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Sand crevices can be unavoidable. But crowds?
It’s easier than you think with just a little digging – no, not in your crevices…
Research, folks. Research. That’s what we’re all about.
The Travel Off Path team was eager to unpack HomeToGos latest beach report, just in time for one of our sunniest seasons.
Although packed with 100 beaches to choose from, the obvious focal point this time of year is Florida, which never fails to live up to its nickname of the ‘Sunshine State’.
But you don’t have to copy and paste someone else’s itinerary, finding yourself just another face in an ungodly crowd of vacationers and retirees.
Masses not thongs. Again with the slits…
These 4 unknown beach resorts were named as the best getaways of 2026 in Florida:
4) Satellite beach
Why anyone would choose to live in Florida without a beach in sight is beyond me, but that’s why hordes of Orlandoans flock to Cocoa Beach, one of the closest worthwhile beach towns to escape Disney’s tourist glut, to enjoy their own vacation.
That said, you rarely hear of Cocoa’s beautiful neighbor, Satellite Beach – a small coastal retreat with around 11,000 residents happy to share their Atlantic paradise.
People tend to go via Satellite in favor of Melbourne, but we’re here to say it’s time to put on the brakes and hang a U-ey.
Satellite Beach is definitely worth considering as your next beach getaway, especially for those who enjoy extra elbow room away from the boring college kids and have a double-digit accommodation budget.
On a scale of 1 – 10 you can see how HomeToGo scored the following categories:
- Affordability: 9.53
- Hidden gem: 8.75
- Local secret: 6:30 am
- Temperature: 9.87
- Visitor satisfaction: 9.58
3) Butler Beach
St. Augustine may be Florida’s dreamiest city. In fact, it exudes so much European charm that we sometimes forget that it is a beach destination in its own right.
Just south of America’s oldest city lies Anastasia Island, which is more popular than its unsung neighbor Butler Beach.
With wide sandy beaches calling your name, this laid-back city with maps has slipped through the cracks for many St. Augustine tourists, despite being only a 16-minute drive from the city center.
With cozy bars and eateries and local inns, it’s very different from the typical Florida spring break destinations.
A recent Butler Beach visitor said in his Google review, “What’s there to say, miles and miles of white sand, beautiful open ocean, truly breathtaking. Super relaxing.”
- Affordability: 8.72
- Hidden gem: 8.25
- Local secret: 7.95
- Temperature: 9.23
- Visitor satisfaction: 10.0
2) Bethune Beach
Bethune Beach is a hidden gem within a hidden gem. If there’s one name in Volusia County you know, it might be New Smyrna Beach, a beautiful coastal oasis that has become increasingly popular among travelers in recent years.
Other than that it’s Daytona and crickets.
Bethune Beach not only holds on to its ‘hidden gem’ status, but embraces it. That’s all part of the appeal here.
Imagine tranquil shores, peaceful waves and pristine landscapes, unlike other Florida hotspots.
If you want to find true bliss while others in Florida struggle to get their hands on a patch of sand, Canaveral National Seashore should be at the top of your list, but Bethune Beach itself has rave reviews.
Take the example of one of the many five-star reviewers, who said: “This is a beautiful beach, an unspoilt coastline, a great place for a walk. I went on a day when it was sunny, but there was also fog and mist rolling in – it was still breathtaking.”
- Affordability: 8.06
- Hidden gem: 9.65
- Local secret: 9.85
- Temperature: 9.38
- Visitor satisfaction: 8.75
1) Saint Joe Beach
Ever heard of Florida’s ‘Forgotten Coast’?
Maybe not. After all, it’s forgotten…
But if there’s one claim to fame along this sleepy stretch of coastline that’s largely free of tourists, it’s the charming coastal town of Port St. Joe.
Here you’ll find the eponymous Saint Joe Beach, which has an impressive Google rating of 4.8, largely due to its proximity to ‘Old Florida’, gleaming white sand, spotting aquatic life and one of the few places where you can kick back under the sun without having to mingle with strangers.
- Affordability: 9.01
- Hidden gem: 9.10
- Local secret: 9.0
- Temperature: 9.39
- Visitor satisfaction: 9.58
