Caribbean calling? Southern Living lists 20 Florida beaches for tropical getaway without hassle

Is the Caribbean calling you?

If you want a Caribbean-style vacation but world events are making you a little hesitant to leave the United States, Southern Living offered 20 Florida locations that give you beaches, "quaint beach towns" and plenty of wildlife.

In the days following U.S. strikes in Iran, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide cautionary advisory for U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased vigilance amid the ongoing Israel-Iran war.

Here are the top locations selected by Southern Living, with no passport required and within a day's drive no matter where you live in Florida.

20 Florida beaches that could pass for the Caribbean

"Find a slice of ocean-lapped sand that speaks to you. Whether you seek gorgeous water, quaint beach towns, abundant wildlife, or a mix of all three, you'll discover an oceanfront spot that tempts you to extend your vacation a little bit longer," Southern Living said.

Here are its Top 20 Florida picks:

• Bahia Honda State Park
• Blind Pass Beach
• Caladesi Island
• Captiva Island 
• Cayo Costa Island
• Cocoa Beach
• Dry Tortugas National Park 
• Fort De Soto Park
• Grayton Beach 
• Honeymoon Island
• Inlet Beach
• Islamorada
• Keewaydin Island 
• Crandon Park
• Melbourne Beach
• Perdido Key
• Sanibel Island
• Siesta Key
• St. Augustine Beach
• Vero Beach

Where are the Florida getaways that may remind you of the Caribbean?

What did Southern Living have to say about its 20 picks? We break it down by region.

Southern Living's 'Caribbean' picks in Florida Panhandle

The Flatwoods Trail at Grayton Beach State Park offers a scenic walk through open pine woods. [DEVON RAVINE/DAILY NEWS]

• Grayton Beach: "Decidedly less under-the-radar than many of the destinations on this list, Grayton Beach is located halfway between Destin and Panama City, but feels worlds away once your umbrella is staked along the one-mile stretch of powdery sand. Lush dunes create a beautiful natural barrier for the beach, but trust us, you'll want to see what's on the other side: three coastal dune lakes, a rare natural phenomenon occurring in only a few places worldwide."
• Inlet Beach: Inlet Beach "features four snorkeling reefs and wide beaches for relaxing. Stake out your spot in the soft sand early in the day for the best views of the turquoise waters, then stay 'til sunset, when the place is at its most breathtaking."
• Perdido Key: "Perdido Key is a go-to getaway for those in the know. This island has long been a destination for families seeking solace from touristy cities as well as easy access to nature. Credit its appeal to white-sand beaches, emerald waters, and proximity to Big Lagoon State Park, Perdido Key State Park, and Johnson's Beach."

Southern Living's 'Caribbean' picks along Florida's East Coast

Easter sunrise service at the end of Minutemen Causeway in Cocoa Beach with the Club Zion Praise Band playing from the deck of Coconuts and Pastor Keith Capizzi speaking to the crowd.

• Cocoa Beach: "Though it's an easy drive from some of Florida's most popular attractions, Cocoa Beach feels worlds away from the touristy hustle-and-bustle. Visit this laid-back locale to find quiet beaches, surf shacks, and a nostalgic seaside pier with entertainment and eats. Just south of Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, it's a lesser-traveled vacation destination that doesn't disappoint with its expansive Atlantic views and diverse wildlife." 
• Melbourne Beach: "Melbourne Beach is a low-key destination with wide sandy beaches that will tempt you spread out your towel and never leave. Find a few laid-back restaurants and lodging options in town, as well as bait-and-tackle shops where you can stock up for weekend fishing jaunts. At least one night of your trip, take your fish and chips to go, and head to the pier for a memorable sunset."
• St. Augustine Beach: "This small oceanside town is located on Anastasia Island, a pristine wildlife haven, and offers broad Atlantic beaches perfect for wandering. Don't miss the nearby Ocean Hammock Park, a green space with a nature trail that's also a nesting place for sea turtles, or the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, where you can cast your lines into the sea."
• Vero Beach: "Vero Beach is the best of all worlds. To access this Atlantic town's picturesque sands, you'll have to cross a bridge over the Indian River Lagoon, but the journey is worth it: You'll be rewarded with clean beaches and waters so blue they could be mistaken for the Caribbean. Nature lovers will find an abundance of places to explore: Nearby McKee Botanical Garden brims with tropical plants (look for water lilies blooming in its streams), while Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge serves as a home for brown pelicans and other migrating avians."

Southern Living's 'Caribbean' picks in South Florida

An aerial view of Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west of Key West on February 7, 2022.

• Bahia Honda State Park: This location "has all the Caribbean credentials: crystal-clear water, white-sand beaches, and plenty of breezy palm trees. This gem is one of Florida's southernmost state parks, with flora and fauna that originated in the Caribbean. In other words, it's about as close to the cerulean sea as you can get. Transparent water equals top-notch snorkeling, and with its panoramic views, the old bridge from Henry Flagler's historic Overseas Railroad is perfect for sunset photos."
• Dry Tortugas National Park: "Situated almost 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is the gateway to the western Caribbean. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, the park is roughly 99 percent open water (really!), vibrantly blue, and filled with stunning coral reefs. On the second largest of the seven remote islands, historic Fort Jefferson stands like a sentinel over the sand." 
• Islamorada: "Expect blue skies and bluer waters on this stunning stretch of sand. Nestled on the coasts of Islamorada, a village in the Florida Keys, are a series of secluded beaches that attract saltwater fishermen from all over the world. Check out kid-friendly Anne's Beach for a shallow swimming area with calm water. For a quieter spot, try Library Beach Park, which faces a channel of mangroves."
• Crandon Park in Key Biscayne: "This flawless beach off the coast of Miami is hardly a secret. But its "discovered" status only adds to its intrigue: The island's picturesque Crandon Park, once a coconut plantation, has provided many a backdrop for modeling photo shoots, TV commercials, and magazines. The key is to go on a weekday when crowds are thin, so your only company will be hundreds of towering palm trees and lush tropical flora."

Southern Living's 'Caribbean' picks along Florida's West Coast

Special to The News-PressFrom left, Wang Qiaoxue of Qatar Airways and Zhang Yu with Air Traveler Magazine sample shelling on Cayo Costa Island, during Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau familiarization tour for travel journalists from China.

• Blind Pass: "Head to Manasota Key to discover this well-kept Gulf Coast secret. Although it's a narrow stretch of sand, Blind Pass has all the beachgoer's favorites: a bayside lagoon, emerald waters, and a launch for kayaks and canoes. You'll find plenty of spots to cast a line among salt-sprayed mangroves, and the shores are often dotted with shark's teeth, shells, and sand dollars." 
• Caladesi Island: "An unspoiled paradise, Caladesi Island is located in the blue-green waters of the Gulf of America. "Since the spot is only accessible by boat, you'll have to take the daily ferry, but we don't think you'll mind: The boat trip only enhances the far-flung island vibes.  Soak in the natural beauty by paddling through mangrove tunnels, shelling during low tide, or touring the Scharrer homestead."
• Captiva Island: "Funky, quirky Captiva Island has a distinctly artsy vibe — exactly the kind you expect to find in the Caribbean — and the beaches are pure perfection."
• Cayo Costa Island: "A former fishing ground for the Calusa Indians, Cayo Costa Island has nearly nine miles of undeveloped shoreline with rich history and sugary beaches. Several Native American shell mounds are located on the barrier island, making it an archaeologist's paradise. Accessible only by boat and totally off the grid, the "Key by the Coast" is now a state park with campsites and rustic cabins."
• Fort De Soto State Park: "Five interconnected islands make up picturesque Fort De Soto Park. While the beaches tend to get crowded on peak-season weekends, large swaths of immaculate sand are wide open during weekdays and during the off-season. When beachgoers are scant, you'll see plenty of sand dollars, shore birds, and dolphins in this unique location."
• Honeymoon Island: "Honeymoon Island is one of Florida's most beloved state parks — and not just among newlyweds. It's completely pristine with Caribbean-esque white sand and jade water. The ideal time to visit is on a less busy weekday, allowing you to plop down in the sand and witness a spectacular sunset with a lively crowd of pelicans, osprey, eagles, and great horned owls."
• Keewaydin Island: "Although in-the-know locals flock here on the weekends, most beach connoisseurs don't even realize this pristine seven-mile stretch of paradise exists. A barrier island located between Marco Island and Naples, Keewaydin Island is mostly undeveloped land, lending the spot a remote vibe you'll love. Since there are no roads, cars, or bridges, you'll need to a boat to get around. Take a trip to Rookery Bay, one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America, or watch for wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, wild boars, and bobcats."
• Sanibel Island: "Anyone who's an avid beachgoer knows that Sanibel Island is the undisputed shelling capital of North America. The waters of this Gulf of Mexico isle offer up more than 250 different kinds of shells, making it a worthy rival for almost any Caribbean destination."
• Siesta Key: "This 8-mile-long barrier island entices with quartz-sand beaches and sparkling Gulf water. Near the shoreline, the shallow waters look bright green and aquamarine, but as they unfurl farther out, they deepen to cobalt blue. But the beauty is only one part of the draw: This tropical key is an easy place to keep the whole family entertained, thanks to tennis and volleyball courts, beachside concession stands, and year-round lifeguards."