Take A Warm Weather Winter Trip To This Overlooked Southeast Island
By KYLI RODRIGUEZ-CAYRO
One of Florida’s most underrated destinations is Don Pedro Island, part of the 230-acre Don Pedro Island State Park and home to wild beaches, dunes, mangroves, and more.
With daily temperatures between the high 60s to mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, Don Pedro is an ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate without worrying about huge
beach crowds.
No bridges connect Don Pedro Island to the Florida mainland, so you'll have to hop on a private boat or take a water taxi across Lemon Bay, the Intracoastal waterway.
Since Don Pedro Island is open for day use only, you'll have to find lodging nearby, such as the Boca Grande Hotel on Gasparilla Island or the Manasota Key Resort on Manasota Key.
Don Pedro Island offers plenty of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, shelling, boating, and wildlife viewing. You may even catch a glimpse of endangered native animals.
Renting a kayak or canoe to explore the mangrove-lined Lemon Bay is a must for outdoorsy travelers. The island also has picnic pavilions with grills where you can grab a bite.