5 Enchanting Small Beach Towns in Florida

These lovely spots may be tiny, but they make up for it with gorgeous beaches and quaint towns filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and plenty to see and do!

Looking to get far from the madding crowd? Then look no further than these beautiful beach towns across the Sunshine State, where visitors can exhale and take in the rays, or simply enjoy their quaint, colorful shops, cafes and restaurants to please all tastes.

Siesta Key

The name says it all, doesn’t it? Sibilant and serene, it evokes white quartz sands, turquoise waters and relaxing beachside amenities. And that is just what you find in this enchanting 8-mile-long island! 

Siesta Key has been described as a romantic getaway for lovers, a family fun destination, and a playground for outdoor adventures. Sitting adjacent to the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico and a short drive from Sarasota, it offers opportunities for shopping, plus beautiful resorts, fine dining, and a vibrant nightlife. Its Siesta Public Beach has twice been named the nation’s best. Yes, that’s twice! And let us not forget the charming little town dotted with small shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. There’s even a free trolley to explore all of the best things to do in Siesta Key! 

Learn more HERE. 

Anna Maria Island

A seven-mile strip of beautiful white-sand beaches lines this small island located between the Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida.

With its old-time feel thanks to regulations that dictate the type and height of buildings and businesses allowed, visitors feel as if they’ve been transported to a more genteel, elegant past. 

Each of the island’s main towns — the City of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach, — has its own unique personality. Anna Maria is laid-back, while Holmes Beach, with its busy shops and colorful restaurants, is more lively. Bradenton Beach is simply the best of both worlds. 

But if beaches are your thing, Anna Maria Island has some of the best in Florida, including Manatee Public Beach, Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach, and Bean Point.

Learn more HERE. 

Vero Beach 

With plenty of upscale boutiques and wine bars, as well as art galleries and fascinating museums, this town located on the east coast of the Sunshine State is known as the Hamptons of Florida. 

Vero Beach is also known for its beautiful beaches, which include South Beach, Sexton Plaza Beach, Jaycee Park, and Turtle Trail Beach.

While there, you might like to visit the McKee Botanical Garden, explore Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, and enjoy the Vero Beach Museum of Art.                                                 

Learn more HERE.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

A small town near Miami with miles of beautiful beaches, it is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. What is best of all, in this small—very small—get-a-away, you won’t have to brave the Miami crowds. 

Because Lauderdale-By-The-Sea does not allow tall buildings along its beach and in town, its quaint mom-and-pop shops, cafes, and restaurants lend it a cozy, tranquil vibe. That is why visitors marvel at its old Florida charm, reminiscent of the Sunshine State in the 1950s.

But the size of the coastal community of 6,00 residents doesn’t take anything away from its amenities, which include hanging out in Anglin’s Square, touring Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, and hiking at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.                                                                                                               Learn more HERE.

Juno Beach 

Juno Beach is a quiet beach town located on a barrier island, and from May to October, it is home to the world’s largest concentration of sea turtle nests. This is when loggerhead sea turtles return to Juno Beach to lay their eggs.

With its unspoiled coastline and serene blue waters, it is also a haven for nature lovers who flock to two of the best beaches in the area: Juno Beach Park and Loggerhead Park.

Fun things to do in Juno Beach include going to Loggerhead Marinelife Center, bird-watching at Juno Dunes Natural Area, and hiking at Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area.

Another great thing about this magical place is its location. Beautiful West Palm Beach, another great place to visit, is just 30 minutes away. 

Learn more HERE.