7 Underrated Florida Vacations You’ll Love

You May Have Been To Florida…But Have You Been To Any Of These Underrated Places?

Blue skies, sunny beach days, and lots of entertainment make Florida a popular vacation destination any time of the year. But unfortunately, the sheer volume of visitors can make it hard to find your own slice of heaven here.

But don’t worry! We’ve got lots for you to choose from when it comes to underrated towns in Florida.

Outside of Orlando, Miami, and Key West, visitors can find an array of charming villages and beachside communities that have maintained their authentic atmosphere and Old Florida vibes.

From unspoiled beaches to peaceful barrier islands, these overlooked destinations offer delicious local cuisine, historic architecture, and undiscovered attractions that deserve a second look.

For a perfect weekend getaway or simply an escape from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-filled cities, think outside the box and head to one of these 7 most underrated Florida towns to visit!

Navarre Beach

If you visit here, you’ll discover a vibrant beach community just east of Pensacola. Navarre is worthy of exploration because of its beautiful beach, which happens to be considered one of the best shorelines in all of Florida.

You can spend your days soaking in the beauty of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. And if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll delight in a sunny day of swimming in those alluring emerald waters.

This part of the state consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in the entire country. Families can also enjoy picnics in the park, biking through some very scenic pathways, or even fishing from the coast’s longest pier!

Manasota Key

It’s technically not a city in its own right, but Manasota Key is home to a tiny population of just over 1,200. It happens to be a hot shelling spot on the west coast, just about an hour away from Sarasota.

Here, if you visit Blind Pass Park, you’ll find a slightly hidden beach full of gorgeous shells and even shark’s teeth. It’s even a favorite hangout for nesting sea turtles. In fact, it has the highest number of nesting turtles on the entire gulf coast!

We can’t stress enough how quiet, relaxing, and laid-back this place is, so be prepared to unwind. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have any fun while you’re here. You have the option of strapping yourself into a harness and parasailing over the emerald-green ocean.

You can fish for some delicious local grouper or enjoy a nature hike in Stump Pass Beach State Park. Although if you want to keep it low-key, there are always incredible sunsets, cocktails, and lounging in the sun.

South Walton

If you’re craving a quiet getaway but don’t want to abstain from the art and culture that often comes with crowds, visit South Walton in the Florida Panhandle.

The 26 miles of white-sand beaches are absolutely breathtaking, and the 16 different beach towns that line the coast are just perfect for exploring. However, this is one of those regions that offers more than just beautiful beaches.

There are also easy trails for hiking and horseback rides that will take you through palmetto trees and pine forests, or you can tour the downtown area’s galleries.

One of the most remarkable things about the place is its coastal dune lakes, a geographic feature found in only a few locations worldwide. And don’t discount its delicious international cuisine either.

South Walton’s beaches are also home to some excellent seafood dishes.

Even though the crowds can get a tiny bit heavier during spring break or in peak winter months…it IS Florida after all, you won’t be sharing this paradise with millions of others like in some of the state’s other popular destinations.

Amelia Island

Amelia Island is known as the perfect place to slow down and get that much-needed vacation from your busy home life. Grab your bags, pack up your swimsuit, a few good books, and be sure to bring your appetite.

Again, seafood lovers will be spoiled for choice on this island: beachfront seafood shacks reign supreme! This island has long been a favorite for many golf lovers, though it’s been appealing more and more to families in recent years.

And as an added bonus? This little piece of paradise is in the northeastern panhandle, just a mere 20-minute drive to Georgia. This gives it an extra touch of Southern charm and hospitality. You’ll find many family-friendly activities to enjoy.

This includes cooking classes, biking, horseback riding, and history tours. Did you know that this island has been under French, Spanish, and English rule?

Jensen Beach

Where else can you find a beautiful hidden gem other than in a place known as the Treasure Coast? This location is in southeast Florida, just an hour’s drive north of West Palm Beach and offers a genuinely laid-back vibe and fantastic food scene.

We all know that Florida is where you go for the citrus trees, but once upon a time, Jensen Beach was known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World!”

Nowadays, they even show their love for the tropical fruit with an annual festival that brings in live music, pageants, and pineapple cooking and eating competitions.

Many water activities, from sailing to scuba diving, are also up for the taking, but we secretly have this spot on our list specifically because the seafood here is AMAZING.

Jensen Beach is a favorite among locals, so indulge in some fresh catches. Jensen Beach rests on an aquatic preserve, so you’ll also enjoy viewing some nesting turtles.

Dunedin

This underrated Florida gem is a small waterfront town with excellent views and the perfect balance of beaches, art galleries, craft breweries, and nature. It’s just a 30-minute drive from St. Petersburg and Tampa if you end up missing the city life.

And even though Dunedin’s downtown area is very small, that’s part of the appeal, along with great antique shops and delicious beer. Feel like being surrounded by nature instead of shopping and restaurants? No problem! You can hit the smooth pavement on the Pinellas Trail.

It’s a 32-mile path that weaves through parks and urban areas, stretching from Tarpon Springs north down to St. Pete. It makes for a perfect scenic bike ride. But the real bonus is Dunedin’s access to the two small barrier islands, Caladesi and Honeymoon Island.

If you take a ferry between the two, you might just be rewarded with dolphin sightings or a glimpse of an osprey. While the beaches on both islands are gorgeous, you can also enjoy the surroundings with a kayaking trip around the mangroves or a hike on the nature trails.

Sebring

Even though this underrated place is located in the middle of Florida, that doesn’t mean you’ve got to give up on your plans for a water-filled getaway. There are over 100 lakes in this area, so you can quickly get out on the water.

Enjoy your time kneeboarding, jet skiing, catching some fish, or simply soak in the chilled-out vibes on a sailing trip or slow kayak journey.

And there are also many land-based activities to try, like golfing, hunting, or biking through the beautiful Highlands Hammock State Park if you prefer to stay dry.

Not into water OR land? You can REALLY outdo yourself and take it up a notch with a hot air balloon ride over the lush Floridian landscape.

We love Sebring most because it offers another side of Florida that most tourists bypass to go to the beach. While here, make sure you also check out some of the area’s cypress swamps, maybe spot an alligator…or order one off the menu!

Our point is this: No matter where you choose to go in Florida, you’re sure to have a good time because this state offers everything a traveler could want or need. So grab your swimsuit and camera and head off to your next adventure!

But if you’ve already been to Florida countless times, or you’re from here, and want to explore something else, don’t worry! Our beautiful country has MUCH more to offer! Want a few ideas? Check this out!