27 Islands to Explore in Florida

Checkout places to visit in Florida

Florida

Florida is distinctive for its large Cuban expatriate community and high population growth, as well as for its increasing environmental issues. The state's economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture, and transportation, which developed in the late 19th century. Florida is also renowned for amusement parks, orange crops, winter vegetables, the Kennedy Space Center.

Activities Around

Islands to Explore in Florida

Boca Chita Key

Boca Chita Key is the island north of the upper Florida Keys in Biscayne National Park, Miami-Dade County, There is a beautiful lighthouse located in this island and a campground with picnic tables and saltwater toilets. Freshwater and electricity are not available in this island.

Caladesi Island State Park

A three-mile nature trail, a marina, picnic pavilions, bathhouses, a park concession stand, and a beach is what you will encounter in Caladesi Island State Park. The Caladesi Island beach was listed as the best beach in United States by Dr. Beach in 2008.

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

Located on the coast of Charlotte Harbor, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park covers 46,000 acres (190 km2).

Chokoloskee Island

Chokoloskee Island is one of the most beautiful places in Collier County, Florida. Located in the Ten Thousand Islands area near Marco Island, this small island sits on the doorstep of some of the best fishing, birding and exploration in Southwest Florida. Visiting Chokoloskee Island is a great opportunity to soak up all that Florida’s river and coastal ecosystems have to offer: mangroves and mudflats, bald eagles and ospreys, dolphins and manatees.

Conch Keys

Conch Keys, is a great place to relax and soak up some sun. Located off the Overseas Highway amidst the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys, It offers breathtaking views of its beaches and coral reefs. It is also the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, boating, or lounging by the sea. For those looking for adventure, plenty of diving spots can be found in the area for exploration. With its lush mangrove forests and delightful wildlife, Conch Keys provides a great escape from reality.

Deerfield Island Park

Deerfield Island Park is a beautiful, peaceful destination located in Broward County, Florida. The natural beauty and tranquility of the park make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It features a variety of activities, from scenic hiking trails, to boardwalks with breathtaking views of the river and ocean, to fishing on the Intracoastal Waterway. The park also offers access to a number of exquisite bird islands for those interested in some wildlife watching.

Don Pedro Island

Don Pedro Island is a brilliant shipwreck-diving haven and secluded beach escape. It’s home to two gorgeous beaches: North Beach and South Beach. All of this is nestled within a state preserve abundant with natural beauty and wildlife. Snorkelers love Don Pedro Island for its extensive variety of aquatic life, including sea turtles, barracudas, moray eels, snook, permit, spadefish and tarpon just to name a few. The waters are crystal clear and often feature visibility of up to 100ft!

Don Pedro Island State Park

Don Pedro Island State Park is only accessible by boat and is open from 8:00 am till sundown year-round.

Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge

Located on Egmont Key, at the mouth of Tampa Bay, it can only be reached by boat or ferry. The Egmont Key Lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade, a Spanish–American War era fort, are located in the park. The entire 328 acres (133 ha) island is actually part of Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge.

Gasparilla Island Water Association

Gasparilla Island gets its name from the legendary pirate captain José Gaspar ("Gasparilla" 1756–1821), who had his base on the island and purportedly hid his fabulous treasure there.

Grassy Key

Grassy Key is an idyllic paradise island situated between Key Largo and Marathon and is a perfect getaway for those looking for fun in the sun. The stunning turquoise waters of the nearby Atlantic ocean are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Nature trails provide miles of outdoor exploration full of local wildlife. Grassy Key is also famed for its seafood restaurants offering up the day's freshest catch!

Honeymoon Island State Park

The park is 385 acres (1.6 km2) in land area with 2,400 acres (10 km2) submerged and 4 miles (6 km) of beach. Consistently receiving more than one million visitors each year, it is the most-visited state park in Florida.

Hutchinson Island

Known for beautiful beaches, nature preserves and parks. The two islands are separated by the Fort Pierce Inlet and are known as North Hutchinson Island and South Hutchinson Island. North Hutchinson Island is divided into two counties - Indian River County and St. Lucie County.

Jungle Island

Jungle Island, formerly Parrot Jungle, is a relaunched eco-adventure park on Watson Island, Miami, Florida. The park features new pop-up waterslides, an outdoor wind tunnel flight experience, zip lines, escape rooms, a Nerf battle stadium and other attractions.

Little Gasparilla Island

Little Gasparilla Island is connected with Don Pedro Island to the north by a thin strip of beach and mangrove swamp.

Little Torch Key

Little Torch Key is an island with vibrant culture that visitors can experience year round. With its white sandy beaches, golf courses, and shopping centers you are never without something to do on this picturesque island! It's also a great spot for snorkeling, fishing and diving due to the plentiful coral reefs off shore. If history interests you, there are also archaeological sites around Little Torch Key which offer some incredible insight into the region’s past life.

Loggerhead Key

Loggerhead Key, is a tropical paradise full of coastal scenery and endless activities. The island's most popular attraction is its seven miles of pristine beaches along its western shoreline, with crystal blue waters that are perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Visitors can also go fishing or kayaking around the island for an exciting adventure. Loggerhead Key Marine Sanctuary is also nearby, offering guided tours to explore the shallow waters full of sea life like green turtles and dolphins.

Long Key

Long Key is a man-made island spanning six miles of beachfront with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is mainly used as a vacation and recreational spot, but its calm bays, lush foliage and exotic wildlife also make it perfect for nature lovers. Exciting outdoor activities abound for visitors including kayaking, fishing, swimming and sunbathing by day and stargazing by night. there are various campsites and cabins available nearby there are museums, aquariums and fishing stores.

Lower Matecumbe Key

Lower Matecumbe Key is a small island town situated at the furthest south point of the Florida Keys and offers many unique activities for visitors to take part in. Enjoy swimming or sunbathing on its white sand beaches, take a guided tour of its lush tropical vegetation, or even go deep sea fishing - Lower Matecumbe Key has something for everyone! The city also boasts a variety of restaurants and local attractions such as museums, galleries and art centers that are all worth exploring.

Ramrod Key

Ramrod Key is a charming beach town on the island of Cudjoe Key. It's known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural landscape, with white-sand beaches surrounded by crystal-clear water and undisturbed wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the sun. In addition to its unique flora and fauna, there is plenty of local shopping and dining. Local restaurants offer fresh seafood and spectacular views of the surrounding ocean.

Map of Islands to explore in Florida