Our list of Small Beach Towns on Florida’s Gulf Coast may be a little different than other lists. We include islands. An island may not be considered a town, but it is just as big in some cases and many times the beaches are better on islands!
We must also note that towns on many Florida travel blogs written by non-residents list small beach towns that are nowhere near a decent beach (Cedar Key, Tarpon Springs, and Crystal River are examples).
Our list of small Gulf Coast beach towns are chosen by residents of Florida and people who live in one of the best beach towns on the Gulf Coast!
Best Small Beach Towns on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Anna Maria Island – One of the most famous small beach towns on Florida’s West Coast to start our list is Anna Maria Island. You won’t find tall high rises, massive condominiums, and uncontrolled commercial activity in this small community. White sandy beaches at the mouth of Tampa Bay and colorful quaint homes stretch along the beach. Anna Maria Island is south of Tampa about 25 miles over the Skyway Bridge. Check out hotel accommodations. Get Your Guide to the Anna Maria Island Area.
Gulf Coast beach town of Boca Grande is
exemplary of the island.
Boca Grande – At the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande Island is known for some of the best tarpon fishing in the world. The somewhat exclusive island has a hundred-plus-year-old hotel called Gasparilla Inn, a restaurant called the Pink Elephant and an expansive beach along its Gulf Coast. Quiet and remote – this is a perfect hidden romantic beach getaway at a small Gulf Coast beach town in Florida. Hotels on Boca Grande.
Bonita Beach – Surrounded by the upscale community of Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach is on the county line between Collier County (Naples) and Lee County (Ft. Myers Beach). This is a long beach with limited access. It has fewer beachgoers than large public beaches nearby. Don’t expect large hotels and an active nightlife. Just a restaurant or two and some gorgeous sunsets lined with beautiful homes. Bonita Beach is just over the bridge from Ft. Myers Beach which was decimated by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Bonita Beach is one of the exceptional small Gulf Coast beach towns. See Bonita Beach Hotels.
Cayo Costa – If you want privacy, primitive and limited accessibility, that is Cayo Costa State Park island. Located between Boca Grande Island and Sanibel/Captiva Island, Cayo Costa in only reachable by boat. The park has a few rustic cabins and some primitive campsites. The beach is as untouched as you will find in Florida. You can take a ferry to Cayo Costa from Pine Island just north of Ft. Myers. This island has no hotels reservations are made through the State of Florida. This island is an adventure on a west coast Florida island.
Lido Key Beach – Just across the bridge from downtown Sarasota is Lido Key. This island is home to two main attractions – Lido Key Beach and St. Armand’s Circle. Lido Beach is a huge beach along the Gulf. The white sand is wide and supports lots of people when busy. If you get tired of the beach action, St. Armand’s circle is a couple of blocks away. St. Armand’s has over 140 shops to keep you and your wallet busy. One of our favorite Florida Gulf Coast beach towns. Recommended hotels on Lido Key. Things to do in Lido Key.
Marco Island – One of our personal favorites, Marco Island has all of the elements of the best beach towns on the gulf coast of Florida. This island is one of the best places of the Gulf Coast of Florida to vacation or live – Marco has wide sandy beaches, big resorts, excellent restaurants, safe surroundings, beautiful views, and great fishing. So what else could you want? The biggest issue is the cost of all these features. Marco is most likely the most expensive of the small Florida Gulf Coast beach towns we highlight here. Marco Island Hotels. Get your Guide to Marco Island.
Santa Rosa Beach – The panhandle has many small beach cities on Florida’s Gulf coast. Santa Rosa Beach is one of the lucky communities that has several beaches within a mile or two. On the west is Miramar Beach and east of Santa Rosa Beach is Grayton Beach. This is an amazing stretch of road along Rt. 30A in Florida’s panhandle. Each of the beaches are long wide stretches of white shell-covered sand with small resorts, fish camps, and retail strips in between. Plenty of opportunities to visit more than one beach. Choose one of many hotels.
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This article originally appeared here and was republished with permission.
