Have you ever wished you could drop everything and get away from it all, even for just a day? We’ve told you about secluded beaches around Florida, like the shores of Lovers Key and Shell Island. We thought you’d love to hear about another lovely little island getaway, Egmont Key.
Due to its island setting, this secluded state park and wildlife refuge near St. Petersburg can only be reached by boat or ferry, like the one from nearby Fort De Soto Park. If you’re lucky, you might see some dolphins along the way.
Flickr/Steve D
Once you reach the island, the adventure begins. There’s so much to explore here, including the ruins of Fort Dade, which dates back to the Spanish-American War. There are also brick paths from the town that once surrounded the fort, which was once home to more than 300 people.
Flickr/David Schroeder
Snorkelers can further explore the ruins in the nearby dive site. Swimming, fishing, and shelling are other popular activities on the island.
Flickr/Mandy
The Egmont Key Lighthouse, built circa 1858, replaced an older one built in 1847 that was destroyed in a storm the following year.
Flickr/David Schroeder
Egmont Key is a wonderful place to encounter native wildlife, with lots of gopher tortoises and shorebirds on land, as well as dolphins, stingrays, fish, and manatees in the water.
Flickr/Richard Welty
When you’re done exploring the ruins, you can relax on the pristine, natural white sand beaches and take a dip in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Flickr/Michael Lusk
Make sure you bring lots of water, food, and anything else you might need, as there are no modern facilities on the island (which is also part of its charm).
Flickr/Richard Welty
So the next time you want to get away, why not enjoy a day full of history, adventure, and unspoiled natural beauty on Egmont Key?
Google Maps
Have you ever visited Egmont Key? What’s your favorite place in the Sunshine State for a day trip?
Flickr/Steve D
Flickr/David Schroeder
Flickr/Mandy
Flickr/Richard Welty
Flickr/Michael Lusk
Google Maps
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