The 7 Cutest Beach Towns in Florida

[Destinations]( [Collections]( [Hotels]( [The 9 Cutest Beach Towns in Florida]( [The 9 Cutest Beach Towns in Florida]( Miami and Orlando may be Florida favorites, but that doesn’t mean they’re the most scenic destinations in the Sunshine State. In fact, Florida is home to numerous charming beach towns where you won’t find waves of tourists. Most of these coastal getaways and island respites have unspoiled beaches, wildlife refuges, and fresh food to savor. For those who prefer the gentle massage of an ocean breeze to a heart-pounding spin on Space Mountain, this list of adorable beach towns may make you consider a new vacation spot. [Oyster Bullet] Islamorada A collection of six islands, [Islamorada]( is a revered spot for sport fishers. The calm, clear, and creature-filled waters along Anne’s Beach are perfect for snorkeling, while Long Key State Park has kayaks and canoes available to rent. Library Beach, located on a mangrove channel, features playground equipment and few crowds, making it a favorite stop for families. Other Islamorada attractions include the dolphin shows at Theater of the Sea and the exhibits at the History of Diving Museum. The Rain Barrel Artisan Village also has several notable galleries worth browsing. [Oyster Bullet] New Smyrna Beach South of Daytona Beach, [New Smyrna Beach]( is known as a hip surf haven. The town has around 12 miles of white sandy beaches and great waves. Renting a surfboard isn’t difficult, although aficionados will probably want to bring their own. You may also want to time your trip to coincide with one of the food festivals hosted throughout the year, including the New Smyrna Beach Food Festival (in April), the Cinco de Mayo celebration (in May), the Shrimp & Seafood Festival (in August), or Jazz Fest (in September). Year-round attractions include the artist studios at The Hub on Canal, exhibitions at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and area wildlife, which includes manatees and dolphins. [Oyster Bullet] Key Biscayne Approximately 20 minutes south of downtown Miami, [Key Biscayne]( has had a development boom since the causeway connecting it to the mainland opened in the middle of the 20th century. Notable residents have included Brad Pitt, Cher, and Richard Nixon. While luxurious living can be found throughout Key Biscayne (golf courses and gourmet restaurants included), the destination also has numerous quaint attractions. The 170-year-old Cape Florida Lighthouse is a local monument and the Heritage Trail has mesmerizing water views and a prehistoric fossil reef. Meanwhile, the smooth water of Crandon Park Beach is a favorite among windsurfers. Almost all of Key Biscayne’s sand boxes offer relaxing alternatives to Miami’s party pits. [The 9 Cutest Beach Towns in Florida]( [Oyster Bullet] Captiva Island Off the west coast of Florida, about a one-hour drive from Fort Myers, [Captiva Island]( is small enough that you won’t need a car once you arrive. For families, [South Seas Island Resort]( offers plenty to do on its 300 acres, including relaxing on private beaches, enjoying the scenic yacht harbor, playing a round at the nine-hole golf course, and taking a dip in the three outdoor pools with waterslides. Travelers who prefer a more custom vacation also have numerous options for accommodations and dining. [The Keylime Bistro]( at Captiva Island Inn serves dishes like crab cake Benedict and, as expected, Key lime pie. [The Bubble Room]( is packed with toys from the the 1930s and ‘40s and has a menu with Gulf shrimp (prepared numerous ways), sticky buns, and orange crunch cake. Captiva Beach has limited parking, but an enormous variety of shells for people who like to collect them. [Oyster Bullet] Stuart Locomotives used to stop in Stuart to haul away bushels of chrysanthemums and pineapples. While it’s no longer a farming community, Stuart still has small-town charm that can be found in its B&Bs, sidewalk cafes, and art galleries. There’s also picturesque waterfront scenery to be enjoyed here. Not only does this town of 19,000 residents have excellent Atlantic Ocean views, it’s also positioned along the St. Lucie and Indian rivers, making it the perfect place for leisurely waterfront walks. The boardwalk is dotted with boutiques, restaurants, and people to watch. [Oyster Bullet] Siesta Key Try not to confuse Siesta Key — the barrier island off Florida’s southwest coast — with the MTV reality show of the same name. Yes, the series is filmed in Florida, but [Siesta Key]( has loads of family-friendly fun. Ocean Boulevard has boutiques and buskers playing Jimmy Buffet covers. The sand here has a high quartz content, making it powder soft, cool to the touch, and comfortable for sunbathing. The annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic sand-sculpting festival challenges artists from around the world to create a masterpiece in 24 hours. Other local traditions include a weekly drum circle that forms on Siesta Key Beach every Sunday an hour before sunset. If you wish to leave dry land, book a deep-sea fishing tour or a sunset cruise. Is there something you'd like us to cover in our newsletter? Let us know by clicking the link below! [CLICK HERE]( Looking for a place to stay? Here are our picks. [Islamorada]( [Cheeca Lodge & Spa]( [Cheeca Lodge & Spa]( [Book Now]( [New Smyrna Beach]( [The Riverview Hotel]( [The Riverview Hotel]( [Book Now]( [Key Biscayne]( [The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne]( [The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne]( [Book Now]( [Captiva Island]( [South Seas Island Resort]( [South Seas Island Resort]( [Book Now]( [Stuart]( [Courtyard By Marriott Stuart]( [Courtyard By Marriott Stuart]( [Book Now]( [Siesta Key]( [Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach]( [Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota]( [Book Now]( [Facebook]( [Pinterest]( [Instagram]( [Flipboard]( [Oyster]( [My Preferences]( [Unsubscribe]( [Privacy Policy]( [Contact Us]( © 2023 Oyster 1 Washington Mall #1150, Boston, MA 02108 855.946.2532 This email was sent to {EMAIL} because you indicated that you wish to receive emails from [Oyster.com]( . If you wish to update what you receive, please visit the preference page. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please [unsubscribe]( on Oyster.com. 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