As a child of the 1980s, I remember an old world Florida that was preserved and appreciated for its spectacular organic beauty. I traveled with my family in a camper or with a tent to state parks, and remember a time when hotels didn’t line every square mile of beach. We love those memories and felt that Dog Island was exactly what we were looking for in a vacation. What could draw a person to this place initially is its beach, but the other (and most important) thing to note is that 1100 of the island’s 1800 pristine acres are protected in the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve. With more than 500 species of flora and fauna, Dog Island is ideal for exploring.
Aside from a sprinkling of beach home rentals, The Pelican Inn is the single place to stay on the island, and there are no restaurants. Our packed cooler included all of the ingredients we would need to create our meals.
If every place you visit or live has a “word” to define it, I believe that vacation should be just as much about how you want to feel as what you want to do when you’re there. Dog Island, Florida is an emotional place; evoking a feeling of nostalgia and a native land. It’s impossible to stay here and have it not affect you long after you unpack at home.
Stay
The Pelican Inn
800-451-5294
[email protected]
