If you're planning an upcoming island vacation, but want to visit somewhere just a little different, it's easy to find Florida beaches that are off the beaten path. Finding a unique spot to spend a vacation means that crowds will be smaller and you'll get to visit a place you'd never know existed otherwise. Some great places to visit are the islands of Anna Maria, Sanibel and Amelia.

Enjoying An Anna Maria Vacation

The island is located just 40 miles south of Tampa and the island is surrounded by Tampa Bay. You can access your Anna Maria vacation via the Cortez or Manatee bridges or you can even take a cruise to start your visit.

An Anna Maria vacation is perfect for relaxing on the beach. If you visit May through October, though, Florida beaches are filled with sea turtles coming to the beach to lay their eggs. If you're lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a nesting sea turtle, leave it alone. Bright lights, including the flash from a camera can scare the turtle, endangering the lives of the baby sea turtles. If you're staying in an Anna Maria vacation rental right off the beach, try to turn off outside lights at night because the lights can misguide the turtles, endangering the adult turtle and her eggs.

If you're an avid fisherman, you'll love fishing while on your vacation. You'll be able to fish off of one of three fishing piers, rent a boat or even take a chartered boat fishing cruise. Kids under 16 don't need to worry about a Florida fishing license so it's a perfect family activity. If you do need a license, it can be purchased at tackle shops, hardware stores or Florida's tax collector's office.

Taking Sanibel Island Vacations

A vacation on Sanibel Island is just 40 minutes from the city of Fort Myers, Florida and the Southwest Florida International airport. The surf off of the beaches is gentle, making Sanibel Island a great place for families with young children.

The island also boasts 25 miles of bike paths, so parking the car and biking around the island is a must. If your children are too young to ride themselves, many local companies offer tandem bikes and trailers. Another must see attraction is the hidden bird aviary in Periwinkle Park. Here you'll find lovebirds, toucans and flamingos. The park has many machines that dispense food for the birds so don't forget to bring a pocketful of change.

Making The Most Of An Amelia Island Vacation

Amelia Island is located just 22 miles from Jacksonville, Florida and has 13 miles of beautiful beaches. While the beaches are a great draw, you'll also find companies that offer aerial tours of the island and flying lessons for anyone dreaming of becoming a pilot.

If you'd rather keep a better view of the ground, consider riding horses along the beach at sunset or window shop in the many specialty shops and boutiques along Centre Street.

Whether you're planning an Amelia, Sanibel or Anna Maria vacation, you'll find plenty to do without the large beach crowds that come with a better known Florida vacation spot. Once you've spent a quiet vacation off the beaten path, you may never want to fight the crowds again.

About the Author: Christine O'Kelly is a writer for Anna Maria Gulf Coast Rentals, a company that books rental houses for people enjoying an Anna Maria vacation. The island is located just 40 miles from Tampa and is surrounded by Tampa Bay.