Home to incredible beaches, enormous amusement parks and several exciting cities, it is easy to see the appeal of the Sunshine State. While big cities like Orlando and Miami are top travel spots, you’ll miss out if you don’t also explore some of the best islands in Florida.
From coastal isles that are off the beaten track to bustling destinations closer to Cuba than Miami, these are some of the top islands worth visiting while in Florida. Surprisingly, all are accessible via one or more bridges, an unusual but fantastic advantage for those coming by car.
17. Longboat Key
Longboat Key stretches between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, just off Florida’s west coast. It’s about 12 miles long, home to around 7,500 people, and feels a world away from the usual tourist crush. The beaches here? White sand, and usually not crowded. The whole island feels more relaxed than Florida’s flashier beach spots.
Kayak the calm waters, cast a fishing line, or spot birds doing their thing. If you’re into golf, you’ll find a few courses waiting for you. Shops and restaurants dot the main streets, so you can grab a bite or poke around. The Mote Science Education Aquarium sits nearby if you’re curious about local sea life.
It’s an easy drive over the bridge from Sarasota. Longboat Key gives you that mellow beach vibe, but you’re still close to city perks if you want them.
16. Cedar Key
Cedar Key hangs off the Nature Coast of North Central Florida and honestly feels like stepping into another era. Forget high-rise hotels or jammed beaches—this is a tiny fishing village with fewer than 1,000 residents and a super laid-back charm.
You can wander the walkable downtown, past old buildings and art galleries. It’s actually Florida’s second oldest town, so there’s a lot of history mixed with those coastal vibes. State Road 24 winds you across a handful of little islands before you hit the main drag.
Cedar Key is great for families and dog lovers who want to chill out without elbowing through crowds. Fish, rent a kayak, or just watch the birds along the shore. The place kind of insists you slow down and soak up Old Florida, no rushing required.
15. Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key stands out as one of the quieter corners in the Florida Keys. You won’t run into the nightlife or crowds you’d find on some of the other islands.
The island got its name from the pine trees that used to cover it. Hurricanes have taken a lot of them, but the natural beauty here still grabs you. You can visit the National Key Deer Refuge and, if you’re lucky, spot the endangered Key deer roaming around. They’re only found here—pretty cool, right?
The waters around Big Pine Key are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Looe Key Reef sits nearby, loaded with coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Beaches and parks on the island are family-friendly and mostly low-key.
14. St. George Island
St. George Island runs for 22 miles along Florida’s Forgotten Coast in the Gulf of Mexico. No high-rises here—just quiet beaches and a vibe that feels far from the usual Florida rush.
The beaches stay pretty wild and uncrowded. Spend your days beachcombing, watching for wildlife, or just soaking up the sun with plenty of space. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is worth a visit. You’ll find miles of untouched beach and hiking trails weaving through bay forests and salt marshes.
Seafood shacks serve up fresh catches with a view of the water. If you’re into history, the Cape St. George Lighthouse is a cool stop while you’re exploring.
13. Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island sits just off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Dunedin, and it’s one of the last totally undeveloped barrier islands around. Getting there takes a little effort—you’ll need to hop the ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park, paddle a kayak, or show up in your own boat.
There are three miles of white sand beaches and not a hotel or road in sight. It’s just natural Florida, plain and simple. Swim in clear water, stroll shady trails under Australian pines, or kayak the mangrove tunnels. Fishing from shore is a local favorite too.
Dr. Beach has named Caladesi America’s number one beach more than once. If you’re staying in Clearwater or Tampa Bay, it makes for a pretty memorable day trip.
12. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park sits about 70 miles west of Key West, way out in the Gulf of Mexico. Not many people make the trip—just around 84,000 showed up in 2023, making it one of the least visited national parks in the U.S.
The park covers 100 square miles, but honestly, almost all of that is water. Only seven tiny islands poke above the surface, so if you’re hoping for sprawling land, well, this isn’t the place. Most folks come to see Fort Jefferson—a huge old fortress with a weathered lighthouse you can actually walk through.
Getting out here takes some effort. You’ll need to catch a ferry or hop on a seaplane from Key West. Still, it’s hard to argue with what you get in return. The snorkeling? Absolutely beautiful, with clear turquoise water, sea turtles drifting by, and colorful fish everywhere. If you like beaches, the white sand feels almost untouched. Bird watchers seem to love it too—migrating species drop in all the time, so you never really know what you’ll spot.
11. Key Biscayne
Off the coast of Miami, and just south of Miami Beach, is the barrier island known as Key Biscayne. Although it is close to the hustle and bustle of Miami, it is primarily a quiet residential area. Key Biscayne is a fantastic place to get active and enjoy the warmth of Southern Florida.
Enjoy the three-mile stretch of white sand at Crandon Park, or make your way to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area for kayaking and a tour of the local lighthouse. There are also miles of paved pathways to enjoy activities like jogging, cycling and rollerblading with views of the water.
10. Gasparilla Island
Gasparilla Island is a small barrier island on Florida’s western coast. Although close to cities like Port Charlotte and Cape Coral, Gasparilla Island boasts a far more relaxed atmosphere. Named for a Spanish pirate that once lived on the island, Gasparilla is one of the few places where you can still experience old Florida.
On Boca Grande Beach, take a morning stroll and dip your toes into the cool ocean water. The very southern tip of the island is home to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, which was first lit in 1890. If you’re interested in birdwatching, then a ride along the Boca Grande Bike Trail will definitely be memorable.
9. Siesta Key
Just off the coast of Sarasota is Siesta Key, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Much of Siesta Key is white sand beach, and its 8-mile long public beach is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States.
Many people who come to Siesta Key come specifically for the beach, and there is no better way to spend the day than soaking up the sun and going for a dip in the ocean. Up and down Ocean Boulevard, you can dine at independent eateries, grab drinks at local bars or just shop for souvenirs.
8. Key Largo
As you head south of Miami and begin exploring the Florida Keys, one of the first you’ll see is Key Largo. As the first major stop in the Florida Keys, many visitors bypass Key Largo on their way further south. However, Key Largo is also worth a longer stop.
If you’re into scuba diving, in particular, then Key Largo is absolutely somewhere you’ll want to spend some time. Head to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for scuba diving and snorkeling, or join a guided tour to head further off the coast.
7. Anna Maria Island
South of Tampa and St. Petersburg is another barrier island in Florida, known as Anna Maria Island. Once again, the big draw to Anna Maria is access to the beautiful beaches. Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach are two top picks for anyone eager to do some swimming or just build castles in the sand.
Anna Maria Island has also tried to preserve much of its history and architecture and provides an “Old Florida” feel. A visit to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society can be a great way to learn about the Timucuan Indians that inhabited the area as well as the subsequent Spanish settlers.
6. Captiva Island
Captiva Island hangs just off the Fort Myers coast and serves up a laid-back beach scene. The Gulf views are gorgeous, and the sunsets? Some of the best in Southwest Florida, no question.
Water surrounds the island, so getting on a boat is almost a must. You can cruise to Cayo Costa for a deserted island feel, or join a wildlife tour to watch dolphins play. Captiva Cruises, run by locals, offers trips if you want to get out and explore.
Shelling is a big deal here, and the beaches are perfect for kicking back. There’s a tiny village with casual places to eat and browse. Kayak, fish, or bike around at your own pace—nobody’s rushing you.
5. Marco Island
If you take a bridge leading off of mainland Florida from Naples, you’ll get to Marco Island. Located just on the edge of the Everglades, Marco Island is a popular spot for boat tours in Southwest Florida. It is also an urban island, and high-rises along the coast provide visitors and residents alike with spectacular ocean views.
The island is a common destination for deep-sea fishing charters, romantic sailing cruises and dolphin-spotting expeditions. Of course, Marco Island also boasts some wonderful beaches. South Marco Beach is known for its spectacular sunsets, and Tigertail Beach is known for its shells. At Tigertail Beach, always look down, because the beach is littered with extraordinary shells you’ll want to add to your collection.
4. Islamorada
Roughly one third of the way between Miami and Key West is Islamorada, a city that is technically located on several different islands: Tea Table Key, Plantation Key and both Lower and Upper Matecumbe Keys. Islamorada is sometimes called the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, and it attracts a number of serious anglers as well as amateur fishing enthusiasts.
If you would rather admire the fish than catch them, Bahia Honda State Park is a popular spot for snorkeling that is located right off the Overseas Highway. Nearby, at Theater of the Sea, you can swim with dolphins and even sea lions.
3. Sanibel Island
On the western coast of Florida, in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is Sanibel Island. The entire barrier island is a top vacation spot, and it is known as a quieter, family-friendly destination for travelers. The beaches on Sanibel Island are stunning, but don’t expect pristine, fine white sand. Instead, the beaches are made up of sand dollars and shells, meaning that there is always something spectacular to admire right at your feet.
When you’re not collecting shells on Sanibel Island, you might take a tour of the island’s historic lighthouse, or you could do some birdwatching at the world-famous J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
2. Amelia Island
In the northeastern part of the Sunshine State is Amelia Island, a barrier island in the Sea Islands Chain. Once again, this is an island in Florida known for its spectacular beaches. It is also a fantastic recreation destination that boasts activities ranging from golf to boating.
If you also want some historic background for your trip, be sure to check out Fort Clinch. The original fort still stands overlooking the beach, and the adjacent museum is excellent. Best of all, there are several miles of hiking paths surrounding the fort.
1. Key West
Arguably the most famous island in all of Florida is Key West. The southernmost part of the state, Key West is a world-famous destination that boasts year-round warm weather as well as unforgettable nightlife. Whether it is January or July, you can expect Key West to be in full swing. If you’re a history buff, be sure to check out Ernest Hemingway’s house, or take a tour of the incredible Harry S. Truman Little White House, where the president liked to do business during the winter months.
At sunset, head to Mallory Square for lots of live performances and a great view. Then, make your way to Duval Street for excellent seafood and countless bars open until the early hours of morning.