Top5 Best Islands Of Florida You Must Visit There

In this article we will explore best islands of Florida. It is a place where nature remains dominant, continuing to tell its timeless story. So let’s begin.

5) Siesta Key

One of the best islands of Florida is Siesta Key, is a barrier island on Florida’s southwest coast, located between Robert’s Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, just west of Sarasota. In the 1800s and early 1900s, it had various names, including Little Sarasota Key, and was largely undeveloped. In 1907, developers began to shape the island by creating small bays and docks. Initially, the only access to Siesta Key was by boat or ferry until the first bridge was built in 1917, with a second bridge added in 1927, facilitating easier travel and growth.

By 1952, the entire island was officially named Siesta Key. The island is about 8 miles long and is famous for its white quartz sand, which remains cool even in hot weather. The calm, clear waters of the Gulf make it an ideal spot for swimming, walking, and enjoying the scenery. Today, Siesta Beach is celebrated as one of the best beaches in the world, highlighted for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.

4) Key West

One of the best islands of Florida is Key West, is located about 90 miles from Cuba, making it closer to Havana than Miami by air. This short distance has created a rich history and culture filled with unexpected stories for visitors. Historically, Key West was a key stop for sailors, traders, and pirates due to its position on busy sea routes, and later became an important U. S. naval base for protecting the Florida Straits.

As the southernmost point of the continental US, Key West feels more connected to the sea than the mainland. The island is small, measuring about 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, giving it an intimate atmosphere. Its calm pace of life has attracted writers and artists, including Ernest Hemingway, who lived and worked there for many years. Today, the best way to explore Key West is by walking through its narrow streets, which lead to gardens, old houses, and hidden courtyards, with clear waters surrounding the island for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

3) Anna Maria Island

One of the best islands of Florida is Anna Maria Island, is a unique place that feels different as soon as you arrive. It is a seven-mile long barrier island located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, with water surrounding it on all sides. The island features two distinct coastlines, with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Karma Bays to the east.

Long before Europeans came, the island was part of a culture that relied on fishing and coastal travel. In the 1500s, Spanish explorers passed by the island while heading to Tampa Bay but didn’t settle there, leaving it largely untouched. In the mid-1800s, small fishing communities began to develop along the shore.

In 1922, the first bridge connected the island to Bradenton, improving access for visitors and locals. Despite this, development has remained low-key, maintaining simple streets and low buildings. Today, Anna Maria Island is celebrated for its clear waters, calm bays, and laid-back beaches.

2) Marco Island

One of the best islands of Florida is Marco Island. Long before the era of resorts and bridges, Marco Island was the center of one of North America’s powerful coastal civilizations, home to the Kousa people over 1,500 years ago. They relied on the water and the rich estuaries of Southwest Florida, becoming expert fishers and navigators who created a network for survival.

The island was named San Marcos by Spanish explorers in the 1500s, marking its place on maps of the New World. As time passed, pioneers and fishermen were attracted to the calm waters and bountiful fishing. Marco Island gradually evolved from a quiet fishing village into a barrier island with luxury resorts and homes, yet it maintains its historical and natural essence today, blending deep history with modern life.

1) Fisher Island

One of the best islands of Florida is Fisher Island, located about 3 miles off the coast of South Florida, is the richest place in the United States, surpassing New York, Silicon Valley, and Beverly Hills. The island is only accessible by private boat, ferry, or helicopter, as there are no bridges or public roads. Since 2015, it has had the highest income per person in the country. The island is named after Carl G. Fischer, a real estate developer who contributed to Miami Beach’s development in the early 1900s.

Fischer exchanged the island for an 80-foot yacht with William K. Vanderbilt II, who turned it into a private retreat for his family. Today, Fisher Island features around 800 luxury residences, with residents from over 40 different countries. Despite its wealth, the island offers a tranquil atmosphere with palm trees, clear waters, and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline.