Picture this: you and your loved ones are finally on a long-awaited vacation. You lay out your lounge chairs and spread out your picnic, looking forward to a languid lunch. Ahead of you, the sea ebbs in and out against the shore and a gentle breeze arrives to caress your worries away. Just as you’re slipping into sleep, you see the shore starting to crowd. In a few minutes, families, parties and restless teenagers have turned your relaxing afternoon into a headache. This can be especially tiresome if you’re looking to unwind with your loved ones who may be sensitive to noise and crowds.
Florida is known for its gorgeous beaches, spread across the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. With more than 800 miles of sun-blessed coastline, some beaches are more peaceful than others. Here are our 4 favorite less-crowded Florida Beaches.
Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore comprises nearly 60, 000 acres of beaches, lagoons, pine forests and coastal hammocks. Here, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, kayaking, boating, birdwatching and canoeing. There’s something for everyone! If you’re just looking to relax by the sea, Apollo and Playalinda provide excellent opportunities.
You also have the option to witness rocket launches from the Kennedy Space Center, which can be seen from the beach during the park’s operating hours. This is great for the kids, but if you’re looking for quiet, you should be warned that the beach can get quite rambunctious during this period.
Ormond Beach
5 miles north of the busy Daytona Beach (a key Florida landmark!), Ormond Beach offers a more relaxed pace. Drive north on A1A and you’ll enter the residential Ormond-by-the-Sea. Without large hotels, this beach offers an even more tranquil experience. Even the sand differs between the Ormond beaches and Daytona. In the former, the sand is mixed with crushed coquina shell, which gives it a glorious sunset tint. Across the Granada Bridge, Tomoka State Park on the Halifax River provides opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Have a picnic or go fishing while taking the opportunity to glimpse some wildlife. A nature trail also passes through an ancient Timucuan village nearby.
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park offers 1, 136 acres of beach set among five keys: St. Christopher, St. Jean, Madelaine, Mullet and Fortune, all blessed with pristine white sand. The park also features a dog beach, boat docks, picnic areas, fishing piers and a kayak and canoe trail.
Santa Rosa Beach
Stretched across the Gulf of Mexico’s Emerald Coast are the sugar-white sand beaches of Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy your time under the sun and when you’re ready for some shade, head over to Point Washington State Forest for picnic spots and trails. The Eden Gardens State Park and Wesley House has ornamental gardens and live oaks surrounding an 1897 mansion.
Enjoy Your Summer!
We hope this list has you looking forward to a relaxing summer with your loved ones. If you’re looking for other ways your loved one can enjoy their summer, take a look at our guide to camping for seniors to encourage them to spend some time with their friends!
