7 Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida (Less Than 2 Hours Away)

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!

The Avalon Hotel in Clearwater Gulf of Mexico beach View from the balcony with Pirate ship. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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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.  

St. Augustine Beach with families playing on the sand. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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. 

Castillo de San Marcos St. Augustine with NikkyJ. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

Especially on Wednesdays when it is Wednesday Pier Farmers Market from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. 

Whetstone Chocolate of St Augustine Florida. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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. 

St Augustine Beach Florida Shoreline. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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. 

St Augustine Night Skyline. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

And when you start to get hangry you can easily walk to some of the tasty restaurants nearby. 

Get up to 67% off of the St. Augustine tours and attractions with Groupon TODAY!

2. Flagler Beach (1 hour and 35 minutes)

Load up the pups and bring the whole gang to the beach. 

Flagler Beach in Florida. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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. 

Rocky area of Flagler Beach on the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

Feeling restless then explore all 806 feet of Flagler Beach Municipal Pier and do some bird watching. 

Northern Right Whale Watching in Flagler Beach, Florida. One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida

And from December to March tis the sea-son for whale watching as they migrate within these waters. 

What to Know Before You Go 

Flagler Beach has a sea turtle nesting season that runs from May 1st – October 31st when females return to shore to lay their eggs. 

Sea Turtles nesting and hatching on the coast of Flagler Beach, Florida. One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida

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. 

Flagler Beach Fishing Pier. One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida

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. 

Crystal River Florida Three Sisters Springs Drone Shot. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.
Three Sisters Springs

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.

Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River, Florida Pier. One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida

The cove shape of the beach keeps the waves at a minimum so you can chill out all day long in the sun. 

Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River, Florida Fishing Pier. One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida

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. 

Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River, Florida barriers in the water. One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida

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 Florida Boardwalk. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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 that want some downtime away from it all, Cedar Key is one of the top Florida beaches to find tranquility at the water. 

Cedar Key Fishing Town in Florida with Crab Traps. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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. 

Sunset at Cedar Key on the Gulf of Mexico Side of Florida. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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.” 

Horseshoe Beach, Florida on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida

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. 

Boat on lift at Horseshoe Beach - Dixie County, Florida. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.
1982 Boat on lift at Horseshoe Beach – Dixie County, Florida (State Archives of Florida/Norwood)

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.

Quiet Horseshoe Beach, Florida. One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida

There’s lots of good old-fashioned fun to have. 

From a waterfront park, horseshoe crab hunting, kayaking, an afternoon picnic, and camping. 

Horseshoe crab in the shallow waters of Horseshoe Beach, Florida. One of the Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida

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. 

Welcome to Jacksonville Beach sign. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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.

Jacksonville Beach with bird in the sky and pier. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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. 

Parking hours at Jacksonville Beach. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

Plus, you can always find a friendly game of beach volleyball going on. 

Get up to 63% off of the Jacksonville Beach tours and attractions with Groupon TODAY!

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.

Daytona Beach Coastline. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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. 

Daytona Beach Florida Skyline with Ferris Wheel. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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. 

Daytona Beach World’s Most Famous Beach Sign in Florida. Keep reading to get the best beaches near Gainesville, Florida.

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.

7 Best Beaches Near Gainesville, Florida
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And as you can see, all these Florida beach towns are less than 2 hours away from Gainesville.

Until next time, Happy Florida Travels!

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