12 Quiet Beach Towns on Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Florida is known for its crowded beaches, such as Miami or Clearwater, but the Forgotten Coast offers peaceful, uncrowded getaways. Here, calm seaside towns attract visitors with natural beauty, charming local culture, and miles of untouched sand. Strolling along without queues or crowds, visitors can watch wildlife and a fishery in peaceful harmony. These 12 towns offer the perfect blend of relaxation, stunning views, and classic coastal charm.

Apalachicola

Apalachicola, a historic fishing village, features streets lined with quaint boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront cafes. It is known for its oysters and local seafood, attracting visitors who come to enjoy great food and a stunning view. The beaches are remarkably tranquil and undeveloped, making them perfect for gathering seashells, taking quiet strolls, and capturing early morning photography. Apalachicola is the perfect combination of that small-town hospitality and beauty, making it a quintessential Forgotten Coast escape.

Carrabelle

Carrabelle, with pristine beaches and a relaxed, low-key vibe, is the opposite of ritzy Naples and Miami. The harbor is good for boating and fishing, while quiet stretches of sand beckon visitors for walks and sunbathing. Authentic experiences are guaranteed in local seafood restaurants and craft shops, while historical sites sit alongside reminders of the area’s past heritage. With few crowds, Carrabelle is a destination for visitors looking to take it easy and breathe in the rejuvenating air and relaxed weekends offered by Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Port St. Joe

Port St. Joe boasts soft, white sand beaches, gentle Gulf waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. At St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, visitors can hike and bird watch on nature trails with picturesque overlooks. It features small restaurants, little boutiques, and warm, local people who make you feel welcome. With fewer visitors than other places in Florida, there is ample space to appreciate the peaceful natural beauty and small-town atmosphere that characterizes Port St. Joe.

Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach, rebuilt after hurricanes, is a resilient town with peaceful beaches and calm surf. Its uncrowded sands are ideal for early-morning walks, fishing, and shell hunting. Local cafes and shops lend to a friendly small-town vibe, with seasonal events that pay homage to coastal culture. Mexico Beach is for visitors who want to experience peace, natural beauty, and an unspoiled Florida, somewhere off the beaten path from over-developed beaches or high-rises offering endless rows of restaurants and partying along boardwalks.

St. George Island

Tons of natural, pristine sandy beaches and wildlife in its natural habitat, like you have never seen before. Visitors can enjoy bird-watching, kayaking, and taking long walks on the beach. Sweet and low-key, the vibe is maintained by cute cottages and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The island is pretty rural and quiet, with few people visiting, making nature and peace the primary attractions. Outdoor adventure meets quiet coastal calm on St. George Island, making it an ideal retreat for meditation and relaxation.

Carrabelle Beach

Carrabelle Beach is a calm, family- and solitude-friendly strip of sand. Waters are placid, making them great for wading and paddling, with picnic spots and paths to create a casual getaway. Nearby mom-and-pop seafood shops keep your next meal fresh, without suffering commercial bustle. The lack of significant development allows for quiet morning and sunset walks, as well as photography. This is Florida’s Forgotten Coast in its most low-key, natural form.

Apalachicola Bay Beaches

Quiet, peaceful beaches with soft sand and gentle surf grace the shores of Apalachicola Bay. Kayaking, fishing, and shell collecting are all popular, and there are picturesque cafés, galleries, and boutiques in nearby small towns. Here, visitors can take in the natural beauty, watch shorebirds, and relax without the crowds. These beaches showcase the area’s coastal habitats and laid-back way of life, making it a perfect spot for travelers who prefer an authentic and peaceful Florida beach experience.

Eastpoint

Eastpoint is a small town with access to uncrowded Gulf beaches. Fish, boat, and watch wildlife. During the day, visitors fish, boat, and watch wildlife, while oyster shacks and craft shops run by locals offer a taste of the real community. Beaches are essentially deserted, making them ideal for walking or enjoying quiet mornings by the water. The town is all about life in the slow lane and authenticity over touristy throngs, making it a laid-back and friendly place for visitors to take in this gulf-splashed span of Florida’s Forgotten Coast at its best.

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Area Beaches

 These lesser-known Florida barrier islands offer a greater chance at seclusion and tranquility than some of their more famous counterparts.The beaches here, adjacent to the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, are pristine and undeveloped and ideal for nature-lovers. There are walking trails, kayaking routes, and numerous birdwatching opportunities. The estuary had a rich ecological variety of wildlife. Alone, beautiful, and educational, and without the blare of commercialism. These preserves offer some of the most tranquil and natural beach areas on the Forgotten Coast.

St. Teresa

St. Teresa is a quaint town with quiet beaches, piers, and walking trails alike. Its low-populated beaches are conducive to tranquil sunrise walks, shell collecting, and a gentle paddle. In Mahon, local cafes and seafood markets serve up authentic coastal flavors. Its mellow mood is perfect for travelers who love peace, natural beauty, and low-key outdoor pursuits. With its laid-back, unspoiled ambiance, St. Teresa itself epitomizes the character of Florida’s Forgotten Coast and offers an ideal spot for a fall getaway or anytime escape.

Cape San Blas

Best known for its beautiful soft white sands, clear Gulf waters, and lack of crowds. Visitors hike, bird-watch, and fish at local parks. Vacation rentals and small inns with easy beach access are conveniently located without compromising the peace. With serene waters, stunning scenery, and pristine white beaches, Cape San Blas is ideal for relaxation, photography, and a variety of outdoor activities. This picture-perfect beach represents the peacefulness of Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Dog Island

Dog Island is a special, beautiful paradise that remains undeveloped and can only be reached by ferry, boasting pristine beaches and a wealth of natural beauty in a quiet habitat. Hiking, fishing, and birdwatching are favorite activities, while the peaceful shore is ideal for contemplation and relaxation. Only a minimal number of sorts to ensure the natural beauty of the island is preserved. Dog Island offers some of the most peaceful and off-the-beaten-path beach experiences on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a place for those who prefer their nature that way, thank you.