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Florida is at all times probably the most dependable U.S. escape for winter solar, so why not trip in locations which are a spitting picture of the Caribbean?
Miami will at all times be the mecca of Florida for an unimaginable coastal trip, however it’s not for everybody.
A few of us take pleasure in a extra idyllic setting with out the flashy automobiles, buzzing nightlife, and highfalutin way of life.
Plus, a majority of Florida presents far more paradisal seashores than Miami’s murky waters.
![White sand beach in Islamorada, Florida](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/3-Lesser-Known-Florida-Beach-Towns-That-Feel-Like-The-Caribbean.jpg)
![White sand beach in Islamorada, Florida](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/3-Lesser-Known-Florida-Beach-Towns-That-Feel-Like-The-Caribbean.jpg.webp)
Southern Living is right here to help, not too long ago unveiling the perfect Florida seashores as simply satisfactory because the Caribbean.
Narrowing down to some lesser-known gems, you may go away seaside crowds behind on the family names in favor of those 3 Florida seaside cities with gleaming white sand and vibrant blue waters:
Honeymoon Island: Tampa’s Untouched Sliver Of Paradise
Whenever you fly into Tampa, you could have an array of white sand seashores at your fingertips within the surrounding cluster of award-winning seaside cities like Siesta Key and Clearwater, two cities in a yearly twin for Southwest Florida supremacy.
![Aerial view of Honeymoon Island, Florida](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aerial-view-of-Honeymoon-Island-Florida.jpg)
![Aerial view of Honeymoon Island, Florida](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aerial-view-of-Honeymoon-Island-Florida.jpg.webp)
Whereas many vacationers go for these white sand havens, there is a hidden stretch of uncrowded shores providing almost equivalent surroundings minus towering condos and motels.
Honeymoon Island is about away from the motion of Siesta Key, Clearwater, and Venice as its personal quiet retreat.
You possibly can attain this island by crossing the Dunedin Causeway over neighboring Ward Island right into a sprawling State Park you doubtless did not know existed.
There’s a $8 entry payment, however do not child your self; these days, a espresso run prices extra for the drive over.
![Swing on Honeymoon Island beach](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Swing-on-Honeymoon-Island-beach.jpg)
![Swing on Honeymoon Island beach](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Swing-on-Honeymoon-Island-beach.jpg)
Upon arriving, you will uncover pristine white sand and vivid blue waters crashing ashore. Bean Bag Move holds an ideal 5.0 Google Score, the place current beachgoers declare, ‘Had a tremendous time in bean bag go. Nice locals that make you are feeling proper at dwelling.’
A preferred spot for boaters is congregating on the sand bar, or you may go to the northernmost tip to discover a 4-mile lengthy seaside claimed by current guests to be ‘good and clear’ with ‘lovely sunsets’.
Journey Tip: Test the State Park’s official website for varied closure updates attributable to earlier storm harm.
Islamorada: The Keys’ Hidden Gem
![Aerial view of Florida road](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aerial-view-of-Islamorada-FL.jpg)
![Aerial view of Florida road](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aerial-view-of-Islamorada-FL.jpg)
We’re all conscious of Key West, whether or not it’s a favourite trip spot or dwelling vicariously by means of a Jimmy Buffett music.
However, have you learnt Islamorada, a secret village you will go within the blink of an eye fixed alongside the well-known Abroad Freeway?
Islamorada serves as greater than a stopping level on the best way to Key West. You possibly can simply make your base right here for a tranquil hideaway famend by fishermen for deep sea thrills.
Past daylong fishing excursions, there are ample paradisal seashores dotting the realm. Southern Residing singles out Anne’s Seashore as the perfect for household journeys, because the waters are clear and shallow for swimming.
![White sand beach along resort in Islamorada, FL](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/White-sand-beach-along-resort-in-Islamorada-FL.jpg)
![White sand beach along resort in Islamorada, FL](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/White-sand-beach-along-resort-in-Islamorada-FL.jpg)
For a bit extra peace and leisure, there’s additionally Library Seashore Park overlooking lush mangroves, however you do must be on alert for crocs.
The tiny city is vibrant and welcoming, providing nice native eats and a choose few luxe motels:
- Chesapeake Seashore Resort
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa
- The Islands of Islamorada
- Hadley Resort + Marina
- Islander Bayside Villas
Englewood: A Scenic Gulf Coast Hideaway
![Entrance to Blind Pass Beach in Englewood, FL](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Entrance-to-Blind-Pass-Beach-in-Englewood-FL.jpg)
![Entrance to Blind Pass Beach in Englewood, FL](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Entrance-to-Blind-Pass-Beach-in-Englewood-FL.jpg.webp)
Ever heard of Englewood? It is doubtless not, and that is as a result of it is overshadowed by the aforementioned seaside cities surrounding Tampa and Sarasota.
Englewood is definitely reachable from three airports (Tampa, Sarasota, and Punta Gorda), making this hidden gem alongside Florida’s Gulf aspect much more engaging.
Southern Residing highlights Blind Move Seashore as Englewood’s go-to seaside, however it’s present process a glow-up because of 2024’s hurricane season.
The identical goes for my private favourite, Stump Move, in addition to Manasota Key. Nevertheless, there is a vivid aspect.
![Fishing poles on Englewood Beach in Florida](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Fishing-poles-on-Englewood-Beach-in-Florida.jpg)
![Fishing poles on Englewood Beach in Florida](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Fishing-poles-on-Englewood-Beach-in-Florida.jpg)
Englewood is a go-to vacation spot in its personal proper as close by seaside cities make an epic comeback; To not point out some superior hole-in-the-wall seafood spots like Wink’s Previous City Grill.
Providing bayside bliss, down-home appeal, and comfy waterfront stays, Englewood is Southwest Florida’s most underrated base with entry to extra seashores that are open, comparable to Don Pedro Island.
You would additionally decide to enterprise to Englewood’s hidden riverside gems like Sandy Seashore Myakka Park, good for peaceable hikes and kayaking tranquil waters.
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