10 Best Islands In Florida For Any Kind Of Getaway
Set your watch to island time.
Whether planning a family-friendly vacation or stealing away for a romantic getaway, the Sunshine State has a dizzying array of island destinations with spectacular scenery and plenty to do. And if you're simply looking for a sunny spot where you can sink your toes in the sand, what better place to do that than an island? With more than 4,000 islands anchored around the state's expansive coast, you'll certainly have your pick of the lot when considering a vacation destination. For this list, we share 10 of our favorites that each have a distinct personality, from Sanibel's easygoing shelling beaches to Gasparilla's old-school resort atmosphere. Keep reading to find the right island for your dream getaway.
Amelia Island
Just a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville, this barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean makes the most of its 13 miles of beaches. At Amelia Island State Park, explore 200 acres of coastal maritime forests, salt marshes, and beaches. It's also the only state park that offers horseback riding on the beach. For a luxury experience, book your stay at the oceanfront Omni Amelia Island Resort, which offers nine on-site restaurants and two first-class golf courses. Finally, for a taste of Old Florida, head to Fernandina Beach, home to restaurants, shops, art galleries, and The Palace Saloon, Florida's oldest bar. Don't miss the Pirate Punch, a nod to the beach town's colorful history of seafaring criminals and smugglers.
Anna Maria Island
Sandwiched by the still blue waters of Anna Maria Sound on one side and the sparkling cerulean of the Gulf of Mexico on the other, this picturesque spot is home to three friendly towns, each with its own personality: foodie-friendly Anna Maria, throwback Holmes Beach, and salty Bradenton Beach. Even with its beach town charmers, the island's seven miles of pristine white-sand beaches are undoubtedly the main draw. Head to Manatee Public Beach for a family outing. It has a playground and picnic tables onsite. Or, for a decidedly quieter, more romantic experience, head to Bean Point Beach, known for its sunset views.
Gasparilla Island
Head to this slender link in the chain of Gulf barrier islands to experience Old Florida charm at its finest. Tour the circa-1890 Port Boca Grande Lighthouse at Gasparilla Island State Park, then go for a swim or snorkel in the aquamarine waters. In the winter months, shelling is outstanding here. When you're ready to shake off the sand, don your resort evening wear for dinner at The Pink Elephant at the beloved and historic Gasparilla Inn & Club, recently reimagined by celebrated Palm Beach design firm Kemble Interiors. (Pro tip: If you go in December, you'll get to see their glittering holiday displays.)
Key Biscayne
Though it's just across a causeway from Miami's hustle and bustle, this bitty island in southern Florida feels worlds away, thanks to two large parks with protected beaches and access to the glittering Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The powdery shoreline at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, also home to a historic lighthouse, is often ranked in the top 10 best beaches in the country. It's also just across the bay from Biscayne National Park, which has the only federally recognized underwater archaeological trail in the United States.
Key Largo
Perched at the tippy top of the Florida Keys, the first of the Keys is the gateway to all the fun Highway 1 has to offer. But that's not the only superlative it can claim: Key Largo is also referred to as the Dive Capital of the World, as it's situated by the second largest artificial reef in the country, as well as the country's first undersea state park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which can be explored either through glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
Sanibel Island
The fishhook-shaped island off Fort Myers and Cape Coral coast is a natural treasure. Nearly 70% of its 17,000 acres are protected, and you won't find high rises or rush-hour traffic here. With 25 miles of bike paths, there's no shortage of ways to explore this idyllic isle, which is also home to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the nation. The main event on the island, though, is shelling. The spot has become so well-known for the hobby that there's even a trademarked term for the treasure hunters' hunched-over position—the Sanibel Stoop.
St. George Island
Just as its location on Florida's so-called Forgotten Coast suggests, this slice of Panhandle paradise flies under the radar—and locals and long-time vacationers like it that way. The unspoiled beaches of St. George Island State Park are ideal for a day on the sand. Sea turtles love it here too. Watch for their nests (and don't disturb them!). If you want to bring your four-legged friend along, head to St. George Island Public Beach, which is pet-friendly year-round. See the island's beauty from a birds-eye view by climbing to the top of Cape St. George Light. Then, when you get home and are missing the scenery, take a peek at the live cam stream.
Little Torch Key
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
A bucket list Florida destination, Little Torch Key is the type of place you dream about going for years and then reminisce on for decades after you've finally visited. Splurge for a week at one of Little Palm Island Resort & Spa's 30 thatched-roof bungalows, and you'll quickly forget you're just off the coast of Florida rather than at some far-flung Caribbean island. As the only private island resort in the country, every luxury is at your fingertips here, from a world-class spa to excellent dining to Hobie Cat sailers you can take out for the day.
Key West
It's impossible to talk about Florida islands without mentioning one of its most iconic. The final in the 120-mile string of islands known as the Florida Keys, Key West is known for a lot of things: Key lime pie, the famous Key West lighthouse at the southernmost point in the U.S., and Ernest Hemingway's home to name just a few of its hot spots. While you'll have plenty to fill your days in this buzzy island town, the nights are just as fun. Start by joining the crowds to take in (and applaud!) the sunset at Mallory Square, then head to dinner and follow the sound of live music to a bar like the Chart Room at the Pier House Resort & Spa.
Peanut Island
It's hard to imagine that bustling South Florida has a secret island, but while locals know about Peanut Island, few visitors have heard of it. Located in Palm Beach County, Peanut Island is an 80-acre sanctuary and a favorite spot for local boaters. In the 1960s, this lesser-known island was home to a nuclear bunker for President John F. Kennedy. Today families anchor vessels surrounding the island for a fun-filled day of swimming and snorkeling.
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