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.

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.

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and resorts. After all, Florida is the Sunshine State. But, if you're looking for some more underrated, and less busy, Florida beaches, then you also have some options. The major beaches are often filled with tourists, so finding some of the more underrated Florida beaches may be just what you need for a quiet getaway.

Before we get to the most underrated Florida beaches to visit, let's talk about the amazing water areas that Florida has to offer. Florida is one of the boating and fishing capitals of the world. As VisitFlorida.com points out, the state has more than 7,700 lakes, 11,000 miles of rivers, 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and has been home to more than 900 world fishing records. That tops any other state or even country. How wild is to to think that Florida has created more fishing records than even any other country? It shows just how rich the state is when it comes to our water.

Florida also has more than 700 freshwater springs, and 27 are classified as first-magnitude springs, which is more than any other state. A few other special things about Florida is that John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo was America's very first underwater state park. Also, the fishing village of Cedar Key is known for having the best clam chowder in America. So, if you have a craving for clam chowder, that's the place to go.

A separate article from VisitFlorida.com notes that Florida beaches are known for being very clear, but "it varies from week to week, and even from day to day depending on the amount of sunlight, the temperature, the amount of rainfall, the wind speed and direction, water currents and surf." They add that Florida has some very clear and beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and on the Atlantic Ocean. For clear water ost days, try "northwest Florida beaches in and around Panama City Beach, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola; southwest Florida beaches on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key."

I love that fact that you can enjoy Florida beaches any time of the year. I mean, contrary to what people outside of the state think, it can get cold here in the winter. But, it's rarely too cold to sit on the beach with a sweatshirt on and watch the sunset. Read on for underrated Florida beaches to get on your radar.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.