The perfect low-key spot for a family getaway
If you're tired of running into the same hustle and bustle on your beach vacation as you do at home, then do I have the spot for you!
My family loves a good beach vacation, and my husband and I always want as far south as possible, we like it hot. There's nothing worse than going to one of our old spots on 30a during spring or fall break and sitting on the beach in a hoodie. Or, if it is good weather, running into everyone you know and dealing with the crowds, the parking, the money spent and the lines!
With the idea of a truly relaxing and secluded family trip in mind, a couple years ago, my husband found a little island that is only accessible by a ferry. When he approached me with the spot he had found, I had a lot of questions, mostly about logistics. I had not heard of this place before, so it seemed like a bit or a risk. But because we love adventure, we set out for the unknown. The island was a bit too far south for us to want to drive and about an hour and half from a major airport, which meant flying in and renting a car, then driving 1.5 hrs. The next hurdle was groceries and supplies. The island doesn't have any commercial buildings/stores/etc so you have to get your groceries before taking the ferry over, which meant a long travel day with lots of work to do upon arrival. The cost of one ferry ride with your vehicle is about $55 RT. So, the smartest option is to get groceries before your first ride over. Which meant, a very loaded down car. It takes a bit of work on the frontend, and I should mention you have to get all of this done before the ferry closes for the night around 10pm, but it is completely worth it. Hands down, completely and absolutely worth it.
Our first trip was a great surprise! The island was beautiful, natural and untouched by anything commercial. There are only beach homes and sandy roads leaded to them, golf carts are the main mode of transportation and there is one resort at the end of the island. If you're staying on the island in a beach home, you're allowed to go to the only restaurant located on the island which is on the resort property, along with their gift shop (that also sells ice cream, yay!).
We spent our time together completely relaxed that week. Tuned off from the outside world, on a dreamy Florida island with tortoise, manatees, tons of shells and sea life, beautiful water and beaches, the occasional golf cart ride for ice cream, cuddles at night, eating at home, no makeup or hair tools, just totally relaxed and laid back. Not once did we have to get dressed up, put anyone in a car seat, or stand in line. We explored, napped, fished, played, and enjoyed how bright the stars were at night. It was quiet, and pure. We loved it so much, we bought a coupon book of ferry rides, which was an investment but worth it in the long run, knowing we would be coming back again.
Fast forward to our second trip, which the blog photos are from, we talked our extended family into joining us. Their exact words as we left the island on the last day crossing the ferry, "of all the times we've come to Florida, this is the most different experience we've ever had, and in the best way!" We were able to use our coupon book for the ferry from the first trip and had more knowledge going into this trip on how to set us up for success on arrival day.
If you don't mind a little work to get there, let me tell ya, the juice is worth the squeeze! Message me for more details if your family is considering our beloved spot. I can give you more detailed info on the logistics as well. May we all live on ISLAND TIME! :)
Here are a couple affiliate links of items that were helpful to bring on this beach trip as a family:
Travel High Chair (one of my FAV purchases, used plenty once we got home as well)
Baby Beach Tent with Pool (Wes loved this on our first trip, kept him shaded and happy)
