Are you looking for the best beaches in Florida that are close to Gainesville?
Well, stop right there guys and gills, because The Florida Hipster Blog is here to seas the day.
I have 7 of the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida that are all less than 2 hours away!
So, what are we wading for…let’s get right to it!
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Beaches near Gainesville at a Glance:
- Daytona Beach: Famous for its spring break, it is one of the best Florida beaches to come play all year long and feel young at heart
- Cedar Key: For those who want some downtime away from it all, this is one of the top Florida beaches to find tranquility at the water
- Fort Island Gulf Beach: One of the best Florida beaches for a day out with family or friends with all the amenities you need right on shore
- Jacksonville Beach: Laid back beach town famous for its long golden shoreline that is perfect for ocean walks and collecting small shells along the shore
Keep reading to find out why I love these beaches near Gainesville.
1. St. Augustine Beach (1 hour and 30 minutes)
Not only can St. Augustine boast that it’s the nation’s oldest city but it also has one of the best Florida beaches to visit on the historic coast.
This beach near Gainesville doesn’t typically get too crowded so you are sure to find your own bit of peace here along its sandy shores.
Why St. Augustine Beach is One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida
You will want to give in to pier-pressure and visit St. Augustine Beach Pier Park, it is where so much of the action happens.
Especially on Wednesdays when it is Wednesday Pier Farmers Market from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.
There are food trucks, arts & crafts, local vendors, and best of all it’s pet-friendly!
What to Know Before You Go
Designated areas let you drive right onto the beach for a fee depending on the tide of course.
If the tides aren’t right then there is also lots of parking available.
It’s super convenient with plenty of restrooms and showers available. Pit Surf Shop has skimboards, beach chairs, and bicycles for rent.
And when you start to get hangry you can easily walk to some of the tasty restaurants nearby.
During the summer months, this is the place to go for beachside fun. Music and Art by the Sea running every Wednesday with food trucks, weekly art shows, and live music. So grab your cooler, pack a picnic bring along your favorite comfy chair, and enjoy your summers at the pier.
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2. Flagler Beach (1 hour and 35 minutes)
Load up the pups and bring the whole gang to the beach.
Flagler Beach is pet friendly, unlike many other Florida beaches.
As long as you aren’t downtown near the pier or at their lifeguard stands you and your furry babies can be beach bums all day long.
Why Flagler Beach is One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida
You can find several free parking locations on side streets and 311 N Central Ave, 109 N 5th S, 504 S Oceanshore Blvd, and 113 S 8th S.
Feeling restless then explore all 806 feet of Flagler Beach Municipal Pier and do some bird watching.
And from December to March tis the sea-son for whale watching as they migrate within these waters.
What to Know Before You Go
Bask in the six miles of peaceful shoreline where you can find beachside dining along the way as well as fun little shops downtown to give you a break from the sun.
Plus every Sunday Flagler Beach hosts the European Village Farmer´s Market from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. and is the perfect thing to add to your weekend trip to Flagler Beach.
Flagler Beach has a sea turtle nesting season that runs from May 1st – October 31st when females return to shore to lay their eggs.
If you visit during these months try to remember to crush those sand castles back down and fill up any holes you dug to help the turtles when they try and make their journey to the water.
And obviously don’t leave anything behind that could have them turning back to the water instead of coming to shore to nest.
3. Crystal River/Fort Island Gulf Beach (1 hour and 20 minutes)
Just a short drive from Gainesville and you find all your stresses floating away in the gentle breezes of the Gulf.
Fort Island Gulf Beach is a beautiful little spot to come and spend the day, chasing crabs, enjoying the scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico, and staying until the gorgeous sunsets.
Why Crystal River/Fort Island Gulf Beach is One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida
It’s my favorite place to set my beach chair right out on the water’s shore and unwind with my feet in the water.
The cove shape of the beach keeps the waves at a minimum so you can chill out all day long in the sun.
Plus, it’s the beach that my dad used to take me to a lot when I was a child. There’s also so much of our family history in this Florida beach town.
What to Know Before You Go
Crystal River’s Fort Island Gulf Beach is one of the best Florida beaches for a day out with family or friends.
There are buoys out in the water on the perimeter, covered pavilions for picnics, showers, and restrooms.
All the amenities are right at the shore.
The big long pier is the best part where you walk out on the wooden boardwalk. Some days you can even look out and spot dolphins!
4. Cedar Key (1 hour and 20 minutes)
In less than an hour and a half, you can time warp into the days of Old Florida to Cedar Key’s small fishing village.
Cedar Key’s beach is nice and secluded in the small and charming town.
Why Cedar Key is One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida
For those who want some downtime away from it all, Cedar Key is one of the top Florida beaches to find tranquility at the water.
Here you can escape listening to the sounds of the water with great views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Cedar Key Beach is all about just slowing down in life.
Although small, there are still restrooms, shaded picnic areas, and even a nice park for the kids with a playground.
What to Know Before You Go
Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes can be rented in Cedar Key and easily taken out at the beach to search for wildlife.
The waters almost have a day at the lake feel and bring a zen-like calmness.
5. Horseshoe Beach (1 hour and 30 minutes)
The Horseshoe Beach is a hidden gem in Dixie County taking on the name of “Florida’s Last Frontier.”
This is one of the best beaches near Gainesville if you are looking for a laid-back, chill atmosphere with fishing village-friendly vibes.
Why Horseshoe Beach is One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida
Drop a line and stay awhile, fishing lovers will be hooked on Horseshoe Beach.
It’s a popular spot for both offshore and inshore fishing and Horseshoe Beach Marina has everything you could need.
What to Know Before You Go
Sitting out at the docks at Horseshoe Beach is worth the trip in itself. It’s nature’s medicine for stress relief and a retreat from city life.
There’s lots of good old-fashioned fun to have.
From a waterfront park, horseshoe crab hunting, kayaking, an afternoon picnic, and camping.
It’s a quiet day at the water, taking a break from all the popular tourist destinations and into the natural beauty of this small Floridian village.
6. Jacksonville Beach (1 hour and 30 minutes)
This Florida Beach Town is a laid-back beach town famous for its golden shoreline.
The long stretch of beach is a favorite for ocean walks and collecting small shells along the shore.
Why Jacksonville Beach is One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida
The pier is free to walk out on and is a peaceful place to explore.
Here you can watch the surfers and seabirds out in the waves and enjoy seeing people out fishing.
Get More Gainesville travel planning tips right here!
What to Know Before You Go
Jacksonville Beach is super relaxed and a chill town to rent a bike and cruise around.
But you can also find a lot of water activities if you are an outdoor enthusiast.
There’s tubing, boarding, wakeboarding, and of course body surfing.
Plus, you can always find a friendly game of beach volleyball going on.
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7. Daytona Beach (2 hours)
Daytona Beach is famous for its spring break, but it is one of the best Florida beaches to come play all year long and feel young at heart.
They are also famous for hosting one of the largest rock music festivals in Florida during May at the Daytona International Speedway.
This four-day event features over 90 artists and is the ultimate of all Florida festivals for music lovers. You can camp and rock and roll all weekend long.
Why Daytona Beach is One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida
When you’re done hanging ten riding the ocean waves, the iconic 1,000 feet Daytona Beach Pier is the best way to see all the action around.
This beach near Gainesville is jam-packed with activities to enjoy after enjoying 23 miles of a white sandy beach area. There are great spots to dive into local seafood, beach bars, and even a cute downtown area with fun shops to pick up that Florida souvenir.
What to Know Before You Go
The hard-packed sands of Daytona Beach are awesome for driving right out onto the beach.
There are specific beach access points and the cost is $20 for the day.
If not, you can always choose to use the metered parking or there is $10 parking nearby.
Pedestrian access is free to the beach but half the fun is the tradition of driving out onto the world-famous beach just like in the days of yesteryear.
Get up to 67% off of the Daytona Beach attractions with Groupon TODAY!
My Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida
For families, foodies, partygoers, and kids from all over the country, these beaches won’t disappoint on your next trip to Gainesville, Florida.
I can’t recommend enough to you the Florida coastline for all of your summer, sun, and beach needs this year.
And as you can see, all these Florida beach towns are less than 2 hours away from Gainesville.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
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About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
(Original Article Date: April 12, 2023/Updated by Editor on April 10, 2024)