Florida, which is famous for its enormous theme parks (also known as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios), as well as its bustling towns, provides residents as well as visitors with a pleasant variety of places to go and things to do. Among these top-notch experiences, a trip to the Florida Islands, which are home to some of the most stunning and picture-perfect beaches in the United States, has got to be one of the most satisfying things a person can do in the Florida islands.
Because there are so many amazing Florida islands from which to pick, it might be difficult to determine which one to visit first. As a result, we are always here to assist you! On this list, you’ll find the right destination for whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s a quiet private island to spend some time relaxing on or a place that’s brimming with allure and culture.
Florida islands vacations: The Top Best Islands in Florida to Visit
1. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is the most northern of the barrier islands that are located off the shore of Florida’s Atlantic coastline. It is also the most southern of the Sea Islands. The island’s length is roughly 13 miles, and at its broadest point, it is around 4 miles wide. It is found in Nassau County. The island is home to several different villages, including Fernandina Beach, Amelia City, and American Beach, among others.
Amelia Island, which has been dubbed one of the most charming places in the United States, provides visitors with opulent resorts, golf courses, and a multitude of sandy beaches, including Main Beach Park, which is home to broad walks, public sports, and recreation facilities. Discover the magnificent rivers, marshes, and greenways that the island has to offer, and become one with the natural world!
2. Sanibel Island
Sanibel is both an island and a city in Lee County, and also known as one of the best islands in Florida. It is also a barrier island, which means that it is made up of a collection of sand on the windward side of Pine Island, which is made up of more substantial coral rock. You will never find yourself bored in this location because of the 15 miles of pristine beaches, the 25 miles of bike trails, the 50 species of fish, the 230 species of birds, and the 250 species of shells.
You have the option of going bird viewing, fishing, or shelling, as well as on one of the many nature trips. Those who are interested in sports will be drawn to the opportunity to play golf and tennis, as well as hire bikes and ride along the gorgeous bike trails.
This is the ideal destination for your holiday, regardless of whether you want a family adventure, a romantic retreat, or a peaceful sojourn in the great outdoors.
3. Pine Island
On the southwestern tip of the Florida, peninsula is where you’ll find the state’s largest island, Pine Island. The 118th largest island in the United States, it can be found in Lee County and holds the position of 118th overall.
It is said to be the best island in Florida for couples. Visitors from all over the country are drawn to this remote island because of its peaceful, easy-going character, its abundant opportunities for excellent fishing, and its lush natural environment. Canoeing and kayaking are fun activities that may be enjoyed to the fullest in the rivers of Matlacha Pass and the Pine Island Aquatic Preserve. In addition, there are mangroves on the island, as well as three aquatic preserves, acres of palm and tropical plant groves, and fruit orchards.
Pine Island is known throughout the state of Florida for having some of the best fishing chances and is also a refuge for birdwatchers.
Read More- California Islands: some of the best islands off the coast of California
4. Gasparilla Island
The barrier island known as Gasparilla Island can be found in the southwestern part of Florida, straddling the county line between Charlotte and Lee. The Gasparilla Island State Park may be found in the municipality of Boca Grande, which is also the island’s main settlement. During the early 20th century, the island developed into a notable tourist destination, in addition to having a big role in Florida’s mythology (it is linked to the pirate Gasparilla, José Gaspar), which dates back to its history.
Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and observing nature are just some of the activities that are available. Shelling along the Gulf of Mexico is also a popular activity, and it is especially rewarding during the winter months. When you become hungry, you can stop at one of the two picnic sites, which are located at the Sandspur and the Boca Grande Lighthouse. Both of these areas provide shady pavilions as well as picturesque views of the sea in the vicinity.
The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1890, now serves as the location of a museum that is available to the general public and should not be missed.
5. Anna Maria Island
In addition to being a barrier island, Anna Maria Island is located off the coast of Manatee County in Florida. It is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the western side, Longboat Pass on the southern side, Anna Maria Sound on the eastern side, and Tampa Bay on the northern side. In addition, its length from north to south is approximately 7 kilometers.
The island has traditionally been famous for the sugar-white beaches that line its shoreline, the emerald green and blue waters of the Gulf, and its charming commercial areas. Because of its breathtaking sunrises over Tampa Bay and its picture-perfect sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, this destination is a top choice for vacations among travelers from all over the world, including those from the United States and Canada. When you unwind and enjoy watching the dolphins and manatees in the water, you will feel as though you are being encircled by the lush vegetation of the tropical setting.
There is always something to do on Anna Maria Island because it is one of the greatest islands for couples. This is true regardless of whether you are a newlywed couple on your honeymoon or an experienced adventure traveler.
6. The Island of Captiva
It is common to practice to group Captiva Island with its adjacent island of Sanibel, which is situated further to the south. Captiva Island may be found close to Fort Myers, just off the coast of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
And just like Sanibel, this island is all about the great outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for things like sailing, birdwatching, biking, and other water sports. Many visitors have described their time on the island as having a surreal or mystical quality to it. Everything is possible in this area, from coming across a gigantic frog on Captiva Island to dining at a restaurant that celebrates Christmas all through the year.
You won’t want to miss out on Captiva Island, which is a sliver of land that is tucked away against the southwestern coast of the state.
7. Siesta Key
Another barrier island located off the southwestern coast of Florida is called Siesta Key. It is situated between Roberts Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and a piece of it sits within the city boundary of Sarasota, despite the fact that the majority of the key is located within Sarasota County. Moreover, it is home to a number of wildlife species.
The island is well-known for its beaches composed of sand. For instance, Siesta Beach, which can be found in close proximity to the restaurants and boutiques of Siesta Key Village, is equipped with tennis courts, a playground, and shallow waves. Other beaches, such as Crescent Beach, offer access to Point of Rocks and the limestone outcroppings, tidal pools, and coral reefs that are located in the immediate vicinity. In addition, there is Turtle Beach to the south, which is equipped with boat ramps and picnic spots.
You could spend your entire holiday visiting these breathtaking beaches, and you would never find yourself experiencing traveler’s boredom.
8. The Island of Marco
Twenty miles to the south of Naples in Collier County, Florida, in the United States of America is where you’ll find the tiny sea island or barrier island known as Marco Island. The United States’ Gulf Coast features Marco Island as one of its destinations. This land mass is the largest and the only one that has been developed among the Florida Ten Thousand Islands, which are a chain of islands and mangrove islets located off the coast of southwest Florida.
In addition to being home to some of the most well-known resort hotels, beaches, marinas, and golf courses in the area, South Marco Beach also features an extensive network of interior waterways. In addition, it is the location of Tigertail Beach Park, which features a tidal lagoon and is a popular spot for paddle boarding and kayaking.
The warm weather of the tropics and the island’s close closeness to the water are also big draws.
9. St. George Island
The 28-mile-long St. George Island is one of the remaining inhabited yet pristine barrier islands in Florida and is located just off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Northern Florida. This island is a tranquil and pet-friendly holiday destination!
St. George Island is routinely ranked as having one of the best beaches in the United States. It features miles of uncrowded stretches ideal for sunbathing and shelling, as well as pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico that are ideal for swimming and fishing. Its unspoiled marshes make for excellent opportunities to see local fauna.
Because of the low-density zoning and stringent building standards on St. George Island, the island is home to a peaceful beach village that does not have any high-rises or chain retailers. It is entirely up to you whether you wish to stay at one of the two hotels or inns on the island, a multi-story luxury beach property with many stories, or a simple beach hut!
10. The Island of Key West
The island that is home to Key West can be found in the Florida Straits. Together with Dredgers Key, Fleming Key, Sunset Key, and the northern section of Stock Island, it is considered to be a part of the archipelago that makes up the Florida Keys. All of these keys and part of Stock Island come together to form the city of Key West.
It is the southernmost point of Florida and measures around 4 miles in length, 1 mile in width, and has a total land area of 4.2 square miles. It is located approximately 90 miles north of Cuba.
It is a popular stop for cruise ships due to the pastel colors and conch-style architecture of its homes, and it is also accessible from the mainland through the Overseas Highway. More so than its beaches, it’s famous for the scuba diving locations and coral reefs that can be found there. Do not pass up this opportunity!
