9 Little-Known Towns In Florida

In 2024, Florida's tourism reached new heights, attracting nearly 143 million visitors. Yet, while this surge has significantly boosted the state's economy, travelers in search of a tranquil escape may struggle to imagine a peaceful retreat here amidst the crowds in 2025. However, there are still a surprising number of treasures hidden in the Sunshine State, often found tucked away off the beaten path. These lesser-known towns, frequently remote or overshadowed by more popular destinations, boast their own unique charms and attractions. From secluded island beaches to spirited downtowns, these communities offer a refreshing and authentic glimpse of Florida, reminiscent of a time before the scramble for parking and the long waits in line became the norm.

St. George Island

Located on a 22-mile barrier island of the same name, the Gulf Coast town of St. George Island has some of Florida’s best beaches. Due to its secluded setting, the island’s shores are often overlooked in favor of easy-to-reach mainland beaches. But for beachgoers seeking a quieter atmosphere, driving across the St.George Island Bridge is well worth the tranquillity that awaits.

For birdwatchers, beachgoers, and anglers, Dr. Julian G. Bruce Saint George Island State Park offers untouched sugar sands and clear blue waters. The shores are perfect for classic beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastle building without the hassle of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. On the bay side of the park, anglers, hikers, and wildlife photographers can explore the marshland, experiencing the island’s rugged side. And for more classic coastal attractions, a world beyond the park awaits, with seafood restaurants like the Blue Parrot Ocean Front Cafe and historic sites like the St. George Island Lighthouse Museum.

Steinhatchee

With less than 800 residents as of 2023, Steinhatchee is an easy-to-miss coastal town often described as “The Best-Kept Secret in Florida.” Like St. George Island, the town’s Gulf waters and Steinhatchee Riverfront can be savored without Florida’s famous crowds. Whether booking an excursion with Crystal Sea Charters, hiking to Steinhatchee Falls, or dining at waterfront locales like Roy's Restaurant, your time in Steinhatchee will be anchored by its breathtaking waters. The town's top events are also centered around the coast, from the Fiddler Crab Festival this previous February to the Sips and Sunsets event scheduled for November 2025.

Brooksville

An hour north of Tampa, Brooksville is an “adventure-lover’s paradise” with some of Florida’s prettiest natural surroundings. The Adventure Coast town is often eclipsed by the nearby city, but for those who know where to look, Brooksville is a gorgeous outdoor escape. As a gateway to Withlacoochee State Forest, visitors can hike paths like the famed Withlacoochee State Trail or paddle routes like the Withlacoochee River Canoe Trail, which is set on one of the longest rivers in Florida.

A short drive from downtown Brooksville, travelers can also enjoy the charms of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, an outdoor attraction that has been welcoming families since 1947. Here, adventurers can kayak the Weeki Wachee River, take in the scenery from a river boat cruise, and swim in the crystal clear waters of Buccaneer Bay. For the kids and young at heart, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is also known for its iconic mermaid performances.

Cape Canaveral

Around 50 miles southeast of Orlando, Cape Canaveral is a less crowded Space Coast town offering beach days and space-themed attractions. With the Kennedy Space Center at its center, Cape Canaveral is the perfect place to encourage curiosity and educational fun, making it a great town for families on summer vacation. Here, visitors can meet veteran astronauts, discover space-flown artifacts, and explore over 60 interactive exhibits and simulators.

Educational fun also extends to Cape Canaveral’s outdoor spaces, like the Manatee Sanctuary Park. The 10-acre park borders a section of the Banana River where the majestic sea cows can frequently be spotted from a boardwalk. Elsewhere in town, families can take advantage of Cape Canaveral’s various public beaches. Peacock Beach and Float Beach are both beautiful public beaches with white sands and dunes. Cape Canaveral also offers various public access points with accessible Mobi-Mats on Monroe, Buchanan, and Polk Avenue, allowing people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the town’s stunning shores.

DeLand

For creative souls, museum lovers, and nature enthusiasts, DeLand is known as “The Athens of Florida,” reflecting its founding vision as a hub of education and culture. Like Cape Canaveral, the town is often overshadowed by Orlando, its own charms often flying under the radar. However, this Greece-inspired college town offers a much-needed break from Orlando’s theme parks, offering a slower pace and small-town hospitality.

Beyond the stunning campus and architecture of Stetson University, DeLand visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural attractions, such as the historic Athens Theatre and the Museum of Art-DeLand. The town is also home to a rich range of history museums, including the Stetson Mansion and DeLand House Museum. For those who appreciate outdoor art, the DeLand Sculpture Walk and the DeLand Historic Mural Walk are a great follow-up. As for an outdoor nature adventure, DeLand is just a short drive from Blue Spring State Park, a scenic area known for its freshwater springs, St. Johns River access, and a boardwalk for manatee viewing.

Stuart

Stuart, the "Sailfish Capital of the World," is one of the more underrated day trip spots in Florida. Its setting along the Atlantic Coast and St. Lucie River makes it a prime fishing spot, while summer vacationers may prefer the town’s vibrant coastal culture. Shores like Stuart Beach and Bathtub Reef Beach are favored by families thanks to their gentle waters and soft sands, while Stuart’s Riverwalk shines for its views of the waterway, Roosevelt Bridge, and historic downtown. This coastal town also offers a great blend of tourist attractions, catering to visitors of all ages. Highlights include the educational Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, the fun-filled Sailfish Splash Waterpark, and the informative Stuart Heritage Museum.

Fort Pierce

About forty minutes north of Stuart, Fort Pierce is another charming Atlantic Coast town perfect for families seeking summertime fun. Located along the Indian River Lagoon, the town is a hub for marine life, with plenty of ways to experience the local manatees, fish, and sea turtles. On land, attractions like the Manatee Center and St. Lucie County Aquarium offer educational, up-close experiences with the region's sea critters, while Fort Pierce beaches showcase Florida's wild side. At Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, the half-mile shore is bordered by calm, clear waters, making it a popular snorkeling spot. Alternatively, at beaches like Jetty Park, nearby services like Hutchinson Island Jetski & Boat Rental can make your time in the water more action-packed.

Navarre

The Santa Rosa Island town of Navarre is often overlooked by vacationers due to its out-of-the-way setting, but its coastal attractions make the trip more than worthwhile. This seclusion earns it the title of “Florida’s most relaxing place,” including TripAdvisor users who ranked Navarre Beach among the “Best Florida Hidden Gem Attractions” in 2025.

Coupled with white sands and turquoise waters, Navarre Beach is known for its 1,500-foot-long, 30-foot-tall Fishing Pier. At the Navarre Beach Marine Park, under-the-sea snorkelling is another exciting experience, with countless artificial reefs to explore. Elsewhere in the park, visitors can visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center to learn about the importance of wildlife preservation through hands-on learning.

Sebring

Lastly, Sebring is a historic town with a diverse array of attractions, from its picturesque waterfronts to its renowned motorsports. Encircling the waters of Lake Jackson, with nearly 100 additional lakes in the area, the town is a treasure trove of recreation and relaxation. Whether casting a line at the Lake Jackson Fishing Pier or lounging on the City Pier Beach, laid-back lake days are a thing of beauty here. For a more active day outdoors, Highlands Hammock State Park boasts nine hiking trails and an elevated boardwalk, guiding adventurers through an enchanting cypress swamp.

On the other side of town, racing enthusiasts will not want to miss out on the Sebring International Raceway. One of the country’s longest-running raceways, this iconic Sebring attraction first opened its tracks in 1950. In addition to its legendary 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, the historic raceway hosts over 175 events throughout the year.

Explore Florida’s Uncrowded Towns In 2025

With millions of residents and even more annual visitors, visiting Florida can feel like an impossibility for those seeking a tranquil getaway. However, these nine little-known towns prove otherwise. Whether enjoying the secluded shores of St. George Island or strolling downtown DeLand for its art and culture, visitors can enjoy a quieter side of the Sunshine State, void of overwhelming crowds and congested attractions. Ultimately, these underrated Florida towns are the perfect place to escape Florida's infamous crowds.