Is the beach calling your name? If so, it’s time for a holiday in Florida. Set your sights on one of these Florida islands for your next vacation adventure.
Amelia Island
Situated in the northeastern area of Florida, Amelia Island often considered by travel experts to be one of the best islands in the United States. Just south of the Georgia state line, Amelia Island is less than a one-hour drive from Jacksonville, Florida.
Ferdinanda Beach is a popular area to visit on Amelia Island, and tourists also enjoy seeing the Amelia Island Lighthouse. The island is home to a variety of intriguing festivals throughout the year. Visitors to Amelia Island may want to take a day trip to the nearby Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Marathon
If you want to explore one of the most southern parts of Florida, consider a trip to Marathon. Not just one individual island, Marathon is a city comprised of several of the islands in the Florida Keys.
This particular group is near the center of the Florida Keys, so you’ll easily be able to travel from Marathon to the other keys, such as Key West, Key Largo, and Islamorada. Marathon is home to one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys: Sombrero Beach. Additionally, there are restaurants, museums, and natural attractions. Many people visit for the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run.
Gasparilla Island
Along the Gulf coast, not too far from Sarasota and Fort Meyers, sits Gasparilla Island. This island is home to the community of Boca Grande and the picturesque Cayo Costa State Park along the beachfront.
Thanks to an assortment of restaurants and boutiques, the island is a great place for dining and shopping. You can also ride bicycles along a scenic bike trail or visit the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse.
Merritt Island
Although Merritt Island is sometimes considered Florida’s largest island, it’s technically a peninsula. However, there’s only a tiny piece of land connecting Merritt Island to the mainland, so you’ll still feel like you’re on an island trip.
Merritt Island is well-known as the location of the Kennedy Space Center, which has a visitors center where you can learn fascinating facts about space travel. Other interesting features of this island along the eastern side of Florida are the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and the Sams Cabin.
Caladesi Island
You can’t spend the night on Caladesi Island, but that doesn’t mean that this offshore spot isn’t worth a visit. Near Dunedin in the Clearwater area, this island is dedicated to Caladesi Island State Park, which is home to beaches, hiking trails, and kayak trails.
You’re welcome to use your own boat to reach Caladesi Island, but many visitors arrive by ferry. The Caladesi Connection Ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park on nearby Honeymoon Island.
Florida’s many islands offer beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Which of these top-rated islands will you vacation to first? With so many great options to choose from, you might even consider moving to Florida so you can make these regular weekend getaways part of your normal vacation routine.