Yearning for swaying palms, sunshine-filled days, and glittering turquoise waters? Trade the daily grind for island vibes by escaping to these postcard-perfect islands scattered along the Florida coastline.
Whether you crave luxury or just easygoing barefoot adventures, you’ll discover hideaways to suit every whim. From the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, here are 12 enchanting islands to add to your must-visit list.
Amelia Island
Just off the northeast tip lies Amelia Island with 13 miles of pristine beaches spanning Fernandina Beach and American Beach. The barrier island strikes an inviting balance of natural beauty and historic small-town charm. Meander the 50-block historic district showcasing turn-of-the-century architecture then collect ancient shark teeth that wash ashore. With a variety of family-friendly resorts, quirky cafes, and abundant wildlife sightings, it makes escaping here a breeze.
Gasparilla Island
On Gasparilla Island found midway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Old Florida is alive and well. Named “The Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World”, serious anglers flock here especially during season from mid-April through July to hook monster tarpon. Otherwise, embrace the slow pace while pedaling the island on beach cruisers stopping to soak in the views of the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse.
Pine Island
Unspoiled and peaceful, Pine Island near Cape Coral delights those seeking to wander off the beaten path. Mosaic Beach dazzles with a shoreline filled with seashells, starfish, and even shark teeth. Or lounge on the sandy beach at Cayo Costa State Park, only accessible by private boat or ferry. At night, revel in unfettered starry skies that shine away from city lights.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands
World-renowned for incredible seashelling, almost 250 varieties accumulate along their beaches. Found off Fort Myers, these two slender barrier islands dazzle visitors with stunning sunsets, exotic wildlife sightings, incredible seafood, and small town warmth. Bike shady island trails or comb the shore collecting whelks, cockles, and delicate angel wings undisturbed thanks to strict preservation. With a bevy of charming inns, B&Bs, and intimate resorts, you may find these islands tough to leave behind!
Anna Maria Island
Just an hour south of Tampa, Anna Maria woos beach lovers with seven idyllic miles of powdery white-sand shoreline and tranquil turquoise waters. Away from high-rise resorts, flip-flop casual reigns with an array of beach cottages and quirky cafes beckoning. Explore mangrove kayak tours, charter sunset sailing trips, or laze the days away toes in the sand people watching as pelicans dive along the pier.
Longboat Key
Stretching 10 miles long but less than a mile wide, Longboat Key hugs Sarasota Bay delivering exclusive resorts, championship golf courses, indulgent spas, fine dining, and flour-soft beaches. With protected preserves and parks covering half the key, natural beauty abounds. For greater solitude, head north to Whitney Beach renowned for abundant seashells, away from the hotel hubbub.
Useppa Island
Surrounded by the waters of Pine Island Sound, private Useppa Island envelopes you in old-world elegance upon first footfall. Catch sight of manatees, dolphins, and osprey as you play a round on the croquet lawn or sip sunset cocktails by the quaint Barbara Sumwalt Museum. With no cars allowed, amble or bike the shell lanes and winding roads circling through lush greenery and grand estates. Accessible only by boat, its air of isolation heightens the island’s mystique and magic.
Cabbage Key
Under swaying palms in Pine Island Sound, welcoming Cabbage Key charms visitors upon pulling up to its historic tin-roofed inn originally built in 1938. Legend claims the famed Jimmy Buffet penned “Cheeseburger in Paradise” sitting seaside out on the inn’s dock. Accessible only by boat, plane, or ferry, you feel deliciously detached from mainland life. Spend lazy hours lounging in Adirondack chairs gazing out on the marina harboring fishing charters or take sanctuary in the hilltop restaurant famous for grilled cheese sandwiches and key lime pie.
Little Gasparilla Island
Adventurous souls looking to unplug revel in the solitude of car-free and care-free Little Gasparilla Island found south of Boca Grande. Arriving by private boat or ferry means the powdery white-sand beaches speckled with seashells stay blissfully uncrowded. Comb the tidepools, try beach yoga, or swing gently in the shade of cabbage palms in your hammock hideout. Stay as long as you like at the island’s quaint palm-thatched cottage resort or anchored just offshore on your sailboat taking in spectactular sunsets.
Cayo Costa State Park
Situated just north of Captiva Island, Cayo Costa captures hearts with nine miles of untouched natural shoreline spanning both the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound. Accessible only by private boat or ferry, the barrier island paradise delights nature lovers and anglers alike. Spot dolphins at sunrise or reel in snook from its world-class fishing waters. With limited amenities, life here follows the rhythms of the sea making it one of Florida’s last true tropical escapes.
Anclote Key
Of Florida’s barrier islands, few remain so unspoiled like Anclote Key Preserve State Park found just offshore Tarpon Springs. Arriving by boat means sharing the idyllic island only with nesting birds, rambling gopher tortoises, and lounging raccoons lapping up the solitude. Snorkel gin-clear waters, explore island nature trails, then camp beachside once ferry day-trippers depart as sundown sets the sky ablaze in brilliant hues.
With this insider guide handy, an unforgettable island escape awaits to restore body and soul. Whether reveling in luxury, adventuring outdoors, or simply relaxing seaside, Florida island life delivers.