7 Hidden Beaches In Florida Where Locals Spend Labor Day

Florida’s coastline hides some amazing beaches that only locals know about.

While tourists crowd the popular spots during Labor Day weekend, savvy Floridians escape to these secluded shores.

I’ve spent years exploring these hidden gems, and I’m finally ready to share my secret list with you. Just don’t tell too many people, okay?

1. Caladesi Island State Park: Nature’s Perfect Hideaway

You haven’t experienced Florida until you’ve felt the powdery white sand of Caladesi Island between your toes! Last Labor Day, I packed a picnic and took the ferry over, feeling like I’d discovered my own private paradise.

The pristine three-mile beach remains undeveloped because you can only reach it by boat. Paddle through mangrove trails in a rented kayak or take the passenger ferry from Honeymoon Island. The water is crystal clear – I spotted a manatee lazily swimming by while snorkeling!

Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid the midday ferry crowds. The island has picnic pavilions with grills, so bring charcoal and enjoy a beachside barbecue. Just remember to pack out everything you bring in to preserve this natural treasure.

2. Clam Pass Park: The Beach With A Boardwalk Adventure

Forget boring beach entrances! At Clam Pass Park, your beach day begins with a thrilling tram ride through a mile-long boardwalk cutting through dense mangrove forests. My kids call it ‘jungle beach’ because of the wild adventure just getting there.

The shallow, calm waters create a natural kiddie pool perfect for families. When the tide shifts, a fun current forms in the pass – grab an inner tube and let it carry you between the Gulf and the mangrove estuary. My favorite Labor Day memory here? Watching dolphins play just offshore while enjoying a sunset picnic.

Parking fills quickly on holidays, so arrive before 10 AM.

3. Tigertail Beach: A Two-For-One Beach Experience

Who doesn’t love a beach with a surprise? Tigertail Beach on Marco Island starts as one experience and transforms into another. When I first visited, I was confused by the shallow lagoon separating the parking area from the actual Gulf beach.

Most tourists stop at the first stretch of sand, but locals know the secret: wade across the lagoon (about knee-deep) to reach an isolated three-mile stretch of pristine shoreline. The crossing is an adventure itself! I’ve spotted countless birds, fish, and even stingrays in the clear lagoon waters.

Pack water shoes for the crossing and bring a waterproof bag for your belongings. The north end of the beach offers spectacular shelling opportunities – I found a perfect lightning whelk last Labor Day that now sits on my office desk.

4. St. George Island State Park: The Forgotten Coast’s Crown Jewel

“The Forgotten Coast” isn’t just a catchy nickname – it’s an accurate description of this gloriously undeveloped stretch of Florida panhandle. My first visit to St. George Island State Park left me speechless. Miles of sugar-white sand stretched before me without a high-rise in sight!

The park occupies the eastern nine miles of the barrier island, featuring dunes, maritime forest, and bay areas. The water clarity rivals the Caribbean but without the crowds. I’ve spent entire Labor Day weekends here without seeing more than a handful of other beachgoers on my stretch of sand.

Stargazing here is phenomenal – minimal light pollution means you’ll see constellations you never knew existed. Camping spots book months in advance for holiday weekends, so plan ahead if you want to sleep under those stars.

5. Cayo Costa State Park: The Island Time Forgot

Stepping onto Cayo Costa feels like traveling back in time to Florida before developers discovered it. Accessible only by boat or ferry, this barrier island state park remains one of Florida’s last undeveloped coastlines. My first Labor Day here, I collected more perfect shells in one hour than I had in years of beachcombing elsewhere!

Nine miles of pristine beaches await, backed by ancient pine forests and mangrove swamps. The isolation is magical – I’ve walked for hours without seeing another soul. Primitive cabins and campsites are available if you want to extend your stay.

Bring everything you need as there are no stores on the island. The ferry from Pine Island takes about 30 minutes and often includes dolphin sightings. Reservations for the ferry and especially for camping are essential for holiday weekends.

6. Bethune Beach: The Locals-Only Surf Spot

Sandwiched between the more famous New Smyrna Beach and Canaveral National Seashore lies this little-known treasure. I discovered Bethune Beach by accident when trying to escape holiday crowds, and now it’s my go-to Labor Day escape.

The beach sits on a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, offering both sunrise and sunset views. Unlike its neighbors, Bethune rarely gets crowded. The surf breaks are fantastic – local surfers prefer these waves to the more populated spots nearby.

Street parking is free but limited, so arrive early. The lack of high-rises and commercial development gives this beach an old Florida feel. My favorite post-swim tradition: grabbing fresh seafood at JB’s Fish Camp just down the road, where you can watch dolphins play in the river while enjoying your meal.

7. Anne’s Beach: The Florida Keys’ Secret Shallow Paradise

Most people zoom right past Anne’s Beach on their way to Key West, never realizing they’re missing one of the Keys’ best spots. Located at Mile Marker 73.5 on Lower Matecumbe Key, this beach offers something rare in the rocky Keys – a natural sandy beach with incredibly shallow water.

The water stays knee-deep for hundreds of yards offshore, creating a warm, bathtub-like experience perfect for families. A scenic boardwalk connects several small beach areas, with covered picnic tables along the way. My nephew spent an entire Labor Day afternoon catching tiny fish in his bucket here!

Free parking makes this spot even more attractive. The shallow water isn’t great for swimming but creates perfect conditions for wading, kiteboarding, and wildlife spotting. I’ve seen countless colorful fish, sea stars, and even small rays gliding just inches below the crystal-clear surface.