The Most Beautiful Beach Towns in Florida That Aren’t Miami

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The small town of Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island, is famed for its quiet charm, yet this unassuming place has a surprising background in pirate culture. The historic town has a rich past, having once served as a hiding place for pirate treasures; it is also home to Florida’s oldest – and supposedly haunted – saloon. Aside from the ghost tales, the beach town also hosts the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in May, but if that’s not your thing there’s also plenty of boutique shopping opps here.

Perched on the west coast of the peninsula, Fort Myers offers plenty of decent fishing and family-friendly attractions, including a tour of the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates. The homes-turned-museums are set in 20 acres (8ha) of botanical gardens, and boast a collection of artefacts and inventions made by Edison and Ford.

Stacked with shells and conches in all shades of pink, the shores of Sanibel Island are a shell-hunter’s paradise, where they’re washed up by the currents. You can pick up and identify them with those collected at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. The island is also famous for its glorious sunsets, birdwatching and the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to giant manatees and crocodiles.

Translated from Spanish to “purple island,” Islamorada is part of the archipelago of the Florida Keys. It’s easily accessible by boat or the Seven Mile Bridge, and visitors can indulge in plenty of saltwater fishing, catching tarpon, redfish and snook. This is, after all, the sport-fishing capital of the world. There’s hiking along the nature trails of the Long Key State Park, and snorkeling by the coral reefs. Tip: beer lovers shouldn’t miss a taste of the ales from Islamorada Beer Company.

The most famous island in the Florida Keys, Key West makes the list for a variety of reasons. It has all the snorkeling, water sports and fishing to be expected, but it’s also a historic town with pretty streets dotted with Queen Anne-style architecture, ghost stories and tours, a vibrant, laid-back nightlife, and, lest we forget, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. The island is the perfect vacation spot for a couples getaway, a family holiday or a fun time with friends.

Cocoa Beach is located just south of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and is a favorite surfing destination. Amateur and pro surfers can experience decent waves along the Cocoa Beach Pier, especially at the end of hurricane season, which is generally September–December. Visitors can delve into some deep-sea fishing, or explore the Kennedy Space Center, where, if you time your visit right, you can catch a glimpse of a rocket launch. The beach town also boasts great dining and nightlife.

Dotted with pastel-painted Victorian houses, the colorful town of Seaside is a real-life postcard. Spend the day shopping in the unique boutiques, see the lighthouse and go for a relaxed stroll along the shores to watch the sunset along the Gulf Coast. The small town is so picture-perfect, it served as the location for The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey.

Home to the Salvador Dali Museum, St Petersburg is a cultural haven with plenty of dining, attractions and fabulous parks. You can indulge in fresh artisanal foods at the food hall at the Sundial shopping outlet, watch glass-blowing at the Chihuly Collection or simply take in the glittering coast. The waterfront city is also known for having the most consecutive days of sunshine each year.

Cruise through the enchanting palm-tree-lined streets of New Smyrna Beach, and you’ll know why it’s a Florida favorite. The white sandy beaches and stress-free personality of New Smyrna are everything you’d expect from a beach town holiday. It’s brimming with eclectic boutiques, delicious mom-and-pop restaurants and glorious sunsets to enjoy in peaceful tranquility.

This barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico boasts a vast array of wildlife and pristine beaches popular with both locals and tourists. Visitors can spot nesting sea turtles and a broad spectrum of birds such as herons, cranes, roseate spoonbills and wood storks. If you’re lucky you might also spot bottlenose dolphins.

Another barrier island worth a visit is Gasparilla Island, located along the Southwest Coast. Mostly inhabited by fisherman until the late 19th century, legend has it the island is named after the pirate José Gasparilla, who had his base and treasure hidden on the island. The treasure was never found, but visitors can equally enjoy their share of snorkeling and fishing in the glittering waters surrounding the island.

For more picturesque sights in the Sunshine State, check out the most beautiful towns in Florida with Culture Trip.