A Private Florida Island You Can Rent
If you truly feel like getting away, then taking a vacation to a private Florida island could be just what the doctor ordered. The good news is that you can actually rent a private island and enjoy the serine, secluded lifestyle for a few days or weeks. If you really want to unplug and have a getaway like you’ve never had before, then this might be for you.
Rent A Private Florida Island
The experts at Travel and Leisure have put together a roster of some of the best private islands that you can rent in America. “You can rent private islands located around the world on Airbnb, and in many cases, these exclusive stays cost less than hotel accommodations,” they state. “We’ve rounded up 10 incredible private island rentals, including a beautiful home near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and a mangrove island surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters in Belize.”
Before we get to our state, let’s look at a few other private islands that are highlighted in the feature. They mention a great, private island in Poulsbo, Washington, that’s a great place to “unplug and unwind in nature. It’s like a camping adventure, but with the amenities of a home. “Guests can spend their days kayaking on the lake and nights grilling and spending time by a campfire,” Travel and Leisure states. “With three bedrooms and two and a half baths, this home can sleep six guests.” It looks super secluded from the photographs. “Situated in the middle of peaceful Island Lake in Poulsbo, Washington sits the beautifully updated and modern Island Lake Cabin,” the Airbnb.com listing states. I know that Washington is quite a trek, but it sounds worth it to experience that spot.
The Travel and Leisure article doesn’t really pinpoint a full private Florida island to rent, but they do have a separate story highlighting the best Florida islands to visit. There, they make a familiar pick for No. 1: Key West. I remember trying to get to Key West during the start of a tropical storm, so I didn’t quite make it there. Of Key West, Travel and Leisure states, “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.” However, the experts at Rentaprivateisland.com do have a favorite private Florida island that’s available to rent, and that’s Seabird Key in the Keys. “Seabird Key is an exclusive, 10-acre private island in Florida that can accommodate up to 10 guests in a 4,500 square-foot home,” they explain. It’s available to rent via Vrbo.com.
Underrated Florida Beaches That Are Filled with Beauty
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach still has a good amount of damage from the hurricane, but Margaritaville is open, so you’ll find plenty to do there. Situated on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is one of the state’s most underrated beaches. At Fort Myers Beach, you’ll find beautiful, white-sand beaches and gorgeous sunsets.
Getty Images / benkrut
Sarasota
Make sure to visit Siesta Key here, as well as Sarasota Gay Beach and Crescent Beach. Just south of Tampa Bay, Sarasota is a lovely beach town that is especially popular during the holidays. You’ll find lots of local shopping opportunities here.
Getty Images / Sean Pavone
St. George Island State Park
St. George Island State Park is located on a barrier island fronting the legendary Apalachicola Bay. It’s a great place to gaze at the stars. Note that starting March 1, 2025, the campground at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park will be closed for an expansion project.
Getty Images / Liene-Helmig
Santa Rosa Beach
If you head to Santa Rosa Beach and want to find some really special, and secret, beaches, try Blue Mountain Beach and Grayton Beach State Park. This beach town is less crowded than most, which makes it a low-key getaway.
Getty Images / krblokhin
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is located on a 40-mile barrier island, Pensacola Beach, and has beautiful, translucent waters. It’s a really small town, so it’s much less crowded than other beaches. It’s a hidden gem.
Getty Images / Ben Oldaker
Discover Your Own New Favorite
If you don’t want to go too far, do some digging and visit one of the closest beaches to you, that you haven’t visited yet. This is one of my favorite things to do. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite beach super close to home.
Getty Images / Sergey Dementyev
