Florida’s islands each offer a different kind of luxury experience, from the far end of the Keys to a quiet barrier island on the Gulf Coast and another at the top of the Atlantic coast. Because they sit so far apart, it helps to understand what each island offers before you decide where to book.
A great island escape is about matching the place to the pace you want.
Start With the Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway covers 113 miles across 42 bridges, and the drive from Miami to Key West takes roughly three and a half to four hours without stops, so the journey is part of the appeal for many visitors. The island city itself, with its historic streets and waterfront dinners, makes an easy base for a few days, though the most private stays sit a little farther up the chain.
Travelers who’d rather spend those hours at the resort can charter a private plane to Key West or Marathon in the Middle Keys and be on the island without the drive. In the Lower Keys, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is reached by boat, which adds to its sense of seclusion.
Farther west, almost 70 miles from Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is reachable only by boat or seaplane. Fort Jefferson, on Garden Key, is the largest masonry fort in the Western Hemisphere, and because less than 1% of the park is dry land, snorkeling and exploring the surrounding water are a big part of the experience.
Ideas to add to your itinerary include:
- Settle into a private-island stay at Little Palm Island for a few quiet nights
- Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park for the fort and reef snorkeling
- Walk the historic streets of Key West in the morning, before the day warms up
- Reserve a waterfront dinner and stay for the sunset
With so much to do, you’ll have the perfect excuse to come back next year.
Slow Down on Sanibel and Captiva
Sanibel and Captiva suit travelers looking for a slower, more relaxed getaway, and shelling is the main reason many of them come, since both islands are well known for their shell beaches.
For a resort stay, South Seas Resort at the northern tip of Captiva covers 330 acres with about two and a half miles of Gulf beachfront. On a cloudier day, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel-Captiva Road is worth an hour.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge protects part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States and supports more than 245 bird species. Its four-mile Wildlife Drive fits easily into a morning.
For a slower stay, go shelling around low tide and drive Wildlife Drive early, keeping in mind that it’s closed on Fridays. Save the evening for a long dinner and a Gulf sunset. If you’re planning to spend more time in the area, a Sanibel Island getaway can include even more time for beaches, wildlife, and exploring the island.
Enjoy Resort Comforts on Amelia Island
Amelia Island, the northernmost barrier island on Florida’s Atlantic coast, has a more traditional resort character than the other two. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort both offer oceanfront stays with spas, and the island’s five courses add up to 99 holes of championship golf alongside 13 miles of beach.
Downtown Fernandina Beach adds about 50 walkable blocks of Victorian-era buildings, shops, and restaurants along Centre Street, while Fort Clinch State Park at the island’s northern end has a 19th-century fort and coastal trails. Because the island is only two miles wide and 13 miles long, getting from one part of the island to another is relatively easy.
A resort spa treatment, an evening stroll along Centre Street, and a round of golf can fill a weekend easily, with a morning at Fort Clinch for a change of pace.
Choose the Right Island for Your Trip
Each island offers a different kind of trip, so it helps to start with the mood you’re after.
- For romance and resort amenities: Amelia Island combines spa time, golf, beaches, and a historic downtown.
- For seclusion and adventure: The Keys offer everything from a private-island stay to Dry Tortugas snorkeling and the Overseas Highway.
- For nature and a slower pace: Sanibel and Captiva are centered around beaches, shelling, wildlife, and Gulf sunsets.
The time of your visit is also key (pardon the pun) to what you can do. Amelia Island experiences more seasonal changes than South Florida and the Keys, making spring and fall comfortable times for outdoor plans. On Sanibel, programs and tours at the wildlife refuge can vary throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the current schedule when choosing your dates.
Planning Your Florida Island Escape
Florida’s islands reward a slower approach, and the best trips usually focus on one or two rather than trying to cover them all. Pick the island that fits your mood, then choose the activities and experiences you want to enjoy while you’re there.
Book popular excursions and resort experiences early, particularly if you’re traveling during a busy season, and confirm your transportation plans once your dates are set. With those pieces in place, you can relax and enjoy your time on the island.