10 Best Islands in Florida, According to a Local

Aerial shot of boats going around Peanut Island — Photo:
SkyViews Photography/Getty Images

As a Floridian, I might be a bit biased, but the Sunshine State can't be beat. A typical Florida itinerary includes the beach, a theme park, or both. While these are great options, the state is also full of picture-perfect islands, from small private oases to well-known hot spots. Head to Amelia or Sanibel island for pristine beaches, or combine cultural attractions with snorkeling on a visit to Key West.

Top 3 Can't Miss

Key West is a quintessential Florida destination thanks to its quirky vibe and clear waters.
For immaculate beaches and a dose of Southern charm, visit Amelia Island near Florida's border with Georgia.
No-frills Peanut Island is a favorite with Palm Beach County locals for snorkeling and picnicking.

Keep reading to discover more of the best islands in Florida.

01 of 10

Key West

While most people know Key West as a favorite cruise ship stop or the southernmost point of the continental United States, it’s actually an island city. The Overseas Highway — the longest drive within the Florida Keys archipelago — connects it to the mainland. On this funky, eclectic, anything-goes island, you can get out on the water. snap photos of six-toed cats and free-roaming roosters, follow in the footsteps of famous artists and writers, and do whatever it takes to let your hair down.

02 of 10

Amelia Island

Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit destination in northeast Florida. But as the southernmost island in the Sea Islands chain, it feels more Southern than tropical — and has the charm to prove it.

03 of 10

Peanut Island

Tiny Peanut Island is a favorite hideaway among locals in Palm Beach County. Situated in Lake Worth Lagoon just within the Palm Beach Inlet, it's surrounded by crystal-clear waters filled with tropical fish and marine life. While the only way to stay overnight is to camp (there are no hotels, restaurants, or other establishments on the island), visitors can spend the day snorkeling and picnicking. If you don’t have a private boat, you can access Peanut Island via the regularly running shuttle.

04 of 10

Palm Beach

If world-class arts, culture, and shopping you can enjoy with feet still sandy from the beach sound right up your alley, Palm Beach is for you. This laid-back beach town also happens to be one of the wealthiest zip codes in America, and while it often gets lumped in discussions of the wider umbrella of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach proper is an eight-square-mile barrier island with plenty to discover beneath its polished surface.

05 of 10

Little Palm Island

You can’t make a list of the best islands in Florida without including Little Palm Island, which was voted the top Florida resort by T+L readers in the 2024 “World’s Best Awards" survey. It’s the epitome of island luxury, with a spa, restaurant, and 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites — featuring over-the-top amenities like a copper soaking tub with ocean views — spread across its four tranquil acres. Since the only ways to reach the island are via private boat, seaplane, or car (with a 10-minute motor yacht transfer from Little Torch Key), the journey is part of the fun. A stay here will set you back a pretty penny, but you can’t put a price tag on this level of pampering, can you?

06 of 10

Anna Maria Island

Seeking a family-friendly getaway that's sure to involve old Florida charm, the great outdoors, beautiful beaches, and dolphins? Look no further than Anna Maria Island, where you can eat, paddle, or spend the day showing yourself around by bike (the island is only seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide). It’s not only a treasured island, but also one of the best beach towns in Florida.

07 of 10

Key Biscayne

Not a lot of islands have a posh Ritz-Carlton resort, two large parks (one of them a state park), a 19th-century lighthouse, and a causeway connecting them to the heart of a vibrant and diverse global city. But Key Biscayne, which measures just under two square miles, checks all those boxes. Located just off the coast of Miami’s happening downtown, this peaceful island will make you feel like you've teleported straight to the tropics, with lots of wide-open space, swaying palm trees, and blue waters, yet the Magic City's skyline is never far from view.

08 of 10

St. George Island

For something a bit different from the usual Florida routine, head to St. George Island, an uncrowded, 28-mile retreat in the Gulf of Mexico just off the northern Florida Panhandle. Don’t expect a buzzy hot spot — the quiet vibe is protected by low-density zoning laws and strict building height restrictions. There are no high-rises or gimmicky chains here, and the residents want to keep it that way. Plan to stay in one of the island’s two inns or book a beach cottage for a tranquil trip on Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

09 of 10

Gasparilla Island

This southwest Florida barrier island is a favorite among visitors thanks to the blue-green Gulf waters lapping the sands of its beautiful beaches. One segment, Little Gasparilla Island, has no bridges. You can only get there by private boat or water taxi and, once you arrive, the main mode of transportation is golf cart. Or, stick to Gasparilla Island’s largest town, Boca Grande, and book a stay at the Gasparilla Inn & Club for old Florida at its finest.

10 of 10

Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Lighthouse on Sanibel Island — Kelly Griffin/Travel + Leisure

While the sibling islands of Sanibel and Captiva remain in recovery from the destruction of Hurricane Ian in 2022, these once-popular vacation destinations need the support of visitors as they rebuild. The islands' restaurants, shops, and hotels have reopened, and many of the beaches are open, though some access points and other facilities like lighthouses and piers may be closed.