6 underrated Florida beach towns worth a visit

When it comes to Florida beach towns, everyone knows South Beach, Naples, and Key West. But the state is also home to plenty of underrated spots overlooked by out-of-state visitors that offer just as stunning beaches, world-class shelling, family-friendly festivals, and romantic getaways. Below, we’ve rounded up six under-the-radar (read: less crowded) Florida beach towns within a two-hour drive of a major city, all with something special to offer.

Just over an hour's drive from Tampa, Anna Maria Island is a quaint, seven-mile-long barrier island tailor-made for a beach weekend. You can have a more active getaway with parasailing tours or private fishing trips, or stick to the sand on beaches like Bean Point and Coquina Beach, both Travelers' Choice Award winners. At the latter, you can also shop for handmade crafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs at the Coquina Beach Market, which takes place once or twice a week nearly all year long.

The vibrant food scene and the fresh seafood it showcases are also a major draw. To taste the best, put your name on the list at The Waterfront Restaurant, known for its long (but worth it) waits, grouper tacos, and stunning bay views. For something more low-key, head to Ginny's and Jane E's Cafe and Coastal Store, a charming cafe for breakfast and lunch.

Where to stay: Post up at the Anna Maria Beach Resort, a luxe property with California Coastal–inspired design, or the Bali Hai Beach Resort, which recently unveiled an on-site spa.

Little Torch Key, located 120 miles from Miami, is paradise for travelers in need of a little R&R. The town's main draw is the exclusive (and child-free) Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, accessible only by boat or seaplane. Expect lush gardens, seashell paths, and thatched-roof bungalows, complete with outdoor showers and jetted tubs. Ideal for a romantic getaway, the resort also boasts a lagoon-style pool, a Zen garden, and a cozy library, where you can get lost in a book over a cup of tea or a cocktail.

If you can tear yourself away, check out Little Torch Key’s beautiful beaches and tasty seafood restaurants, like Kiki's (be sure to order the fish tacos).

About an hour from Orlando, New Smyrna Beach has majorly laid-back energy. The pristine beaches are the major attractions, but there's more to do on the water than just sunbathe. Birders in particular love kayaking among the Intracoastal Waterway to spot native birds (join this tour for an expert look at local wildlife) and the area is home to the state's most consistent surf break.

Visitors can also explore historic sites like the Sugar Mill Ruins and the New Smyrna Museum of History or attend one of the several festivals that take place throughout the year, like the Art Fiesta on Flagler in February and the New Smyrna Beach Shrimp & Seafood Festival in August.

Where to stay: When you’re ready to call it a night, retreat to the highly rated Inn On The Avenue Bed & Breakfast, which is a five-minute walk to the beach, or the storied Riverview Hotel & Spa.

Like most beach towns in Florida, Sanibel Island has some gorgeous stretches of sand—but it's the world-renowned shelling here that's a major draw. Lighthouse Beach is one of the most popular for shelling, since it's the first place where seashells wash ashore leading to major quantities (and as a result, has crowds of beach crawlers), while harder-to-reach Turner Beach has some of the rarest shells and is favored by serious collectors, who also flock to the area during the annual Sanibel Shell Festival.

The island, which sits just 45 minutes from Fort Myers, is also home to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you can take a sunset cruise to spot bald eagles, osprey, turtles, and dolphins.

Where to stay: If you're looking for a luxurious stay, Sanibel Island has some of the best hotels in the region, including the Casa Ybel Resort, perched on 27 private acres of oceanfront.

Deerfield Beach—just 17 miles from Fort Lauderdale—is a go-to for beachfront luxury. Book a night at the Royal Blues Hotel, the only Relais & Châteaux property in Florida, where the hotel's 12 oceanfront suites feature original artworks from the owner’s private collection and guests are greeted at check in with Champagne from the lobby wine lounge. The staff will also help set up beach chairs and umbrellas at the push of an iPad so they're ready when you head to the sand.

When you’re ready to venture beyond the landmark hotel, pop into the Deerfield Beach Arboretum, where you can follow an easy, half-mile path past more than 200 exotic species of trees. Adventurous visitors may also want to check out Ski Rixen, a thrilling water park where you can kneeboard, waterski, or wakeboard using a pioneering cable system.

Founded by Spanish explorers in 1565 and recognized as the oldest European settlement in the U.S., St. Augustine is full of history. Just under two hours north of Orlando, it’s home to the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort turned national monument; the Lightner Museum, featuring an impressive collection of art and artifacts from across the U.S.; and the popular-with-kids St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. To get a good sense of the city, kickstart your trip with a Travelers' Choice Best of the Best–winning historical walking tour that covers nearly two miles of ground.

During the holiday season, the town also hosts a Nights of Lights celebration, when you can take a festive trolley, boat, or train tour, or see the city’s distinctive Spanish Colonial architecture decked out in lights.

Where to stay: Then check into one of the town’s many wonderful hotels, like the Casa Monica Resort & Spa or the historic St. Francis Inn.