15 Best Small Beach Towns In Florida

Islamorada

Located at the halfway point in the Florida Keys, Islamorada is a whimsical paradise where small-town businesses cater to the ultimate island state of mind. If you're a beer lover, Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Islamorada Beer Company both serve up an impressive selection of local craft brews. Fine Florida-kitschy institutions like Lazy Days Restaurant and Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar offer killer water views, fruity cocktails, live music, and fish tacos.

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Fernandina Beach

The birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, Fernandina Beach, is a waterfront village nestled on the north end of Amelia Island. Celebrating pirate culture is a way of life, so it's not uncommon to see people dressed as swashbucklers just for the heck of it. Visit during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, when the historic district bustles with parades, live music, lots of shrimp, and—you guessed it—pirates. You can spend many happy hours checking out the shops and restaurants around historic Main Street, or exploring the natural areas around nearby Fort Clinch State Park.

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Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is what beach town dreams are made of. You won't find any hotel chains or condominium towers here, just a collection of tropical-style homes and friendly neighbors who wave from golf carts. Stretching from the bay to the gulf, Pine Avenue is the perfect place to shop funky boutiques, dine at local cafes, and get a feel for that ultimate island lifestyle. Make sure to grab a Margarita Donut or some other crazy confection from The Donut Experiment for breakfast.

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Key Biscayne

Flanked by two picturesque beach parks and home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, Key Biscayne is an island village with a sophisticated feel. It's close enough to Miami that you can easily get to and from the 24/7 action of the city, but just far enough out into the ocean that you immediately get that sense of "ahhhhh" when you drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway. This oasis is the perfect place to lay on the beach without a thought of city life, but you can also dine at the Rusty Pelican for an amazing view of the Miami skyline.

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Captiva Island

An idyllic beach spot on Capitva Island — japrz/Getty Images

Perhaps one of the quirkiest beach towns in Florida, Captiva Island is full of character. Golf carts are the preferred method of transportation, and there are zero traffic lights on the island. Beaches here are second to none and offer some of the best shelling you can find. The island sparkles every year during the Captiva Luminary when residents light candles from one end of the island to the other, marking the launch of the holiday season. The Mucky Duck is a laidback beach pub where you can catch live music and the glowing sunsets.

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Seaside

A colorful coastal town full of pastel houses and funky local eateries, Seaside is a breathtaking nod to life on the beach. The town is so idyllic it served as a film set for The Truman Show. The best way to soak up stunning Gulf of Mexico views and explore this friendly community is by foot or bicycle. Neighbors and visitors alike gather every year for the annual 30A Songwriters Festival, with live music performances at Seaside venues and other locales along scenic 30A Highway.

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Vero Beach

A hidden gem nestled on the east coast of Florida, Vero Beach is a nature lover's paradise. Think unspoiled beaches, salt water lagoons, and protected wildlife refuges. With miles of biking and hiking trails, there are ample opportunities for eco-friendly adventures. Then enjoy the small-town charm in the main street area of Vero Beach, where you'll find weekly gallery strolls, a vintage market, and plenty of quaint cafes.

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Delray Beach

A large boat moves along the Florida Intracoastal Waterway. — Jodi Jacobson/Getty Images

Cruise down Atlantic Avenue, the main drag in Delray Beach, and you'll end up at one of the most beautiful beaches on Florida's east coast. A haven for beachcombers and art lovers, you'll find more than 20 galleries and iconic public art pieces in downtown and in the Pineapple Grove Arts District. Go for one of the popular Friday gallery nights and browse local art, listen to live music, and dine at one of the eclectic eateries on the "Ave."

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Pass-A-Grille Beach

A laid-back beach town with a healthy—and well-loved—population of vintage ice cream parlors, Pass-A-Grille Beach is an island town located at the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach. Sunset is a nightly rite of passage as locals and visitors gather at the seawall outside of Paradise Grille to ring the sunset bell. The rooftop deck of the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant also offers spectacular views of the sun's descent into the Gulf of Mexico.

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Gasparilla Island

Surrounded by the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Gasparilla Island is truly an ode to Old Florida. Shelling enthusiasts find an impressive assortment of treasured sea shells and sand dollars tucked between layers of pure white sand, while fishermen flock to the area for its prized tarpon fishing. Visit one of the two stately lighthouses on the island, where you'll find postcard-perfect views, especially at sunset.

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Dunedin

Some secrets are meant to be shared. Just 25 miles from the heart of Tampa, this easygoing locale feels worlds away. But don't expect a sleepy little spot. Downtown Dunedin is home to ample good eats, locally-owned shops, and an unexpected beer scene (there are seven breweries within a five minute walking radius). And, of course, there's the beach: Honeymoon Island State Park touts 4 miles of unspoiled white shorelines and one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests, plus it's a gateway to Caribbean-reminiscent Caladesi Island State Park.

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New Smyrna Beach

Flagler Avenue is the heartbeat of this town on the A1A, where you'll find all the kitschy beach souvenirs your heart desires. It dead-ends on the beach where drivers scope out a spot to park and spend the day basking in the sun and surfers meander by with their boards. You'll find plenty of tiki bars and casual watering holes in this town. New Smyrna Beach is tucked between Orlando, Daytona, and the Kennedy Space Center, making it a great destination for families looking for an low-key place to relax.

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Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Near bustling Fort Lauderdale, the small town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is known for its charming fishing pier, colorful town square, and superior diving. In "Florida's Beach Diving Capital," snorkelers and divers can explore a British shipwreck and a living coral reef just 100 yards from shore. Eat at the Aruba Beach Cafe and you'll feel like you've been transported to the Caribbean.

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Siesta Key

This gulfside paradise used to be called "Little Sarasota Key," which clues you in to its location. The 8-mile barrier island has three beaches and plenty of shopping, galleries, and restaurants to frequent in Siesta Village. Hop on the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley for free rides between the village and the island's glittering white sands. The public beach frequently gets chosen as first or second best in the nation. After the sun goes down, you can cruise down Ocean Boulevard to check out the nightlife.

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Madeira Beach

john's pass — Courtesy of Visit St. Pete Clearwater

Madeira Beach lies on the Gulf west of artsy, vibrant St. Petersburg. Most vacationers spend their days relaxing on the sand here, whether they're staying in the beachfront hotels or vacation rentals. Otherwise they're wandering along the boardwalk at Johns Pass, a fishing village named for the pirate who first traveled its waters. Today it's the hot spot on the island for booking a boat tour, eating, and shopping.

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