10 Must-Visit Islands in Florida (From Popular Spots to Hidden Gems)

Florida has more islands than any other state in the continental U.S., second only to Alaska. Shifting sands gather on sandbars above the water’s surface, forming exotic and tropical paradises. And Florida has over 4,500 that are at least ten acres or more. And we’ll be honest, most of them are worth a visit. But a handful of them are so stunning they deserve their own article. Check out this list of the ten must-visit islands in Florida, from popular spots to hidden gems, and discover the best activities!

1. Key West

Located in the Florida Straits, Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States and only about 90 miles from Cuba. The island is four miles long and one mile wide, featuring abundant tropical beaches, shops, bars, restaurants, and luxury resorts. While this island is definitely one of the most popular in Florida, it’s still a must-visit.

Things to do: Key West Lighthouse, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Key West Aquarium, The Hemmingway Home and Museum

Where to stay: Ocean Key Resort & Spa (4-star waterfront hotel)

Where to eat: Conch Republic Seafood Company (Caribbean-style seafood)

2. Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is a small resort area on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This barrier island is known for its galleries, restaurants, historical sites, piers, and street markets. Anna Maria is seven miles long, featuring stunning white sand beaches and vacation rentals.

Things to do: Manatee Public Beach, Anna Maria Island Beach, Leffis Key Preserve, City Pier Park, Florida Maritime Museum, Palma Sola Botanical Park

Where to stay: Anna Maria Beach Resort (laidback beach resort)

Where to eat: Beach House Waterfront Restuarant (beachfront seafood)

3. Amelia Island

Part of the Sea Islands chain on the Atlantic Coast, Amelia Island is a barrier island in Nassau County. It has a rich history in many cultures and is a popular vacation destination featuring renowned golf resorts, luxury resorts, and amazing beaches.

Things to do: Fort Clinch State Park, Main Beach Park, Amelia Island State Park, Peters Point Beachfront Park, Fernandina Plaza Historic Site, Burney Park, Big Talbot Island State Park

Where to stay: Omni Amelia Island Resort (luxury beachfront hotel)

Where to eat: Salty Pelican Bar & Grill (airy seafood joint on Amelia River)

4. Fisher Island

Located in Miami-Dade County, Fisher Island is one of the wealthiest areas in the country. Celebrities such as Oprah and Julia Roberts call this island home. It’s only accessible by ferry boat and is considered a private residential community. If you want to visit, you must be a resident, guest of a resident, club member, or hotel guest.

Things to do: Fisher Island South Pier, Fisher Island Beach Club, Fisher Island Market 

Where to stay: Provident Luxury Suites (luxury all-suite resort)

Where to eat: Fisher Island Beach Club Restaurant (upscale oceanside eclectic with a specialty in sushi)

5. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a town and barrier island in South Florida, separated by the Lake Worth Lagoon. Apart from being a popular spring break spot, Palm Beach is known for its luxury homes, pristine beaches, expensive boutiques, and fine dining. It is truly a world-famous vacation destination.

Things to do: Palm Beach Zoo, Worth Avenue Clock Tower, Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Coz Science Center and Aquarium, Manatee Lagoon, Phipps Ocean Park, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Where to stay: The Breakers Palm Beach (5-star ocean resort)

Where to eat: Buccan (global small plates in a hip bistro) 

6. Marco Island

Located in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Southwest Florida, Marco Island is famous for its inland waterways, tidal lagoons, marinas, golf courses, and resorts. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is adjacent to the Everglades.

Things to do: Tigertail Beach, Mackle Park, Marco Island Historical Museum, Marco Golf and Garden

Where to stay: Marco Beach Ocean Resort (4-star refined suites with a rooftop pool)

Where to eat: CJ’s on the Bay (lively American spot with a view)

7. Sanibel Island

Low-key and quiet, Sanibel Island is famous for its shelling and wildlife. It’s in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Southwest Florida, across from Fort Myers. It’s a popular island for fishing, boardwalks that wind through marshes, water sports, and historic lighthouses.

Things to do: Sanibel Lighthouse, Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Lighthouse Beach Park, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Bowman’s Beach, Gulfside City Park Beach

Where to stay: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina (4-star beachfront resort)

Where to eat: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (Caribbean-style seafood and rum)  

8. Gasparilla Island

This barrier island is in Southwest Florida, north of Fort Myers. It features turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches. And visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, shelling, and taking sunset walks on the beaches. If you enjoy getting around on a golf cart along a one-mile stretch of perfect beach, check out Gasparilla Island. 

Things to do: Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, Gasparilla Island State Park, Don Pedro Island State Park, Boca Grande Sandbar, Placida Park, Cayo Costa State Park

Where to stay: Gasparilla Inn & Club (4-star historic golf resort and hotel)

Where to eat: Capt’n Con’s Fish House (dockside seafood diner with amazing sunset views)

9. Key Biscayne

Located across from the Rickenbacker Causeway from Miami, Key Biscayne is between two major parks in the Atlantic Ocean. Along with stunning sheltered beaches, you can find mangroves and tropical forests. Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities in Key Biscayne, where you can find birds, loggerhead turtles, and much more. Kay Biscayne is a famous vacation spot in South Florida.

Things to do: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Cape Florida Lighthouse, Stiltsville, Crandon Park, Miami Seaquarium, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, Village Green Park, Nixon Beach Sandbar, Cape Florida Beach

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne (5-star beachfront hotel and spa)

Where to eat: Novecento Restaurant (Argentinian bistro and cocktails) 

10. Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa Island is 40 miles long and a tourist area of the Florida Panhandle. This resort area is a pristine island in the Gulf of Mexico near the Alabama border. Santa Rosa is a long, thin barrier island featuring the popular Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Okaloosa Island, and nature reserves. 

Things to do: Fort Pickens, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Grayton Beach State Park, Gator Beach, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

Where to stay: Margaritaville Beach Hotel (relaxed 4-star gulf-front hotel)

Where to eat: Stewby’s Seafood Shanty (casual fried seafood joint along the beach)

Summary of the Top 10 Must-Visit Islands in Florida