We have hectic lives, and there comes a time when we need a recharge. It’s vacation time, maybe for some personal rest and relaxation or a romantic getaway for two. Florida’s beautiful beaches and keys are a popular destination, but with a little more than 4,500 islands to choose from, that can appear a daunting choice. To give you a start, here are five picture-perfect islands that offer to relax, low-key vacations.

Merritt Island

Image via Flickr by mathewingram

If relaxation for you means adventure, Merritt Island may be the perfect fit. Home of the NASA Space Center, Merritt Island has more than rockets. It’s located on Florida’s east coast and boasts a selection of activities. Whether you’d like to dream of and discover astronauts and space travel, enjoy a quiet getaway into the 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, or try your hand at parasailing, this island will satisfy the adventurer in you.

Longboat Island

If a more low-key, elegant vibe describes your perfect getaway, Longboat Island will fit the bill. With fine dining such as the acclaimed French restaurant Maison Blanche, this scenic island is perfect to bring lovers together. Enjoy the day golfing, or lounge on its 12 miles of white sand beaches. Then, unwind with a stroll through St. Armand’s Circle.

Captiva Island

If enjoying the outdoors is how you unwind, Captiva Island might be the right call. Do some kayaking and paddle boarding before hitting the local scene for a cup of coffee, a browse through boutiques, and a slice of pie from Key Lime Bistro. Located near Fort Myers, Captiva Island offers an array of activities, including biking, sailing, and cruises to rekindle your romance or work off stress. For a quick adventure in the woods, Cayo Costa is just a boat ride away.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, Captiva’s sister island, offers a relaxing, fun atmosphere. Seashells abound along the sandy coast. If you’d like to know more about the shells you find, you can visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum where they also have live exhibits. After spending your morning on Sanibel Island shelling or hiking through the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, you can enjoy fresh seafood at the Sea Breeze Cafe.

Matlacha Island

If even quieter is better for you and yours, Matlacha Island could be your go-to destination. Located west of Fort Myers, Matlacha Island is a tiny, artsy town offering an array of galleries like Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens. Historic Pine Island is a short distance away and has a bike trail which stretches Pine Island’s length. After an easy day spent paddling the calm backwaters, biking, or hiking through Pine Island’s Calusa Heritage Trail, you can visit Matlacha Island’s Great Licks Ice Cream Shop to recount the day’s adventure and maybe plan tomorrow’s.

We all need a getaway from time to time to recharge from our hectic lives and reignite our romances. Visiting one of these picture-perfect islands in sunny Florida could be just what you need. Your relaxation awaits.
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