10 Lesser-Known Islands In Florida That Should Be On Your Bucket List
Florida is famous for its beaches, but beyond the crowded tourist spots lies a collection of hidden island gems waiting to be explored.
These lesser-known islands offer pristine nature, quiet shores, and unforgettable adventures without the overwhelming crowds.
If you’re ready to discover a different side of the Sunshine State, these ten islands deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. Garden Key
Imagine stepping onto an island dominated by a massive 19th-century fortress rising from turquoise waters.
Fort Jefferson, one of America’s largest coastal forts, sits proudly on this remote slice of paradise in the Dry Tortugas.
Snorkeling here reveals colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and the history soaks into every brick.
Getting there requires a seaplane or ferry ride, making it feel like a true expedition.
Camping overnight under star-filled skies adds magic to the experience.
2. Egmont Key
Wild and windswept, this barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay feels like stepping back in time.
Gopher tortoises waddle across sandy trails while you explore the ruins of an old lighthouse keeper’s quarters.
Only accessible by boat, the island remains blissfully undeveloped and protected as a state park and wildlife refuge.
Shelling along the beaches rewards visitors with unique finds washed ashore by Gulf currents.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen since shade is scarce on this sun-drenched paradise.
3. Anclote Key
Just off Tarpon Springs, this crescent-shaped island beckons with sugar-white sand and a charming historic lighthouse built in 1887.
The three-mile shoreline offers plenty of space to spread out and claim your own private patch of beach.
Dolphins frequently play in the surrounding waters, and the shallow flats attract wading birds hunting for breakfast.
Pack a picnic and kayak over for a day trip that feels worlds away from mainland life.
The lighthouse, though no longer operational, stands as a picturesque reminder of maritime history.
4. Caladesi Island
Consistently ranked among America’s best beaches, Caladesi delivers powdery sand and calm, clear waters perfect for swimming.
A nature trail winds through the island’s interior, where mangroves create tunnels of green overhead and osprey nests dot the treetops.
You can paddle a kayak through winding waterways or simply float in the gentle waves.
Accessible only by boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
Shaded picnic areas provide relief from the Florida sun between beach sessions.
5. Shell Key
Located near St. Pete Beach, this narrow sandbar island lives up to its name with an abundance of shells scattered along the shore.
At low tide, the island expands dramatically, revealing tide pools filled with marine life begging to be explored.
Birds flock here in impressive numbers, making it a paradise for birdwatchers with binoculars ready.
The lack of facilities means you’ll need to bring everything you need, but that keeps crowds minimal.
Sunset views from this vantage point paint the sky in breathtaking shades of orange and pink.
6. Peanut Island
Despite its small size, this Lake Worth Lagoon island packs in plenty of intrigue with a Cold War-era nuclear fallout shelter built for President Kennedy.
You can actually tour the bunker and imagine what might have been during those tense times.
Above ground, snorkeling trails and calm waters make it ideal for families with young children.
The artificial reef attracts colorful fish that swim right up to curious observers.
Camping is available, letting you wake up to stunning Palm Beach sunrise views across the water.
7. St. George Island
Stretching 28 miles along the Forgotten Coast, this barrier island maintains an old Florida vibe that bigger destinations have lost.
Undeveloped state park land covers much of the eastern end, where dunes rise high and sea oats sway in constant breezes.
The fishing here is legendary, with redfish and trout practically jumping onto lines.
Small beach cottages and local seafood joints keep things casual and welcoming.
September through November offers the best weather and smallest crowds for an authentic island escape.
8. Little Talbot Island
North of Jacksonville, this wild barrier island showcases Florida’s natural beauty in its rawest form.
Massive driftwood logs bleached white by sun and salt create an otherworldly landscape along the shoreline, perfect for dramatic photographs.
Five miles of unspoiled beaches invite long walks where your only companions are sandpipers and pelicans.
Kayaking through the salt marshes on the island’s western side reveals hidden creeks and abundant wildlife.
The campground offers a rare opportunity to sleep steps from the Atlantic Ocean’s rhythmic waves.
9. Bahia Honda Key
Home to what many consider the Florida Keys’ most beautiful natural beach, Bahia Honda captivates with crystalline waters in shades of blue you didn’t know existed.
The old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge looms overhead, a remnant of Flagler’s ambitious Overseas Railroad that once connected the Keys.
Snorkeling from the beach reveals healthy coral formations and tropical fish darting between sea fans.
Cabins perched near the water let you fall asleep to gentle waves lapping the shore.
Arrive early since this hidden gem has become increasingly popular with knowledgeable travelers.
10. Atsena Otie Key
Once a thriving town called Cedar Key, this ghost island now lies abandoned to nature after a devastating 1896 hurricane.
Crumbling cemetery headstones and foundation remnants peek through palm fronds and sea grapes, telling stories of lives lived long ago.
The eerie atmosphere makes exploring feel like an adventure through time.
Accessible only by kayak or small boat from modern Cedar Key, the short journey rewards visitors with solitude and reflection.
Respect the historical sites while enjoying the haunting beauty of Florida’s forgotten past.