If you’re craving sandy seclusion, the most popular beaches won’t do. Here are a few beautiful beaches that are a bit under-the-radar and just a quick drive from Orlando.

 

Anastasia State park 300 Anastasia Park Road, St Augustine, Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes This massive, 1,600-acre state park has up to four miles of uninterrupted shoreline which is watched by a lifeguard from Memorial Day though Labor Day. Be careful of rip currents and know that you’re forbidden to disrupt the sand dunes that serve as an important habitat for wildlife. Photo by jeanneandjill
Atlantic Beach 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes Many people believe Atlantic Beach was the site of the first year-round Native American Settlement in North America, but today it claims miles of beaches with some great surfing. And when you need a little city life, you can head into Jacksonville. Photo by vkharper/Instagram
Avalon State Park State Road A1A North Approximately 2 hours Sporting a mile of undeveloped beachfront, a relative rarity in this day and age, Avalon’s dune crossovers protect the fragile dune ecosystem. Beachgoers are advised to watch out for underwater obstacles left behind from amphibious warfare exercises in WW2. And do mind the different species of sea turtles that nest on the beach during spring and summer. Photo by americanmaximum/Instagram
Blowing Rocks Preserve 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes Named for its Anastasia limestone shoreline, Blowing Rocks Preserve is a barrier island sanctuary that underwent a lot of coastal habitat restoration. Daily beach access is $2, and you can swim, scuba and snorkel. During the summer, loggerhead turtles use Blowing Rocks Preserve as a nesting ground, so there is a chance for you to spot a couple. Photo by mashakhvasha/Instagram
Caladesi Island 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, Approximately 2 hours One of the few completely natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Caladesi island is as remote as it is visually stunning. In addition to being able to swim or throw a line out to do some salt water angling the island sports three miles of nature trails and three miles of kayak trails, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore and marvel at the mangrove trees, shore birds, gopher tortoises and other critters that call the island home. Photo by staysaltyflorida/Instagram
Coral Cove Beach 1600 Beach Road, Tequesta, Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes Coral Cove beach proves to be a scenic destination both under the water and above. The most prominent feature of of Coral Cove beach is the natural limestone, which is part of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. The Swiss cheese like rock formations form mighty bluffs as well as reefs inhabited by marine wildlife including fish, sea turtles, eels and other marine life. Photo by brysonmoberleyy/Instagram
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach, Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes Named for Florida folk singer Gamble Rogers, the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is as idyllic as Rogers fictional Florida county, Oklawaha. Visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach combing, fishing or wind their way through shady nature trails in coastal forests of scrub oak and saw palmetto. Also, the daily low tide is an ideal time to observe shore birds feeding in tidal pools. Photo by frankhos81/Instagram
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Preserve 13640 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes Since it is a wildlife preserve, there are no condos, no hotels, and practically no people to disturb you at Hobe Sound. There is an entry fee of $5 per vehicle, but there are very few beaches in Florida that will truly be empty in the summer, so this one is worth it. There are no signs alerting you to where the beach is, bu with a little exploring, you’ll find it. Just keep walking north. Photo by discovermartin/Instagram
Lighthouse Point Park 5000 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet, Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes It’s $10 to get into this park located at the southern tip of the Ponce Inlet, but animal lovers will see enough for the price of admission. Dolphins frequent the shoreline, gopher toroises are often seen in the sand, not to mention the raccoons, armadillos, shorebirds and other animals close by. if you’ve still got energy after a swim, there are nature trails to be explored. Photo by cool_monk85
Little Talbot State Park 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes Little Talbot Island is one of the last remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida, and you’ll be able to relax all along its 5-mile stretch of beaches. You’ll be able to do all of your favorite summer beach activities without the summer crowds. From surfing to fishing for bluefish, there are tons of things for you to do beside just swim. Entrance is $5 per vehicle. Photo by travelinkallipillar/Instagram
Lori Wilson Park 1500 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, Approximately 1 hour If you are coming with a big group, Lori Wilson Park can keep you occupied. 6 dune crossovers, 3 pavilions along a 1000′ boardwalk, and a volleyball court are some of what this beach possesses. Also, if you’re just a bird watching fan, there’s songbirds, seabirds, shorebirds, and 15 species of warblers to spot. Photo by summersaltyfamily
Juan Ponce de León Landing 4005 Florida A1A, Melbourne Beach, Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes This park is a memorial to Juan Ponce de León’s 1513 landing near Melbourne beach. Today, it offers sandy beaches and great surf fishing. It might not exactly have been the fountain of youth, but Leon discovered a little stretch of paradise that people can still enjoy over 500 years later. Photo by ittybittytoast/Instagram
Sebastian Inlet Address, Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes With the multiple surfing competitions held at Sebastian Inlet each year, you’re bound to catch some good waves here. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular, so don’t forget to go underwater exploring. Photo by angelina.travels/Instagram
Singer Island Address, Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes Don’t get too caught up with all the natural beauty on Singer Island, another barrier island gem tucked away on the Florida coastline. This wild sandy spot is ideal for hiking, canoeing and paddleboarding, so drop the smartphone and go on an adventure. Photo by singerislandscenes/Instagram
Bean Point Anna Maria Island Beach, Anna Maria Island, Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes Anna Maria might be a beach hot-spot over the summer, but Bean Point is at the very northern tip of the island where most visitors never reach. The beach is quiet, and here you can enjoy a great sunset without the obstruction of people’s rainbow umbrellas. Photo by rachel_hatch_/Instagram
Vilano Beach 2750 Anahma Drive, St. Augustine, Approximately 2 hours One of St. Augustine’s best kept secrets, Vilano beach has a steep drop-off, heavier surf and a strong current due to its location near the inlet which makes it ideal for surfing and skimboarding. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on the beach as well as horses, so keep an eye out where you step. Photo by vilanobeachvagabonds/Instagram
Sunset Beach Sunset Beach, Tarpon Springs, Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes Located in Tarpon Springs, Sunset Beach is a tiny stretch of land built in 1926 that’s at the west end of the Gulf Road. It’s a popular choice among locals and visitors for picnics, boat launches, and swimming. It’s also a great place to see the sun set into the Gulf of Mexico. Photo by catsmall_/Instagram
Varn Beach 3665 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast, Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes Varn Park is another excellent spot for bird-watching as well as fishing. It’s just north of Flagler Beach, so you’ll be able to enjoy the same blue waters in a much calmer setting. It’s also open from dawn until 11:00 p.m., so you can keep relaxing after the sun goes down. Photo by bymasonkarle/Instagram
Wabasso Beach Park 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Vero Beach, Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes Open from 7 a.m. to Midnight, Wabasso Beach Park offers a reliable, remote beach that doesn’t offer much in frills but will get the job done if you’re looking to get away for a day trip. There’s limited parking, so come early. Photo by sarah_mcmullen
Bonsteel Park 8455 Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes Bonsteel Park may not allow animals (besides service animals, of course), but you may not mind due to the presence of wildlife including but not limited to sea turtles, shorebirds, and turtles. Photo by Jewel Stewart McDonald/Facebook
Tables Beach Park S Atlantic Ave, Patrick AFB, Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes This beach is open from sunrise to sundown, but don’t try to work around the schedule: The beach is very close to an Air Force Base, and he hours are heavily enforced. It’s considered a respectable surf and snorkeling spot, not to mention a place to hone your volleyball skills with the nearby courts. Photo by cgsurfer/Instagram
Playalinda Beach 402 Titusville, Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes Located in Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda was rated “Quietest Beach” by Tripadvisor in 2013, so if seclusion is what you’re after, this is one that is definitely worth the drive. It also has some great waves for surfing, and while pets are not allowed in the beach, they are allowed in the lagoon. Photo by irey_real_estateInstagram