Robbie Caponetto
Close your eyes and picture your happy place.
What do you see?
Sandy shores, a deep blue ocean, swaying palm trees?
Honeymoon Island State Park is known for its white-sand beaches, nature trails, and wildlife.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
Can you hear the waves crashing and the seagulls calling?
Are you already beginning to smell the salty surf and taste thepina colada?
No, it’s not a real club.
Credit: Tina Sargeant
But yes, we do take our involvement rather seriously.
Being a Southern Beach Lover means taking annualif not biannualtrips to fuel our obsession.
But it doesn’t mean cashing in our savings and jetting off to an exotic locale to do so.
Credit: Chris Rogers
Of course, you’ve got the option to’t discuss beach destinations without mentioning Florida.
The Sunshine State is home to dozens of tiny beach towns ready to welcome you for a weekend away.
Here are 10 inexpensive Florida beach towns to consider for your next vacation.
Credit: Getty Images / Anthony Festa
(There are seven breweries within a five-minute walking radius of downtown.)
For uninterrupted wild beauty, spend some time atHoneymoon Island State ParkorCaladesi Island State Park.
At the historic Sponge Docks, you’ll find shops and a collection of authentic Greek restaurants.
Want to feel truly transported?
Venice
This Florida Gulf Coast town’s name is no mistake.
Take your time strolling through downtown Venice, where you’ll find northern Italian architecture and meticulously landscaped boulevards.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Book your stay atThe Salty Mermaid Oceanfront Hotel, a retro-cool renovated motor court, for beachfront views.
This little town is so chill you’ll find it hard to return to real life.
Enjoy free beach access and parking at Lori Wilson Park.
Credit: Emergent Media
Ten miles south, its neighbor Ponce Inlet is just as wallet-conscious, with far fewer crowds.
Here, you’ll enjoy some of the freshest seafood you’re able to get your hands on.
(Take a visit to the Skully’s Low Country Boil for that, or catch it yourself.)
Credit: Getty Images / AStarGirl
If you find yourself getting sun burnt and stir crazy, check out the historic Cape San Blas lighthouse.
Unlike busier beach towns, this secluded beach allows four-legged friends to get in on the action, too!
Credit: Colin Hackley
