When most travelers dream of Florida, their minds drift toward Miami’s electric beaches, the pastel charm of Key West, or the sparkling waters of Clearwater. But scattered along the state’s long coastline lie islands that few outside of Florida have ever heard of—wild, quiet, and untouched by the crowds. These forgotten islands feel like stepping into another time, where palm trees whisper in the breeze, dolphins leap through empty coves, and sunsets paint the horizon with no one else in sight.

If you’ve ever longed for an island escape without leaving the U.S., these are the places where Florida reveals its most hidden, soulful side.

Cayo Costa – The Island Time Forgot

Accessible only by boat or ferry from Pine Island or Captiva, Cayo Costa State Park is nine miles of sugar-soft sand and pure seclusion. There are no high-rises, no restaurants, no paved roads—only trails through pine forests and mangroves, a handful of rustic cabins, and campsites where you fall asleep to the crash of waves.

Here, time feels suspended. Spend the morning kayaking through manatee-rich waters, walk for miles along deserted beaches collecting sand dollars, or snorkel in the turquoise shallows. As the sun sets, the sky bursts into sherbet pinks and oranges, and the only sound is the rhythm of the Gulf.

Cayo Costa is not for everyone—it asks you to trade convenience for raw beauty. But for those willing to step away from the mainland, it’s Florida at its most wild and romantic.

St. George Island – Forgotten Coast Paradise

Off Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” in the Panhandle lies St. George Island, a 28-mile stretch of barrier island beauty. Unlike many of Florida’s more developed beach towns, St. George has resisted over-commercialization. Instead, you’ll find quiet cottages, small seafood shacks serving oysters fresh from Apalachicola Bay, and a rhythm of life that moves slow.

The island’s crown jewel is St. George Island State Park, with long dunes rolling into aquamarine waters and a dark-sky designation that makes it one of the best stargazing spots in the state. At night, the Milky Way unfurls overhead in dazzling clarity—an experience more often associated with the deserts of Utah than the shores of Florida.

For travelers craving barefoot luxury and unhurried days, St. George is the perfect mix of laid-back charm and natural splendor.

The Ten Thousand Islands – A Maze of Wilderness

In the southern reaches of the Gulf Coast, where the Everglades spill into the sea, lies one of the most mysterious landscapes in Florida: the Ten Thousand Islands. Despite the name, this labyrinth of mangroves and small islands actually numbers closer to a few hundred, but exploring it feels endless.

Accessible from Everglades City or Marco Island, you can kayak between the islands, camp on uninhabited sandy spits, or take a boat tour with a naturalist who can point out roseate spoonbills, manatees, and maybe even a dolphin pod following your wake.

This is Florida’s wild frontier—a place where nature reigns supreme and human presence feels fleeting. It’s also sacred land for the Calusa people who once lived here, leaving behind shell mounds that still rise above the mangroves.

If you’re looking for adventure, solitude, and a deeper connection to Florida’s untamed side, the Ten Thousand Islands will steal your breath.

Little Gasparilla Island – Barefoot Bliss

Just north of Fort Myers, Little Gasparilla Island is a car-free slice of paradise where golf carts and bikes rule the sandy lanes. Accessible only by boat, the island feels worlds away from the mainland bustle.

Days here unfold slowly—long walks on beaches where you might not see another soul, shell collecting that rivals Sanibel, and evenings grilling fresh-caught fish on your porch as the sun sinks low. There are no hotels or restaurants; most visitors stay in rental cottages, adding to the homey, tucked-away feel.

What makes Little Gasparilla special is its simplicity. It’s the kind of place where you leave shoes at the door and live barefoot, where the horizon stretches wide and the clock seems irrelevant.

Dog Island – Florida’s Secret Retreat

Few places in Florida are as secluded as Dog Island, a barrier island off the Panhandle that feels like a true castaway experience. Only accessible by boat or small plane, the island has a handful of private homes, a small inn, and a reputation as one of Florida’s most secret hideaways.

There are no paved roads, no stores, and cell service can be spotty. But that’s the charm. Birdwatchers love it here, with migratory species flocking across the island, and the beaches are pristine, with driftwood and seashells untouched by crowds.

Dog Island is where you go if you truly want to disconnect—a reminder that wild Florida still exists, even in the 21st century.

Why These Forgotten Islands Matter

Florida’s “forgotten islands” remind us of something essential: travel doesn’t always need to be flashy to be unforgettable. These islands offer silence, space, and the chance to step into landscapes where nature still takes the lead.

In a state often associated with neon lights and bustling beaches, these hidden gems invite you to slow down, trade crowds for solitude, and rediscover the magic of an untouched shoreline. They’re not just escapes; they’re reminders of a Florida that still beats to the rhythm of the tides.

Tips for Visiting Florida’s Forgotten Islands

Pack light but smart – Most of these islands lack amenities, so bring snacks, water, and sun protection.

Get on the water – Kayaking, boating, or paddleboarding is often the best way to explore.

Stay for sunset – The lack of crowds means some of the most spectacular, private sunsets in the state.

Disconnect to reconnect – Embrace the slow pace. Leave behind screens and let the island reset your rhythm.

Final Thought

Florida’s forgotten islands are not the Florida you think you know. They’re wilder, quieter, and infinitely more soulful. Whether you’re camping on Cayo Costa, watching stars over St. George, or paddling through the Ten Thousand Islands, you’ll discover a side of Florida that feels timeless—a reminder that sometimes the most unforgettable places are the ones hiding in plain sight.