3 Lesser-Known Florida Beach Towns That Feel Like The Caribbean
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Florida is all the time essentially the most dependable U.S. escape for winter solar, so why not trip in locations which might be a spitting picture of the Caribbean?
Miami will all the time be the mecca of Florida for an unbelievable coastal trip, however it’s not for everybody.
Some of us get pleasure from a extra idyllic setting with out the flashy automobiles, buzzing nightlife, and highfalutin life-style.
Plus, a majority of Florida gives far more paradisal seashores than Miami’s murky waters.
Southern Living is right here to help, lately unveiling the perfect Florida seashores as simply satisfactory because the Caribbean.
Narrowing down to a couple lesser-known gems, you possibly can 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
When you fly into Tampa, you may 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.
While many vacationers go for these white sand havens, there is a hidden stretch of uncrowded shores providing almost equivalent surroundings minus towering condos and inns.
Honeymoon Island is about away from the motion of Siesta Key, Clearwater, and Venice as its personal quiet retreat.
You 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 is a $8 entry price, however do not child your self; these days, a espresso run prices extra for the drive over.
Upon arriving, you will uncover pristine white sand and shiny blue waters crashing ashore. Bean Bag Pass holds an ideal 5.0 Google Rating, the place current beachgoers declare, ‘Had an incredible time in bean bag cross. Great locals that make you’re feeling proper at residence.’
A well-liked spot for boaters is congregating on the sand bar, or you possibly can go to the northernmost tip to discover a 4-mile lengthy seaside claimed by current guests to be ‘good and clear’ with ‘stunning sunsets’.
Travel Tip: Check the State Park’s official website for numerous closure updates attributable to earlier storm harm.
Islamorada: The Keys’ Hidden Gem
We’re all conscious of Key West, whether or not it’s a favourite trip spot or dwelling vicariously by a Jimmy Buffett music.
But, have you learnt Islamorada, a secret village you will cross within the blink of a watch alongside the well-known Overseas Highway?
Islamorada serves as greater than a stopping level on the best way to Key West. You can simply make your base right here for a tranquil hideaway famend by fishermen for deep sea thrills.
Beyond daylong fishing excursions, there are ample paradisal seashores dotting the world. Southern Living singles out Anne’s Beach as the perfect for household journeys, because the waters are clear and shallow for swimming.
For a bit extra peace and leisure, there’s additionally Library Beach Park overlooking lush mangroves, however you do should be on alert for crocs.
The tiny city is vibrant and welcoming, providing nice native eats and a choose few luxe inns:
- Chesapeake Beach Resort
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa
- The Islands of Islamorada
- Hadley Resort + Marina
- Islander Bayside Villas
Englewood: A Scenic Gulf Coast Hideaway
Ever heard of Englewood? It’s doubtless not, and that is as a result of it is overshadowed by the aforementioned seaside cities surrounding Tampa and Sarasota.
Englewood is well reachable from three airports (Tampa, Sarasota, and Punta Gorda), making this hidden gem alongside Florida’s Gulf facet much more attractive.
Southern Living highlights Blind Pass Beach as Englewood’s go-to seaside, however it’s present process a glow-up because of 2024’s hurricane season.
The similar goes for my private favourite, Stump Pass, in addition to Manasota Key. However, there is a shiny facet.
Englewood is a go-to vacation spot in its personal proper as close by seaside cities make an epic comeback; Not to say some superior hole-in-the-wall seafood spots like Wink’s Old Town Grill.
Offering bayside bliss, down-home allure, 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 might additionally decide to enterprise to Englewood’s hidden riverside gems like Sandy Beach Myakka Park, excellent for peaceable hikes and kayaking tranquil waters.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.