2 Florida Beaches Among the Most Underrated in the World
Summer is starting to wrap up, but there’s still plenty of time to get to a beach, and in Florida, we’re lucky in that we get to enjoy beaches all the time. Experts have named two Florida beaches among the most underrated in the world, so you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a world class beach. It’s pretty awesome to know that this popular beach is considered one of the best in the world, and we don’t have to travel too far to get to it.
Experts Name 2 Florida Beaches Among the Most Underrated in the World
The travel experts at TheManual.com have a new feature out about the most underrated beaches, which are hidden gems, in America. They also note that these spots are the best not only in the U.S. but when you factor in beaches around the world. “To find the perfect beach to have fun in the sun, it’s easy to assume that you need to head to some brand-name (and expensive) international tourist destinations, like Fiji, Bora Bora, and the Maldives,” they note. “Sure, you can’t go wrong with any of these, but some of the best beaches in the world are right here in the U.S.”
Before we hit our state, the first beach TheManual.com recommends is Montaña de Oro State Park in San Luis Obispo, California. So, that would obviously take a big trip to visit, but it might be worth it. This area in California’s Central Coast has some of the “most pristine coastlines in the entire state,” the experts rave. They also note that tourists often overlook this area, so it’s not too busy and definitely qualifies for being a hidden gem.
So, which Florida beaches have been named one of the world’s hidden gems and most underrated? One is St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in the Florida Panhandle. They note that South Florida’s beaches usually get lots of attention, but this special beach in the Panhandle needs more appreciation. It’s a gorgeous beach and less crowded than many you’ll find the South Florida. Another beach they highlight is Naples Beach in Naples, Florida. My mom’s best friend lives there, and she loves this beach spot. Naples Beach is situated on Florida’s western Gulf coast, and it’s located near some great dining areas and shopping opportunities. So, you could make a whole weekend out of visiting this beach area. They call both of these among the best beaches in the world, and I have to agree. I’m grabbing my bikini and heading to as many of these hidden gem beaches as possible.
Underrated Florida Beaches That Are Filled with Beauty
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach still has a good amount of damage from the hurricane, but Margaritaville is open, so you’ll find plenty to do there. Situated on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is one of the state’s most underrated beaches. At Fort Myers Beach, you’ll find beautiful, white-sand beaches and gorgeous sunsets.
Getty Images / benkrut
Sarasota
Make sure to visit Siesta Key here, as well as Sarasota Gay Beach and Crescent Beach. Just south of Tampa Bay, Sarasota is a lovely beach town that is especially popular during the holidays. You’ll find lots of local shopping opportunities here.
Getty Images / Sean Pavone
St. George Island State Park
St. George Island State Park is located on a barrier island fronting the legendary Apalachicola Bay. It’s a great place to gaze at the stars. Note that starting March 1, 2025, the campground at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park will be closed for an expansion project.
Getty Images / Liene-Helmig
Santa Rosa Beach
If you head to Santa Rosa Beach and want to find some really special, and secret, beaches, try Blue Mountain Beach and Grayton Beach State Park. This beach town is less crowded than most, which makes it a low-key getaway.
Getty Images / krblokhin
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is located on a 40-mile barrier island, Pensacola Beach, and has beautiful, translucent waters. It’s a really small town, so it’s much less crowded than other beaches. It’s a hidden gem.
Getty Images / Ben Oldaker
Discover Your Own New Favorite
If you don’t want to go too far, do some digging and visit one of the closest beaches to you, that you haven’t visited yet. This is one of my favorite things to do. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite beach super close to home.
Getty Images / Sergey Dementyev
