Least Crowded Florida Beaches in mid-June
 

My wife and I are looking into going to Florida in mid to late June. We'd like something that is not crowded, clean, and has pretty beaches... it looks like most of these types of beaches would be located on the west coast in the gulf. Here are a few suggestions I've seen. Any personal experiences or recommendations?

Siesta Key
Longboat Key
Sanibel Island

We don't care about nightlife, and would like some activities other than lounging on the beach and people watching. Kayaking, biking, hiking, etc. would be examples... even snorkeling (I'd like to try diving, but never had the chance). It would be nice to keep the price low too. ;)

All 3 have pretty beaches, with Longobat and Siesta Key having the whitesst sand. None will be crowded in June.

You can bike long distances on Longboat and Sanibel Island bike paths. Kayaking in Ding Darling (Sanibel) is lovely. Longboat, IMHO, has a greater choice of restaurants (from St. Armands Circle, to downtown Sarasota, even up to Anna Maria and points in between. The drive is lovely. Sanibel is the most laid back. Most of my recommendations, you may have noticed, leave out Siesta. This is only because I am not all that familiar with it, having driven through a few times and no more. We lived close enough to Longboat to go for the morning or for lunch, and have stayed in Sanibel a few times, so that's where my familiarity lies.

Snorkeling is nothing to write home about in any of these areas, as the Gulf is very sandy...not many places for the little fish to hang out. Shelling of course is one of the more pleasurable activities in all 3 locations, but generally best in Sanibel. There's even a name for the shelling posture...Sanibel Stoop. :) Some people complain that there are too many shells, making beach strolling harder, but we haven't found that to be the case at all.

I honestly think you'd be happy with any of these 3.

We love SeaGrove. The beaches are beautiful and it adjoins Eastern Lake for non-saltwater boating/fishing. It doesn't seem as crowded as SeaSide (where my husband says "the beautiful people" vacation)but is an easy walk/bike there to enjoy the concerts and restaurants.

Is SeaGrove Beach on the panhandle? Just want to make sure we're talking about the same spot.

Carverthree,

What are some activities in SeaGrove. Are there nature trails for hiking and areas for kayaking?

I agree with Sanibel/Captiva. It is a good balance between village and natural beach. You can go get coffee and picnic supplies but still get lost on the beach. That works for me! My all time favorite!

So are there any big differences between Sanibel and Captiva. They're obviously on the same island, but in a different spot.

Is it better to stay near the eastern or western part of the island?

Thanks for everyone's help!

I should also ask - is a rental car necessary on Sanibel? I hate to spend the extra $$ if it isn't.

We could drive (from central Virginia), but it's around 16 hours, and I don't know if we're up to that.

SeaGrove is in the panhandle area along the Beaches of South Walton County (maybe 30 minutes from Destin). There is a really nice hike/bike trail that loops by the lake. There is also a state park close by.. I remember it having lots of plants/foliage but don't remember about the trails. There are kayak rentals/tours in the area. SeaGrove is not very commercial if you're looking for lots of restaurants and shopping. The places are more small, independent spots.

I like Anna Maria much better than any you mention, Beautiful beaches uncrowded, very watery feel, not built up. IMO Sanibel is way overrated, condos, condos, condos , though Ding Darling is wonderful.

I have not personally been to Anna Maria, but my sister who is as picky as I am about the beach and lives in the Tampa area goes to Anna Maria... I think yes you need a car unfortunately...

You need a car in both Anna Maria and Sanibel. Although I love Anna Maria, we'd go for the day only (and still go just for lunch at the Sandbar when we are back in town). I liked Sanibel more for vacation time.

The condos in Sanibel are low rises, it's no Miami Beach! We've stayed at Casa Ybel when in Sanibel, but I've heard good things about Tween Waters in Captiva. Loved their Canoe Club for lunch too, and the otters that played outside just off the porch. Fun. Casa Ybel is a two story group of buildings, all with nice screened porches overlooking the Gulf.

My vote is Sanibel too, have spent time there the past 2 summers, lots of good food, activities (if you want) and quiet beaches. It is nice that the buildings are no higher than 3 or 4 stories(don't remember). We stayed at Kinds Crown condos and worked with Select Vacation Properties.
selectvacationproperties.com. Yes you need a car.

We booked our vacation to Sanibel, and are staying in one of the Moorings condos. Now our worry is that the beaches will be filled with oil by June, but hopefully not.

Sanibel is beautiful - you'll love it! There's a great little restaurant near the light house end of the island called (of course) the Lighthouse Cafe. They have a wonderful breakfast there - we ate there 3 times on our last trip!
Also, if you have a chance plan to have dinner one evening out on captiva island at the Mucky Duck. It's right on the beach with nice sunset views and good seafood. Be prepared though that they are very busy especially in the evenings.

Mid-June in Florida will have temperatures in the 90s, high humidity and thundery afternoon showers. However, all beaches will be quieter. Choose a beach with a constant breeze - Daytona is always windy, as is Fort Myers Beach which is close to Sanibel. Definitely do your research or download a book about best Florida beaches to find somewhere that will meet your need for activities at that time of year.

Two year old post, I think OP has been and come back.

All of them are a good choice, we have just returned from Naples on the West coast & there was hardly anyone on the beach! It was a wonderful holiday with plenty of nature around, we visited Corkscrew swamp Sanctuary, but it had been too dry. If you went to Sanibel etc try Myakka Park. we love the West coast.

Sorry just realised we visited Sanibel & it is Naples end, Sanibel is lovely, but you have to remember that if you want trips away from Sanibel, there is a toll every time. We always used to go to siesta Key or longboat, but have decided now we prefer Naples, but it is all a matter of personal preference.

Cape San Blas, FL in the Panhandle is quieter than any I've seen mentioned.