The Sunshine State has some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world, lined with white sand and sapphire blue waters. However, most of these places aren’t a secret, especially in South Florida. To the untrained eye, the best beaches are full of locals and tourists, while some of the area’s lesser-known beaches remain untouched. If you want to go to the beach but you’re tired of fighting the crowds, check out a few of these hidden beaches throughout South Florida.
Fort De Soto Park
Nestled just a few miles away from the super touristy, mini golf-laden main drag of St. Pete Beach, you’ll find Fort De Soto Park. Once a military installation, this Pinellas County park is now listed among some of the best beaches in the country. However, it remains relatively untouched because of its location, and the $5 fee might deter some looking for a free trip. Once you arrive, you’ll swear you were in a ghost town. The parking lot that was once designed to hold thousands of cars is hosting only a few, and if you walk far enough down the shore, you’ll have the place to yourself.
After you get your fill of the sun, your trip to Fort De Soto isn’t complete without a trip to the eponymous fort. Built in 1906, the fort remains relatively intact, and you can see the giant mortars designed to keep enemies at bay. There’s also fishing, short hiking trails, and refreshments available.
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country primarily because it’s not that easy to reach. If you take Florida Route 60 west as far as it goes, you’ll eventually reach Clearwater Beach. Because of the town’s white sand beaches that seem to extend forever, most people stop here. What they don’t know is that on the northern tip of the island is Caladesi. The problem is that it’s not easily accessible, and from Clearwater Beach, it requires permission to take private roads.
The best way to get there is actually to stay on the mainland and take the Caladesi Island Ferry from Dunedin or take your own boat. Once you’re there, you’ll find some modern amenities such as a snack shop, but it’s mostly open water, sand, and wildlife.
Bahia Honda State Park
Most people travel the Overseas Highway to get to the legendary Key West. However, they often miss the crystal clear waters of Bahia Honda State Park. There’s a main beach that hosts a bevy of tourists throughout the year, but to escape it all you don’t have to try hard. Rent a kayak and paddle your way in either direction to discover a beach that’s yours. Plus, you can see all types of fish from the kayak, and maybe even a manta ray.
Discovering Florida’s most hidden beaches isn’t something you can do in a day. But if you have the opportunity, it’s a way to relax without any of the hassle.
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