Kay - O

This is an aerial view of Cayo Costa, Florida. Cayo (pronounced Kay-o by the locals) Costa is a barrier island that sits between North Captiva and Gasparilla Islands on the south west side of Florida. The beaches here rival those of it's neighbors - the more accessible Sanibel, Captiva and Boca Grande. What separates Cayo from it's posh neighbors is exactly what made me fall in love with it - there is hardly anyone there. Why you ask? The entire island is a State Park - and is only accessible by ferry, plane, private boat or kayak. You will find no cars on Cayo Costa either. Bike, foot, kayak or cross island atv shuttle are the only modes of transport here.

There are only a few private residences here that were grandfathered in once the island was made a state park. However, there are cabins for rent, campsites for tenting and 9 miles of the best beach you can find in the continental US. Cayo is also fantastic for a day trip (which is the only way that I've experienced it). You can take the passenger ferry out of Pineland, FL. Try something different and once you've been to a place like this - you'll be able to agrue with people who say that Florida is the worst.