Florida has no shortage of great vacation spots for families. There are many tried-and-true favorites, but if what you’re after is total relaxation or the joy of discovering a lesser known destination, try one of these under-the-radar Florida beach towns. All offer plenty of sunshine and family fun without the crowds.
1/5 Anna Maria Island
On the west coast of Florida, this seven-mile-long island is a slice of paradise. White-sand beaches flanked by turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean and stunning sunsets make this an idyllic spot. Families can head to Bayfront Park for a seaside picnic complete with a playground for the kids. After the beach, take the family to Fish Hole for a round of mini golf. Water activities abound, with paddle boarding, kayaking, boating and fishing all readily available. Fresh seafood is plentiful to keep tummies full; for breakfast, kids will especially love Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe for their all-you-can-eat pancakes. This dreamy beach town doesn’t have any of the usual chain hotels (that’s part of its charm), but it still has a range of accommodations, from resorts to rental cottages, to offer families.
2/5 South Walton
Located near popular Panama City Beach, South Walton is a new urbanist town with a distinctly European feel. Artificial reefs near the shores, the first underwater museum of art, make for fabulous snorkeling. For a break from the beach, take the kids to Eden Garden State Park to view the famous historic mansions and moss-draped live oaks. Foodies can take notes from critically acclaimed Chef Emeril Lagasse (who resides in South Walton) and try local favorite restaurants Fish Out of Water and Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar. For a twist to your family trip, plan it around one of their festivals such as the Songwriters Festival or Digital Graffiti Festival.
3/5 Vero Beach
Vero Beach, part of the region known as the Treasure Coast, is the perfect Florida beach town for those looking to escape. The beaches are shockingly crowd-free, but you can still get plenty of art and culture in the town’s historic downtown area, which features several fabulous galleries, as well as the Vero Beach Museum of Art. The Riverside Theatre features an array of popular musicals and plays. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort features beautiful beaches, multi-bedroom villas ideal for families and plenty of activities for kids — from mini golf to the sing-along campfire. Kids can also take surf or tennis lessons and there are several fabulous golf courses in the area.
4/5 St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is the best of both worlds, with both a big city feel and plenty of culture. Here you’ll find plenty of independent coffee shops, family-friendly breweries and a thriving art scene that includes large and colorful street murals that rival Miami’s Wynwood district. Parents can enjoy one of 25 beers on tap at Three Daughters Brewing, while kids will love running around the playground and playing the lawn games offered, like giant Jenga. Hit the impressive Dali Museum for a bit of surrealist fun. Plus, nearby Clearwater is an easy day trip and boasts a beach consistently named one of the best in the country for families. And, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path beach, head to nearby Pass-a-Grille Beach at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach for that small beach community feel.
5/5 Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach is a hidden gem and charming town just north of St. Augustine. That means you can easily do a day trip to take in the famed Spanish colonial architecture in St. Augustine, with the added benefit of having a quiet haven to retreat to for the evening. Vilano Beach is also well-known as a hot spot for finding shark teeth. Little ones will enjoy dipping their hands into the sand at low tide to find the little souvenirs. For lunch with a view, head to Beaches at Vilano, and for an easy bite with plenty of kid-friendly fare you can’t go wrong with 180 Vilano Grill & Pizza.