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May 1, 2022 · We’ll start our list of the best Islands in Florida on the beautiful gulf coast, moving from north to south. Caladesi Island. Caladesi Island actually a state park. It is one of the last untouched islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast, making it an excellent stop for nature lovers.
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- Alligator Point. Located in what is known as Florida’s Forgotten Coast, this Gulf Coast gem is a haven for nature lovers and a quiet beach community away from the hustle and bustle of some of the state’s more touristy destinations.
- Amelia Island. Two of the state’s most stunning resort properties (The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island resort) draw visitors to this island for fabulous vacations with world-class lodging and amenities.
- Anna Maria Island. South of Tampa-St. Pete, Anna Maria Island is a stunning barrier island with sugary white sand and gem-colored waters. While it is small enough to remain quaint and charming (with a resident population of less than 10,000), Anna Maria Island still boasts plenty of activities and amenities to keep visitors engaged and entertained.
- Bahia Honda Key. Unoccupied Bahia Honda Key sits in the lower Florida Keys and is home to the Bahia Honda State Park. This is a beautiful place to camp during a Keys getaway for those who don’t mind “roughing it” a bit.
- Key West. We start our list of islands to visit in Florida with Key West which is not surprising thanks to its beauty! Most famous for being the southernmost point in the continental USA and its laid-back atmosphere, this island boasts picturesque streets lined with pastel-hued houses and a lively waterfront.
- Sanibel Island. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel Island is another equally famous Florida island famed for its shell-covered beaches and untouched natural beauty.
- Marco Island. If you’re all about luxurious beachfront and beautiful beaches with access to the Ten Thousand Islands, then Marco Island is the perfect island to visit in Florida.
- Amelia Island. When it comes to underrated islands in Florida, Amelia Island holds one of the top places. As with most Florida islands, this one also has pristine beaches, although less crowded, giving you a more peaceful experience.
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- Key West. While most people know Key West as a favorite cruise ship stop or the longest drive within the Florida Keys archipelago (it’s the southernmost point of the continental United States, after all), it’s actually an island city connected to the mainland via the Overseas Highway.
- Palm Beach. If world-class arts, culture, and shopping you can enjoy with feet still sandy from the beach sounds right up your alley, Palm Beach is for you.
- Amelia Island. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination.
- Little Palm Island. You can’t make a list of the best islands in Florida without including Little Palm Island, the only private island resort in the U.S. It’s the epitome of island luxury, with a spa, restaurant, and 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites — all with over-the-top amenities like a copper soaking tub featuring ocean views — spread across its four tranquil acres.
- Pine Key/Beer Can Island-Gulf Coast. Located right in the heart of the Tampa Bay is Pine Key, more commonly referred to as Beer Can Island. Many of the Florida islands mentioned in this article are in the Tampa Bay area, so this is an excellent place to consider staying for your vacation.
- Amelia Island-Atlantic Coast. Amelia Island spans 13 miles of pristine white sandy beaches. It is the perfect day trip from Jacksonville, about a 45 minute drive northeast.
- Caladesi Island-Gulf Coast. Caladesi Island is located off the coast of Dunedin, Florida, and it is only accessible by boat! It is free to take your own boat, or you can pay to take the ferry (adults $16, children $8).
- Dry Tortugas-Florida Keys. Dry Tortugas National Park is about 70 miles from Key west, and actually contains seven different islands (or “keys”) to explore.
Our list of 19 islands to visit in Florida explores both keys and land-formed islands. When planning a visit to a Florida island, we really don’t care whether we are going to a “key” or just a plain old island. It’s the amenities, or lack thereof, that make your island visit in Florida different.
Here are 23 islands in Florida that you need to add to your bucket list! The Sunshine State is known for its white sandy beaches, exciting big cities, and fun theme parks. What you may not realize though, is that Florida is home to some amazing islands -- 4,500 islands, to be exact!
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