The Prettiest Little Islands in Florida You’ve Never Heard Of

Florida is famous for its beaches, but some of the most beautiful spots are tucked away on tiny islands that most tourists never discover. These hidden gems offer crystal-clear waters, untouched nature, and peaceful escapes from crowded vacation spots.

Whether you’re looking for seashells, wildlife, or just a quiet place to relax, these lesser-known islands will surprise you with their natural beauty and charm.

1. Keewaydin Island

Picture a place where no buildings block your view and the only sounds come from waves and seabirds. Keewaydin Island stretches for miles along the Gulf Coast near Naples, completely undeveloped and wild. You can only reach it by boat, which keeps the crowds away and preserves its natural magic.

Shelling here is absolutely fantastic because storms wash up treasures daily. The island’s narrow shape means you can walk from the Gulf side to the bay side in just minutes. Dolphins often swim close to shore, and sea turtles nest on the beaches during summer months.

Pack everything you need because there are no facilities or stores on the island.

2. Cayo Costa Island

Wild and untamed, Cayo Costa feels like stepping back in time to old Florida. This barrier island near Fort Myers has nine miles of beaches that rarely see footprints. Most of the island is a state park, protecting its pine forests, mangrove swamps, and sandy shores from development.

Camping overnight lets you experience stunning sunsets and star-filled skies without light pollution. The island’s interior trails wind through oak hammocks where gopher tortoises dig their burrows.

Ferry service runs regularly, making day trips easy for families wanting an adventure without roughing it too much.

3. Caladesi Island

Consistently ranked among America’s best beaches, Caladesi Island remains surprisingly peaceful despite its fame. Located near Dunedin, this island paradise features powdery white sand that squeaks under your feet and water so clear you can see fish swimming around your ankles.

A three-mile nature trail loops through the island’s interior, where you might spot armadillos or bald eagles.

The island was once connected to Honeymoon Island until a hurricane split them apart in 1921. Kayakers love paddling through the mangrove tunnels, where the roots create natural artwork.

4. Shell Key

True to its name, Shell Key delivers mountains of seashells that wash up with every tide. This tiny preserve sits in Tampa Bay, accessible only by kayak or boat from the mainland. The island constantly changes shape as currents shift the sand, making each visit feel like discovering somewhere new.

Wading birds gather here by the hundreds, turning the shoreline into a living nature documentary. The shallow waters surrounding the island create perfect conditions for spotting horseshoe crabs and sand dollars.

Because it’s so small, you can walk the entire perimeter in less than an hour.

5. Egmont Key

History buffs will love exploring the abandoned fort and lighthouse on Egmont Key, located at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Built during the Civil War, Fort Dade once housed soldiers protecting the harbor, and now its crumbling brick structures add mystery to this wildlife refuge. The lighthouse still operates, guiding ships safely through the channel.

Snorkeling around the island’s edges reveals underwater walls where tropical fish hide in the crevices. The beaches offer excellent shelling, especially after winter storms stir up the Gulf.

Ferry trips from Fort De Soto make visiting easy for day adventurers.

6. Honeymoon Island

Don’t let the romantic name fool you—Honeymoon Island welcomes everyone, not just newlyweds. This state park near Clearwater offers four miles of beaches plus nature trails through coastal forests where owls nest and raccoons forage. The northern end features a dog beach where pups can splash and play off-leash, making tails wag with joy.

Fishing from the pier brings in snapper, trout, and sometimes tarpon during their migration. The Osprey Trail takes you through habitats where these fish-eating birds build massive nests in the treetops.

Unlike many barrier islands, Honeymoon connects to the mainland by causeway, so a boat isn’t required. Arrive early on weekends because parking fills up fast.

7. Lovers Key

Legends say couples once rowed to this secluded spot to escape prying eyes, giving Lovers Key its dreamy name. Nestled between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs, this state park combines beach fun with backcountry exploration. Mangrove waterways twist through the interior, creating perfect kayaking routes where manatees sometimes surprise paddlers with their gentle presence.

The beaches here feel more private than nearby tourist hotspots because you must walk or take a tram from the parking area. Beachcombers find sand dollars, lightning whelks, and colorful coquina shells along the tideline.

Rent bikes to explore the park’s paved trails efficiently.

8. Gasparilla Island

Named after a legendary pirate, Gasparilla Island blends old Florida charm with natural beauty. The village of Boca Grande sits at the island’s southern tip, featuring historic buildings and a lighthouse that’s been guiding ships since 1890. Tarpon fishing here is world-famous, with massive silver fish jumping spectacularly during their spring and summer runs.

Bike paths connect the entire island, making cycling the preferred way to explore. The beaches on the Gulf side stay relatively quiet, with soft sand perfect for long barefoot walks.

Phosphate docks from the island’s industrial past now serve as fishing piers where locals catch dinner. The island has a timeless quality that makes you forget what century you’re in.

9. Little Talbot Island

Up in northeast Florida near Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island showcases a wilder side of the state’s coastline. Massive driftwood logs scatter across the beaches like giant sculptures, bleached white by sun and salt. These tree skeletons create amazing photo opportunities and remind visitors that nature is constantly reshaping the coast.

The Atlantic waves here are bigger than Gulf beaches, making bodysurfing more exciting. Five miles of trails wind through maritime forests where deer browse and marsh rabbits hop along the paths.

Camping at the state park lets you fall asleep to ocean sounds and wake to sunrise over the water. Bring insect repellent because mosquitoes consider this island their territory too.