Five beloved Florida islands named among the top 15 in the U.S.—a powerful testament to their beauty, charm, and resilience.
Florida has once again proven it’s a paradise like no other. In Travel + Leisure’s highly anticipated 2025 World’s Best Awards, five Florida islands earned top spots among the best 15 islands in the U.S.—the most of any state. Nearly 200,000 global travelers cast their votes, highlighting the Sunshine State’s enduring appeal, even in the face of hurricanes and rebuilding.
Florida’s Winning Islands:
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#2 – Amelia Island
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#6 – Marco Island
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#8 – Florida Keys
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#11 – Sanibel Island
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#15 – Captiva Island
This year’s rankings underscore not only the natural beauty of these destinations but also their ability to bounce back stronger after being tested by nature.
Resilience Meets Paradise
Sanibel and Captiva Islands, both hard-hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and additional storms like Hurricane Helene and Milton in 2024, still found a spot in travelers’ hearts and this prestigious list. Their inclusion speaks volumes about the dedication of local communities and their commitment to rebuilding better, without losing the laid-back island magic.
Sanibel, famous for its shell-covered beaches and peaceful charm, slipped just one spot to #11. Captiva, a fishing favorite known for redfish, snook, and sunsets at The Mucky Duck, came in at #15, despite taking three major storm hits in just four years.
Florida Favorites That Captivated Travelers
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Amelia Island, nestled in Nassau County near Jacksonville, continues to charm with horseback rides on pristine beaches and historic appeal. It retained its #2 spot from last year.
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Marco Island, part of the Ten Thousand Islands near Naples, joined the list for the first time at #6. It’s known for rich wildlife, expansive beaches, and its local spirit—even famously pushing for beach reopenings in early 2020 during the pandemic.
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The Florida Keys dropped slightly to #8 but remain a reader favorite, praised for their Old Florida vibe, locally owned eateries, and down-home hospitality.
A Mixed Bag for the Rest of Florida
While Florida led in the island rankings, it didn’t fare as well in other categories:
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No Florida hotels made the Top 100 Hotels in the World list.
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No Florida cities placed in the Top 15 U.S. Cities to Visit.
By contrast, cities like Santa Fe (ranked #1), New York, Chicago, and Boston dominated. International destinations also made strong showings, with Paros in Greece named the world’s best island. Even Central and South American countries such as Mexico, Peru, and Costa Rica outpaced Florida in global hotel rankings.
What This Means for Florida Tourism
These results reflect a shifting tourism landscape. As post-pandemic travelers explore more far-flung, culturally rich destinations, Florida is facing growing competition—not just from within the U.S., but around the globe.
Still, the success of Florida’s islands in this year’s rankings is a bright spot. It reinforces their unique blend of natural beauty, coastal charm, and community spirit that continues to win over hearts, year after year.
“Our readers are seeking depth, character, and a strong sense of place,” said Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford.
And for that, Florida’s islands deliver.
Whether you’re craving quiet beach strolls, world-class fishing, or a warm dose of Southern hospitality, Florida’s island gems are ready to welcome you—storms, sunshine, and all.
