Southwest Florida Island Named Best Labor Day Getaway In Sunshine State
Labor Day is only a week a way, and while most people may already have their plans locked in, some others might be looking for a last minute idea. If you are in fact still looking for a Labor Day weekend getaway, you might want to consider this.
Labor Day Getaway In Florida
Lucky for us in Southwest Florida, we have plenty of options for a weekend getaway right in our own backyard. We say it all of the time, we live where people vacation. With options like Captiva, Naples, Siesta Key and others so close to home, why leave? Readers Digest has just name the best spot for a Labor Day Getaway in Florida, and it’s none other than Sanibel Island.
Sanibel Island
I was recently out on Sanibel Island, and though they still have a long way to go following the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian nearly two years ago, there are many restaurants, hotels and businesses open and ready to welcome visitors back to the island.
What’s Open On Sanibel Island?
If you’re interested in taking a trip over the causeway to Sanibel Island for a Labor Day Getaway, here are some places you’ll want to check out. And yes, they are open. Stop by Billy’s Rentals and rent a bike to take a tour of the island. Visit the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Plan some time for a round of golf or tennis at The Dunes. Spend the day out on the water with YOLO Watersports. Or just relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
There are also plenty of restaurants open for any occasion. Some of the most popular locations for dining on Sanibel Island are Doc Ford’s, Cielo, Lighthouse Cafe and Timbers. Or take a quick ride over to Captiva Island to enjoy dinner on Andy Rosse Lane.
For a full list of all of the best spots for a Labor Day getaway in every state, click here.
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
