The soft, white sands of the Gulf of Mexico are the ideal setting to have an epic beach day, fish off the pier or even explore the coast on horseback.
Previously, zoning laws helped to prevent the overdevelopment of the island and we’re so grateful. Let’s hope Anna Maria Island continues to be one of the most beautiful beach towns in Florida.
Juno Beach
Juno Beach is a beautiful small beach town in Florida that’s just north of West Palm Beach.
Located on the barrier island, you can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other.
It’s a stellar spot to do just about everything you can imagine on the water like paddleboarding, kayaking, and kitesurfing. Fishing is made easy at the Juno Beach Pier where you can get all the gear you need right there at the Pier House.
Catch a glimpse of nesting loggerhead turtles on the beach or head to the Loggerhead Marine Life Center to learn about them up close.
Flagler Beach
To the south of St. Augustine you’ll find the beautiful Flagler Beach.
This laid back town is full of waterfront shops, open air restaurants and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Head to the Bulow Creek Paddling Trail for a unique way to see the area by paddling upstream. For a bit of history check out the Flagler Beach Historical Museum.
The North Peninsula State Park is a great way to get into nature on the two mile hike on the Coastal Strand Trail.
Santa Rosa Beach
Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Hogtown Bayou, Santa Rosa Beach is near the halfway point between Pensacola and Panama City.
The charm of this beautiful Florida small town is felt throughout. Here, you can enjoy the sugar sands of the beaches along the Gulf or the calm waters of the bayou.
For the best that nature has to offer head to Grayton Beach State Park where you can enjoy the soft beaches of the gulf, the brackish waters of the coastal dune lakes and the impressive woods in between.
Final Thoughts on Best Florida Beach Towns
As you can see, there are tons of cute beach towns in Florida that make for an amazing vacation. No matter if you choose one on the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or so far south it feels like you’re in the Caribbean, the beaches are the best in the world. Heading to a small beach town is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a way to escape the crowds and enjoy paradise on your own.
More Places to See in Florida
15 Best Things to Do in Orlando (Besides Theme Parks)
12 Best Day Trips from Orlando
50 Things to Do in St Augustine Florida
9 Beautiful Beaches Near St Augustine
12 Cool Things to Do in Key West
15 Best Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach
