McIntosh FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near McIntosh, Florida.
1. Sportsmans Cove Resort
TRANQUIL CENTRAL FLORIDA RETREAT
Sportsmans Cove Resort is located in the quaint Victorian town of McIntosh in Central Florida, positioned midway between Ocala and Gainesville. The resort offers water recreation opportunities and serves as a peaceful getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy the scenic waterfront setting while experiencing the charm of this small Central Florida community.
2. Orange Lake
HISTORIC FISHING PARADISE
Orange Lake is a significant freshwater lake located near McIntosh that offers excellent fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The lake spans approximately 12,550 acres and is known for its abundant bass, crappie, and panfish populations that attract anglers year-round. Its cypress-lined shores and diverse ecosystem provide a scenic backdrop for water recreation while supporting a rich variety of birds and wildlife.
3. Hickory Beach
CHARMING NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS
Hickory Beach is a smaller public beach access located within a neighborhood area, designed primarily for walk-up traffic. The beach offers a more intimate and less crowded experience compared to larger public beaches in the region. With limited parking available, this hidden gem provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to enjoy Florida's beautiful coastline without the usual tourist crowds.
4. St. George Island State Park
AWARD-WINNING WHITE SANDS
St. George Island State Park beach, ranked as a Top 10 Beach by Dr. Beach for many years, features nine miles of pristine shoreline making it the second-longest beachfront state park in Florida. The park is renowned for its soft white sand, gentle surf, and softly-sloping bottom that creates an ideal environment for family beach enjoyment. Visitors can access ample parking, picnic pavilions, beach house facilities, and boardwalks while enjoying activities like swimming, sunbathing, and fishing along this spectacular coastline.
5. Bahia Honda State Park
TROPICAL ATLANTIC PARADISE
Bahia Honda State Park provides a slender ribbon of Atlantic oceanfront amid a natural tropical setting in the Florida Keys. The park is famous for its crystal-clear waters, palm-lined beaches, and stunning views of the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in one of Florida's most picturesque coastal environments.
6. Alligator Point Beach
NATURAL COASTAL SANCTUARY
Alligator Point features two main beaches with several public access areas along the shoreline plus two boat ramps on the bay side. This beach destination is perfect for nature lovers seeking a less developed coastal experience with opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and beachcombing. The nutrient-rich waters from the Ochlockonee River create a unique ecosystem where visitors can observe abundant shore birds and marine life among the shallow water oyster beds.
7. Coastal Dune Lakes
RARE ECOLOGICAL WONDER
The Coastal Dune Lakes along the Gulf Coast from Panama City Beach to Destin are rare bodies of water found in only a few places on earth. These unique ecological features exchange freshwater and saltwater at periodic intervals, creating diverse habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and bird watching while experiencing these rare natural phenomena that blend lake and ocean environments.
8. Ormond Beach
HISTORIC RACING SHORES
Ormond Beach features hard-packed sands high in coquina content that historically made it the site of the first auto races in the United States. The beach offers miles of accessible shoreline where visitors can drive, swim, surf, and sunbathe along the Atlantic coast. Its blend of historical significance and recreational opportunities makes it a distinctive destination for both history enthusiasts and beachgoers.
9. Icehouse Studios Waterfront
ARTISTIC RIVERSIDE RETREAT
Icehouse Studios Waterfront offers a unique combination of artistic space and waterfront relaxation near McIntosh. The studio area provides access to nearby water features where visitors can enjoy peaceful surroundings while experiencing local art and culture. This creative waterfront escape represents the blend of natural beauty and artistic expression that characterizes the McIntosh area.
10. Gainesville Lakes
UNIVERSITY TOWN WATERS
Gainesville Lakes include several recreational water bodies near the University of Florida that offer swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities for students and residents. These freshwater destinations provide cool retreats during hot Florida days with accessible shores and facilities. Visitors can enjoy water sports and lakeside relaxation just a short drive from McIntosh in this vibrant college town setting.