You know those amazing local beach spots you used to love before they got too popular? These hidden gems were our little secrets until the tourists caught wind of them. Now, they're overcrowded messes that some locals avoid.
Some have parking nightmares, others have scary rip currents — and one is even called the "deadliest" beach in America (thanks, sharks!).
Who knows, you might rediscover an old haunt when you hear what's turned locals off from these sandy shores. Let's dive in!
1. Cocoplum Beach
Cocoplum Beach offers miles of white sand and a serene atmosphere with minimal crowds. However, accessing the beach can be challenging due to an unmarked, poorly maintained road, especially after rains.
The beach itself may suffer from litter and high tide issues. While some visitors find it a hidden gem, others suggest exploring alternative beaches on Exuma due to the road conditions. Coco Plums beach bar nearby is highly recommended for its food and drinks, though amenities at the beach are limited.
Visitors should note that lounge chairs are available for a fee of $15 each. Additionally, the beach offers limited water sports equipment for rental. Cocoplum Beach is located on Exuma and can be accessed via a roughly 1-mile-long goat path.
It's advisable to look for a blue and white trash barrel marking the access road. However, due to its challenging road conditions as noted by a recent review, it may not be suitable for rental cars.
2. Ed Walline Public Beach Access
Ed Walline Public Beach Access in Walton County boasts stunning natural beauty with beautiful turquoise waters and white sands, making it an ideal spot for morning walks, birdwatching, and mesmerizing sunsets. Visitors appreciate the clean restrooms and nearby amenities such as restaurants and shops.
However, recent reviews highlight significant overcrowding issues. Limited parking exacerbates the problem, making it challenging for visitors to find space. Furthermore, the atmosphere is marred by smoking, drinking, and rude behavior, detracting from the overall ambiance.
Despite amenities like picnic pavilions and showers, the high costs of beach setup, coupled with a portion of rental fees going directly to the county, raise concerns among visitors. Also, the lack of public access beaches in the area aggravates the problem.
But don't fret! Here's a list of all the other Florida beaches with great reviews: 24 Florida Beaches Too Beautiful To Ignore.
3. Alison Hangerup Beach
Alison Hagerup Beach, located at the northern tip of Captiva Island, offers a pristine coastline and a rich history honoring Alison Hagerup's dedication to beach preservation. The beach boasts clean sand and ample space for visitors to enjoy.
Positive reviews highlight the beach's cleanliness, size, and ideal sunset viewing location. The journey to the beach, albeit scenic, involves navigating limited and expensive parking, priced at $50 per day.
Some visitors express frustration over limited parking availability, exacerbated by nearby events such as farmers markets, leading to inconvenience and detours.
Suggestions for improvement include implementing a system to check parking availability and street events prior to arrival and leveraging modern technology for enhanced visitor experience.
While Alison Hagerup Beach offers natural beauty and a tribute to its namesake's legacy, logistical challenges such as parking fees and limited availability may detract from the overall visitor experience.
4. Hudson Beach Park
Hudson Beach Park offers a tranquil ocean-side stroll, ideal for couples seeking a sunset view. While lacking traditional beach amenities, nearby food spots cater to visitors' needs.
The area provides a serene ambiance, perfect for enjoying nature's sounds by the water. However, some visitors find the park's beach designation misleading.
Sparse sand and limited space for activities disappoint those expecting a typical beach experience. Swimming opportunities are minimal, and concerns about water quality persist.
Despite its scenic sunsets and nearby dining options, the park's waterfront lacks cleanliness and tranquility due to frequent boat traffic from the intercoastal system.
All things considered, Hudson Beach Park offers a peaceful atmosphere for leisurely walks but falls short of traditional beach expectations. Visitors seeking sandy shores and a calm swimming experience may need to venture elsewhere, despite the park's convenient location.
5. Cedar Key Beach
Located in Cedar Key, Florida, Cedar Key Beach presents a mixed bag of experiences, according to recent visitors. On the positive side, some guests appreciated the cleanliness of the restrooms, the small sandy beach, and the availability of shaded picnic areas.
Families particularly found the beach suitable for their needs. However, some people also expressed disappointment with the beach's condition, citing mucky water and unpleasant odors, particularly around restroom facilities.
Others found the beach to be too small and impractical for activities such as exploring tidal pools. Visitors also criticized the pricing, with some feeling overcharged for basic amenities like beverages.
Limited dining choices, early closing times, and sporadic business hours were common complaints, with some travelers suggesting alternative destinations for a more fulfilling experience.
6. Harry Harris Park
Harry Harris Park offers a tranquil setting for relaxation with beautiful views of boats and occasional wildlife sightings, such as turtles. Visitors appreciate the convenience of restrooms on-site.
Families visiting the park remark on its expansive walking areas near the water and a pleasant beach area, although they note the windy and cool weather during their visit. The playground garners praise for its shaded design and ample equipment, making it an enjoyable stop for families with young children.
However, some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the beach quality, citing seaweed and rocky conditions, though this seems to be a common feature among beaches in the area.
Additionally, there are concerns about the park's entry fees, with one reviewer labeling them as a "scam," especially on weekends when the fee reaches $15 per person. Others suggest alternative parks with more reasonable fees and better amenities, such as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Despite mixed reviews, Harry Harris Park provides a pleasant environment for various activities, although visitors should be mindful of potential fees and beach conditions.
7. New Smyrna Beach
Known for its vibrant surf scene, New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County near Daytona Beach has been labeled the deadliest in the U.S. due to frequent shark encounters, according to Travel Lens.
This reputation, coupled with often crowded conditions and paid parking/access ramps, has deterred many locals who now prefer safer, less frequented beaches.
Also, the influx of tourists has led to overcrowding and littering issues, dampening the experience for some longtime locals. Complaints include a decline in cleanliness and instances of beachgoers disregarding trash bins.
One reviewer specifically mentioned that one section of the beach, specifically 27th Street Beach, faces significant deterioration post-hurricanes, with beach access points in disrepair and limited shoreline available.
On the positive side, many appreciate its scenic beauty, with soft sand and ample space for activities. The ability to drive and park on the beach, albeit for a fee of $20, is considered a convenience by some. Local eateries like Norwoods, the Garlic, and Boston Fish House receive praise for their offerings.
Finding Your New Favorite Local Beach Spot
At the end of the day, every beachgoer has different priorities. Maybe fighting crowds is a non-issue for you, or you don't mind paying for parking. The beaches on this list may still be worth a visit, depending on your needs and expectations.
But if seclusion and that off-the-beaten-path vibe are what you're after, it might be time to explore some fresh, lesser-known spots. For better options, check out our guide: 12 Beaches to Witness Florida’s Best Sunrises and Sunsets
Ask around with other locals, join community groups online, and keep an eye out for those hidden beach access points.
And who knows? You may just become a trendsetter by discovering the next up-and-coming local beach before the tourists descend. Either way, wishing you many relaxing, crowd-free beach days ahead!