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Florida is home to many delicious eateries and restaurants. In that spirit, let's recognize one Florida restaurant that's a best kept secret in the state and beyond. When it comes to eating out, maybe you're someone who sticks to the favorites. I certainly have my favorite spots that I frequent more often than others. But, sometimes it's nice to find a restaurant that's a bit off the beaten path. It's nice to find something new that perhaps other people haven't discovered yet.
Florida Restaurant is a Best Kept Secret
Tasteofhome.com has put together a list of the best small-town restaurants across America. "Our Community Cooks helped us find the country's best small-town restaurants," they state in the article. "Each spot cooks up hearty and delicious food that's beloved by locals and any folks passing through."
If you're wondering about the outlet, I've read Taste of Home magazine for years. They're a great source for recipes and more food-related content. I remember as a kid, getting Taste of Home magazine when it first came out and reading through all the recipes. I loved cooking and baking growing up, so Taste of Home was one of my favorite magazines. The publication got its start in 1993. The idea was to have people across America submit their recipes to share and get published in the magazine. "Taste of Home’s network of home cooks is the heart of the brand," they write on their about page. "Passionate about food and entertaining, they have their own home test kitchens, creating new recipes and sharing the stories behind them with us." They have a team of "Community Cooks," which are home cooks based in the U.S. and Canada who share what they are cooking, so you always get a wide range of different recipes to try. But, if you don't feel like cooking, that's where this Florida restaurant comes in.
Now let's get to the best of the best. What's the best small-town restaurant in Florida and the state's best kept secret? It's Great Southern Café in Santa Rosa Beach. Of the spot, the publication states, "One of the most popular dishes at this seafood restaurant is the Grits à Ya Ya: blackened shrimp, bacon, mushrooms and cream over smoked gouda cheese grits." They add, "One visit to the Great Southern Café and you will be hooked! So, next time you're in the Santa Rose Beach area, give this best kept secret a try.
Summer is here, and it's going to be hot, as always, in Florida. Florida beaches are very popular and fun. But, they can also get crowded. Thankfully, there are some "secret" beaches that are kind of more difficult to find.
If you're looking for some "secret" places to get your beach on in Florida, the crew at Family Destinations Guide has done the research to find you those spots. "We surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to determine the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023," they state in the study.
As it turns out, Florida has four of the top 10 "secret beaches" in America, according to this study. That means they shouldn't be too overcrowded. That's a great thing.
If you're wondering about Family Destinations Guide, they regularly feature "reviews of hotels, resorts, destinations, and attractions your whole family will love. In addition, the site is filled with ideas that will help you plan your next trip. From family trips with infants and children, to excursions with teens and older kids, Family Destinations Guide gives you detailed advice for traveling with kids of all ages." Even if you don't have kids, their content can be useful. For example, these secret beaches can be fun to visit no matter your age. Read on for four Florida spots that made the top 10 of the list and one extra. Find the full list here.
Shell Key Preserve
Shell Key Preserve, Florida is ranked No. 2 on the list. That's amazing! What makes it stand out? According to Family Destinations Guide, "The beach is unspoiled and natural, with no development or buildings, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere."
Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park is ranked No. 6 on the list. According to the official Florida State Parks website, the park "protects some of the most pristine barrier islands in Southwest Florida." It also features "over two miles of sugar-sand beaches."
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is ranked No. 9 on the list. According to the park's official website, "This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands." It's also accessible only by boat or seaplane.
Boneyard Beach
Boneyard Beach is ranked No. 10 on the list. According to the Florida State Parks website, it "is a favorite Jacksonville retreat and close-kept secret." It also offers three miles of shoreline along the Nassau Sound.
Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is ranked No. 13 on the list. According to the Visit Florida website, "Navarre, a compact beach community found just east of Pensacola at the far northwestern tip of the state, beckons with 12 miles of pristine white shoreline."
Source
This study comes from the Family Destination Guide. They surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to find the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023. Find the full list here.
