8 Least Crowded Beaches In Florida Panhandle

With powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, the beaches in the Florida Panhandle are some of the most stunning beaches in the sunshine state. While Panama City Beach, Pensacola Beach and Destin Beach draw thousands of people year-round to enjoy the stunning beaches, part of the charm is lost with the crowds. If you want to explore some of the least crowded beaches in the Florida Panhandle, these hidden gem beaches boast tranquility and let you enjoy nature to the fullest.

St. George Island

Visiting St. George Island, you’ll find a charming small town and miles of beautiful coastline that isn’t crowded. This island is one of our favorite hidden gems in Florida’s panhandle that offers a serene escape with stunning beaches. Whether you want to spend time sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, paddling, or fishing, the 22-mile barrier island provides the perfect setting for all kinds of activities.

At the St. George Island State Park on the northern tip of the island, there are 9 miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches as well as nature trails to explore. The park is a great opportunity for shelling and wildlife watching where you can view turtles, birds, fish, dolphins and a wide variety of other animals.

In town, there’s plenty of shopping and great restaurants serving up fresh seafood. One of these restaurants not to miss is The Blue Parrot with seating outside overlooking the beach. The local seafood served there is delicious with dishes like the World Famous Blue Parrot Seafood Platter where you can get a taste of grouper, shrimp, scallops, oyster and crab cakes. Be sure to stop by the lighthouse after, which features a museum and gift shop.

Shell Island

If you want a chance to swim along with dolphins in the wild, Shell Island is one of the best nature preserves in Florida to do so. There are tours that take you out to the sandbars off of the island where you have a high chance of seeing dolphins. Back on the island, the beaches are secluded and wonderful to explore with very few people around. As the name implies, these beaches are also great for finding and collecting shells, and possibly even sand dollars, along your walks.

Keep in mind, since the island is secluded, there are few amenities around. The island is just a pristine and undisturbed getaway that can only be accessed by boat. There is an official Shell Island Ferry that takes you to the island from 9am to 5pm which you can reserve online. Another option is to rent a boat or bring your own to explore the area at your own pace.

Cape San Blas

Want to bring your pet along to the beach? The beaches at Cape San Blas are pet-friendly so you can enjoy the beaches with the whole family. The long stretches of sand are the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine, long walks, and of course, the stunning blue water. With an abundance of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, or biking on the nearby trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The narrow stretch of land extends out from the main land and curves around the St. Joseph Bay. This is what makes the are so secluded since it is a little out of the way. However, the nearest town, Port St. Joe is only a 20-minute drive along the famed 30A. From 30A you will turn onto the road 30E which leads down the stretch along which you will find shops and restaurants with beach necessities and tasty treats.

Perdido Key

Finding the lost island, as it translates into Spanish, you will find one of the best secluded places to explore in the Florida Panhandle. This island stretches two states from the western shores of Florida to eastern shores of Alabama. With rolling dunes covered in silky white sand and emerald-green water splashing along the coast, there are stunning views all around.

Exploring Perdido Key State Park is one of the top things to do on the island. Watching for wildlife is one of the best pastimes at the park since it’s home to two endangered species – the loggerhead sea turtle and the Perdido Key mouse. There are trails and boardwalks where you can walk around and explore as well as picnic tables for family meals. The park is open every day from 8am to sunset and costs $3 per vehicle to enter.

Another unique thing on Perdido Key not to miss is the Flora-Bama Lounge. Since this island is between two states, the bushwacker drink is a chocolatey drink that originated in the area and was named after the special island. While at the lounge, be sure to get a taste of the oysters too while looking out to the Gulf beach.

Alys Beach Florida

White-washed buildings, tiled rooftops, and lush greenery define Alys Beach as one of the best coastal towns in Florida. There are no high rises or thousands of people flocking here, yet it looks like someplace you would see in Europe. It’s just a small community right on the coast with miles of sugar-soft beaches and clear blue water that are definitely worth a visit.

Alys Beach exudes a timeless elegance and laid-back sophistication. The charming streets, fine dining establishments, and stunning beaches create a great getaway to some of the least crowded beaches on the Florida Panhandle. Plus, some beaches are private to residents so you won’t be battling the crowds here. The town offers a luxurious yet understated retreat for travelers seeking relaxation, natural beauty and coastal charm.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

With one of the top-rated beaches, this park provides excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and many more water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The soft white sand is perfect for those who want to spend some time sunbathing and strolling along the beach.

There are over 240 species of birds that have been sighted at the park for those who love birdwatching. For fishing enthusiasts, there is a boat ramp located at Eagle Harbor on the bay side with a fish cleaning station. The small marina can accommodate 15-18 boats at a time and there is a fee for the boat ramp while overnight guests have free use.

The park has 119 full facility campsite with water and electric available as well as cabins that sleep up to seven people. Whether you are staying overnight or just exploring by day this park is a tranquil beach getaway in the Florida Panhandle.

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach is a stunning beach with beautiful water that allows for snorkeling, paddleboarding and swimming. While in the water, you can spot sea turtles, different kids of fish, and maybe even dolphins. This beach is one of the favorites but it is not as popular as some of the other beaches in the area. Another option is to kayak on the lakes tucked away behind the dunes for a peaceful water activity.

The park spans nearly 2,000 acres so there are plenty of places to explore so making it an overnight trip to the park is ideal. The facilities include cozy cabins which accommodate six people as well as fifty-nine camping sites that are considered some of the nicest in the area. Pets are welcome at the campground and other designated areas of the park.

Henderson Beach State Park

Even though Henderson Beach State Park is one of the more popular parks in the area, there is plenty of room to get away from the crowds. It’s clear to see why people love this park – there are over 6,000 feet of shoreline with stunning emerald water and snow-white sand dunes.

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in the Florida Panhandle area, this park is one of the best places to visit. There are picnic areas and pavilions for gatherings and grilling, as well as a playground to keep the little ones entertained. The nature trails take you through the coastal dune ecosystem while viewing the abundant wildlife.

If you choose to stay overnight at the park, there are 60 camping sites to choose from with water, electric hookups and bathhouse facilities. Whether you want to soak in the sun, do watersports, or just enjoy being out in nature, Henderson Beach State Park doesn’t disappoint.