Florida Beaches for Solo Travelers

30A and the Pandhandle

Let’s kick off this best Florida beaches for solo travelers guide with the Panhandle. If you are driving from neighboring states, this will be one of the easiest areas to reach.

The area known as 30A has grown in popularity. It’s like the Disney of Florida beach towns, with its newly built, picturesque vibes. From the colonial charm of Rosemary Beach to the Mediterranean meets Beverly Hills feels of Alys Beach, and the quaint town square of Seaside, there’s no shortage of cute vibes, great eats, and cozy stays. I still dream about the pastries at Black Bear Bread Co. and watching the sunset from a rooftop bar in Rosemary Beach.

If you’re eyeing 30A but want something more budget-friendly and right on the beach, Panama City Beach is worth checking out and it is right next to 30A. To the West of 30A, is Destin which is another beautiful option for the panhandle!

30A for Solo Travelers

The beach here is beautiful, and it can get crowded depending on the time of year! Of course, you may prefer to have plenty of people around if you’re a solo traveler.

There are plenty of restaurants and you can also rent a bike and explore each of the towns along 30a. Overall, this area felt very safe. It’s more family friendly vibes, than party vibes which would be a selling point for me, but maybe not for you.

Pandhandle | Things to Do

Town Hop

One of the charming things about 30a is each of the “little towns” has its own personality. Whether you rent a bike, scooter or simply drive to each town, it’s fun to explore!

State Parks

The panhandle is quite a large area, so some of these outings may not be worth it, depending on where you end up staying. If any of these parks interest you, consider staying within a decent driving distance.

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park looks like a beautiful beach park where you will likely have stretches of sand all to yourself! There are places to stay nearby so consider it if you want to explore this area. Not far from St. George is T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, so there’s plenty of protected beaches in this part of the panhandle!

Another state park to consider sits on 30a! Grayton Beach State Park offers a beautiful beach and Western Lake! If where you’re staying seems crowded, consider spending a day here!

Fifteen minutes from 30a and forty minutes from Destin are beautiful gardens to explore. Eden Gardens State Park is said to be beautiful year round, but the spring is especially a great time to visit!

Clearwater Beach

Now, let’s head south along the Gulf to Clearwater Beach. This gem on the central Florida coast has it all. The water tends to be clear and calm. I have quite a few friends who love this beach!

For more options with similar beach vibes, just head south. St. Pete Beach, Sarasota, and Siesta Key are just a few other options on this coast to consider!

Clearwater Beach for Solo Travelers

One of my friends is a career, single woman and she will treat herself to a weekend here! There are plenty of restaurants around and hotels to choose from. There is a lot within walking distance as well!

If you do want to mix up your beach holiday, you can visit Tampa, theme parks, or enjoy Florida springs. If you want to party, you might have to head to Tampa, but you’ll have options!

Clearwater Beach | Extra Things to Do

Pier 60 Clearwater

If you stay at Clearwater Beach, there’s a high chance you’ll stroll Pier 60. Head there for a meal or sunset and soak up the views!

Springs

Both east and west central Florida have access to various springs! On this coast checkout Weeki Wachee Springs. If you’re willing to drive about two hours consider a tour to swim with the manatees at Crystal River or enjoy the lazy river of Rainbow Springs.

State Parks

Right next to Clearwater Beach is Honeymoon Island State Park. Worth a stroll if you’re close and want some unspoiled beaches.

Another one to consider exploring is Fort De Soto Park. You can enjoy the beauty of the gulf without all the hotels and condos.

Theme Parks

If you like roller coasters, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be a fun way to spend the day! It’s been years since I went, but they have the most rollers coasters of the Florida theme parks.

Clearwater Beach to Magic Kingdom will take just over two hours. While it’s not the most ideal drive for a day trip, it’s absolutely doable.

Miami Beach

What is a guide to the best Florida Beaches for solo travelers without mentioning Miami Beach? If you crave a lively beach vacation with endless activities, this is the spot.

Explore the vibrant dining scene and art deco architecture. Around Miami you can do a Little Havana Food and Walking Tour or do a day trip to snorkel in Key Largo.

If you don’t want to stay in Miami, head north a bit to Hollywood Beach or West Palm Beach.

Miami Beach for Solo Travelers

If you like to party, Miami Beach is for you! It’s also great if you don’t want to rent a car. Ubers are plentiful, or there’s even some free public transport. Plus Miami Beach itself is very walkable!

While Miami Beach is relatively safe, there are areas of Miami that are not. I’ve done plenty around Miami solo, since my brother lives in south Florida and I never had any issues. However, trust your gut, stay sober and you should be good! This is especially important for my fellow solo female travelers.

Miami Beach | Things to Do

There is plenty to do in Miami overall, but here’s a few suggestions for things not too far from Miami Beach.

Art Deco Tour | Miami Beach

I did this tour not long ago and I LOVED it! There is just something about those art deco vibes. You don’t need the tour to appreciate it, but it does offer some great insight and history.

The original art deco tour is the one I did, but there are more options including Miami Beach Art Deco Tour with Cocktails.

Little Havana

It wasn’t long ago I visited Little Havana for the first time! The Little Havana Food and Walking Tour was what got me to this area and I loved the tour! You don’t have to visit on a tour, but having visited twice now, I can say the tour is worth it!

You can read my review of the experience here: Little Havana Food and Walking Tour Review | Is It Worth It?

National and State Parks

Biscayne National Park is a beautiful area south of Miami but north of the Florida Keys. I have visited this area, but I haven’t done a tour that would take me to the island. The next time I’m down there, I’d definitely consider it, because the park looks beautiful! If you visit the welcome center, there is a walkway lined with people fishing. It’s a very nice walk, though it’s not shaded so be careful in the summer.

 

I have yet to visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, but it’s been on my list. While it’s an island somewhat close to Miami Beach, you either have to access by boat or head to the mainland by car and then down. If you do visit Key Biscayne, consider Crandon Park as well!

Shopping

Miami Beach itself has good shopping, so you don’t have to go far. Another option that is not far from Miami Beach is Brickell City Centre. I’ve been to both and they are great. While I have been to other shopping areas in Miami, these two were the best experiences I had.

Neighborhoods

A few neighborhoods to wander around include Wynwood and Coconut Grove. I recently visited both and they have grown.

Wynwood is still the quirky, artsy area, but has definitely grown and now offers more upscale options also! It will only continue to grow, because there was a ton of construction when I was there a few weeks ago.

I loved Coconut Grove and it’s old Florida feel. It didn’t feel like Miami Beach and it just charmed me. However, my recent experience a few weeks ago it was New York City level crowded! Lines out the door at a coffee shop, restaurants full and little space to walk.

Florida Keys

Now, I don’t consider the Keys a beach destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a worth mentioning. While the sandy stretches are limited, there’s no shortage of adventure. Plan boat outings, kayak adventures, snorkeling in Key Largo or explore the various state parks. And if you do come here, be sure to plan a trip to one of the coolest national parks, Dry Tortugas National Park.

Florida Keys for Solo Travelers

The only place in the Florida Keys I would consider walkable is Key West. For any other part of the Keys, I think a car will be necessary.

Some hotels have small beaches, but overall the Florida keys is more of a boating destination.

Quieter Options in South Florida

When reviewing the best Florida beaches for solo travelers, I want to look out for those wanting a less crowded slice of paradise in south Florida.

Fort Pierce

One option to consider is Fort Pierce. It’s nestled halfway between Cocoa and West Palm Beach and within two hours of Orlando and Fort Lauderdale airports. I’ve driven through here and stopped for ice cream. I was pleasantly surprised by its small town charm.

Sanibel Island

For another quieter alternative in South Florida, hop over to Sanibel Island or Fort Myers on the Gulf side. Relax on pristine beaches or rent a boat to explore the little islands.

I visited Fort Myers area a couple years ago after it was hit hard by the hurricane. Not everything was reopened, but they were bouncing back! While I can’t really advise on what it’s like when it’s fully open, it’s a beautiful area!

Just remember, Gulf waters are warmer than the Atlantic—perfect for winter dips but it felt like a hot bath in summer! When I was there late July, the water felt disgustingly hot. If you want to go for a dip, the ocean will not be as refreshing from late July to September.

Learn a new sport while at Sanibel Island: Efoil Lessons in Sanibel Island

Cocoa Beach and Daytona

East Central Florida

Now, let’s hit up Cocoa Beach, the closest beach to Orlando and the hometown of surfing legend Kelly Slater. While Florida isn’t known for epic waves, East Central and North Florida offer the best chance for surfing in the state.

Cocoa and Daytona are both tourist-friendly and lined with condos and hotels that makes dipping into a store or heading out for ice cream that much easier. Another benefit to these two options is they are more budget friendly for on the beach accommodations than other parts of Florida.

Surf Lessons in Cocoa Beach

Daytona Beach has leveled up recently. I was pleasantly surprised driving through there to see a fresh coat of paint, new pedestrian friendly crosswalks and some better restaurant options. The beach side is safe as well as most places along the International Speedway.

Other neighborhoods don’t offer that same peace, but overall Daytona is improving and becoming more family friendly. However, unless you’re a biker avoid bike week in March and October!

For nicer and safer, head to Ormond Beach which is just north of Daytona. My favorite new coffee shop is there called Soraya! It’s a beautiful cafe and the owner is so kind! My favorite acai bowl is in Ormond also! Though I don’t get acai at Solberry, I get the coconut and cacao base and it’s delicious!

For a more laid-back vibe, head south of Daytona to New Smyrna Beach. It’s a great family friendly beach town. Plenty of locals I know head here. Most restaurants are locally owned and there are plenty of great places to eat! As far as beach towns go, they have the best restaurant scene for east central Florida.

I usually only head to New Smyrna with my longboard to surf, because it’s also considered to have the most consistent wave in Florida. And yes, there are sharks, but most are seen by the jetty lined with fisherman and where that consistent wave breaks. Most local surfers remain unfazed by the small sharks around them. Me? I don’t go all the way to the jetty and if I see a shark, I’m getting out.

Daytona Beach to Cocoa Beach for Solo Travelers

Any part of this coast offers budget beachside stays and is safe for solo travelers. If I was choosing, I’d probably go with Ormond Beach, or Daytona Beach Shores because I like a little quieter stays. South New Smyrna would be another option but that is mainly home vacation rentals, so keep that in mind.

If you want more people around or plenty within walking distance, Cocoa and Daytona are probably better options. Or staying near Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna.

East Central Florida | Things to Do

Rocket Launches

If you do choose anywhere from Cocoa to Daytona be sure to check for any rocket launches because you will be able to see them in the sky. Or you can plan to visit Cape Canaveral for a closer look.

Bioluminescent Tour in the Summer

Another tip for this area is to definitely do a bioluminescent tour! I’ve gone every Summer the last few years with my own paddle board and I’m in awe every time! The conditions need to be HOT, so if you are in this area in June or September, you can give it a try, but the best time is mid July through August. Also avoid the full moon if possible. The darker the skies the better!

Springs

If you are looking for outdoor activities that will keep you cool, central Florida is full of natural springs that stay 72 degrees year round! Blue Springs and Deleon Springs are the closest to Daytona. While you can’t swim at Blue Springs in the winter, that’s the best time to see the manatees!

Another good springs to consider is Rock Springs, which has a lazy river, or visit King’s Landing nearby. I love Silver Springs for paddle boarding and it’s 1 hour and 21 minutes from Daytona Beach. If you don’t want to paddle, they offer glass bottom boats.

City Day Trips

St. Augustine is just over an hour north of Daytona, making is a great day trip! Or you can head to the Orlando area in the same amount of time. Deland, Sanford, or the more posh Winter Park are downtown areas to explore.

The Sunrail goes from Deland to Kissimmee if driving to Orlando isn’t as appealing. It makes stops at Sanford and offers a tram to downtown. Or for Winter Park it conveniently stops on Park Avenue which is where you’d want to be! Downtown Orlando and Kissimmee could also be stops!

Flagler Beach

Nestled between St. Augustine and Daytona lies Flagler Beach—a sleepy and somewhat uncrowded beach town with some good restaurants. This is where I’d recommend for anyone wanting a nice but authentic beach town vibe. Not quite as nice as 30a, but it’s more authentic which is my personal preference.

I will add that just a couple weeks ago I drove A1A from Ormond to St. Augustine and I was aghast at the amount of construction! Some of it is necessary as we had a lot of coastal erosion from hurricanes, but it does seem that Flagler Beach is no longer under the radar!

With that being said, Flagler doesn’t have ANY tall buildings and only one restaurant sits on the ocean side with a fishing pier. While you can’t stay on the beach side, there are no obnoxious buildings blocking the view!

The restaurant scene in Flagler has been decent for a while, but lately they’ve really added some good options that also have a more upscale feel. Whether you want a casual seafood restaurant or a more upscale option, Flagler is becoming a great destination (and it does seem people are catching on).

My friend and I ate lunch at Next Door Beach Bistro not that long ago and we were both pleasantly surprised! She used to live near Flagler Beach and said FARO Beachside Eatery is also good! I’ve had A1A Burrito Works TACO SHOP a few times and it’s perfect for a casual meal.

I’ve also been known to enjoy acai or juice from RAW JUICE CAFE | Juice | Acai | Smoothies which has been around a long time. Yes Coffee is newer to the scene but super cute and delicious coffee!

If you want an authentic small town beach vacation, Flagler Beach is my recommendation. By staying close to the restaurants and shops, everything will be walkable. There’s no obnoxious buildings, though there is a fair amount of construction at the moment.

Flagler Beach for Solo Travelers

I’d consider this as a strong contender for anyone wanting a small beach town on the Atlantic Ocean side. It’s safe with a cute downtown right on the beach. There is no obnoxious condos or hotels, but that does mean embracing some quirky accommodation options.

Flagler Beach | Things to Do

Downtown Flagler Beach

The downtown area has plenty of restaurants and some cute shops for walking around. It won’t take much to explore, but it’s certainly cute and worth a morning or afternoon. If you do come to Flagler Beach, it’s likely you’ll have more than one meal in this area!

Shopping

For outlet shopping you can head north to St. Augustine or south to Daytona. Palm Coast, which is just inland from Flagler Beach will have some basic shopping like a Target.

St. Augustine

The oldest city of St. Augustine is about 45 minutes up the coast! With it being so close, you can easily stay in Flagler Beach and enjoy much of what St. Augustine has to offer!

State and National Parks

One of the best paddle board spots in Florida, in my opinion, is Silver Springs State Park and it’s less than 90 minutes away!

Even closer to Flagler Beach than the large St. Augustine fort is Fort Matanzas National Monument. I took myself on a day trip here once and very much enjoyed it! After the monument, I ended up stopping at Matanzas Inlet and walking around during low tide, but this area would also be great for a paddleboard or kayak.

Deleon Springs and Blue Springs are a bit further from Flagler Beach than Daytona, but both within one hour!

St. Augustine

For history buffs, St. Augustine is a must-visit. You can rent a house on nearby beaches, explore the oldest city in America and enjoy their culinary scene! Aside from wandering historic streets, visit the fort, fountain of youth, and the Lighthouse.

My favorite coffee shop when I’m in St. Augustine is The Kookaburra. Recently I visited Ice Plant Bar and loved the meal I had! Plus, you can visit the distillery for free which I also enjoyed!

If you’re into a winter beach vacation, St. Augustine has beautiful Christmas lights during the holidays!

St. Augustine for Solo Travelers

When is comes to the best Florida beaches for solo travelers, St. Augustine is a great one to consider! You have history, beaches, shopping, and great restaurants!

Just know that the beach and historic town are separated by the intracoastal, so if you stay beachside, you’ll need to drive to town or vice versa.

St. Augustine | Things to Do

In addition to the below ideas, consider checking Flagler Beach and Jacksonville’s things to do as they are not too far.

St. Augustine Tours and Sights

St. Augustine has plenty to offer. Wondering the historic streets and visiting the fort can be done at a relaxed pace for one day. Then there’s the fountain of youth and the Lighthouse. However, you can also add some tours your St. Augustine beach vacation.

I’ve provided some top rated options to consider below!

St. Augustine’s Wine, Cocktail and Food Experience
Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine
St. Augustine: St. Johns River Airboat Safari with a Guide

National Reserve

For nature, visit Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve twenty minutes north of St. Augustine. Whether you go to walk trails or paddle down the river, there is nature to be enjoyed.

State Parks

Anastasia State Park is a great place to visit or camp! Even though I’m not much of a camper, I’ve actually stayed here! The spots are not on the beach, but they are by it, and anywhere that close to the beach is good with me!

Shopping

St. Augustine has an outlet mall, which can be great for shopping! Of course, St. Augustine’s historic streets are full of shops as well. For upscale shopping area, visit St Johns Town Center in Jacksonville.

North Atlantic

Jacksonville has city and beach, but way fewer people than Miami. As stated earlier, surfing is best along the Central and North Atlantic side so you could potentially learn here as well. They also host a surf competition every November.

Ponte Vedra Beach is a nice area to consider that is still Jacksonville, but quieter and more upscale.

If you are looking for southern charm, try Amelia Island. It sits just under the border between Georgia and Florida and has long been a popular getaway.

North Atlantic for Solo Travelers

When is comes to the best Florida beaches for solo travelers, this area offers three unique vibes.

Jacksonville Beach has plenty of options and would feel similar to a Cocoa or Daytona. If you are a golfer or want a more upscale experience, head just south to Ponte Vedra Beach. For a southern, small town charm head to Amelia Island!

North Atlantic | Things to Do

Towns

Day trips to Savannah, Georgia are possible as it’s about two and half hours drive from Jacksonville Beach. Or head south about forty-five minutes for St. Augustine. Exploring Amelia Island is also worth doing whether you stay there or not!

State Parks

Visit Little Talbot Island State Park for some nature. The driftwood is unique and not a common sight in Florida. Another protected area to explore is Guana River Wildlife Management Area.

Zoo

I don’t really visit zoos much, but apparently the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has a tiger exhibit worth checking out! Land of the Tiger has made a top ten list so I bookmarked it, though I have yet to visit.

Shopping

Jacksonville has plenty of shopping options, including an upscale outdoor shopping area called St Johns Town Center.

Golf

There are plenty of golf courses all over the state, but there does seem to be a good concentration of them up here. If you are a golfer, consider playing a round!

Tours or Activities

Amelia Island will offer the most for tours. Regardless of where you stay in this area, you’re within driving distance, so consider some of the below high rated options.

Weather and Ocean Temperatures

How to Choose the Best Florida Beach as a Solo Traveler

When deciding among the best Florida beaches for solo travelers, consider the time of year! South Florida is good year round for water activities, while central and north Florida can have cooler days in the winter and early spring.

Pro tip: if you’re planning to come in the Summer, it’s worth noting that most Florida schools start back the middle of August. This is our hottest month so we get out earlier in the Summer to make the most of it! That means you will less likely be battling Floridians for that beach house come mid August.

Consider the time of year when deciding on a beach getaway!

 

Just a reminder, the below temperatures are averages as it can get warmer or colder on a random day.