Top 10 Best Islands in Florida || West Coast Florida Beaches

Top 10 Best Islands in Florida
Florida is one of the America’s top travel destinations. 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.

10. 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.

9. 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.

8. 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.

7. 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.

6. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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