Florida is nicknamed the sunshine state for a good reason. It is filled with beaches and endless sunshine everywhere you turn. Some of its cities, like Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale, are much better known than others. However, some of the small beach towns of Florida are a bit more obscure.
That being said, Florida is a huge state and there are truly countless beaches to choose from for your next sunny escape. Not all beach towns are created equally, and some have a reputation for being rowdy and wild. Others are hidden gems with pristine beaches where you can enjoy live music, outdoor seaside dining, and views of the coast year-round.
We know that not everyone is looking for a wild Florida experience, which is why we have curated a list of the best beach towns with chill vibes. These are locations that are beautiful and still maintain that Floridian charm while being more laid back and relaxed. That way, you can have a relaxing vacation somewhere more tame.
Read on to see our top picks for the best beach towns in Florida and book your next road trip ASAP!
1. Naples
Naples is one of the best beach towns in Florida for an abundance of reasons. First and foremost, it has the most chill vibes in the state. With gorgeous sunsets, family-oriented activities, and lovely beaches, you are guaranteed to have a fun and relaxing time in this quaint beach town.
The white sandy beaches are some of the most beautiful on the East coast. The water is crystal clear, the beaches themselves are not crowded, and the water is nice and refreshing.
Venture out to the Naples Pier and get an excellent view of the Gulf of Mexico — a sight that can be hard to come by in other areas of the state.
There are plenty of world-class dining establishments for you and the whole family to enjoy. You will be well-fed and well-relaxed by the time your trip comes to an end.
2. Key Largo
Do you want a chill beach town that also has countless water activities to engage in? Key Largo is the place for you! The vibes in this town are immaculate and laid back, while still providing countless opportunities to go out and have fun.
It is referred to as the Dive Capital of the world, and for good reason! The largest artificial reef is in Key Largo, and that is something you will not want to miss. There are many chances for you to try out some cool aquatic activities. Go snorkeling, swim with dolphins, or go on a kayak ride.
The beaches are also lovely and laidback, for nice relaxing afternoons in the sun.
Memories will be made in Key Largo. You will love the relaxed atmosphere of the town, while still getting to quench your need for adventure.
3. Bal Harbour
Do you want to be able to experience bits and pieces of Miami without having to fully commit to the chaos of the city? Check out Bal Harbour.
Bal Harbour is located in Miami County, but it has its own identity separate from the party city that Miami is known as. If you want a slice of the fun nightlife, you are only a brief car ride away from Miami, but at the end of the day, you will be able to come back to a calm, beautiful town.
This area is known for being more upscale, so feel free to treat yourself and window shop at luxury stores. There are, however, more affordable, charming mom-and-pop shops located throughout the town for you to enjoy as well.
Many of the hotels in this beach town have oceanfront views and beaches right outside their doors. Stay at one of the beachside resorts and also utilize their relaxing spa treatments.
The beaches themselves are lovely and more laid back than their counterparts in Miami City. You will love the chill vibes of this glamorous beach town.
4. Key West
If you want to stay in a town that has yummy food, boating opportunities, and endless beaches, then Key West might just be the right Floridian beach town for you.
Key West is a beach town that is suitable for everyone. Travel with your entire family, take a couples trip, or even treat yourself to a solo adventure. Whoever your travel party is made of, Key West will be the perfect destination to please everyone.
There are numerous cool bars and lounges for some laid-back adult evenings. Or, go the full nine yards and take a sunset tiki boat tour of the town. You will be able to set sail on the stunning waters, while also taking in the sunsets.
Key West has a reputation for having some of the best sunsets in the world.
The beaches are lovely and vast. Perfect for a day of lounging in your favorite one-piece swimsuit, or great for someone looking for family-friendly beaches.
Key West has the perfect combination of fun and relaxation, and you will love soaking up the laid-back vibes of this stunning little beach town.
5. Siesta Key
There is nothing wrong with hopping on bandwagons, and a Siesta Key getaway is a trend you will absolutely want to join in on.
Sure, the MTV series Siesta Keymade the Florida Keys beach town out to be a party scene, but in reality, it is an area that has the perfect combination of playfulness and relaxation. There is great nightlife if you are looking to go out and get your party on some nights. However, it is not overtly rowdy and has many bars and restaurants for more laid-back evenings.
Aside from the refined party culture of Siesta Key, the beaches are absolutely stunning. You will love the crystal clear water and warm sandy beaches.
Ultimately, Siesta Key is the quintessential beach town and you will have an excellent time relaxing in this Floridian destination.
6. Sunny Isles
If you want to hang out in a quiet town with great views and great vibes then Sunny Isles, Florida is just the spot.
Sunny Isles is the definition of “chill.” There are very small crowds within this beach town, and it is nice and quiet, and low-key.
This is the kind of beach town that is perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating escapes. Luxury spas and resorts are littered all over the town and will be the perfect relaxing excursion. Enjoy those facials and massages and return to your hotel feeling refreshed.
The beaches are lovely and quaint with empty shorelines. Perfect for a quiet day of basking in the sunshine, dipping your toes in the water, and reading a good book in the sand.
Sunny Isles is extremely laidback and the perfect beach town for a quiet, refreshing beach vacation.
7. Palm Beach
Do you want to vacation near a city without having to actually deal with the crowds and constant hustle and bustle? It can be hard to find a city that laidback, but Palm Beach is a place that manages to walk that thin line between city and quaint beach town flawlessly.
You get to experience the best of both worlds: a lovely little skyline, and stunning beaches on the Atlantic coast.
There are countless exploration opportunities in Palm Beach. Rent a bike and cycle throughout the city and then take yourself down to the beach. Go on a boating tour. Or, check out the beautiful state parks and wildlife refuges for a glimpse of pelicans, manatees, and more.
Palm Beach is also versatile in terms of budgeting. Whether you can splurge for a luxury beach resort experience, or choose to take a more affordable route, you will have a great, hospitable experience.
It is a very pretty beach town with nothing but chill vibes and fun experiences at your fingertips.
Honorable Mentions
If you’ve already explored the beautiful beaches listed above, check out a few of these other Florida beach towns on the Atlantic and gulf coast below. These small towns offer some of the most beautiful views of white sand beaches that you can find in America. Plus, you don’t get any of the hustle and bustle of Orlando or Tampa.
- Barrier Island
- Sarasota
- Amelia Island
- Captiva Island
- Islamorada
- Fort Myers
- St. Pete Beach
- Anna Maria Island
- Cocoa Beach
- Vero Beach
- Fernandina Beach
- Sanibel Island
With so many beaches and small towns in the southernmost state on the east coast, there are plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
Chill Vibes and Great Beaches
Florida is often regarded as the place to go to parties and have a wild trip, but there are countless towns to explore for a more refined, relaxed vacation. Any of the above beach towns in Florida will blow you away with their amazing views, awesome atmosphere, and chill vibes.
Sources:
The Historic Naples Pier | Must-Do Visitor Guides
The Tedious, Homogenous Nostalgia of MTV’s “Siesta Key” | The New Yorker