The US islands that give you the feeling of going back in time – with famous mojitos and manatee watching

The Sunshine State is famous for attracting millions of thrill seekers – but roller coasters aren’t the only thing Florida has to offer.

Fort Myers is a three-hour drive south of Orlando and offers a totally different kind of fun.

Far from the hustle and bustle of crowded and noisy theme parks, this is the gateway to island hopping along Florida’s stunning southwest coast.

Expect the unexpected as you explore the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters of these luxurious islands.

Spot turtles roaming wild on Sanibel, kayak through Captiva’s Buck Key Mangroves, and have lunch at the restaurant and bar on Cabbage Key where singer Jimmy Buffett is said to have written his song Cheeseburger In Paradise.

And paradise it certainly is. The irregularly shaped island of Cabbage Key, measuring just over half a mile, is only accessible by boat and it’s like stepping back in time as soon as your feet touch the shore.

You’re almost guaranteed to see dolphins and manatees on the five-mile boat trip from Pine Island—and by the end of the trip you’ll think of them as traveling companions.

In addition to being popular for its unparalleled hospitality, stunning location, and of course the Cheeseburger song, the Cabbage Key bar is also famous for its dollar accountswith signed bills worth around US$100,000 covering its walls.

The tradition began in the 1960s when a fisherman stuck his dollar on the wall with his name engraved on it so he would have money for a drink when he returned.

Having lost my father at a young age, it meant a lot to write his name on my dollar to hang in the restaurant.

Now he will join presidents and celebrities remembered on the family-friendly island.

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Fort Myers has also suffered its share of losses, following Hurricane Ian in 2022.

The residents’ determination and drive to rebuild stays with you long after you’re gone.

Isolated picnics

We started our trip at Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island, a perfect setting overlooking the marina.

It’s a breathtaking first stop to experience “old Florida.”

Breakfast at The Perfect Cup Roastery prepared us for a beach cleanup to make way for sea turtle nesting season.

From May to October, turtles emerge from the Gulf of Mexico They lay their eggs on the shores of Fort Myers and it is up to local volunteers to protect them from being disturbed.

After collecting trash in the sun, it was time for lunch (and a stiff drink) at Doc Ford’s, known as the island’s mojito home.

When visiting Sanibel, it became clear the damage caused houses and business by Hurricane Ian.

A walk through shell museum further revealed the extent of the devastation.

Visiting this part of the world gives you the opportunity to speak with residents forced to rebuild their lives. And they did it with overwhelming positivity.

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On the mainland, downtown Fort Myers has a busier atmosphere and there’s plenty to see and do, including visiting a 17-acre botanical garden and the homes of inventor Thomas Edison and automobile industry pioneer Henry. Ford.

Next it was a quick visit to Bradenton for a fascinating tour of The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature before we started on our next slice of paradise – the 7-mile long Anna Maria Island.

It’s hard to believe that someone has set foot on your beach, a testament to your eco-friendly attitude.

Highlights included unforgettable sunsets while dining at Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach, family-friendly Manatee Public Beach, and hidden Bean Point Beach for secluded picnics.

The island also has two rustic “old Florida” fishing piers, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Rod n’ Reel Pier.

We stayed at the modern Mello on the Beach hotel complex, just a few steps from the seafront.

The suites offer an independent stay, with a kitchenette, large bedroom and living area, and a pool to relax in before heading out into the city.

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Anna Maria has friendly, welcoming independent shops on Pine Avenue that manage to maintain historic charm in a modern setting.

If, like me, you tend to rush out looking for gifts before arriving at the airport, it’s the perfect place to shop or stop for a drink on the pier, where locals enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.

It was the slow, gentle nature of this island hopping that gave me pause before embarking on my nine-hour journey back to London.

Seeing the manatees gliding through the Gulf of Mexico and the playful nature of the dolphins following the waves crashing against the boats reminded me to enjoy the simple, carefree moments.

Florida stole my heart and it will steal yours too.