Skip Miami Beach: 7 Laid-Back Florida Beach Towns Locals Love

Let’s be clear. No other city quite captures the unique energy of Miami Beach. I fell in love with the city over 20 years ago, and nothing beats its top-tier art museums, award-winning restaurants, and epic beachfront. But if you’re looking to replicate parts of the “Miami Beach Experience,” Florida has several smaller, more laid-back cities that you can plan a trip around. If you still want to hang out on a stunning coastline and have access to a thriving downtown and diverse food scene, here are seven coastal towns that offer all the sun, sand, and surf with a welcome dose of serenity.

Located at the very tip of the Florida Keys, the island chain that starts just south Miami, Key West is a sun-drenched dream. The island’s primary appeal is found along the charming, tree-lined streets of Old Town, which are filled with eclectic bars and restaurants. You can order a drink at Ernest Hemingway’s old stomping ground, Sloppy Joe’s Bar, or get a taste of authentic Cuban food at El Siboney Restaurant. Overlooking the marina, the Conch Republic Seafood Company is known for its bounty of local favorites like conch fritters and blackened scallops. Naturally, you can’t leave without tasting the island’s famous Key Lime Pie; you can’t go wrong with The Key Lime Pie Company or Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop. For a day on the water, head to Higgs Beach or Smathers Beach, which offers paddle boarding, parasailing, and windsurfing.

Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale offers a great alternative to Miami Beach with its stunning beaches and lively arts scene. While the city is famed for its intricate waterways, its most beloved feature is the golden shoreline of Fort Lauderdale Beach, a playground for surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding. The culinary scene has become a major draw, with essential stops like the casual French bistro Café Bastille and the Michelin chef-helmed, MAASS . For a fantastic weekend brunch with ocean views, head to Lona Cocina Tequileria. Fort Lauderdale  also boasts impressive cultural attractions, from the massive Museum of Discovery and Science, perfect for kids, to the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale , which features an impressive collection for all ages.

Once upon a time, Delray Beach was a sleepy little surf town, but it’s now one of South Florida’s most exciting coastal cities. While it’s still a haven for surfers, its laid-back beach vibe is now paired with sophisticated dining and unique cultural gems. The city’s heartbeat is Atlantic Avenue, where you’ll find most of the best restaurants. For brunch, The Hampton Social is a trendy hotspot for seafood, while Dada, set in a charming historic home, serves a comfort food menu of short ribs and ravioli accompanied by live music every night. For a complete change of pace, head west to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, a tranquil oasis featuring an onsite museum with over 7,000 artifacts and 16 acres of serene, manicured park. 

Renowned for its upscale shopping and pristine beaches, Naples offers a sophisticated, mature  alternative to Miami Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast. For shopping, head to 5th Avenue South, a historic, palm-lined street perfect for strolling between fine art galleries, designer boutiques, and sidewalk cafes. When it’s time for the beach, the soft white sand and warm Gulf waters won’t disappoint. While there are roughly nine miles of coastline, standouts beaches include Vanderbilt Beach Park and Clam Pass Park, which is accessible via a scenic boardwalk. Join in the local tradition where every evening, locals and visitors gather at the iconic Naples Pier to watch the spectacular sunset. As a city named for the Italian peninsula, it’s no surprise that Naples boasts incredible Italian cuisine; book a table at local favorites like Caffè Milano or Campiello.

If you’re looking for a low key spot to unwind for a few days, consider Siesta Key. The 8-mile-long barrier island on Florida’s west coast is also home to one of the best beaches in Florida, Siesta Key Beach. This blindingly white beach gets its color from the high quartz content, and it’s best to get here early to claim your piece of paradise. Siesta Key has a quiet, old school vibe, offering a gorgeous waterfront without the traffic in Miami Beach. For a dose of culture, take a short, 25 minute drive to The John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, one of the best museums in the area with several galleries of European Asian, and American art. When hunger strikes, the island’s dining scene is all about fresh seafood, best enjoyed at casual spots like The Cottage or the legendary Captain Curt’s Siesta Key Seafood Bar. 

Another must-visit barrier island for your Florida itinerary is Anna Maria Island, located about an hour south of Tampa. Its pristine shoreline is anchored by Bean Point at the secluded northern tip and the family-friendly Coquina Beach to the south. The sugary white sand of Anna Maria Island has drawn honeymooners to its shores, and its lack of high-rise condos and fast food restaurants is another bonus. The island maintains a small-town, toes-in-the-sand vibe that’s a world away from the bustle of Miami Beach. When you can pull yourself from the beach, reserve a table at The Waterfront Restaurant for Southern favorites like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes. Another fantastic choice is The Porch, offering steak and seafood in a beautifully preserved home that’s over a century old.

With its vibrant urban scene and cultural attractions, Tampa offers a compelling alternative to Miami Beach. The city’s food scene has undergone a renaissance, anchored by the Michelin-starred restaurants Koya and Rocca. Still, no visit is complete without tasting the original Cuban sandwich at the legendary La Segunda Bakery in Ybor City. For culture and sports, explore the Tampa Museum of Art and the interactive Tampa Bay History Center, or catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL or Tampa Bay Lightning NHL game. When you’re ready to hit the sand, Clearwater Beach is just a 30-minute drive from downtown, offering white sand and the warm, calm waters of the Gulf.