The US islands where you feel like you are traveling back in time

The Sunshine State is known as a magnet for 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 completely different kind of entertainment.

Far from the hustle and bustle of crowded, noisy theme parks, this is the gateway to island hopping off 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 freely in Sanibel, kayak around the Buck Key mangroves in Captiva, 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 it really is a paradise. The irregularly shaped island of Cabbage Key, just over half a mile long, is only accessible by boat and once you step onto the shore, it’s like stepping back in time.

You are almost guaranteed the pleasure of seeing dolphins and manatees on the five-mile boat ride from Pine Island – and by the end of the trip, you will consider them your travel companions.

The Cabbage Key Bar is not only known for its unparalleled hospitality, its breathtaking location and of course the cheeseburger song, but also for its dollar billswhose walls are covered with signed banknotes worth around 100,000 US dollars.

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

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

He will now join the presidents and celebrities remembered on the family-owned island.

Fort Myers also suffered its share of losses after Hurricane Ian in 2022.

The residents’ determination and drive to rebuild will stay with you long after you leave.

Secluded picnics

We began our trip at the Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island, a picturesque location overlooking the marina.

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

Breakfast at The Perfect Cup Roastery prepared us for a beach cleanup to clear the way for sea turtles to nest.

From May to October, turtles come from the Gulf of Mexico lay their eggs on the Fort Myers coast and it is up to local volunteers to protect them from disturbance.

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

When visiting Sanibel, the damage that had been caused was clearly visible Houses and businesses affected by Hurricane Ian.

A tour of the Sleeve Museum revealed the extent of the devastation even more clearly.

When you visit this part of the world, you have the opportunity to speak to residents who have been forced to rebuild their lives. And they have done so with such overwhelming positivity.

On the mainland, downtown Fort Myers has a livelier atmosphere and plenty to see and do, including a visit to a 17-acre botanical garden and the homes of inventor Thomas Edison and automobile pioneer Henry ford.

Next Ahead of us was a quick detour to Bradenton for a fascinating tour of the Bishop Museum of Science & Nature before we checked off our next piece of paradise – the seven-mile-long Anna Maria Island.

It’s hard to believe that anyone has ever set foot on their beach, which speaks to their eco-friendly attitude.

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

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

We stayed in the modern hotel complex Mello on the Beach, just a short walk from the beach promenade.

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

Anna Maria is home to friendly and inviting independent shops on Pine Avenue that manage to maintain their historic charm in a modern setting.

If, like me, you usually rush around frantically looking for gifts before heading to the airport, this is the perfect place to shop or have a drink on the pier where the locals enjoy the relaxed lifestyle.

It was the leisurely, gentle nature of this island-hopping trip that gave me food for thought before I began my nine-hour journey back to London.

Watching the manatees glide across the Gulf of Mexico and the dolphins playfully following the crash of the waves against the boats reminded me once again that I should enjoy the simple, carefree moments.

Florida stole my heart and will steal yours too.