There are some serious perks to living in the great state of Florida. One of the well-known perks is that there are tons of different weekend getaway spots scattered just outside of the homeland. Many Florida locals will tell you about the hidden island gems that are scattered around the state, delivering a surprisingly tropical experience that is perfect for beach bums and boaters alike. 

Here are some of our favorite best-kept Florida secrets!

Amelia Island

Amelia Island sits north of Jacksonville just beyond the coast of Georgia. Here you can take a scenic tour of the island with the Amelia River Cruise, or relax in the water at your own fruition with surfing or swimming. You can walk along the shore looking for shark teeth, or go for a visit at the Amelia Island Plantation where tranquility is key. The island features 13 miles of coastline for you to explore as well, so you’ll never have a dull moment!

Fisher Island

Fisher Island lies just off of Terminal Isle with a short ferry ride from the Miami Beach causeway. Just seven minutes off of the mainland, you’ll find one of the biggest high-roller island destinations in Florida: The Fisher Island Club & Resort. These 1925 cottages sit on the Vanderbilt estate, providing guests with a luxurious stay. You can tee off on the seaside golf course as well! 

Jupiter Island

Jupiter Island is home to some of the top celebrities in the world, including Celine Dion and Tiger Woods. Of course, these are part of the private section of the island, so you won’t be crashing any celebrity parties. Luckily, beyond the gated homes, there are miles of white-sand beaches that are completely secluded, perfect for a romantic getaway. The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge sits on the island as well, which is a breeding ground for the Atlantic loggerhead sea turtle. 

Merritt Island

Merritt Island is most famous for its location due to its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Come sit on the north end of the island to feel the rumble of the shuttle launches during takeoff. On the southern end lies the wildlife refuge, which is home to some of the most elusive Florida wildlife, including a variety of birds and of course, the Florida panthers. 

Caladesi Island

The last time we hopped on our Monterey Boats Cabin Cruiser, it only seemed right to take it out to Caladesi Island. This is because the island is only accessible by boat, and we figured if we were going to make the extra effort, we’d ride in comfort and style. Whether you are looking to go fishing or just take in the pristine coastline, Caladesi Island has plenty to offer.

Welcome To Paradise

While Florida may be best-known for its slew of theme parks or the Miami strip, the islands provide a unique experience unlike anything else. They offer people the chance to create their own tropical getaway, no matter what kind of adventure they are into. We hope that you are able to make it out to one of the Florida islands this year! Make sure to check out some other great boating destinations from Monterey Boats as well!