26 secluded beaches worth the drive from Orlando

If you’re craving seclusion and relaxation, the most popular beaches won’t do. Here are few beautiful beaches that are always worth a tank of gas.

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Bowditch Point Park
50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
Bowditch Point Park is found at the northern tip of Estero Island, and its beaches provide a laid-back atmosphere for beachgoers. Swim, sunbathe, and maybe even build a sand castle on its shores. Parking is $2 per hour though, so keep that in mind.
Photo via sergiogrill/Instagram

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 via jamestnorth/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 via iluvannamariaisland/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 via robbie_d.nikonjunkie/Instagram

Clam Pass Park Beach
465 Seagate Dr, Naples, Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
In order to get to the beach at Clam Pass, you have to walk through a three-quarter mile boardwalk, which gives a new meaning to secluded beaches. But the walk is half of the fun. It runs through a mangrove forest which houses a variety of wildlife, marine life, and birds.
Photo via tarastiehl/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, but with a little exploring, you’ll find it. Just keep walking north.
Photo via kywardk/Instagram

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 via sketchy_pam /Instagram

Lovers Key
8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
Lovers Key is rumored to once have been a haven for couples to enjoy its remote beaches, which used to be only accessible by boat. However, you don’t have to have a significant other to relax along its quiet shores. Today, this beach is known for its excellent shelling, sunbathing, swimming and picnicking. They also offer kayak tours from the park’s concession stand. Entrance is $8 per vehicle.
Photo via larrybrophy/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 via joyceaye/Instagram

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 León discovered a little stretch of paradise that people can still enjoy over 500 years later.
Photo via bg32935/Instagram